Parents need clear sounding 2 ch HT

Further to Kal's comment, I' d add another step (if they're using an AVR).

Add a center channel, use the auto set-up on your AVR and then manually increase the volume level of the center channel. This problem is often a result of effects being mixed very loud relative to dialogue in an effort to maximize the sonic impact of the audio.

Bumping the level of the center channel may reduce some of that impact, but IME It will usually help make the dialog much easier to hear.

Good Luck

Marty

If they can't understand what was said on tv, then it's the midrange that needs to be more pronounced. Usually you can do this on a receiver by rolling off the bass and maybe accentuating the treble a bit. Adding a center channel may also help, but I think the key is turning down the bass.

While referring a friend to the Zvox family HT speakers, I noticed that they had added a "Dialog Emphasis" feature to their products. I'm sure that this is just a boost in the vocal range but, if you need it, it can be important.

http://www.zvoxaudio.com/

Actually had some experience with this a couple of years ago while working at an A/V dealer.
Jmcgrogan2 is on the right track, however it seem to work best IME, to boost the treble more than the amount of roll off in the bass. I think this is due to the fact that, the more a treble control is increased, the band of affected frequencies generally widens, resulting in a boost much lower than the center point of the control. Also, we gradually lose our high frequency hearing as we get older.

This should help, however, if not enough, follow Marty’s advice with a center speaker.

If that’s still not enough, have their hearing tested.

Elizabeth,
Would this one work?

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/canton-ergo-cm-402-center-speaker