IOSONO showcases 380-speaker holographic audio solution
by Darren Murph 
posted Nov 5th 2008 at 7:09AM
We've seen some pretty intense multi-channel audio rigs, but 380 speakers? At the SMPTE 2008 Tech Conference and Expo in Hollywood, IOSONO introduced its holographic audio solution for cinemas -- a fitting complement to the bevy of 3D films just around the bend. Reportedly, the system can be adjusted on a per-room basis and expanded between 200 and 500 drivers; the location of each speaker is "measured with a laser and used to calibrate the exhibition player software." The drivers are arranged in three rows, with the top and bottom being woofers and the middle consisting of tweeters. As you'd expect, the solution envelops the auditorium completely, and up to 32 unique sound objects can be placed within the 3D virtual sound space. There's no mention of how costly this will be to theaters (or exceptionally weather home theater owners), but we can only hope to hear it in more cinemas shortly.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
daaper @ Nov 5th 2008 11:13AM
I think you mean "exceptionally wealthy", but it's all good. I knew what you meant, obviously.
Sounds amazing, this is the kind of stuff that would get me back in the theaters for the major releases. We have a few new digital theaters here and they are amazing. I haven't seen a 3d movie yet, but that's not because I'm not interested. Matching exceptional 3d sound to the visuals seems like a great step. As long as they keep pushing things I can't reasonably recreate and experience at home, I'll keep going to the theaters.
dj496 @ Nov 10th 2008 1:42PM
I want that in my *living room*, not just my local cinema.