You’ve finally carved out enough time between work, family, and your side hustle selling scented candles to settle in for that long-awaited Succession marathon. Popcorn’s popped, sweatpants are on, and you excitedly hit play on the pilot episode.
But wait – why can you barely make out those deliciously biting Roy family insults over the dull roar of your neighbor’s leaf blower outside? You frantically crank up the volume, waking your dozing partner and sending the cat scattering.
Alas, your efforts are futile against the infamously low default audio of HBO Max. Fear not – help is on the way in this handy guide to boosting your streaming volume for maximum viewing pleasure. Turn up those speakers and delight in the melodious snarling of TV’s first family.
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HBO Max is a welcome addition to the streaming service lineup, boasting a robust catalog of movies, shows, and exclusives.
However, there’s one massive flaw in HBO Max’s otherwise solid user experience: the volume is way too low. One can barely make out the dialogue, even with the volume maxed out.
1. An Eternal Struggle
Adjusting the volume on HBO Max becomes an endless chore, constantly going back and forth to try and find that sweet spot where you can actually hear what’s happening on screen.
You’re left with two options: strain to make out the muffled words and hope for the best, or flip on the subtitles.
While subtitles are helpful, they distract from visually stunning scenes and require constant reading to follow along.
2. Technical Glitches or User Error?
Some speculate the low volume issue stems from a technical limitation in HBO Max’s streaming technology. Others wonder if it’s due to user error, suggesting steps like checking your TV’s audio settings, using a soundbar, or streaming through alternative devices.
However, these proposed solutions do little to remedy the problem and place the blame on users.
3. Turn Up the Volume, HBO
Here’s hoping HBO Max fixes this volume fiasco soon. Their content deserves to be heard and experienced fully without requiring hearing aids or a degree in sound engineering.
While HBO Max gets so much right, they’ve turned the volume down way too low on this one. Crank it up, HBO – your viewers and their eardrums will thank you.
Possible Causes of Low Volume on HBO Max
1. HBO Max Volume Controls
It seems the streaming gods have a cruel sense of humor. They give us access to some of TV’s most epic, explosion-filled shows and then saddle us with volume controls apparently designed by sadists.
2. Device Issues
Of course, it could just be your device. Smart TVs, streaming sticks, tablets and the like all have their own volume settings which may be out of whack.
Double check that the volume on your device itself is turned up, the volume within any device apps is maxed, and your TV’s volume is at an audible level.
3. Account Settings
There’s also a chance your HBO Max account itself has been possessed by mischievous streaming imps. Log in to your account on the HBO Max website and check your playback settings.
Make sure any options related to volume leveling or normalization are disabled. If there are any audio options that mention volume, just turn them off. The gremlins may have turned them on without asking.
4. Temporary Glitch
Finally, HBO Max’s low volume could simply be a temporary software glitch. The service has been known to have the occasional hiccup.
Try restarting the HBO Max app, logging out and back into your account, restarting your device, or uninstalling and reinstalling the HBO Max app.
5. Solutions to Fix Low Volume on HBO Max
If HBO Max’s volume has you straining to hear dialogue or reaching for the remote every few minutes, never fear, there are a few tricks to boost the volume and save your sanity.
6. Turn Up Your Device Volume
This may seem obvious, but double check that your TV, laptop, or streaming device’s volume is actually turned up. HBO Max’s volume settings are independent of your device’s volume controls.
7. Adjust HBO Max’s Volume Settings
Once you’ve maxed out your device’s volume, look for the volume slider or settings within the HBO Max app. HBO Max allows you to adjust the volume for streaming content, though the option can be hard to find.
Dig through the settings menus on your device to locate the volume controls specifically for the HBO Max app.
8. Use Headphones
If your device’s built-in speakers just aren’t cutting it, plug in a pair of headphones. Headphones will allow you to turn the volume as loud as your ears can handle without disturbing the neighbors.
Just be careful not to crank the volume too high, or you’ll end up with a different problem: hearing loss.
9. Cast to a Speaker
If you’re streaming HBO Max to a TV or laptop, consider casting the content to an external Bluetooth speaker or sound system. External speakers typically offer much higher maximum volume levels and higher quality sound than built-in TV or laptop speakers. Make sure any external speakers are also turned up to an audible level.
While HBO Max’s low volume woes may not have an obvious or permanent fix, with a bit of troubleshooting you can at least boost the volume enough to comfortably enjoy Game of Thrones, Westworld, or whatever else you’re streaming. Your ears will thank you, and the neighbors will too.
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Well there you have it, folks. The great HBO Max volume mystery is finally solved. Turns out it was just good old corporate greed all along.
Maybe it’s time we all invest in quality headphones and leave our TV speakers behind for good. Either that or start pounding on HBO’s door demanding they respect our right to binge watch in peace. The revolution will not be shushed!