Audio Video News

Are you tired of TV ads blaring at what seems like a much higher level than the program you actually want to watch? Relief is coming thanks to the CALM Act.

The Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act will require the Federal Communications Commission to mandate ad-volume rules already recommended in November 2009 by the Advanced Television Systems Committe, or ATSC, the standard-setting body for DTV. The rules would primarily affect over-the-air DTV and cable systems, which would have a year to comply. The burgeoning internet video industry would not be affected.

More than two years in the making, the bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives late last year and the latest version has now been OKed by the Senate. It will return to the House for reconciliation and a final vote next month.

"I'm thrilled that today we're just one step away from sending this commonsense consumer bill to the President for his signature," said Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), who has been the driving force behind the CALM Act.