Harman Reigns Supreme in Indian Cinemas
From the first design to the finished furnishings, the goal of every multiplex or single screen cinema is to create a space that incorporates the impressive experience of science and commercial cinema. This is the reason why, since decades theatres across India have banked on HARMAN’s JBL range of cinema speakers.
Cinema theatres are a niche market with ever changing technology and JBL has been a pioneer in the cinema speakers market in India. Harman Professionals recently upgraded four cinemas with the power of JBL Professional Cinema Audio Solutions. AV-ICNx reports.
The JBL Professional 4732 loudspeakers and 4642A subwoofers delivered exceptional audio results at ABR Cinemas, Gudivada
ABR Cinemas
ABR Cinemas The Next is a world-class multiplex located in historic Gudivada. With three luxurious theaters, ABR Cinemas is one of Andhra Pradesh’s premier cinemas. To create a more immersive AV experience with even, balanced coverage, ABR Cinemas recently decided to upgrade its aging audio systems. ABR Cinemas hired sound integrators Digital Sound System to install three cutting-edge HARMAN Professional Solutions cinema audio systems featuring class-leading JBL loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers and state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos processors.
“We are proud to have been associated with HARMAN Professional Solutions and all of the products recently installed at ABR Cinemas,” said Dariya Hussain Syed of Digital Sound System. “The JBL Professional 4732 loudspeakers and 4642A subwoofers have delivered exceptional audio results. We received the products promptly and the technical support from HARMAN Professional Solutions helped us complete the installation on time.”
Digital Sound System equipped the Audi 3 Theater with an immersive 32-channel Dolby Atmos solution powered by a Dolby Atmos Cinema Processor CP850 and Dolby Atmos Interface DAC3202. To deliver crystal clear sound, Digital Sound System installed JBL 5732 ScreenArray loudspeakers in left, center and right positions. To provide additional low-frequency support, Digital Sound System selected powerful JBL 4642A dual-driver subwoofers and JBL 4641 subwoofers. Digital Sound System mounted JBL 9310, 9300, and JBL 8320 cinema surround loudspeakers on the walls and ceiling to ensure consistent coverage throughout the theater. The system is powered by Crown DSi 4000, DSi 2000 and XLC 2500 amplifiers.
In the Audi 2 Theater, Digital Sound System installed a complete 7.1 cinema audio system featuring JBL 4732 ScreenArray loudspeakers in the left, center and right positions. Digital Sound System selected JBL 4642A dual-driver subwoofers to deliver smooth bass response and JBL 8320 compact cinema surround loudspeakers to ensure balanced sound in every seat. The system is powered by Crown DSi 4000 and DSi 2000 amplifiers and controlled using a state-of-the-art JBL CPi2000 cinema processor.
Digital Sound System installed a compact 7.1 cinema audio system in the Audi 1 theater, featuring JBL 3732 ScreenArray loudspeakers in the left, center and right positions. The system is enhanced with a JBL 4642A dual-driver subwoofer for low-end support and JBL 8320 compact cinema surround loudspeakers for comprehensive coverage. The system is powered by Crown DSi 4000 and DSi 2000 amplifiers. A JBL CPi2000 cinema processor offers complete control over the system.
“We recently had JBL Professional products installed at ABR Cinemas in Gudivada,” said Ramakrishna Anil Kumar Pechetti, CEO, ABR Cinemas. “The sound quality and product performance have been very good. Working with the HARMAN Professional Solutions team has also been a great experience, as everyone was highly professional and ensured timely delivery of the project. I’d recommend JBL Professional products for future upgrades at any branch of ABR Cinemas.”
“With a forward-looking approach and a focus on quality, ABR Cinemas wanted to offer a world-class cinema experience for guests in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh,” said Aditya Todi, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing, HARMAN Professional Solutions, India and SAARC. “We’re glad to have been part of this journey with them.”
Century City Cinema, boasts of a cutting-edge audio system that includes JBL 4732-T loudspeakers and JBL 4642A high-power subwoofers along with JBL 9300 cinema surround speakers
Century City Cinema
To deliver clear, intelligible vocals and a superior surround sound experience, Cine Tech Engineering Works equipped Century City Cinema Punjab with a state-of-the-art JBL Professional cinema audio system.
