Self-empowerment: Fully contained speaker systems meet the demands of immersive surround formats

The film exhibition industry is understandably upbeat about the new immersive audio formats, Dolby Atmos and Barco Auro 11.1. Both systems offer exhibitors the means for gaining a competitive edge relative to home systems and across-town rivals. Granted, operators grumble about choosing one or the other in “format wars.” Regardless of the outcome, however, the adoption of immersive sound requires a substantial investment in new amplifiers and loudspeakers. And it’s not just a matter of a greater quantity of loudspeakers. To realize the audience-exciting potential of immersive sound, it is important for exhibitors to consider the demands these new formats place on the loudspeakers, particularly the surround components.