Movie theaters have come a long way since the days of the drive-in theater. Thanks to innovative video and sound formats, watching a movie in a world-class cinema can be a completely immersive multi-sensory experience. In order to utilize these formats, theaters require cutting-edge video technology and state-of-the-art surround sound solutions.
Unlike traditional projector-based systems, Samsung Onyx Cinema LED technology combines unparalleled graphics with ultra-high contrast, class-leading brightness and brilliant colors, giving audiences an unforgettable viewing experience. HARMAN Professional Solutions cinema loudspeaker systems create a life-like sound experience for guests with rich, dynamic sound and even, balanced coverage. We spoke with personnel from leading theaters and AV integrators to learn how they’re using HARMAN technologies to create the ultimate movie-going experience with stunning 4k and HDR video quality and immersive 3D sound.
“The HARMAN systems really bring the film soundtracks to life, and set a new benchmark in terms of performance and sound quality.”
CGV Yongsan Cinema
CJ CGV is currently South Korea’s largest cinema chain operator with 480 innovative facilities around the globe, including the world’s largest IMAX Screen and the first-ever 4DX-ScreenX-combination theater. In order to keep the CGV Yongsan Cinema on the cutting edge, CGV hired Kinoton Korea to replace the theaters’ aging sound systems with state-of-the-art JBL Professional speakers and Crown amplifiers.
“As our flagship location, we wanted to ensure CGV Yongsan continues to provide the ultimate movie-viewing experience for our audiences,” said Seo Jeong, CEO, CJ CGV. “In addition to the latest digital projection technologies and luxurious amenities, CGV Yongsan required cutting-edge sound systems to deliver a truly immersive movie-watching experience. The HARMAN systems really bring the film soundtracks to life, and set a new benchmark in terms of performance and sound quality. We look forward to implementing similar solutions in future installations.” Learn more.
JBL 4732 ScreenArray features true three-way system design enhanced for critical film sound reproduction in medium to large cinemas environments.
Wanda Cinemas
China’s Shanghai ARCH Wanda Cinema is the first multiplex in the world to feature six premium theater rooms with revolutionary Samsung Onyx LED screens, which provide lifelike image quality and unparalleled depth. In order to bring movie soundtracks to life with incredible realism, Shanghai ARCH Wanda Cinema equipped all six theaters with class-leading JBL Sculpted Surround cinema speakers, subwoofers and surround speakers, as well as Crown amplifiers and BSS signal processors.
“After unveiling China’s first LED movie screen in early 2018, HARMAN has further contributed to the industry leader’s future by helping Wanda Cinemas create the first all-LED movieplex of its kind in the world,” said Frank Xiao, General Manager, HARMAN Professional Solutions, China. “The Onyx cinema solution offers an unmatched next-generation movie theater experience for cinema-goers seeking high-quality entertainment.” Learn more.
Lotte Cinema World Tower
Lotte Cinema World Tower is South Korea’s premier cinema and winner of CineAsia’s prestigious Special Achievement Award. To deliver a groundbreaking cinema experience, Lotte Cinema World Tower installed a massive 34-foot DCI-compliant Samsung Onyx Cinema LED screen. In order to deliver immersive, high-impact sound and consistent wall-to-wall coverage, Lotte Cinema World Tower hired audio integrator Kinoton Korea to create a cutting-edge surround sound system. Kinoton Korea selected an array of JBL Sculpted Surround system speakers, Crown amplifiers and BSS signal processors for their unmatched power and flexibility.
“The Samsung Onyx Cinema LED display in Lotte Cinema Super S sets a new standard for the cinema industry,” said Chris Bae, CEO, Kinoton Korea. “JBL specially tuned the custom Sculpted Surround system speakers to produce a phantom center image that appears to originate from behind the Onyx display, despite the speakers being suspended overhead. The combination of Samsung and HARMAN solutions produces an unparalleled cinematic experience for every seat in the theater.” Learn more.
CJ CGV Cinemas
CJ CGV is currently the largest film distributor and cinema chain in Vietnam with over 400 locations around the world. CJ CGV cinemas utilize standard and IMAX presentation formats, as well as proprietary technologies such as 4DX and ScreenX. In order to ensure a consistent, immersive audio experience for moviegoers, CJ CGV hired Goldenduck International to install premium cinema audio systems in 24 theaters across seven locations. Goldenduck selected JBL cinema speaker systems and Crown power amplifiers for their extended frequency response, reliable operation and accessibility.
“CJ CGV wanted to make certain each of their cinemas offered a uniform movie-watching experience with excellent audio quality,” said Sittiporn Srisanguansakul, President, Goldenduck International. “The HARMAN sound systems we installed place cinema-goers within an immersive audio environment with full 360-degree coverage and undistorted reproduction of the dynamic movie soundtracks. By using HARMAN products, we were able to provide CGV with a cost-effective solution that met their distinct requirements.” Learn more.
“We have been using HARMAN’s audio fixtures for a long time, and the quality and reliability of the brand is highly appealing,” said Zayar Zaw, Executive Director of Mingalar Group.
Mingalar Cinemas
Mingalar Cinemas is home to Myanmar’s first high-definition Gold Class cinema, which features three halls with luxurious seating and cutting-edge visuals. To deliver equally impressive sound quality, Mingalar hired Goldenduck Group, a leading supplier of professional cinema equipment, to install a comprehensive JBL Professional cinema audio system.
“We have been using HARMAN’s audio fixtures for a long time, and the quality and reliability of the brand is highly appealing,” said Zayar Zaw, Executive Director of Mingalar Group. “We were looking to extend a uniform movie-watching experience with excellent audio quality having full 360-degree coverage and undistorted reproduction of dynamic movie soundtracks. HARMAN’s effective products met all our distinct requirements.” Learn more.
WEIN Cinema
WEIN Cinema is currently the largest cinema complex in China with 34 state-of-the-art theaters, including a theater with a Samsung Onyx LED screen, two IMAX theaters and several themed theaters. In order to match the world-class video technology with industry-leading sound quality, WEIN Cinema hired equipment specialists ACE Film and Television Equipment Co. to outfit all 34 theaters with JBL loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers. Learn more.
ACE installed a range of JBL loudspeaker systems to provide flexible solutions tailored to each individual theater. ACE also deployed 137 Crown DSi Series power amplifiers throughout WEIN Cinema, designed specifically for use with the JBL ScreenArray systems.
“The JBL 9350 cinema surround speakers installed by Xebex deliver excellent fidelity and coverage, and guarantee an engaging audio experience for all of our valued customers.”
TOHO Cinemas
Located in the heart of Vietnam’s premier shopping district, TOHO Cinemas Hibiya features 13 cutting-edge theaters in an elaborately decorated cineplex. In order to ensure an impactful and immersive cinematic audio experience with balanced coverage, TOHO Cinemas hired Xebex to install premium surround sound systems in two of their theaters. Xebex selected JBL sculpted surround speakers for their superior coverage and brilliant sound quality.
“We required a system that would provide exceptional surround sound and ensure an immersive audio experience from any seat in the theater,” said Shunichi Kobayashi, Director at TOHO Cinemas Ltd. “Customers tend to prefer the back seats when purchasing movie tickets, so it’s essential that moviegoers in the back of the room experience the same premium sound quality as those in the front. The JBL 9350 cinema surround speakers installed by Xebex deliver excellent fidelity and coverage, and guarantee an engaging audio experience for all of our valued customers.” Learn more.
