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Technical Details
- Compatible with any AV device using RCA connectors
- Once installed, never needs adjusting
- Advanced Digital Signal Processing for quick, automatic volume adjustment - in less than 2/1000-ths of a second
- Built-in Noise Reduction removes the 'hiss' present in some sounds
- Adjusts bass and treble signals for improved dialogue
Product Details
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Product Description
Automatically Adjusts Volume for Normal Listening Levels / Compatible with any Television using RCA Composite Connectors. Do you find your self repeatedly adjusting the volume on your TV and home-theater sound system? TERK VR-1 Volume Regulator is a fully automatic device that automatically adjusts loudness to proper listening levels. Also works with MP3 play through audio and computer systems 3.8 High x 3.2 Wide x 1.4 Deep
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
89 of 90 people found the following review helpful
Loud annoying commercials or low whispering in some shows make watching TV less enjoyable, especially when you have to constantly adjust the volume up or down. I think everyone knows that annoying commercial where the female announcer pops up on the screen and says "when is a diet pill worth 153 dollars a bottle". The volume of that commercial is so loud, you are knocked out of your seat. I saw the Terk VR1 advertised and thought I'd give it a try. I have been very pleased with it. It really does exactly what it says it does.
It's simple to install. There is nothing to adjust. Just plug it in between your cable box, VCR or dish receiver and your TV and turn it on. It's that simple. Unfortunately, if you have an old fashioned standard TV antenna (through the air type such as an old fashioned roof-top or inside rabbit ears), the Terk VR1 won't work for you unless you use your VCR to receive over the air broadcasts. You need a "receiver" such as a cable box, dish receiver, VCR, etc. The receiver (cable box, dish box, VCR, etc.) plugs directly into the Terk, then the Terk is plugged into your TV using the included RCA cables.
I was amazed how much of a difference the Terk made. Surfing from channel to channel doesn't require adjusting the volume. The volume of the commercials is the same as the show, so no need to hit the "mute" button during every commercial break. When movies or shows have low volume scenes, such as whispering, the volume is automatically adjusted so you can actually hear what is being said.
I give the Terk VR1 5 stars.
Update as of May, 2012: I am still using this product and it still works like a charm. In fact, I've even started seeing some newer TV's being sold with this technology already installed in the TV itself. I wasn't dissapointed with this product then and it's still going strong 7 years later!
It's simple to install. There is nothing to adjust. Just plug it in between your cable box, VCR or dish receiver and your TV and turn it on. It's that simple. Unfortunately, if you have an old fashioned standard TV antenna (through the air type such as an old fashioned roof-top or inside rabbit ears), the Terk VR1 won't work for you unless you use your VCR to receive over the air broadcasts. You need a "receiver" such as a cable box, dish receiver, VCR, etc. The receiver (cable box, dish box, VCR, etc.) plugs directly into the Terk, then the Terk is plugged into your TV using the included RCA cables.
I was amazed how much of a difference the Terk made. Surfing from channel to channel doesn't require adjusting the volume. The volume of the commercials is the same as the show, so no need to hit the "mute" button during every commercial break. When movies or shows have low volume scenes, such as whispering, the volume is automatically adjusted so you can actually hear what is being said.
I give the Terk VR1 5 stars.
Update as of May, 2012: I am still using this product and it still works like a charm. In fact, I've even started seeing some newer TV's being sold with this technology already installed in the TV itself. I wasn't dissapointed with this product then and it's still going strong 7 years later!
60 of 61 people found the following review helpful
I was looking for a solution to having to adjust the TV volume at every commercial break (my Sony doesn't have automatic volume control) and this device does exactly what it claims. I have hooked it between my digital cable
box and the TV via the RCA-type audio out plugs on the digital box and connected to the VR-1 audio-in. Another set of audio plugs go from the
VR-1's audio-out to the TV's audio-in. You can bypass the signal modulation
with a switch on the front of the VR-1 if so desired, but for most programming you will want it to be ON! It adjusts the volume for the loudest commercials so that everything is very level and you then adjust the volume on your cable remote to the level you like.
box and the TV via the RCA-type audio out plugs on the digital box and connected to the VR-1 audio-in. Another set of audio plugs go from the
VR-1's audio-out to the TV's audio-in. You can bypass the signal modulation
with a switch on the front of the VR-1 if so desired, but for most programming you will want it to be ON! It adjusts the volume for the loudest commercials so that everything is very level and you then adjust the volume on your cable remote to the level you like.
Be aware that it does not work with a stand-alone TV, you have to have an
A/V input such as a dish receiver, digital cable box or home theater receiver.
If you find loud commercials as aggravating as I do, you'll love this little device!
