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Dolby and THX's new EX surround sound technology (THX A/V) Dolby Digital/DTS technologies... Dolby/THX EX Surround is currently the latest in multi-channel sound technology. In addition to the 5 channel separation of DTS and Dolby Digital, the EX surround system features an extra rear channel located directly in back of the listener. Think of this as a rear central speaker. With EX, you can become completely immersed in great sound as you watch movies encoded with Dolby/THX EX. Currently, the only available movie with Dolby/THX EX encoding is Star Wars Episode I. But this is the theatre version we are talking about, Episode I is not yet out on DVD, and its Videotape cousin does not have EX encoded into it. There is also only one type of receiver manufactured by Denon, selling at about $2000, that is capable of decoding EX. It is probable that more EX receiver and titles will come out soon. Until then, we'll keep you posted. "Dolby EX Debut - Most Theaters have six separate sound channels: center, front left, front right, side surround left, side surround right and sub woofer. The new theater sound, dubbed Dolby Digital Surround EX, will have an additional set of rear speakers pumping out their own discreet sound effects. George Lucas requested the technology in order to immerse the audience in the onscreen action. This is the second time that Dolby and Star Wars have made a co-debut together. The 1977 Star Wars movie was the first special effects extravaganza to use the original Dolby Surround Sound theater system. So what is THX? THX
is a division of Lucasfilm Ltd. But THX is also a Lucas-created sound
standard that works much like a Good Housekeeping seal of approval. Theaters
are allowed to advertise themselves as THX movie houses if they meet certain
specifications regarding ambient noise levels, sound amplifier power,
speaker quality and placement. Dolby and THX together developed the Dolby
Digital Surround EX used in Phantom Menace. Among other things you need
the new $2,500 EX decoder made by the Dolby's Brisbane factory. Some 2,000
theaters have requested the decoder for the sound system for Phantom Menace.
" - Dolby Digital/DTS technologies...
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