The Evolution of Home-Cinema Audio Set-ups

THE EVOLUTION of HOME-CINEMA AUDIO SET-UPS 1920s AT THE DAWN OF SURROUND SOUND Trivia: The first electrodynamic speakers were invented by Edward W. Kellogg and Chester W. Rice in 1925. MONOPHONIC SPEAKERS The invention of electrodynamic speakers in the 1920s set the scene for future audio developments. However, because these early speakers were monophonic (one channel), the listening potential was restricted and the sound quality poor. 1930s ONE STEP CLOSER STEREOPHONIC By making use of an additional channel combined with left and right speakers, sounds could now be heard from different directions, creating a much better listening experience. All surround-sound technology stems from this. Trivia: Stereo as we know it was invented in the early 1930s by Alan Blumlein (a British engineer at EMI). While at a monophonic 'talkie' with his wife, he said: 66 I have found a way to make the sound follow the actor across the screen. 99 1970s A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY BROUGHT CLOSER TO YOU DOLBY STEREO The 1970s saw the development of the first four-channel stereophonic (also known as quadraphonic) cinematic audio systems. This was a game-changer for the movie industry. Moviegoers could now enjoy a richer soundscape. Trivia: Although the four-channel system was first used for the 1976 film 'A Star is Born', it was the huge success of "Star Wars' that really put it on the map. 1995 TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL DOLBY 5.1 The home cinema was born in 1982 (Dolby Surround 2.0). But the world would have to wait until Dolby Digital 5.1 to see the next level of audio excellence in its front room. 2000s 5.1'S BETTER LOOKING BROTHER DOLBY 7.1 The advent of Blu-ray and HD-DVD meant more storage potential. So, with the addition of two rear speakers, 7.1 was born. It comes in two options: Digital Plus and True HD, each with their own variations. 2000s THE NEXT LOGICAL STEP DOLBY 9.1 PRO LOGIC LLZ The advancement of processing capabilities allowed for the addition of two front-height speakers to the 7.1 system. This resulted in greater sonic depth. 2012/15 SURROUND SOUND BECOMES KING DOLBY AТMOS This is perhaps the greatest Dolby achievement so far. It takes the cinematic and home-cinema experience to the next level. Traditional set-ups allow for six, eight and 10 speakers (including subwoofers). But Dolby Atmos has the capability to direct sound over 128 channels through up to 64 speakers, some of which are on the ceiling. VISUALDATAMEDIA.COM