Action: Volume jumps on ads, viewer says

When Time Warner airs local commercials on several stations, the audio sounds almost twice as loud as normal. This happens only with the local commercials and not the network commercials. I have called the local office many times to complain. Most recently, I was told the problem would be corrected. I was promised a call back I never received.

I will have no choice other than to convert to a satellite dish if Time Warner will not correct this problem. I have talked to several friends who have experienced the same problem, so it is not unique to me.

I have contacted the Federal Communications Commission and the following was its reply:

"Unfortunately, the FCC does not have the authority to address your concerns. The cable company and/or the TV station(s) have not violated a federal rule because there is no rule on this issue. Several years ago, the FCC initiated a proceeding to investigate allegations that commercials were "loud." At that time, the FCC determined that "loud" was too subjective to be quantified and that each TV viewer had the means to quickly and easily adjust the volume to a level that will accommodate their individual preferences."

During the day I leave several TV sets on in the house at an acceptable sound level. When these commercials come on it is impossible for me to turn down all the TVs at one time. I have an 80-percent hearing loss in one ear and the increased sound level is actually painful. Richard Mosso

Response: Kevin Hyman, vice president of the Tampa Bay division of Time Warner Communications in Auburndale, said he is referring your audio problem to Bill Nielsen, the general manager of the Pasco County area. He asks for your patience as the company tries to find a solution to the problem. You will be contacted directly and given the reason it can or cannot improve your situation.

Puzzling delay

On June 10, I sent a check for $15.95 for a bargain pack of fill-in puzzle books to Quinn Publications in Mount Morris, Ill. They were to arrive in six to eight weeks. I never received them. I sent a copy of the check to the company with a letter sometime in August. No answer, no books, no refund. I would appreciate any help you can give me. Emerson Neher

Response: Thanks for letting us know you finally received the puzzle books. We hope you enjoy them.

Recalls

The following products, distributed nationwide and in Florida, were recalled between Oct. 19 and 25:

About 54,000 Princess Ariel (The Little Mermaid) costumes by Disney Store; the fabric can ignite readily and present a serious risk of burn injuries. The costume, sold in youth sizes 2-4, 4-6X and 8-10, has a green skirt with two layers of netting on top and a sequined purple metallic bodice with a picture of Ariel. The recall does not include the Princess Ariel costume sold before July 2000, which was a mermaid fin-like costume with a knee-length, sequined skirt. Return to any Disney Store or Disney Store catalog for a refund and $10 gift certificate. Call toll-free 1-800-328-5902 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays, or e-mail disneystore.costume@disneyonline.com.

8.04 ounce packages of "Margaret" brand Korean cookies, distributed in Asian food retail stores, by Rhee Bros.; product contains undeclared egg. The cookies come in a cardboard box marked with "Lotte Margaret" and "Soft Cookies" and item 09828K on the label.

Return to place of purchase for refund. Call (410) 381-9000.

Sources: SafetyAlerts at www.safetyalerts.com; Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov, toll-free 800-638-2772; Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov.; government food safety information at www.foodsafety.gov.

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Action solves problems and gets answers for you. If you have a question, or your own attempts to resolve a consumer complaint have failed, write Times Action, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or call your Action number, (727) 893-8171, or, outside of Pinellas, toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 8171, to leave a recorded request.

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