Dolby 3D Deliver on the Promise of Glasses-Free 3D?

A number of manufacturers are working on glasses-free 3DTV at CES 2012, I saw glasses-free demos from Toshiba, Sony, and Stream TV (Toshiba has said that it will introduce its glasses-free TV to the U.S. market this year), none of these demos was especially impressive. In its current form, glasses-free 3DTV produces an image that lacks depth and detail and has a limited number of viewing positions. The latest company to tackle the glasses-free 3D challenge is Dolby, which has worked on the cinema side of 3D technology for years. Back at NAB in April, the company unveiled Dolby 3D, a suite of technologies (developed in partnership with Royal Philips Electronics) designed to offer full HD 3D content to all 3D-capable devices, including glasses-free 3D displays.


According to the original press release, the goal of Dolby 3D is to "improve the 3D viewing experience on displays of all sizes, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and televisions. Dolby 3D is a complete system designed to work throughout the chain to deliver clear glasses-free 3D content that operates over existing distribution systems." Dolby 3D will provide tools to content creators, content distributors and display manufacturers to improve the 3D viewing experience at home and on mobile devices. You can get the full rundown on Dolby 3D on the company's website.

On the display end, Philips provides the glasses-free 3D panel. The most common method for delivering autostereoscopic 3D is by using a lenticular filter with many small lenses that direct the appropriate image to each eye to create the 3D effect. As with the current crop of passive 3DTVs, the lenticular approach embeds the left- and right-eye images together in the same frame, cutting the amount of resolution to each eye. To deliver a more detailed 3D image, you need to start with a more detailed (i.e., higher-resolution) display. At NAB, Dolby showed off the technology on a 56-inch 4K LCD panel, sending an approximately 2K image to each eye. From the reports I saw, attendees had a favorable response to the Dolby 3D demo, with Home Theater's Scott Wilkinson describing it as "the best autostereoscopic display I've ever seen." Toshiba's glasses-free 3DTV also uses a higher-resolution QuadHD panel. Clearly, one of the keys to bringing successful glasses-free 3DTV to market is to speed up the development and rollout of 4K displays.

The lenticular approach also requires you to view the image from a particular viewing position to get the 3D effect; this isn't a concern when viewing glasses-free 3D on a small-screen gaming console or a phone, but it's a major problem on a big-screen TV. Manufacturers are continually working to increase the number of viewing zones for larger-screen TVs and to minimize the noticeable transition from zone to zone. Dolby's NAB prototype had 28 zones (in comparison, Toshiba's glasses-free 3DTV demo at CES had nine zones).

Addition to improving the glasses-free approach, Dolby 3D is also designed to offer a better 3D experience on existing 3DTVs, particularly in 3D content delivered by cable/satellite providers. Because the broadcasters don't want to use additional bandwidth to deliver 3D content, they employ frame-packing technology to embed the left- and right-eye images in the same frame, in either a side-by-side or top-and-bottom format. This delivery method halves the image resolution. According to Thom Brekke on the Dolby Laboratories blog, "One of the many capabilities included in Dolby 3D is the ability to send a lightweight, full-resolution stream over existing networks. Think Blu-ray quality 3D from your cable or satellite provider. This aspect of the technology works with glasses-free Dolby 3D-equipped televisions, as well as existing sets that use glasses." Another stated benefit of Dolby 3D is the ability of the end user to easily tailor the 3D depth to according to preference and screen size, be it a 65-inch TV, 15-inch PC, or seven-inch tablet.

Because Dolby 3D is an end-to-end solution, the company needs to convince all of the parties along the 3D chain to get on board before we'll see tangible results. Dolby has certainly had success with end-to-end solutions on the audio side of the equation.By:Adrienne Maxwell,

Haven 82" Solid Wood TV Media Console

Our ultra-wide 82" Haven welcomes your Paradigm CC-690 (shown), Klipsch RC-64, or other ultra-wide center speaker. Plus it fits plenty more gear and media too. Made in the USA in a variety of solid woods and finishes. Ships assembled with your choice of door glass. Exhaust fans and 4 vented glass shelves included. Fits center speakers by Klipsch, Aperion, Bowers & Wilkins, Definitive Technology, Axiom and Polk. 82" W x 26-1/4"H x 22" D.  $2,199.00 to $2,999.00             Made in the USA  

Surround Sound: 5.1 vs 7.1 vs Virtual Surround

Which surround sound setup most accurately emulates the rumbling bellow of that Star Destroyer Sound Wrapping over our heads at the beginning of Star Wars: A New Hope? If money’s no object, shooting for any high-end 7.1 surround sound setup will likely net you some mindblowing audio. In the real world, though, where we have to contend with budgets and financial responsibility, it helps to know what we’re paying for.

