I am using the optical cable from the DCT 6200 to my Technics Digital sound processor, and then to a high end Technics six channel surround sound system. This also has a DVD, VCR, Tape to Tape and Record player inputting as well.The Dolby/Surround/six channel sound from the 6200 is phenomenal and the processor picks up all the slightest background sounds in the HD programming. However, when these shows switch to commercials or voice-overs from the stations, the analog sound comes through at over triple the volume level and we have to quickly mute, and then turn the sound on again when the show restarts. Does anyone have any suggestions? We may have to cancel our HD subscription due to this extreme annoyance, the clarity and high end sound of the HD programming are definitely ruined for the few HD channels out there. Our full package non-HD programming on our old cheaper cable box does not seem to have this problem, still using an optical cable connection.

the analog sound comes through at over triple the volume levelDo you mean DD2.0 sound because you won't be getting analogue audio unless you have an analogue audio connection.

It has been reported many times on this forum that:

1. Different channels have different audio levels.
2. DD5.1 programming is often significantly (10-15 dB) softer than DD2.0 material.
3. Commercials are louder than the programming (even when both are DD2.0). (The commercials aren't actually allowed to be louder, but they are dynamically compressed to seem louder)

Items 2, 3 are probably combining to give you what you hear.

See the Digital Home FAQ (under help) "what's available in DD5.1".

Suggest you get a DVR and you won't have to watch the commercials at all.

Thanks for the response.

As I see it, I am faced with a double whammy, as are others with their cable hooked with an optical cable to their sound processing equipment. 1 - the digital sound for advertising (including Shaw's in between movies advertising) is compressed audio that comes out as a maximum volume setting (maximum to whatever volume you have set your system to) - making it sound louder.)
2) The broadcasting shift in HD broadcasting shifts between Dolby 5.1 (or 6.1, or 7.1) when shifting to Dolby 2 stereo does increase the volume through your system when the commercials or Shaw advertising in between programs comes on. The solutions, very simple, but will not happen as they lose revenue.

1) Legally disallow sound compression for advertising to maximize volume.
2) Require all advertising on HD channels to use Dolby 5.1 ( or equivalent sound ) so that there is no shifting between sound systems during the show.

Any comments??

1. Would be very difficult to prove.

2. This may work for new HD ads, but is a non-starter for SD ads (upconverted for HD channels and comprising the vast majority of the ads on HD channels) which are not DD5.1, rather DD2.0.

Again, if this bothers you so much, stop watching ads. I haven't watched ads in almost 30 years.