I well remember the day I watched a production of 'The Importance of Being Ernest' with two of my friends. The director had knocked himself out to make the film attractive - handsome actors, beautiful costumes, lovely settings. My two friends did needlework the entire time, never looking up. They never saw the film, only heard it.

Commericals, loud music, sound effects, etc, are designed to make people put down what they are doing and actually look at the TV. This is bad luck for those of us who actually watch.

Another thing I have noticed is that actresses' voices are much highter than that of most women, at least of most women where I live. If you are female, try it. Say a normal word, then stretch it out, listening to the pitch. Then listen to a woman on TV and stretch it out. You may find she's talking much higher.

Again, it's to cut through the noise of a busy household and drag attention to the TV.