Nearly all cinemas using GDC Technology’s DTS:X object-based rendering server technology in North America, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and South Asia have completed the conversion to support the international immersive audio bitstream standard in DTS:X cinemas. In South Asia, 13 DTS:X cinemas will be installed with IAB by the end of 2023.
DTS:X screens using GDC’s media servers have been upgraded to support DTS:X for IAB. The SMPTE IAB standard delivers a single interoperable immersive audio format for theatrical distribution.
GDC and DTS began the DTS:X for IAB upgrade in China in fall of 2023, following the long pandemic lockdown and have completed the conversion of more than 100 DTS:X screens in 2023. Another 900 DTS:X screens in China will be converted to enable DTS:X for IAB playback in 2024.
In August 2021, GDC introduced new media servers with a built-in cinema audio processor option, based on the architecture of the SGS certified SR-1000 IMB. The SR-1000 with a built-in cinema audio processor offers a complete solution for cinemas worldwide to playback filmmakers’ audio and visual intent by featuring DTS:X for IAB object-based audio, with 16 channels, 24 channels, and 32 channels of audio output. China’s first 24-channel DTS:X for IAB is scheduled to be installed at BONA International Multiplex Dajiaoting Cinema in Beijing in December 2023.
“It is imperative for GDC to integrate industry standards into our products to ensure healthy growth in our industry,” said Dr. Man-Nang Chong, founder, chairman and CEO of GDC Technology Limited. “One of the most important standards adopted in the last few years was the SMPTE IAB standard for immersive audio. The transition from proprietary immersive sound formats to the IAB interoperable standard is a giant leap forward for the cinema industry. Introducing DTS:X for IAB rendering up to 32 channels in our media servers represents another milestone in the pursuit of offering our customers a cost-effective and reliable immersive sound solution.”
“DTS is committed to enabling the interoperable immersive standard in our DTS:X cinemas as a path for audiences to experience more immersive content than ever before” said Loren Nielsen, vice president content & strategy of DTS/Xperi. “We’re encouraged by the swift pace of DTS:X for IAB upgrade progress in China. DTS expects our exhibitor partners in China will join DTS:X for IAB capable cinemas worldwide and will be playing IAB DCPs later in 2024.”