Christie undertakes EMEA launch of Vive Audio

Unveiled at ISE 2014 and aimed initially at the cinema market, projection specialist Christie’s new Vive Audio solution is designed to help exhibitors “complete the experience” for their moviegoing audiences.

Christie Vive Audio leverages a unique articulated, single enclosure line array speaker design and ribbon driver technology, and combines it with what is described as the first use of efficient, high-powered Class D amplification in cinema – all at an attainable price point. Christie Vive Audio’s cinema speakers and amplifiers can be integrated into any existing or new theatre auditorium for the ultimate movie viewing and listening experience.

“The introduction of digital technology has sparked tremendous changes in movie content since 2005, but many theatres are still using audio systems designed for 35mm film,” says 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,” says 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 surround and screen channel speakers, subwoofers and Class D amplifiers.