[ferongr]

While any software that accesses an audio interface using integer formats, VLC is to my knowledge the only average user-oriented program that can end up in such situations.

I would suggest VLC disables this feature for new installs and move it to an easily discoverable preference.

Or if they really care enough to allow their users to boost the volume levels of quiet movies to replace the gain multiplication with a proper dynamic range compressor activated when the volume goes above 100%.

[jjoonathan]

> VLC is to my knowledge the only average user-oriented program that can end up in such situations

Windows Media Player, Firefox, iTunes, ...

VLC makes it easier (you can boost a quiet song or movie until it fills the OS-defined dynamic range) but a loud song in any other piece of music playing software would have the same effect. Depending on the genres of music you listen to, it's not uncommon to come across songs that have been boosted until they clip.

As for hiding the option in preferences, volume boosting is one of VLC's key value propositions to laypeople (in my experience). Making it undiscoverable would be a disaster. Maybe add a 1-off warning dialog for users on Dell computers?

[ferongr]

>Windows Media Player, Firefox, iTunes, ...

None of these drive the signal to digital clipping.

[userbinator]

Yes they can if you play the right "music".

[marshray]

If Dell isn't going to honor the warranty if I listen to my favorite square-wave music, they should state "ONLY SINE WAVES ALLOWED" clearly in the advertising material.

[pille]

Well physically speaking, sine waves ARE the only thing you can put through dell speakers, or any speakers.

Dell would have to set an upper limit on the wave superposition, or set a top frequency.