Sound Bars and 2.1 Stereo: Can Virtual Surround Sound Cut It?

virtual surround sound, or VSS. By delaying certain sound signals or bouncing sound waves off walls, virtual surround sound can do a pretty good job of fooling our ears and making us think sound is actually coming from behind us.

Does it actually measure up to a true multi-speaker surround setup? Well, no. That’s the bitter truth: you’re not going to get the absolutely convincing, clear sound of a multi-speaker system with virtual surround sound. But they’re coming closer, and there are still reasons to look at them. In a small room, where it may be difficult to fit a 5 speaker arrangement, virtual surround can use the walls to its advantage, bounce sound to the back of the room, and fill the space. Virtual surround typically comes in two forms: one piece sound bars (sometimes accompanied with a subwoofer), and more traditional 2.1 (two speakers and a subwoofer) configurations.

sound bar reviews demonstrates the range between these two purchasing philosophies. Just about any sound bar’s going to cut out the clutter and mess of wires of a larger 5 speaker arrangement, but some of them are far from budget priced. 2.1 VSS kits like the Sony DAV-X1 hit near the mid-high end of the sound bar price spread, but are still best for a fairly small listening space.

Bottom line: Quality virtual surround sound system can cost less than some high-end 5.1 or 7.1 arrangements, but ultimately they’re more about saving space than saving money.

5.1 vs 7.1 Surround Sound: More Speakers Equals Better Sound?  , a home theater room to fill with waves of sound or a true ear for audiophile-calibur quality, it’s time to start hunting for a multi-speaker system. But how many speakers is enough? Typical surround systems are either 6 channel (5.1) or 8 channel (7.1). 5.1 configurations include a center speaker, subwoofer, left and right front speakers and left and right rear speakers. 7.1 adds a pair of side speakers into the mix.

7.1 support in the theater. In that regard, home theater is actually a bit ahead of the game--over 150 movies have been remixed with 7.1 sound for the Blu-Ray release.

To future-proof your setup without immediately investing in a more expensive 7.1 system, take the easy way out: go for a 5.1 surround that can support additional speakers. Later, when the time’s right for some side-speaker action, grab up some matching speakers and upgrade to 7.1.

Of course, this leads to another question: is it better to go with an all-inclusive home theater in a box or a custom-built setup with independently purchased speakers and a receiver? This one comes down almost entirely to money and your setup proficiency. Building your own home theater with a totally kickin’ receiver and high quality speakers will always net you better sound--but when the best AV receivers cost more than entire box systems all by themselves, it’s time to sit back and seriously consider how much money you’re willing to spend.

SNELL IC-C7S

For built-in cabinets, a utility version of the award winning C7 TowerThe IC C7HCC THX is based on the world’s first THX Ultra2 certified speaker. THX’s Ultra2 sets a benchmark for surround sound playback of...Music and Movies...Digital and ProLogic...DVD and CD. The result is a system uncompromised by program content or format! The IC C7HCC THX deploys the components of the award winning Snell XA 90ps in a space efficient enclosure designed to fit into most furniture and built-in cabinets or behind acoustically transparent screens. Intended for home theater and music system’s L/C/R channels, the IC C7HCC THX features a three-driver eXpanding Array (XA) of dual 2 ½-inch midranges and 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. This unique driver/crossover innovation manages vertical directivity without lobing, for a natural and “airy” soundstage. Furthermore, its controlled dispersion pattern and special tuning compensate for unpredictable room acoustics and boundary interactions. Coupled with two 8-inch high output woofers, the IC C7HCC THX is capable of tremendous output, providing effortless, powerful sound to below 50 Hz. Every IC C7HCC THX is assembled by hand and individually calibrated, assuring performance to within 0.5dB of its reference standard.               

