Note that theatrical sound tracks are intended to be played back with a dialog level of 74dB SPL. On most Dolby Digital sound tracks, that allows for 101dB main channel peaks and 111dB LFE peaks. If you turn the volume down so the peaks aren't too loud, you'll have more problems hearing dialog.
The solution is dynamic compression. All Dolby Digital decoders are required to implement this (often called "Midnight Mode"), using meta-data defined adjustments to make the soft sounds (dialog) louder and loud sounds (explosions) softer.
All DVD players are required to include a Dolby Digital decoder - that's what runs the analog outputs. Their decoders should allow you to access BOTH compression settings: the standard one, and an even more severe adjustment inteded to avoid over-driving your TVs internal speakers. Look into it!
You may also have placement issues - if your main speakers are near (never mind in) large objects like an entertainment center or TV, you're going to have reflections that hurt clarity. Move them farther out - ideally 4+' out from the front wall.
Sitting closer to the speakers will help with the ratio of direct to reflected sound.
Finally, you probably have room acoustics issues. Dialog clarity suffers in overly reverberant spaces. Attractive fabric-covered panels are available to fix this.
The solution is dynamic compression. All Dolby Digital decoders are required to implement this (often called "Midnight Mode"), using meta-data defined adjustments to make the soft sounds (dialog) louder and loud sounds (explosions) softer.
All DVD players are required to include a Dolby Digital decoder - that's what runs the analog outputs. Their decoders should allow you to access BOTH compression settings: the standard one, and an even more severe adjustment inteded to avoid over-driving your TVs internal speakers. Look into it!
You may also have placement issues - if your main speakers are near (never mind in) large objects like an entertainment center or TV, you're going to have reflections that hurt clarity. Move them farther out - ideally 4+' out from the front wall.
Sitting closer to the speakers will help with the ratio of direct to reflected sound.
Finally, you probably have room acoustics issues. Dialog clarity suffers in overly reverberant spaces. Attractive fabric-covered panels are available to fix this.