Is there an app for TV sound at bar?
The Challenge of Hearing TVs in Noisy Bars
Bars are inherently noisy places, making it hard to hear the TV. The average noise level in a bar can range from 90-120 decibels according to various sources (https://forums.musicplayer.com/topic/112061-typical-decibel-levels-for-a-bar-band/). For reference, normal conversation is about 60 dB while a rock concert can hit 120 dB. The high noise levels in bars come from patrons talking, music playing, glasses clinking, and other ambient sounds (https://www.barandrestaurant.com/operations/your-bar-or-restaurant-noise-polluted). This makes it challenging to hear the TV, especially during busy hours.
Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage (https://brycehearingservices.co.uk/loud-loud-bar-workers-djs-listen/). While the TV volume could be turned up, this contributes to the noisy environment. Plus, louder TVs can be uncomfortable for patrons seated closest. There needs to be a better solution to clearly hear the TV audio without increasing overall noise levels.
Existing Solutions to Hear the TV
One of the most common existing solutions to help people hear the TV audio better in noisy environments like bars is closed captioning or subtitles. Closed captions display the audio portion of a TV program as text on the screen. This allows people to read the dialogue and descriptions even if they can’t hear the audio clearly. Subtitles specifically refer to captions in the original language of the content, while closed captions can also include transcription of dialogue into the viewer’s language.
While closed captions can be helpful for those hard of hearing or in loud spaces like bars, they also have some limitations in this context. Displaying subtitles on sports games and live events can be challenging since the transcription has to be done in real time, which can cause delays of a few seconds [1]. This lag and lack of live synchronization can make captions frustrating and ineffective for viewing sports. There’s also the issue that captions can be distracting and get in the way of viewing the screen during intense game action.
Additionally, enabling closed captions on multiple TVs in a bar requires availability and setup across different models and stations. A new federal law took effect in 2021 that requires businesses like bars to enable captioning on TVs in public areas, but compliance has been inconsistent [2]. Some cities like Boston have also passed local ordinances mandating that bars enable captions [3]. However, practical implementation in noisy bar environments continues to be a challenge.
The Limitations of Closed Captioning
Closed captioning shows text of the TV audio on the screen. While this makes the content accessible for those with hearing impairments, it has some drawbacks in a bar environment.
The main limitation of closed captioning in bars is that it requires visually focusing on the captions instead of listening to the audio. Patrons at a bar may want to look around, talk to friends, play games like pool or darts, or do other activities while passively listening to the TV audio. Having to look at the screen to read captions takes away from this ambient audio experience.
Additionally, the constant text and reading required for closed captions can be distracting in a lively bar atmosphere. Patrons are there for fun and conversation, which closed captions can disrupt. The captions essentially force patrons to sit facing the TV to read instead of casually listening from afar.
While closed captions serve an important accessibility function, they fundamentally change the passive audio experience. This makes their utility limited in many bar environments where patrons want open, lively spaces (Source).
Apps to Improve TV Audio at Bars
There are a few helpful apps that can boost TV audio volume and clarity in noisy environments like bars. The most popular app is called Tunity. Tunity allows users to tune into the live audio of any muted TV using their smartphone. You simply open the app, point your phone’s camera at the TV, and Tunity identifies the channel and show. The app then streams the synced audio right to your phone so you can listen with headphones. Tunity works for over 100 channels and is free on iOS and Android.
Other apps like TV Audio Booster can amplify the volume from your phone’s microphone to make it easier to hear the TV audio without headphones. There are also personalized audio apps like SoundPrint that tune audio specifically for your hearing and the ambient noise level.
How the Apps Work
TV audio apps for noisy environments like bars use a variety of techniques to help boost the audio from the TV so it can be heard clearly. Some of the main techniques include:
Audio boosting – The apps amplify or increase the volume of the audio coming from the TV speakers using your phone’s microphone. This helps make the TV audio louder so it can be heard over background noise.1
Audio personalization – Some apps allow you to customize the audio profile based on your hearing needs. For example, you can boost specific frequency ranges that you have difficulty hearing.2
Noise cancellation – The apps use noise cancellation technology to remove or reduce background noise that makes it hard to hear the TV. This helps isolate and enhance the TV audio signal.1
By leveraging these techniques, the apps can take the TV audio and process it so that it cuts through loud bar noise and can be heard clearly by the user wearing headphones connected to their smartphone running the app.
