GDC Technology unveils next-generation immersive sound media server, 16-channel

[Peter CINERAMAX]

News
Technology and New Products
Las Vegas--GDC Technology Ltd., a leading global provider of digital cinema solutions, will premier its next-generation integrated media block (IMB) and new 16-channel cinema sound processor at CinemaCon 2016 April 12-14.

Based on proven GDC technology, the GDC SX-4000 Standalone IMB and XSP-1000 Cinema Processor (GDC Immersive Sound Solution) combines a future-proof IMB with real-time DTS:X™ decoding and an advanced cinema processor. When combined, this latest GDC Technology bundled solution (GDC Immersive Sound Solution is also sold separately) enables a high-quality audio experience at a price point that allows exhibitors worldwide to affordably install immersive sound in auditoriums of any size.

The GDC SX-4000 immersive sound media server is designed to be fully DCI compliant with a built-in decoder for real-time rendering of DTS:X immersive sound in full 16 channels and two channels to support narrative audio, motion data and other special purpose signals. In addition to supporting DTS:X, the GDC XSP-1000 cinema processor can support multiple object-based immersive sound formats.

Key features and benefits of the SX-4000 IMB include all the features of the current GDC IMB plus:

*Faster processing: Next-generation hardware with faster input and output capabilities.

*Higher bitrate: Decoding higher bitrate images and audio files; live or store-and-forward.

*Built-in DTS:X decoder: Powerful audio processing capabilities to decode up to 32 channels of full, rich immersive sound.

*18-Channels: Full 16-channel immersive sound capability with two aux channels for other devices.

The SX-4000 IMB transcends 5.1 audio, unbinding the sound from traditional 5.1 with upmix capability to increase the number of channels for pre-show entertainment programs and alternative content.

Key features and benefits of the XSP-1000 cinema processor include:

*High reliability: Delivers a significant improvement in overall system stability by being integrated with bypass audio circuitry, which allows it to remain operational in the unlikely event of a system failure.

*Low-noise digital processing: Features low-noise digital processing, with up to 96kHz sample rate, which ensures superb audio fidelity and presentation.

*User-friendly GUI control: Runs on Windows operating systems, which allows for complete system configuration, monitoring and firmware upgrades over USB and Ethernet.

*Automatic equalization: Employs user-defined microphone calibration files and standard or user-defined equalization curves to automatically adjust the graphic equalizer on each channel.

The XSP-1000 cinema processor supports multiple immersive object-based sound formats, including the latest DTS:X format, and supports 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems. Multifunctional control buttons shows the current fader level, the format name (which is user configurable), and the measured audio level on each channel of the main audio output on the front panel display.

"Immersive Sound comes to life when all of the details in the soundtrack are heard accurately," said Man-Nang Chong, founder, chairman and CEO of GDC Technology.  "By giving exhibitors the first-ever affordable choice to install immersive sound, this new solution from GDC can be a game changer for the industry. Audiences around the world will certainly experience better sound regardless of the size of the auditorium."

In addition to the GDC Immersive Sound Solution, the newly released TMS-2000 Theatre Management Software (TMS-2000), offering over 50 new features and improvements, including support of IMAX, will be shown in the GDC Booth #2219A at CinemaCon. GDC will also showcase other innovative solutions to improve the theatre management’s productivity.

The GDC Immersive Sound Solution and other improved GDC digital cinema products, such as the TMS-2000 and Library Management solution built with GDC CLA-2000 and Enterprise Storage Plus, will be available in summer 2016.

To learn more, visit the at CinemaCon 2016 in the Augustus Ballroom April 12-14, or go to www.gdc-tech.com.

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GDC technology leads to speedy conversion of 100 DTS:X™ screens in China and U.S.
Apr 12, 2016

News
Digital Cinema
Las Vegas—GDC Technology, Inc. is showcasing its next-generation Immersive Sound Solution—which includes its innovative SX-4000 integrated media block (IMB) and XSP-1000 cinema processor—on the tradeshow floor and its booths at CinemaCon 2016 in Caesar’s Palace. In addition, DTS:X demonstrations using GDC technology will include the first-ever exhibition of 15.1 and 33.3 immersive sound played back-to-back at the Brenden Theatres in the Palms Casino Resort on April 12 and 14.

Since the launch of GDC Technology’s innovative immersive sound media server with a built-in DTS:X™ decoder and cinema processor (GDC Immersive Sound Solution) in July 2015, 100 global movie theatre screens have been equipped to exhibit motion pictures released with a DTS:X soundtrack. Today, nearly 40,000 of the world's screens, from art houses to multiplexes, count on GDC technology to enable new cinematic possibilities and experiences.

Given the affordability of the GDC Immersive Sound Solution and the technology’s ability to adapt to flexible speaker configurations, those screens—screens with competitive technology and new screens—can easily be converted to feature DTS:X immersive sound, bringing realistic, rich audio experiences to a much broader audience than ever before.

"The digital cinema revolution has raised the quality and consistency of audio in cinemas around the world. More than ever before, audiences everywhere can hear exactly what movie makers imagined for them with DTS:X," said Bill Neighbors, general manager, pro audio for DTS, Inc. “On behalf of the DTS employees worldwide, we congratulate GDC and their team for their contribution to bringing DTS:X immersive sound to China and the U.S. faster than we ever imagined.”

Benefits and impact of GDC Immersive Sound Solution technology include the following:

For directors and content creators: Improved immersion and heightened realism makes horror movies scarier, comedies more laugh-out-loud funny, and car chase scenes even more intense. With GDC immersive sound technology, the cinema industry is now better equipped to stay ahead of home entertainment and other devices for consumers to watch content.

For exhibitors: Digital immersive sound allows for pristine audio quality for movies and alternative content from the first day of release to the last showing. DTS:X technology allows for flexible speaker configurations, making it suitable for any auditorium size, from screening rooms to premium large format halls. More importantly, the affordability of the GDC immersive sound solution makes it possible to install DTS:X technology in the entire complex.

For audiences: Cinematic immersive sound provides an audio experience beyond what is possible via home theater installations and mobile devices. DTS:X technology places sound where it would occur naturally in space, creating the most lifelike, multidimensional audio experience ever. The affordable GDC immersive sound solution technology offers the opportunity for the industry to bring an entirely new experience to a broader audience than ever before.

"With this milestone, a realistic, rich sound experience is now coming to life for millions of cinema goers in China and the U.S.," said Man-Nang Chong, founder, chairman and CEO of GDC Technology Ltd. "For the GDC team, the real cause for celebration is that in only seven months, over 100 screens have been converted to DTS:X with GDC technology. In my nearly 20 years in the cinema industry, I have not seen a new technology adopted so quickly. The rate of progress of work done to achieve this milestone was amazing to watch."

With GDC technology deployed in thousands of theatres around the world, the 100-screen milestone marks the beginning of the future of sound in the cinema. The highest growth region for new screens was China with nearly 90 screens enabled with DTS:X immersive sound since July 2015. In North America, 11 screens have been installed during the same period, with more on the way. GDC plans to launch its immersive sound solution in the Latin America region and EMEA with the premiere of its next-generation IMB and cinema processor at CinemaCon 2016.

For more information on GDC Immersive Sound Solution, please visit www.gdc-tech.com. For more information on DTS:X immersive sound technology, please visit www.dts.com/dtsx.