July 22, 2013
Christie Brings Cinema Sound to Vivid Life With the Launch of New Christie Vive Audio

Articulated, Single Enclosure Line Array Speakers and Class D Amplifier Solution Heralds Major Leap in Cinema Sound Innovation

By Gary Reber


 “The introduction of digital technology has sparked tremendous changes in movie content since 2005, but many theaters are still using audio systems designed for 35mm film,” said Craig Sholder, Christie’s Entertainment Solutions unit vice president. “With Christie Vive Audio, we have found a way to take all the benefits of line array configuration and put it into a cinema environment by combining it with ribbon driver technology and Class D amplification – all in a single, elegant audio solution that is easily attainable to exhibitors.”

“Typical audio solutions in the market have not kept up with performance demands of DCI specifications for audio – until now. The Christie Vive Audio integrated solution with its extended frequency response, high dynamic range and ultra fast transient response, along with unprecedented peak-to-average SPL ratios and smooth and

even coverage, meets the performance demands of the DCI specification,” said Jim Hall, senior product manager with Christie’s Entertainment Solutions unit. “Christie Vive Audio represents a major leap in cinema sound, with perfect timbre-matching that unleashes the potential of today’s uncompressed digital audio along with leading immersive audio platforms such as Dolby® Atmos™.”

The complete Christie Vive Audio solution comprises 

vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(5, 108, 182); text-decoration: none;">surround and screen channel speakers,subwoofers, and Class D amplifiers. It offers exhibitors the opportunity to provide audiences with the ultimate movie-viewing experience, enveloping them with dynamic, richly detailed and enhanced audio
where speech, special effects, music, and alternative content sound more natural and lifelike. At the core of the system are the combination of superior sounding screen channel speakers with ribbon driver technology and the proven performance of a line array speaker design, all in a single enclosure.

This innovative design helps increase the optimal listening area up to four times when compared to conventional compression driver-based audio systems and results in exceptionally smooth and even audio coverage throughout the auditorium. As well, Christie’s Class D amplifiers, which are more compatible with digital sources, are more efficient, resulting in lower operating costs. 

Added Patrick Artiaga, director, Business Development with Christie’s Entertainment Solutions group, “The complete Christie Vive cinema audio solution can be tailored to the demands of any cinema space, from post production studios and screening rooms to traditional and premium large – format auditoriums. Each component of Christie Vive Audio has been specifically engineered to complement the other and combine to deliver a complete solution.  By combining the superior performance capabilities of each piece into one integrated solution, Christie Vive Audio brings the next generation of cinema audio to any auditorium.”

More information on Christie’s new audio initiative can be found at www.viveaudio.com.




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