Challenges of Using Apps in Bars
While apps that improve TV audio seem like an easy solution, there are some unique challenges to using them effectively in bar and restaurant environments. One of the biggest issues is getting bar staff to actually install and set up the apps properly. Since these apps require connecting to TV inputs or a wireless network, staff have to take the time to configure them, which they may not prioritize for a single customer (
Connectivity problems can also make the apps unreliable in bars. Bluetooth can be spotty with many devices trying to connect, and bar WiFi is often overwhelmed. Apps that sync via HDMI or optical audio connections work better, but require access behind the TV. Bandwidth constraints may also limit audio quality from streaming apps. So while the apps work well at home, bars introduce obstacles that impact their effectiveness (
Best Apps for Bar TV Audio
There are a few apps that stand out as the best options for improving TV audio in noisy bar environments. These apps use advanced audio processing technology to isolate and enhance the TV audio feed.
One of the top-rated apps is Tunity. This app allows you to tune into the live audio of any muted TV. You simply point your phone’s camera at the TV screen to identify the channel, and Tunity will stream the synced audio to your device. Many reviewers praise Tunity for its easy set-up and ability to work on almost any TV.
Another popular choice is TV Audio Boost. This app applies dynamic range compression to make soft sounds louder and loud sounds quieter. Reviewers say it makes dialogue much clearer and easier to understand in noisy environments. One downside is that it only works for iPhones.
For Android users, Audio Personalizer is a top pick. It has an adaptive audio engine that learns and optimizes the TV audio profile based on your hearing. Users mention this app has the most customizable audio settings to fine-tune for your specific hearing needs.
While no app is perfect, reviewers agree that these three apps provide the best performance for improving TV audio clarity in bars and restaurants. With some trial and error, you should be able to find the ideal app and settings to enhance your TV viewing experience.
Tips for Using the Apps
To get the most out of TV audio apps in noisy bars, follow these tips for correct setup and optimal settings:
First, make sure your TV’s audio output is set to “Optical” or “Digital Audio Out” in the settings menu. This allows the audio signal to be passed from the TV to the app cleanly. Connect the TV’s optical output to the optical input on your mobile device using an optical cable or adapter (1).
Next, adjust the app’s audio sync settings to eliminate lag between the video and audio. Apps like Wi-Fi Speaker and Twonky Beam have sync tools to dial in perfect timing.
Optimize sound quality by enabling any equalizer or audio settings in the app. Bass and treble boost can help counter noisy crowds. Enable any normalization or volume maximization to ensure consistent loudness.
Pick a less congested WiFi channel like 1, 6 or 11 if using a WiFi app to avoid interference. Or use a wired connection for maximum reliability.
Sit closer to the TV or use a directional antenna on your device to strengthen the wireless audio signal in crowded bars. Apps like Twonky Beam emit directed audio beams towards your table.
Finally, bring backup headphones in case the apps aren’t loud enough over the crowd noise on busy nights.
The Future of TV Audio at Bars
There are some promising technologies on the horizon that could significantly improve the ability to hear TV audio at noisy bars. TV manufacturers are developing new built-in solutions to help isolate and enhance voices from background noise. For example, Samsung is using AI and machine learning to better separate speech from other sounds [1]. Spatial audio technologies are also emerging, which can direct certain sounds to pinpointed locations. This could allow TV audio to be focused towards a viewer while ambient bar noise is minimized [2].
Some futuristic concepts involve personalized noise reduction that adapts to a person’s hearing profile to optimize speech comprehension. As these innovations develop further, it may become far easier for patrons to clearly hear the TV audio feeds in noisy bar environments without straining. The solutions may be customized on both the TV side to direct and clarify the audio, as well as on the listener’s end through advanced noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds. This could lead to a more enjoyable and immersive TV viewing experience amidst the hustle and bustle of a lively bar.
Conclusion
These innovative apps can provide significant benefits for both bar patrons and staff. By improving the TV audio, the apps allow customers to clearly hear their favorite sports games, news programs, or shows without having to struggle through loud bar noise. Patrons no longer have to strain to hear the TV or constantly ask the bartender to turn up the volume. This enhances their overall experience. The apps also benefit bartenders and staff by reducing customer requests to change the volume throughout the night. Bartenders can focus on providing great service rather than constantly adjusting the TVs. With these apps, bars can satisfy more customers and create a better atmosphere. Patrons will appreciate being able to easily hear the TV audio, leading to more repeat business. As the technology improves, the apps have the potential to further transform TV audio in bars, making it an exciting time for bars to adopt these innovative solutions.