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| | Written by: Ramon Lamarca Marques, Brian Guckian and Mike Taylor | Date: 10.03.2009 | 70mm Sound Upgrade Flowchart. Click to see enlargement
The purpose of this article is to detail a practical and cost-effective upgrade path for cinemas, including multiplexes, that wish to install 70mm, for example as part of a Premiere Screen project.
The starting point is a single standard 5.1 cinema processor, with future 10-channel capability to allow for, for example, 9-Channel soundtracks.
To this is added a DTS player / processor and reader for DTS-70 soundtracks, with an option for magnetic playback for archival 70mm material. An audio switcher with capability for up to 10 channels is inserted into the signal path to permit reproduction of both formats.
It should be noted that, in a desired context of revived, limited 70mm distribution from 65mm originals, a multiplex cinema could easily forego the archival 70mm playback option, thus further saving on the cost of magnetic head assemblies, preamps and the switcher. | More in 70mm reading:
65/70mm Workshop
Internet link: | Bi-amplification is a requirement for an upgrade of this kind. Fortunately, many cinemas today have bi-amplified sound systems installed for 35mm and digital presentations. In very large theatres, tri-amplification should be actively considered.
Loudspeakers should also be mounted in an infinite baffle (baffle wall) behind the screen in order to improve dialogue clarity and bass response.
The Workshop is grateful to Ben Wales, UK, for his assistance with this article, and to Peter Fearn, Service Engineer, DTS Europe for additional information supplied.
Note that this article does not imply endorsement by the manufacturers concerned for the particular equipment choices and configurations presented herein. | | | | | | | Go: back - top - back issues - news index Updated 17-12-11 | |
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