INDIANAPOLIS —Feb 28, 2008
New Klipsch® Cinema Products to be Premiered at ShoWest
Ultra-wide coverage surrounds, passive screen channel networks to be displayed
Two revolutionary ultra-wide coverage, high-output cinema surrounds—the Klipsch KPT-8-VB and KPT-12-VB—will be displayed for the first time at ShoWest 2008, March 10–13 at Bally’s and Paris in Las Vegas. These cinema speakers are the first to utilize the exclusive VBAT, or Virtual Boundary Array Technology. Along with these groundbreaking theater surround loudspeakers, new fully passive screen channel networks will make their debut on two of the most popular large three-way systems.
The new VBAT-equipped surround speakers feature a pair of patented skewed coverage horns, configured in a side by side array that achieves over 140 degrees of horizontal coverage. This produces more consistent, wider coverage over the full bandwidth than could be accomplished by a single horn.
VBAT refers to the effect of the two identical sound wave pressure fronts supporting each other along the axis perpendicular to the speaker’s front panel as they leave the mouth of the horns. In simple terms, this means that one Klipsch VBAT surround speaker can replace two conventional units in coverage and output. The new technology reduces the number of amplifier channels required for a typical cinema installation, as well as cutting labor costs and additional wiring. For many exhibitors, this reduction in total installation cost can help defray the expense of conversion to digital cinema.
The KPT-8-VB and KPT-12-VB also feature larger voice coil woofers for increased power handling and output, allowing them to achieve similar—or greater—output than twice as many conventional surrounds. They also achieve a greater degree of diffusion, delivering a more cohesive ambient effect and more seamless side to side and front to rear pans.
The new fully passive crossover screen channel networks expand this configuration to include the most popular Klipsch large three-way cinema speakers, the KPT-535 and KPT-535-4, which previously were bi- or tri-amp only. Like the new VBAT speakers, the primary advantage of this technology is lower cost, realized through the use of fewer amplifier channels and electronic crossovers, as well as reduced labor charges for wiring and installation.
