WOODBURY, NY — JBL announced that four complete JBL Synthesis Atlas multichannel audio systems will be used in custom-built theater installations at the 60th Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes), which will take place May 16–27 in Cannes, France.
These exceptional systems, which will be the largest-scale JBL Synthesis installations ever to be used at the festival, will be employed in one 76-seat, one 25-seat and two 40-seat theaters to be specially built at the elegant Hotel Gray d’Albion in Cannes. For the fourth year in a row, JBL systems have been chosen by the Marche du Film, the world’s largest international film market, which is part of the Festival de Cannes organization.
In addition, JBL Cinema Sound multichannel loudspeaker systems, Harman Kardon high-performance audio/video components and AKG headphones will be used in three screening rooms and 28 video-on-demand booths that will screen films for the festival’s Short Film Corner, a forum for the nearly 2,000 short films to be featured at Cannes.
Paul Bente, president of the Home Products Division of Harman Consumer Group, Inc., stated: “Conveying an emotionally compelling and involving experience is what the cinema — and JBL — is all about. We are proud to be an official partner of the Marche du Film/Festival de Cannes and provide them with better-than-ever audio systems that deliver spectacular theater sound.”
JBL Synthesis Atlas Systems: Created for Extraordinary Sonic Realism
The THX Ultra-certified JBL Synthesis Atlas systems for the Hotel Gray d’Albion installations feature SK2-1000 loudspeakers for the left, center, right and surround channels, and S1S-EX 18-inch subwoofers. Each system’s electronics include the SDP-40 HD digital surround processor/system controller and SDEC-3000 digital equalizer, in addition to S800 two-channel x 200-watt power amplifiers, S7150 seven-channel x 150-watt power amplifiers, and custom S3000IC interconnect kits.
To deliver extraordinary big-screen picture quality, the installations will include Screen Research projection screens and Christie Digital Systems high-definition projectors. Version Direct, a Lyon-based audio/video integration specialist, will install the systems.
A key component of the JBL Synthesis Atlas installations is the 7.1-channel JBL Synthesis SDP-40 HD surround processor/preamplifier, a THX Ultra2-certified component that incorporates numerous advanced features, including 24-bit, 192kHz audio D/A converters and multiple 32-bit DSP engines for the highest possible fidelity, and exclusive Logic 7 surround sound processing that provides enhanced surround sound realism. The Logic 7 Cinema Mode is optimized for playback of movie soundtracks, delivering superior imaging and separation with a more seamless and enveloping sound field.
The JBL Synthesis SDEC-3000 digital equalizer optimizes the performance of a Synthesis multichannel system in any room through the application of precise multiband digital equalization and leading-edge DSP technologies. The SDEC-3000 is used in conjunction with JBL’s proprietary DACS (Digital Acoustic Calibration System) technology, which allows a Synthesis system to be precisely tuned to the room in which it is installed.
JBL Synthesis Atlas loudspeakers incorporate a number of advanced JBL technologies to achieve unparalleled sonic realism. The loudspeakers include state-of-the-art beryllium compression drivers and beryllium ultrahigh-frequency transducers for maximum high-frequency and midrange clarity; high-power cast-frame woofers that deliver authoritative and articulate low-frequency response; controlled-dispersion enclosures for optimum sound coverage over a wider area; and many additional refinements.
The S800 stereo power amplifiers and seven-channel S7150 power amplifiers are engineered for superb sonic performance, and are designed to interface with other Synthesis system components for sophisticated automatic control capabilities.
JBL Cinema Sound: Superlative Sonic Accuracy and Elegant Styling
JBL Cinema Sound loudspeakers and systems incorporate technologies derived from the company’s professional models to deliver outstanding sound, and feature sleek, distinctively elegant black-and-silver styling in a variety of models that integrate beautifully into any room. A 5.1-channel JBL Cinema Sound installation comprising four CST55 floorstanding towers, a CSC55 center channel and a CSS10 powered subwoofer will be used in each of the Short Film Corner screening rooms.
Harman Kardon Audio/Video Components: Designed for Exceptional Performance
The JBL Cinema Sound loudspeakers are complemented by the Harman Kardon AVR 645 7.1-channel audio/video receiver and DVD 23 progressive-scan DVD player. Both components are designed to provide superlative audio and video quality, along with outstanding flexibility and ease of use.
The AVR 645 offers a host of innovative features to deliver exceptional performance and multiroom versatility. The AVR 645 incorporates the company’s EzSet/EQ feature set, providing automatic room equalization and system calibration functions to achieve a remarkable level of sonic accuracy. The receiver’s additional high-performance features include a powerful high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier section, HDTV-compatible video switching, multiroom/multisource operation and much more.
The Harman Kardon DVD 23 progressive-scan DVD player (available in Europe; the DVD 38 is offered in the U.S.) utilizes pixel-by-pixel video processing for extraordinary image quality, along with advanced audio technologies and unique playback capabilities that make it easy to enjoy favorite movies, music and images.
AKG Headphones: An Immersive Listening Experience
AKG HEARO 787 SURROUND headphones will be featured in the Short Film Corner screening rooms, and the company’s K 141 Studio headphones will be used in the 28 video-on-demand viewing booths. The HEARO 787 SURROUND headphones employ exclusive Virtual Acoustics technology to provide realistic, immersive surround sound listening, and the K 141 studio-quality headphones offer accurate, detailed sound, with powerful bass and clear midrange and highs.
Harman Consumer Group (HCG), Inc., is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers, audio and video components, and multimedia systems for use in homes and automobiles, and with computers. The group’s brands include JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Audioaccess, and Lexicon.
HCG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Harman International (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. The company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HAR.”
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For additional information, contact:
Frank Doris
FM Public Relations
631-385-1304, ext. 402
frank.doris@fm-group.net
JBL, AKG, Audioaccess, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL Synthesis, Lexicon, Logic 7, Mark Levinson, Revel and Synthesis are registered trademarks, and Atlas, DACS, EzSet/EQ and Studio Series are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
THX Ultra and THX Ultra2 are trademarks of LTX, Ltd., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved.