DA20

THE NEXT GENERATION OF
DIGITAL FILM SOUND

Audiences that have experienced the clarity and presence of digital film sound know that it adds a new dimension to the moviegoing experience.

But more than the audience's perceptions alone go into the exhibitors' choice of a new sound track.

From reliability to ease of operation, maintenance and service, the equipment you select must not only be cost-effective in the short term, but retain its value as a long-term investment.

With its on-film approach featuring both digital and analog soundtracks on the same print, Dolby Stereo Digital offers not only superior sound quality; but a comprehensive system-based on Dolby's widely accepted AC-3 digital audio coding technology for every stage of the production, laboratory, and distribution process. And now equipping the theatre for Dolby Stereo Digital playback is more affordable than ever, thanks to the DA20 Digital Film Sound Adaptor, the second generation of Dolby Stereo Digital playback equipment.

The DA20's highly integrated design fulfills the promise of digital sound for exhibitors and audiences alike at significantly reduced cost, while still requiring only minimal maintenance, providing straight forward interface with existing Dolby cinema processors, and offering expansion capability for present and future special applications.

The companion Cat. No. 700 is a second generation digital soundhead, with streamlined optics and an integral power supply to reduce costs and simplify installation and maintenance. Designed for easy mounting on any projector, the Cat. No. 700 reads the on-film Dolby Stereo Digital optical track by means of a CCD array, then feeds its signal to the DA20 for decoding into six channels (left, center, right, left surround, right surround and subwoofer). Alternatively, several projector manufacturers also offer integrated soundheads which incorporate the same circuitry used in the Cat. No. 700, further simplifying day-to-day operation and system setup: contact your projector supplier for more information.

Like all professional Dolby cinema equipment, the DA20 and Cat. No. 700 are built to exacting quality standards. Thoughtful, thorough engineering, backed by a worldwide team of Dolby-trained installation and maintenance technicians, mean that your investment in Dolby Stereo Digital will serve you reliably and economically for years to come.

1. Video acquisition
Converts analog video image (96 blocks/second) from soundhead to digital data bursts.

2 & 3. Dual digital signal processor
Performs image enhancement and bit extraction.

4. System services
Distributes system software, performs Reed-Solomon error detection/correction. Provides first in/first out buffering, delays data stream for synchronization of sound track to picture and displays data recovery efficiency,

5. Dolby AC-3 decoder
Zoran VLSI chip transforms data stream to 6-channel pulse code modulated audio.

6. Six channel DAC
Converts digital audio to analog waveform.

7. Six channel digital signal level indicators
Displays audio modulation level of each channel.

8. Cinema processor interface
Cinema processor format control, audio output, synchronization and surround channel delay setup, analog audio signal presence, and projector, power supply and format status indicators.

1. Integral power supply simplifies installation.

2. Pre-aligned lens and video camera assembly simplify service.

Designed to strict professional specifications, the Cat. No. 700 Digital Soundhead will yield years of reliable playback of Dolby Stereo Digital prints.

The broad format capabilities and easy-to-use features of the Model CP65 make this cost-effective cinema processor an ideal counterpart to the DA20.

The CP65 may be configured for playback of Dolby Stereo (A-type), Dolby Stereo SR, and Dolby Stereo Digital (SR•D), as well as Dolby Stereo 70mm magnetic. Its six-channel input and fader simplify the interface with the DA20, and a stereo surround/subwoofer module provides stereo surround equalization to support Dolby Stereo Digital's six-channel playback.

When it comes to multichannel digital sound for the cinema, Dolby Stereo Digital is the practical choice for both producer and exhibitor. Because it provides the six-channel digital optical soundtrack directly on the film, along with a conventional Dolby Stereo SR analog soundtrack playable in any theatre, distributors can provide prints on a single inventory basis.

Exhibitors can rely on existing playback methods, rather than training personnel on add-on equipment involving dual media. And audiences will enjoy superior sound quality for show after show: extended engagements of blockbusters like Aladdin and The Fugitive have proven that Dolby Stereo Digital soundtracks survive even the most demanding playback situations unscathed.

Go on to the Dolby DA-20 specifications page

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