Question for techno / TV experts....

[skooooo]

Some TVs allow you to mute the commercials, or even edit them out. What is the technology that does this? I want to buy a new tv, but don't know much about the new-fangled possibilities. tahnks

[Spider Jerusalem]

1. My guess would be...

that it's based on response to the audio level differential between commercials and regular programming (the advertisements are invariably louder).

[Benfea]

2. [WORDNAZI] I hate it when people use "differential" when...

…"difference" will do. Most people substitute the latter for the former, but they're not interchangable nor are they synonyms. Using "differential" when "difference" would be more correct doesn't make you sound smarter, it makes you sound like a sports broadcaster (which is to say the opposite).

Sorry. Misuse of that particular word happens to be a pet peeve of mine.

[Spider Jerusalem]

3. ...

Per the OED:

(dIf@"rEnS@l)

A. adj.

1. Of or relating to difference or diversity; exhibiting or depending on a difference or distinction.

Correcting someone for misusing a word that they didn't actually misuse definitely doesn't make you sound smarter--it just makes you sound like a jackass.

[Benfea]

4. Reread that please.

1. Of or relating to difference or diversity

It's not the same thing as difference at all. Please read what you post.

[Benfea]

5. To quote your original post....

…that it's based on response to the audio level differential between commercials and regular programming (the advertisements are invariably louder).

Emphasis mine.

You are clearly using "differential" as a noun. Differential is only a noun if you're talking about car parts or a particular mathematical operator. Otherwise, "differential" is an adjective (look it up in a dictionary).

Difference is a noun.

Differential is an adjective.

Using "differential" when you mean "difference" doesn't make you look smarter. I've noticed this particular phenomenon spreading since I first noticed it coming out of the mouths of sportscasters years ago. It's become so pervasive I've even caught myself doing it from time to time. You're not entirely to blame for making the mistake, but you are to blame for calling me a "jackass" for pointing out your mistake. I believe you owe me an apology.

[Spider Jerusalem]

8. ...

perhaps if you'd not been a jackass in the manner in which you pointed out my error (which was one of syntax, not of word choice, the result of typing too rapidly, prolonged insomnia, and possibly having some relation to the fact that I have Asperger's Syndrome), then I wouldn't call you one.

As it is, you're going to have to do without an apology. You behave in an uncivil and insulting manner (your comment "doesn't make you look smarter", is certainly both of those, firstly in its condescension and secondly in its implication) yet take offence at being replied to in kind, and more, you demand an apology? The rules prohibit me from giving you the response you deserve, unfortunately.

[flvegan]

6. I think that what you're referring to is either service related

such as DVR service from your satellite provider, or purchasing addtl. equipment, like Tivo.

If there's a tv with a built in recorder like Tivo, that would probably work, but I don't know of one off-hand.

[skooooo]

7. Thanks! I think you're probably right!

[TroubleMan]

9. It's called a TV Volume Regulator

http://www.google.com/search?num=50&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&as_qdr=all&q=tv+volume+regulator&btnG=Search


Make sure you read reviews and do some research before buying one.