211 of 229 people found the following review helpful
The TERK VR-1 Volume Regulator is an electronic device that automatically limits the amount of audio that can be fed to an external stereo amplifier or home theater system, so that variations in audio levels between TV stations on a cable system or satellite receiver will be more or less "leveled out". In other words, no more barely able to hear one channel, while being blasted out of your chair when you surf to the next channel. It acts like a brick wall to excessive audio levels; you can throw a goodly amount of audio at it, but it will only output a fixed level and that's it! And it does it's job extremely well and without noticeable distortion. That having been said, however, keep something else in mind ... the psychological aspects of sound. A lot of the audio we hear today on the air waves is compressed audio, meaning that there is less dynamic range and more sound power within the audio "package". The result is that processed audio (audio that's been compressed) sounds much louder than audio that has its normal dynamic range. That's why some commercials sound louder than the program material that they're inserted into, and why some musical segways between the program and the commercials sound so loud. In other words, it's not just the peaks of the audio that make for a loud sounding audio material, it's also how much the audio has been processed during its production. The VR-1 (or any other volume regulator) can do very little to uncompress intentional efforts to pack more audio power into a sound channel. That would be asking a lot!
A device like the TERK VR-1 Volume Regulator isn't for everyone, the buyer needs to have some familiarity with interconnecting home theater audio components to achieve the desired results. It's not that the VR-1 itself needs any adjustments (in fact, there are no adjustments), but rather, the individual doing the installation needs to put the VR-1 in the correct place within the audio chain, but it's not at all difficult if that person has a basic understanding of audio component interrelations.
Perhaps the simplest way to utilize the TERK VR-1 is to feed the earphone output from the TV receiver into the "Left & Right Audio Inputs" on the unit. The "Left & Right Audio Outputs" are then fed into your stereo receiver (or home theater amplifier) and that receiver or amplifier is then used to drive the speakers that will reproduce the TV audio at a higher fidelity than the TV receiver itself could normally provide. The reason that you'll want to use the earphone output from the TV receiver is because plugging a cable into the earphone output will automatically disconnect the TV set's internal speakers. If the set's internal speakers aren't disconnected, then you'll hear the "blasting" audio from some of the channels coming through the set's internal speakers, and that will negate the "regulated" audio being fed to your external system. The very brief manual that comes with the TERK VR-1 fails to mention this point, but it's a very important one. If you're using a TV receiver without internal speakers, or if there is some other means to turn them off, then you could use the audio left and right outputs on the back of the receiver without consequence. If your set doesn't have an earphone or headset output on it, you'll have to try to have one installed by a qualified service tech, but make sure that he knows what he's doing, you don't want lethal voltages on any of the leads coming out of the set!
Once you have the earphone output feeding the VR-1, and the VR-1's output feeding your external amplifier and speakers, then simply set the volume from the TV set so that the sound is comfortable coming from the channel with the least audio level. Don't use the volume up and down on the TV set's remote from that point on. Instead, adjust the volume that you want for a particular show or movie only with the remote for your stereo receiver, amplifier or home theater system. The reason is that once you set the level into the VR-1 for the weakest audio source (TV channel), you'll want to leave that level alone and only play with the output level from your external system from that time on, that will keep the audio levels from all TV channels pretty constant, unless the cable or satellite provider readjusts their audio levels on the various channels from time to time. If they do, then just readjust the input to the VR-1 for proper output on the channel with the least audio level once again. None of this is mentioned in the abbreviated manual from the manufacturer either, they very much leave the new owner out on their own. I'll bet TERK gets lots of phone calls!
To summarize, the TERK VR-1 Volume Regulator (limiter) is a very effective piece of equipment when installed and used correctly, but their manual isn't a whole lot of help in that area. From what I've read elsewhere, the VR-1 converts the analog audio signal into digital format, then uses a mathematical algorithm to achieve its goal. In addition to maintaining a consistent audio level, the VR-1 apparently also employs algorithms to reduce noise (hiss) and to process the bass and treble signals separately for improved dialog recognition, with a response action as fast as 2 milliseconds. When all of this processing is over, the signal is converted back to analog format.
The VR-1 is a small, nice looking package but it can also be tucked away and forgotten about if so desired. It contains no adjustments, but it does have a front panel "Bypass" switch if you simply want to convince yourself or your friends about the job that it's doing. It comes with one set of RCA phono plug (on each end) connection cables and a wall outlet power cube for powering the unit. Oh, I almost forgot about the manual, you get that too! You'll chuckle when you see that little piece of paper folded over 3 times, but hey, that's what they call it ... an owner's manual! What more can I say?
A device like the TERK VR-1 Volume Regulator isn't for everyone, the buyer needs to have some familiarity with interconnecting home theater audio components to achieve the desired results. It's not that the VR-1 itself needs any adjustments (in fact, there are no adjustments), but rather, the individual doing the installation needs to put the VR-1 in the correct place within the audio chain, but it's not at all difficult if that person has a basic understanding of audio component interrelations.
