Toshiba announces 'mumble-proof' television to improve period drama dialogue
PERIOD drama fans are holding their breath after a manufacturer said it hopes to have produced a mumble-proof television.
Toshiba have announced a television they hope is mumble-proof
Brooding 18th-century drama Poldark was the latest to succumb to “Mumblegate” when new character Tholly Tregirls, played by Sean Gilder, made his first appearance in episode two.
Viewers took to Twitter and other social media to complain that they were unable to understand his dialogue.
One wrote: “I can’t understand a single word he has said.”
It’s not the first time viewers have found dialogue difficult to decipher in a period drama.
Actor Sean Harris was the target of dozens of complaints from viewers when he appeared in BBC drama serial Jamaica Inn.
SS-GB and Taboo have also been accused of mumbles, and the matter became so grave Lord Blunkett raised it in the House of Lords.
Poldark fans have complained they cannot understand Tholly Tregirls accent
He called for the Government to “lean on” regulator Ofcom to investigate the rise in mumbling.
We’re hoping it’s going to be mumble-proof
However, Toshiba says it is about to release a new television which should conquer “mumbling” actors for good.
The new “smart TV” will be available next month and, according to the company, it has “an enhanced audio system which is part of new integrated speakers”.
A spokeswoman added: “We’re hoping it’s going to be mumble-proof!”
The new set, part of the U67 range, also has ultra HD picture quality with a 49in screen.
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It’s expected to cost £449. Viewers have previously been encouraged to buy a separate “sound bar” to connect to their television because speaker sizes in flat screen TVs are now smaller.
But Toshiba believes its new, “enhanced” integrated speaker will do the same job.
Clint Milligan, head of product management at Toshiba, said: “When most people buy TVs they tend to overlook the importance of audio performance.
“The trend for ultra slim TVs hasn’t helped, often making it hard to find models with any built-in sound enhancing features.”