The definition of a 'normal TV' in the above article would be interesting.

Gone are the days when the only sound adjustment and variable was the volume control on the front of 'the telly'.


Flat screens usually have the loudspeakers round the back, or underneath.

Is the 'home' TV / amplifier / DSAT RX automatically switching into Dolby 5.1, even though there might not be a centre (narrator?) loudspeaker attached?

If there is a centre loudspeaker attached, is it balanced correctly between the main L Front and main R Front?

Is it a waste of time and money creating such a complex sound image, only for it to get magled up when it arrives at the destination? Graphic eq on the TV, the audio amplifier, possibly the satelite receiver or the terrestrial box.. each with their own volume control..

How many 'home hifi systems' have the loudspeakers stacked on top of each other in the corner of the room? Stereo imaging? Forget it.

Perhaps, before any special programme, there ought to be a sound test broadcast as a demonstration of what is about to arrive? There used to be "Colour Trade Test Films" shown on BBC2. Never needed the 'tint' control!


Why not an audio demonstration trail before Blue Planet 2.1 along the lines of 'if you can't hear this then your equipment needs adjusting"? Hide it as a trail for 'Click' or a "Tomorrow's World Special", perhaps.


The 'It's all right leaving me' statement is fine, but .....


Blue Planet 2 is an incredible visual experience, with stunning images of part of 'our' planet about which we know very little, or nothing. The huge audience figures pay credit to the production team.

But does the sound distract..?