Perhaps the simplest way to utilize the TERK VR-1 is to feed the earphone output from the TV receiver into the "Left & Right Audio Inputs" on the unit. The "Left & Right Audio Outputs" are then fed into your stereo receiver (or home theater amplifier) and that receiver or amplifier is then used to drive the speakers that will reproduce the TV audio at a higher fidelity than the TV receiver itself could normally provide. The reason that you'll want to use the earphone output from the TV receiver is because plugging a cable into the earphone output will automatically disconnect the TV set's internal speakers. If the set's internal speakers aren't disconnected, then you'll hear the "blasting" audio from some of the channels coming through the set's internal speakers, and that will negate the "regulated" audio being fed to your external system. The very brief manual that comes with the TERK VR-1 fails to mention this point, but it's a very important one. If you're using a TV receiver without internal speakers, or if there is some other means to turn them off, then you could use the audio left and right outputs on the back of the receiver without consequence. If your set doesn't have an earphone or headset output on it, you'll have to try to have one installed by a qualified service tech, but make sure that he knows what he's doing, you don't want lethal voltages on any of the leads coming out of the set!
Once you have the earphone output feeding the VR-1, and the VR-1's output feeding your external amplifier and speakers, then simply set the volume from the TV set so that the sound is comfortable coming from the channel with the least audio level. Don't use the volume up and down on the TV set's remote from that point on. Instead, adjust the volume that you want for a particular show or movie only with the remote for your stereo receiver, amplifier or home theater system. The reason is that once you set the level into the VR-1 for the weakest audio source (TV channel), you'll want to leave that level alone and only play with the output level from your external system from that time on, that will keep the audio levels from all TV channels pretty constant, unless the cable or satellite provider readjusts their audio levels on the various channels from time to time. If they do, then just readjust the input to the VR-1 for proper output on the channel with the least audio level once again. None of this is mentioned in the abbreviated manual from the manufacturer either, they very much leave the new owner out on their own. I'll bet TERK gets lots of phone calls!
To summarize, the TERK VR-1 Volume Regulator (limiter) is a very effective piece of equipment when installed and used correctly, but their manual isn't a whole lot of help in that area. From what I've read elsewhere, the VR-1 converts the analog audio signal into digital format, then uses a mathematical algorithm to achieve its goal. In addition to maintaining a consistent audio level, the VR-1 apparently also employs algorithms to reduce noise (hiss) and to process the bass and treble signals separately for improved dialog recognition, with a response action as fast as 2 milliseconds. When all of this processing is over, the signal is converted back to analog format.
The VR-1 is a small, nice looking package but it can also be tucked away and forgotten about if so desired. It contains no adjustments, but it does have a front panel "Bypass" switch if you simply want to convince yourself or your friends about the job that it's doing. It comes with one set of RCA phono plug (on each end) connection cables and a wall outlet power cube for powering the unit. Oh, I almost forgot about the manual, you get that too! You'll chuckle when you see that little piece of paper folded over 3 times, but hey, that's what they call it ... an owner's manual! What more can I say?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Terk VR1 Automatic TV Volume Controller Review
The device received was exactly as described and arrived well within the shipping window. This was a birthday gift for my mother, who has long complained about the increased volume... Read more
Published 1 month ago by DennisJ
Don't buy this POS.
It's a good idea. It does work. The problem is it introduces hum and pops when it changes volume. I expected the volume adjustments to be unnoticeable, but it is as if someone in... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ron Thompson
Totally Unsatisfactory
The original and the replacement of this item both had the same problem when installed as per directions, in that it caused popping with any effort to regulate volume. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jamesej
The Terk automatic volume controller
I must say this unit surprised me,it works as stated and controls the volume. It works a lot better than the built in ones that I've had. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mitch
noise level control
Awesome product. I have always been annoyed by loud commercials and sudden loud music on tv shows. This product brought back my enjoyment of television. Thank you a million times.
Published 4 months ago by babycakes
Not enough cords!
I was really excited to get this product. I ordered two. I was equally disappointed that in each box there were not enough cords (only one per box) to install the item. Read more
Published 4 months ago by D. Etienne
vendor remedy was great
Initially the device did not work. I contacted the vendor directly and they more than went out of their way to remedy the situation. They sent me more than one working device. Read more
Published 4 months ago by davey
It's not so bad but not so good
I'm using this device for leveling the audio musics from the media player. It actually works ok and levels the sound volume with songs that have higher volume and increases the... Read more
Published 5 months ago by relax
Product doesn't perform to specifications
This product works on & off...often makes an annoying noise (like I need something else to be annoyed at)when it clicks on.
Published 5 months ago by Lady in Arkansas
Review
I would not recommend this product to anyone else. I thought it worked when I first installed the unit. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Benjamin
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