[donatj]

VLC is incapable of increasing the actual power past 100%, all that is being done is the waveform is being modified to be louder within the allowed constraints. If this wrecks the speaker, any other non-VLCed sound could just as easily, and the speakers are therefore underpowered for the laptops internal amplifier. Class action sounds in order.

[anaphor]

Also many mastering engineers do the exact same thing to make the music "louder" because the record label/artists demand it. Maybe Dell should start making popular rock/pop music void the warranty as well.

[ferongr]

Well, mastering engineers rarely heavily clip audio (ok, Death Magnetic, but that's an exception rather than the rule). What they do is apply heavy dynamic range compression. Even in cases the signal clips lightly, it probably won't do much damage (if at all) since the peaks are transient.

On the other hand, a movie with lots of low frequency content (explosions and stuff) whose audio is clipping will damage the small full range speakers since most of the audio energy is concentrated at the very low frequencies (where the signal has a lot of power) and the peaks are long.

[anaphor]

I was being kind of tongue in cheek. But you're right, most mastering engineers are competent enough to avoid clipping everything. Although you'd be surprised at the amount of music that has clipping at a few points here and there if you start listening for it (unfortunately audacity doesn't help much here since it will lie about clipping if it's exactly at the max).

[aldanor]

Maybe VLC could use a limiter with a softer knee perhaps?

Or a multi-band limiter for the explosions.

[Roboprog]

But, mine goes to 110%! (with apologies to Spinal Tap)

[fnordfnordfnord]

You haven't kept up with the times. Here Nigel Tufnel is introduced to Marshall amplifiers that go all the way to 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwuZePiQHLI#t=170

[GeneralMayhem]

Class action, and also direct action on the part of VLC for slander (if the VLC project is in a position to have lawyers available).