Journalists are regularly treated to demos of new technologies that never make it into products. One great idea just rescued from limbo is Dolby Volume, which will soon find its way into Toshiba's world-beating line of LCD HDTVs.

The problem: TV ads are typically mastered at a much higher volume level than programming. As a result, when the program goes to a commercial break, some SUV or fast-food ad will pin your ears back.

The solution: Dolby Volume "measures, analyzes, and maintains volume levels" to make them more consistent. The result should be a more pleasant viewing (and listening) experience.

Dolby Volume also manipulates the frequency contours of sound to allow for the ear's varying sensitivity at different volume levels. And it enables user adjustment of dynamic range, maintaining clarity of dialogue and impact of effects. See the Dolby site for more information on Dolby Volume.

Toshiba's first products with Dolby Volume will launch in Japan next month. They will include the Regza ZH500 and ZV500 Series.