I've noticed TV ads also becoming visually "louder." Not just in the number and quickness of cuts, but in the deliberate "strobing" of their visual effects. C

I've noticed TV ads also becoming visually "louder." Not just in the number and quickness of cuts, but in the deliberate "strobing" of their visual effects. Cuts switch between dark and light scenes. Within cuts, there are often effects that "flash" the screen repeatedly. They are effects that are ostensibly part of the scene -- not just inserted white frames or the like. But they are composited to create this very attention-grabbing "strobing". I started noticing this because I would have the TV on in the background, e.g. with the mid-day news on while I was at the computer. It was in my peripheral vision, and I noticed it increasingly grabbing my attention when I was not interested in the content. Even when muted. Even when muted. This, I think, is a key point. People are, when not fast forwarding through, at least muting the commercials. So... no longer to they "shout" at us; they flash and flicker in attempts to make sure that we are still -- willingly or not -- paying attention to the screen. I've moved on largely to streamed content. Nonetheless, a "mute" feature I would like would be one that also sets the screen brightness, intensity, and/or dynamicism to e.g. 50% or somesuch of normal. Enough to see what is on screen, but to make this "strobing" much less intrusive. Of course, business models will suppress this ever happening, in the mainstream commercial sphere. But from a technical perspective, it would be a nice, simple addition to the product features. P.S. Once you are aware it is occurring, have a look for this visual gaming. It then quite stands out.