Located in the heart of Mandi Dabwali, Century City Cinema is a 381-seat multiplex with two luxurious screening rooms. To deliver a world-class cinema experience, Century City Cinema hired Cine Tech Engineering Works to upgrade their aging audiovisual system with a cutting-edge HARMAN Professional Solutions cinema audio system featuring class-leading JBL loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers.
“We recently installed cinema sound solutions in Century City Cinema, Punjab, with the help of the HARMAN Professional Solutions team,” said Asad Rashid, Owner, Cine Tech Engineering Works. “As per the client’s requirements, we designed a cutting-edge audio system that includes JBL 4732-T loudspeakers and JBL 4642A high-power subwoofers along with JBL 9300 cinema surround speakers. The system is powered by Crown DSi Series amplifiers and a JBL CPi2000 cinema processor.”
Century City Cinema equipped both theaters with premium JBL 4732-T triamplified ScreenArray loudspeaker systems to deliver crystal-clear, THX-certified sound. Equipped with JBL ScreenArray technology, 4732-T systems deliver impressive output, balanced coverage, and minimal distortion. To deliver rich, powerful low-end for music and sound effects, Century City Cinema selected JBL 4642A dual-driver subwoofers for their flat frequency response and high output. To create immersive audio experiences, Century City Cinema supplemented the system with JBL 9300 cinema surround loudspeakers. With a versatile wall-mounting system, JBL 9300 loudspeakers can be positioned at three different angles for optimal coverage.
To provide staff at Century City Cinema with a simple means of adjusting audio levels and sound quality for both screening rooms, Century City Cinema equipped the theater with a JBL CPi2000 cinema processor. With state-of-the-art DSP processing, audio enhancement presets and an intuitive software interface, the CPi2000 provides seamless control. The system is powered by Crown DSi Series amplifiers.
“We recently set up a JBL Professional sound system in our facility to deliver an amazing cinema experience with crisp, clear sound quality,” said Sagar Bansal, Owner, Century City Cinema. “Our visitors appreciate the enhanced surround sound effect, which has solidified our reputation as a quality cinema. Working with the HARMAN Professional Solutions and Cine Tech Engineering teams was a great experience.”
To deliver clear, intelligible sound at DM Cinema, CineTech Engineering Works installed a premium JBL Professional cinema audio system comprising of C222 cinema loudspeakers along with JBL Professional 4642A cinema subwoofers and 8320 cinema surround speakers powered by Crown DSi amplifiers and a JBL Professional CPi2000 cinema sound processor
DM Cinema
DM Cinema is the first cinema in Aizawl. With comfortable seating for up to 140, a full-sized cinema screen and a 2K projection system capable of showing 3D films, DM Cinema provides an immersive experience for moviegoers. In order to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout the theater, DM Cinema hired CineTech Engineering Works to install a world-class cinema audio system. CineTech installed a state-of-the-art HARMAN Professional Solutions cinema audio system featuring class-leading JBL loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers.
“Being the first cinema in Aizawl, this was a huge breakthrough in the northeast,” said Asad Rashid, Owner, CineTech Engineering Works. “The support from the HARMAN Professional Solutions team was commendable, and enabled us to complete the installation within the designated time frame. For the installation at DM Cinema, we had to create a design that would have a shallow profile and produce quality cinema sound in a less-than-perfect acoustical environment. We decided to install JBL Professional C222 cinema loudspeakers along with JBL Professional 4642A cinema subwoofers and 8320 cinema surround speakers, powered by Crown DSi amplifiers and a JBL Professional CPi2000 cinema sound processor.”
CineTech installed JBL C222 ScreenArray cinema loudspeakers as the main left, center and right speakers to provide smooth, accurate sound reproduction. C222 speakers combine patent-pending Dual Dissimilar Arraying and Acoustic Aperture Technology to deliver remarkably uniform coverage. With a compact footprint, the C222 is perfect for small and medium multiplexes with space constraints.
