Cinema: Spectacular sound

• Features

• 07/06/2017

With the cinema sector booming in Asia Pacific Hurrairah bin Sohail speaks with manufacturers about the opportunities for audio technologies.

Large screens and big visuals are the ?rst things that come to mind when cinemas are mentioned. However the audio experience is one that is as important even though it may not be as appreciated as the displays. As cinemas face increasing competition from online streaming and VOD delivery services enticing users to stay home, operators need any edge they can ?nd. This edge may be found in better sound delivery.

Patrick Artiaga, director of business development at Christie Audio Solutions, agrees: “In the history of cinema technology, there is always a technology pendulum swinging from emphasis on projection to audio and back. For the past 10-plus years, this pendulum swung towards projection, as we evolved from 35 mm to digital formats, and began adding 3D, HFR and HDR. During this time, audio was left behind in terms of any technology development. The shift back towards audio started with Dolby Atmos and thereafter Barco Auro, with the introduction of an immersive, object based audio format.”

Christie’s move into the cinema audio sector is explained by Artiaga: “Our research led us to conclude that a ribbon driver, line array solution packaged in an articulated single enclosure form factor, was preferable. The use of multiple ribbon drivers as direct radiators provides smoother, more uniform response, and the design of an articulated, single-enclosure line array platform ensures uniform sound coverage both in the horizontal and vertical coverage pattern. We feel these two core elements help make Christie Vive Audio the ideal solution for today’s DCI content.”

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