Barco Installs First Auro 11.1 3D Sound Installation in Indian Cinema Industry

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India:With the introduction of its first Auro installation in Sathyam Cinemas' Six Degrees, part of SPI Cinemas, in December 2012, digital cinema pioneer Barco continues to enhance the movie going experience. Starting with SPI Cinemas as the first digital cinema group to opt for the distinctive 3D sound solution, Barco aims to launch Auro throughout the Indian market.

Next generation 3D sound

Barco Auro 11.1, developed by Auro Technologies and powered by Barco, is the next-generation 3D sound format for the cinema industry. It turns conventional cinema audio into a fully immersive 3D sound experience, with sounds coming from all around and above the listener, provided by three layers – surround, height and overhead without the need of using complex and expensive object based technology.

As a perfect match for visual 3D, the channel-based Auro 11.1 sound system offers a very natural and enveloping experience. Thanks to its configuration, the technology not only enables sound mixers to move objects around in space but it also allows them to reproduce the immersive aspects of a film soundtrack in a way that is more compatible with their current workflow.

Barco Auro 11.1 is currently deployed in over 50 installations worldwide and an increasing number of directors are embracing the new audio format. Fully compatible with existing standards, the traditional 5.1 sound format and future object-based technologies, the Auro 11.1 requires a minimal hardware and installation investment. The DCI-compliant system architecture offers ultimate ease of mind.

SPI Cinemas is always ahead of the curve in cinema technology in India. They are the only cinema chain in India to have closed on 30 Barco 4K digital cinema projectors. The group strives to be at the forefront of media technology, to bring new entertainment technology to its customers first. Keeping in line with this, its flagship location Sathyam Cinemas is the first to install this new sound technology. The flawless installation of the Auro 11.1 took three days, without having to cancel any show.

"We are excited for audiences to experience the new sound technology that will take the movie viewing experience to the next level," says Mr. Swaroop Reddy, Director SPI Cinemas. Mr. Abel Garamhegyi, Managing Director at Barco Electronics Systems adds: “It is an honor for us to be able to work with such a reputable company like SPI Cinemas. We are convinced that this project is only the first step in what will be a bright future for Barco in India.”

About Barco

Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in over 90 countries with more than 3,700 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of EUR 1.041 billion in 2011.

About Auro Technologies

Auro Technologies (www.Auro-3D.com; www.auro-technologies.com) is a spin-off of the Galaxy Studios Group and owner of the Auro-3Dή Technology Suite. The Auro-3D Concept and Listening Formats have been designed by Wilfried Van Baelen, founder and CEO of Galaxy Studios and Auro Technologies. Galaxy Studios is renowned worldwide for its state-of-the-art leadership in audio innovation for music and sound for film. The Auro-3Dή suite offers groundbreaking, easy-to-use and unprecedented levels of sound reproduction capabilities to the professional, automotive, broadcast and consumer electronics (such as gaming, smartphones, multimedia PC, notebooks, tablets, audio players, digital TV, media libraries and packaged media) markets.

About SPI Group

SPI Cinemas, a leading player in the entertainment industry offers services such as exhibition, distribution and production. SPI Cinemas strives to be at the forefront of media technology and endeavors to bring new entertainment technology to customers first. It's roster boasts of brands such as Sathyam Cinemas and Escape in Chennai. On the exhibition front, Sathyam Cinemas has been a household name in Chennai since 1974 and is the city’s hottest entertainment destination. It was the first multiplex in India to have state-of-the-art digital screens. It is the first in the country to have a screen equipped with Dolby Atmos and also the first in Asia to have a screen equipped with Auro 3D. Apart from showcasing the latest blockbusters, it also houses Blur, the largest multi-format gaming facility in India and the concept restaurants, ID and Ecstasy.

The group focuses on providing a paramount movie viewing experience by exhibiting movies in settings like never before. Escape, Chennai’s first luxury multiplex is a visual treat apart from being a top notch entertainment destination.

Copyright 2013 by Barco
Contact:
Eti Gupta, Marketing Manager, India, Barco, +91 9818252262