Amsterdam—Jun 13, 2006
Dolby Unveils New Dolby Digital Cinema Networking and Sound Components at Cinema Expo
Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) will unveil the newest components of the Dolby® Digital Cinema system at Cinema Expo in Amsterdam, 26–29 June 2006. Dolby will introduce the Dolby Show Library, a central server for digital cinema screens within a multiplex, and the Dolby DMA8Plus, which provides audio connections for digital cinema servers, broadcast decoders, and alternative content sources, in its booth (161).
Dolby will also showcase its complete Dolby Digital Cinema system playing JPEG 2000–encoded movie content. The JPEG 2000 compression format is one of the key requirements in the Digital Cinema Initiative’s (DCI) specifications for digital cinema. Dolby also offers JPEG 2000 mastering services from its facilities in the UK and US.
“In addition to appreciating Dolby’s wholehearted support for open standards, exhibitors have told us that the Dolby Digital Cinema system is easy to install and use,” said Jason Power, Market Development Manager, Dolby Laboratories. “The new Dolby Show Library and the DMA8Plus simplify the installation and operation of digital multiplexes even more, providing a seamless entertainment experience for moviegoers.”
Dolby Show Library
Dolby Show Library acts as the heart of a multiplex’s digital network, giving users the ability to load all digital content at one central location via Ethernet, satellite, or removable hard drive. The system then distributes the files electronically (and unattended) to networked Dolby Digital Cinema systems within the multiplex.
With Dolby Show Library, a cinema manager or projectionist can program the entire show schedule, including advertising, for all of the digital screens in a complex anytime night or day from one location. Movie files can be loaded just once; all movie transfers and program changes are then performed automatically across the network. Programming is done through the easy drag-and-drop Dolby Show Manager software.
DMA8Plus
The Dolby DMA8Plus Digital Media Adapter is a cost-effective and flexible solution for interfacing digital cinema and alternative content sources to existing cinema sound systems. Based on the Dolby DMA8, the unit accepts up to eight channels of PCM digital audio from sources such as digital cinema servers, disks, and satellite and tape systems. It also accommodates Dolby Digital bitstreams for nonfilm sources with up to 5.1 channels, such as DVD players and satellite and cable links. Six analog output channels ensure straightforward interface with a cinema's existing Dolby sound processor.
The DMA8 is easily set up via a laptop computer and can be controlled by a cinema's automation system. Individual digital sources can also be selected rapidly using dedicated front-panel buttons. In addition, the unit provides a switched ”through” connection for external film audio decoders such as the Dolby DA20 Digital Adapter. An adjustable audio delay is built in to ensure that sound and picture are synchronized during digital cinema presentations. Different delays can be assigned to different inputs, giving flexibility with alternative content sources which often require different delays.
The Dolby Digital Cinema system is installed in more than 160 cinemas in 12 countries worldwide including, most recently, new installations in Iceland. More than 40 digital movies have been presented by Dolby Digital Cinema, among them recent and current presentations of Mission: Impossible III, Over the Hedge, Poseidon, and V for Vendetta.