To provide even, balanced coverage for every member of the audience, CineTech installed JBL 8320 cinema surround speakers. CineTech selected JBL 8320 speakers for their high power handling, high sensitivity and extended bass response. For additional low-frequency support, CineTech installed JBL 4642A dual-driver subwoofers. JBL 4642A subs are equipped with two 18-inch drivers for rich, powerful low-end. The system is powered by Crown DSi 4000, DSi 2000 and DSi 1000 amplifiers. To provide staff with an easy-to-use means of controlling the system, CineTech equipped the theater with a JBL CPi2000 cinema processor.
“HARMAN Professional Solutions has provided our theatre with high-quality surround sound using JBL Professional products,” said Zodintluanga Hmar, Owner, DM Cinema. “We love the output the system provides, as it makes for an ideal experience for our audiences. Working with the HARMAN Pro team has been nothing short of perfect. The team helped us throughout the entire project, and we’d recommend other theatres to work with them too.”
“It is a matter of pride that HARMAN Professional Solutions has the good fortune to reach out to places as far out as Mizoram,” said Aditya Todi, Senior Director Sales and Marketing, Professional Solutions, India and SAARC. “Delivering quality sound has always been our mission and we’re glad that DM Cinema in Mizoram has chosen to go the JBL Professional way. Here’s to many more such installations.”
JBL Professional’s Dolby Atmos designed audio system enables Shree Talkies to show films with immersive 3D-quality sound.
Shree Talkies
Located on the north side of Agra, the Shree Talkies movie theater boasts the highest cinema revenue in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The recently upgraded 860-seat main theater became the first in the city to offer Dolby Atmos sound, which features ceiling and full-range surround speakers to create an immersive, three dimensional soundstage. To comply with Dolby’s strict specifications for Atmos theaters and offer a premium audio experience, Shree Talkies hired cinema integrator CineTech Engineering Works to outfit the theater with JBL Professional loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers.
“With the theater having a seating capacity of 860, total throw distance of 112 feet and height of around 45 feet, designing an immersive audio system with overhead speakers was a challenge,” said Asad Rashid, Owner of CineTech Engineering Works. “Only JBL can deliver professional cinema sound in this type of large-format Theater, with products like the ScreenArray and Cinema Surround Series loudspeakers. And with the help of HARMAN Professional Solutions team, we were able to finish the installation before the deadline.”
Behind the screen, JBL 5742 high-power ScreenArray loudspeakers deliver maximum output with minimal distortion for the left, center and right channels. Screen Spreading Compensation (SSC) and Optimized Aperture Waveguide technology give the 5742 speakers extremely focused coverage. For the surround and overhead channels, CineTech installed JBL 9310 and 8350 high-power cinema surround loudspeakers. The passive, two-way JBL 9310 speaker features new transducer and waveguide technologies developed to produce studio-quality performance with pattern control tailored to modern theatre geometries. The JBL 8350 speaker offers high power handling and sensitivity to meet the extended dynamic range required by digital sound formats, plus multiple mounting options for convenient installation. JBL 4642A dual 18-inch subwoofers add thunderous low-frequency output, delivering the full impact of modern films.
For amplification, CineTech installed a range of Crown DSi Series amplifiers, including the DSi 1000, DSi 2000, DSi 4000 and DSi 6000. Ranging in power from 475 to 2100 watts, the DSi Series amplifiers offer onboard DSP and perfectly matched performance with JBL ScreenArray systems. Together, the Crown amplifiers and JBL cinema loudspeakers form a class-leading cinema audio system that delivers unparalleled immersion at Shree Talkies.
“Our theater has been appreciated for having one of the best audio systems in a single-screen cinema in North India, and HARMAN Professional Solutions has helped us make that happen,” said Agarwal. “Choosing any speaker brand other than JBL Professional was just not an option. Considering JBL’s cinema legacy across the globe, there was no doubt about the quality of the product or the service.
Our audience has an amazing cinematic experience thanks to JBL loudspeakers. It was a fantastic experience working with HARMAN Professional Solutions and CineTech Engineering Works. Post-installation support was brilliant, and we are very satisfied with the quality, sales and service.”