What You Need To Know About Amplifiers and Amplification

One receiver has 50 Watts-Per-Channel another one has 100, and still another has 200. The more watts the better right? Not Necessarily.
Most people think that more watts means more volume. An amplifier with 100 WPC is twice as loud as 50 WPC right?  DecibelsSound levels are measured in Decibels (db) In essence, our ears detect differences in volume level in a non-linear fashion. Our ears become less sensitive to sound as it increases. Decibels are a logarithmic scale of relative loudness. A difference of approximately 1 db a minimum perceptible change in volume, 3 db is a moderate change in volume, and about 10 db is an approximate perceived doubling of volume. To give you an idea of how this relates to real-world situations the following examples are listed:0 db is the threshold of hearing
Whisper: 15-25 dB
Background noise: about 35 dB
Normal home or office background: 40-60 dB
Normal speaking voice: 65-70 dB
Orchestral climax: 105 dB
Live Rock music: 120 dB+
Pain Threshold: 130 dB
Jet aircraft: 140-180 dB

In order for one amplifier to reproduce sound twice as loud as another in Decibels you need 10 times more wattage output. An amplifier rated at 100 WPC is capable of twice the volume level of a 10 WPC amp, an amplifier rated at 100 watts per channel needs to be 1,000 watts per channel to be twice as loud. In other words, the relationship between volume and wattage output is logarithmic rather than linear.  DistortionIn addition, the quality of the amplifier is as (or more) important than just the wattage output. An amplifier that exhibits excessive noise or distortion at loud volume levels can be unlistenable. You are better off with an amplifier of about 50 WPC with a low distortion level that a much more powerful amplifier with high distortion levels. For example, an amplifier that has a distortion rating of 10% at full power output is unlistenable (perhaps even at lower output levels as well), however, an amplifier that outputs a .01% distortion level at full power output level would be imperceptible at all listening levels. Distortion specifications are expressed by the term THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). Signal-To-Noise Ratio (S/N)Also, another factor in deciding amplifier quality is Signal-To-Noise Ratio (S/N), which is ratio of sound to background noise. The larger the ratio, the more the desirable sounds (music, voice, effects) are separated from acoustical effects and background noise. In amplifier specifications S/N ratios are expressed in decibels. A S/N ratio of 70db is much more desirable that a S/N ratio of 50db.  Continuous PowerAn additional factor is this equation is the ability of a receiver or amplifier to output its full power continuously. In other words, just because your receiver/amplifier may be listed as being able to output 100WPC, doesn't mean it can do so for any significant length of time. Always make sure that, when you check for Specifications, that the WPC output is measured in RMS terms. This means that the listed power output is sustained output at a specific volume level. How Stated Power Ratings Can Be Deceivingalso to the continuous power rating, another factor affecting real amplifier power output, especially with surround sound receivers, is whether the manufacturer is basing their wattage output specification on one or two channels driven or with all channels driven. In addition, was the measurement made using a 1KHz test tone, or with 20Hz to 20KHz test tones?In other words, when you see an amplifier wattage rating of 100 watts-per-channel at 1 KHz with one or two channels driven, the real-world wattage output when all 5 or 7 channels are operating across all frequencies will be lower, possibly as much as 30 or 40% lower. Of course, not all channels actually require the same power at the same time as variations in audio content affect the requirements for each channel at any given time. However, it is important to note that the wattage output, as stated in the manufacturer's specifications, may not be available across all channels at the same time.  Dynamic Headroom is the ability of your receiver/amplifier to output power at a significantly higher level for short periods to accommodate musical peaks or extreme sound effects in films. This specification is very important in home theater applications, where extreme changes in volume and loudness occur during the course of a film. This specification is expressed as Dynamic Headroom. Once again, Dynamic Headroom is measured in Decibels. If a receiver/amplifier has the ability to double is power output for a brief period to accommodate the conditions described above, it would have a Dynamic Headroom of 3db.  ConclusionSo, when shopping for an receiver/amplifier, be wary of wattage output specifications and also take stock of other factors such as Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), Signal-To-Noise Ratio (S/N), and Dynamic Headroom. In conclusion, your amplifier or receiver, although the centerpiece your audio or home theater system, other components such as Loudspeakers, Input devices (CD, Turntable, Cassette, DVD, etc...) are also links in the chain. However, you can have the best components available, but if your receiver or amplifier isn't up to the task, your listening experience will definitely suffer. This has been a very brief overview of some of the factors to take into consideration when buying a Receiver/Amplifier.by robert silva 

Dolby Surround Sound Atmos 62.2 Channels Coming to Home Theater?

