3 Quick Sound Settings to Instantly Improve Your TV's Audio

Ever feel like your TV’s sound just doesn’t match the picture? Whether dialogue is hard to hear, background music overwhelms the scene, or everything sounds flat, you’re not alone. Most TVs come with default audio settings that aren’t optimized for your room or your ears. 

The good news? You don’t need a soundbar or surround system to make a noticeable improvement. In this Tuesday Tip, we’ll show you three quick sound settings you can adjust right now to instantly upgrade your TV’s audio experience.

Switch to “Movie” or “Standard” Sound Mode

Most TVs offer preset sound modes like Standard, Movie, Music, Sports, and Clear Voice. These modes adjust the balance of bass, treble, and dialogue clarity. 

• Movie Mode: Enhances dialogue and adds depth to sound effects—great for streaming and cinematic content. 

• Standard Mode: Offers a balanced profile for everyday viewing. 

• Avoid Sports or Music Modes unless you’re watching live events or concerts—they often boost crowd noise or bass, which can muddy dialogue. 

Try switching between modes while watching a familiar show and see which one sounds best to you.

Turn On Dialogue Enhancement or Clear Voice

If you constantly find yourself turning up the volume to hear what characters are saying—only to be blasted by loud music or explosions—this setting is for you. 

Many TVs include a Dialogue Enhancement, Clear Voice, or Speech Clarity feature. These settings boost the frequencies where human voices live, making speech easier to hear without raising the overall volume. 

Look for this option in your TV’s audio settings or accessibility menu. It’s especially helpful for older viewers or anyone watching in a noisy environment.

Adjust the Equalizer (EQ) Manually

If your TV allows manual EQ adjustments, you can fine-tune the sound to your liking. Here’s a simple starting point: 

• Lower the bass slightly to reduce rumble and background noise. 

• Boost mid-range frequencies to enhance dialogue. 

• Keep treble moderate to avoid harshness in music or sound effects. 

Every room is different, so experiment with small changes and test with different types of content—news, movies, and music—to find your sweet spot.  

Bonus Tip: Disable “Auto Volume” or “Volume Leveling”

Some TVs include a feature that automatically adjusts volume between channels or apps. While helpful in theory, it can sometimes cause inconsistent sound or suppress dynamic range. 

Try turning this feature off and see if your audio sounds more natural and balanced.  

Better Sound, No Extra Equipment

Improving your TV’s audio doesn’t have to involve new gear or complicated setups. With just a few tweaks to your sound settings, you can enjoy clearer dialogue, richer sound, and a more immersive viewing experience. 

Give us a call, or fill out the contact form to the right, for a personalized consultation to secure your family's digital life—starting with better sound from your smart TV.