If you’re someone who loves watching films or streaming TV shows, you probably know how important sound is to the experience. Whether it’s the intensity of a car chase or the subtle whispers of a tense scene, sound adds layers to what we see on screen. But what if the sound you hear doesn’t quite match what you’re looking for, or maybe the dialogue is difficult to follow? That’s where Ph.D. candidate, Ahmed Shalabi’s research within the Interactive Media Design group here at Edinburgh Napier University comes in. He is working to make your listening experience more personalised and tailored for you.
Why Sound in Films and TV Matters
When we watch a film or show, we all have our own preferences for how it should sound. We also have our favourite playback hardware and listening devices, be they loudspeakers or earbuds.
Some people love rich, booming bass; others prefer clear dialogue. But here’s the thing: the sound you hear while watching isn’t always customised to fit your needs. Most systems follow a “one-size-fits-all” approach. They don’t account for things like your hearing abilities, the acoustics of your room, your playback device, or even your taste in audio.
That’s why Ahmed is developing an adaptive mixing framework that automatically adjusts the sound to your environment and hearing preferences. This could mean clearer dialogue, better-balanced background sounds, and a soundscape that makes watching TV or streaming films more enjoyable and engaging. Imagine being able to fine-tune the sound so that it feels just right for you without having to fiddle with the settings every time.
Why You Should Participate
Ahmed is reaching out to the public because each person’s input could help make this a reality. He is looking for participants to help test and develop this personalised audio technology. By participating, you’ll be contributing directly to the development of sound systems that adapt to you.
But that’s not all. This research could make a big difference for people with hearing difficulties or unique preferences. For instance, it could help those who struggle to hear dialogue clearly or people who want a more immersive sound experience. Ultimately, the goal is to make entertainment more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Even though there’s no monetary reward for participating, your feedback will be an important part of shaping how we experience sound in the future.
Who Can Join?
If you’re between 18 and 70 years old and have full or corrected eyesight, you’re eligible to participate. No special knowledge of sound or technology is required — all you need is a love for films and TV shows and a willingness to provide feedback. Whether you watch movies every weekend or just catch the latest episodes on streaming platforms, your experience is valuable.
What Will You Be Doing?
You’ll be visiting the auralisation suite at Edinburgh Napier University, a space designed to simulate different sound environments. During your visit, you’ll watch short films in a controlled setting while controlling each sound element. Then, you’ll give feedback on your experience. Your answers will help refine the adaptive mixing framework.
This experiment will help understand how different audio setups influence the way we watch and enjoy media. Your participation will help ensure that future sound systems can adapt to individual needs, making entertainment more enjoyable for everyone.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in being part of this exciting research, it’s easy to sign up. Just visit this link to schedule your visit to the auralisation suite (C72).
https://calendly.com/gelby/30min
Make a Difference in How We Experience Sound
This is your chance to help improve the way we experience sound in TV and films. By taking part in this research, you’ll help create a more personalised, immersive, and accessible audio experience for everyone. Whether you’re a film lover or just want to help improve how we all listen to media, your feedback will play a huge role in the future of sound tech.