The system, which has debut with the  Pixar flick "Brave," offers a 62.2 surround sound format that includes developments such as pan-through array and overhead speakers.

While the 62.2 format will likely never make it into home theaters, it's something that integrators should be aware of.

This video from Dolby not only runs through the historical development of audio, from mono to stereo to 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, but it explains in detail how the new Atmos system works. It is a great video to show your customers about the importance of sound immersion.

To date, 14 theaters are equipped with the system. by jason knott



  list of theaters currently equipped with Dolby Atmos 62.2 Surround Sound

AMC BarryWoods 24 (Kansas City, MO)
AMC Burbank 16 (Burbank, CA)
AMC Century City 15 (Century City, CA)
AMC Downtown Disney 24 (Lake Buena Vista, FL)
AMC Garden State 16 (Paramus, NJ)
AMC Van Ness 14 (San Francisco, CA)
ArcLight Sherman Oaks (Sherman Oaks, CA)
Brenden Theatres at the Palms (Las Vegas, NV)
Century at Pacific Commons and XD (Fremont, CA)
Cinemark West Plano and XD (West Plano, TX)
SilverCity-Yonge Eglington Cinemas (Cineplex) (Toronto, ON)
Cinetopia Vancouver Mall 23 (Vancouver, WA)
El Capitan Theatre (Hollywood, CA)
Kerasotes ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection (Chicago, IL)

YAMAHA Blu-ray Player BD-S673

MSRP: $329.95

Built-in Wi-Fi and Superior Connectivity

• Wi-Fi support allows easy connection
• iPhone/iPad, Android phone/tablet and Kindle Fire compatible app for easier operation
• One-touch power on and playback from AV receiver SCENE button via HDMI CEC
• DLNA certified client

Blu-ray 3D™ and BD-Live™ Features

• Supports playback of Blu-ray 3D™, the latest video format
• Connect to the Internet to access the fun and informative features that BD-Live™ provides
• BONUSVIEW™ provides secondary video and audio for enhanced commentary and information
• Virtual Package for new entertainment possibilities

Audio Features

• Audio playback of all current HD formats
• Direct bitstream and multi-channel Linear PCM output via HDMI
— analog 2-channel down-mixed audio output
• 192kHz/32-bit audio DAC
• FLAC file playback compatibility

Video Features

• 1080p/24Hz-compatible HDMI video output
• x.v.Color and Deep Color compatibility
• 1080p playback for DVDs, photos and home movies

Advanced Features

• Netflix compatibility for Internet video streaming
• YouTube Leanback compatibility
• Picasa compatibility for viewing digital photos
• Firmware update capability via Internet
• On-screen display GUI
• Multimedia compatibility:
MKV with H.264, MPEG PS, MPEG TS, MPEG-4, VOB, AVI, ASF, WMV, DivX Plus HD, AVCHD (Video)
MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC (Audio)
JPEG, GIF, PNG (Picture)
• Playback of JPEG slideshows with MP3 audio sound track
• Setup wizard makes setup easy.Yamaha.com

Specs

BLU-RAY DISC PLAYER

VIDEO / AUDIO PERFORMANCE	Media Compatibility	DLNA, USB, BD-Video, BD-R/RE (BD-MV), DVD-Video, DVD-R/-RW (DVD-Video, DVD-VR), DVD+R/+RW (Video and VR mode), CD-DA, CD-R/-RW
	File Compatibility	Video: MKV with H.264, MPEG PS, MPEG TS, MPEG-4, VOB, AVI, ASF, WMV, DivX Plus HD and AVCHD. Audio: MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and FLAC. Photo: JPEG, GIF and PNG.
	Video Output	1 Vp-p/75ohms
	Component Video Output	Y : 1 Vp-p/75ohms, Pb : 0.7 Vp-p/75ohms, Pr : 0.7 Vp-p/75ohms
Connectivity	HDMI Output	1 (480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 1080p@24 Hz)
	USB Port (Front Panel / Rear Panel)	1 / 1
	Digital Audio Output (Optical / Coaxial)	1 / 1
	Component Video Output	1
	Composite Video Output	1
	2-Channel Mixed Audio Output	1
	Ethernet	1 (Wi-Fi built-in)
	Remote Control Input / Output	1 / 1
GENERAL	Standby Power Consumption	≤ 0.5W
	Dimensions (W x H x D)	17-1/8” x 3-3/8” x 10-1/8”
	Weight	6.2 lbs.