OTHER TECH

One major caveat, though: The demo we saw wasn't "live." Meaning, no one was actually clicking channels. Dolby had pre-recorded the demo, thus we weren't really seeing the program in action. Still, the sonic transformation from one channel to the next was quite smooth. In fact, Dolby claims it delivers full-range audio at any volume level (which we couldn't confirm without our top-notch testing tools - but just you wait till we get a hold of a real Dolby Volume-equipped unit). Also, the demo involved a video display which showed a graph of how the program equalizes levels - which looked cool.

DV works, the company says, via a psychoacoustic model of human hearing. In the company's own (Web site's) words: "Dolby Volume measures, analyzes, and maintains volume levels based on how people perceive sound. It examines a variety of audio parameters to maintain consistent playback levels . . . A sophisticated combination of spectral- and time-based loudness analysis enables it to quickly and properly correct level differences without creating compression artifacts or undesirable pumping in the audio signal . . . In addition, Dolby Volume lets the listener control a program's dynamic range. For example, with the volume turned down for late-night viewing, dynamic range can be adjusted so that dialogue remains clear, and loud effects or wide dynamic music passages retain their impact and timbre without waking up the family."

Also: "Dolby Volume properly balances low, middle, and high frequencies to maintain all the nuances and impact of the program material regardless of playback volume levels. At both high and low volume levels, it guarantees a listening experience that includes all the dynamics and timbre of the original mix." (Read a FAQ of the system by clicking here.)

Meanwhile, if you can't wait to hear Dolby Volume working in the real TV trenches, the Arcam FMJ AVR600 receiver will debut in November at a cost of £2,000 (or roughly $3,500), while Harman Kardon is introducing the in January 2009 at $2,800.

The Harman Kardon AVR 7550HD receiver, featuring Dolby Volume, debuts in early '09.