TC Electronic Unveils Engage Virtual 3D Technology
December 1, 2000TC Electronic has unveiled Engage, an all new
algorithm technology available for license soon exclusively on the System
6000 platform. Engage is a tool for translating 5.1 mixes into
two channel virtual 3D audio on headphones. The algorithm processes 5.1
mixes created for cinema, DVD and audio only formats (eg. DTS and
DVD-audio) to achieve an engaging surround reproduction using ordinary
headphones. "Several years of research have gone into the development of
three-dimensional sound reproduction in two channels", says Product
Manager, Niels Helbo. "The Engage algorithm is the very first of a whole
family of Engage algorithms, which will add totally new perspectives to 5.1
productions, whether you're in the multi-media industry, in
DVD-productions, or anywhere in the Film-, Post and audio industry, where
5.1 is applicable."
After having finished a 5.1 music or film mix, you can now deliver optimum
surround results for those of your listeners using headphones. A Binaural
version needing only the extra production and approval time it takes to do
one real-time transfer. From flight entertainment, over web-content and
games to headphone optimized tracks on ordinary MiniDiscs and CDs.
The Engage algorithm enables you to input up to five channels
simultaneously. These five channels will be positioned as a "L, C, R, Ls,
Rs" (5.0-mix) in the headphones, providing you with an engaging surround
sound in two channels.
System 6000 thus offers an integrated and flexible solution to
tailoring a 5.1-mix to different headphone listening conditions:
- When you need dynamic range conditioning of the 5.1 signal before format
conversion through Engage.
- When you need peak limiting of the Engaged mix.
- When you need pristine 5.1 Ambience or Room Simulation because of the
confined headphone environment.
- When you wish to compare 5.1 down-mixed to normal stereo against 5.1
down-mixed using Engage.
- When you need special treatment of the LFE channel or the low frequency
spectrum of your mix.
"Clearly, both 3D and dynamics processing have been in the market for a
number of years from a range of different companies," comments Program
Manager, Thomas Lund. He continues, "However, we believe that the
technologies from TC Electronic offer a significant improvement compared to
what is currently available. The combination of multidirectional reflection
patterns and perceptively enhanced binaural mapping must be heard to be
believed.
The Engage algorithm will have a license fee of US$ 499. For more information, visit their web sites at www.system6000.com and www.tcelectronic.com. |
