EX of some form (not necessarily Dolby's) providing a 3rd surround channel

*or*

8 channel (5 speakers behind the screen) of some form (not necessarily SDDS)

...which would it be?

Now in all fairness, it seems just about the same amount of movies are being mixed in EX vs. 8 channel (and for this survey let's pretend the numbers are identical), so that should not be a consideration of this survey. Also, regardless of the problems many people have with SDDS dropouts, the SDDS format should not be considered part of the survey either (if you are a fan of SDDS then fine, if not pretend for this survey that DTS or Dolby has an 8 channel digital playback system).

I'm curious as to whether most people would spend the extra bucks on...5 channels behind the screen with 2 surround channels or 3 channels behind the screen with 3 surround channels.

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But I also agree with Scott. If the industry moves toward bigger screens again, 5 channels would be needed.

I emphatically vote for 8-channel. 3-screen channels suck and it is as simple as that...true I don't hear any inspired 5-screen channel mixes out there but then again I don't hear and inspired 3-screen channel ones either. Gee dialog out of center, music and effects out of left and right.

I would take 5-screen channels before I got the second surround. Then I would add 2 more front channels before the 3rd, 4th or 5th surround.

My idea on the sound spread is 7 screen channels (5 behind and one just outside to the left and right), then 5-surrounds...(2-channels on each side wall and one in the rear...allows the mixer to pull the sound back).

I think the basic problem with all of the multi-channel mixes is the time-frame allotted for them.

I've said it before and I will say it again...Surround-EX is the worst bang for the buck. It should only be considered if you have everything else you want sound wise and want to put the finishing touches on.

Steve

Perhaps if we could just clone Gary Rydstrom, he could mix EVERY movie!!! (Damn that Toy Story 2 mix was good!)

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I was amazed at the sound especially during the scene where the Von Trapp family was singing on stage. As the family members moved back and forth across the (80 feet wide) stage, the voices were perfectly panned with them, and the 5 full range stage channels greatly enhanced the sound presentation.

So, if done PROPERLY, using 5 full range channels, and with a big enough screen, 5 stage channels are great.

Unfortunately, very few if any films these days would benefit very much if at all, so I would opt for the ex format in most cases.

------------------
Oscar Neundorfer
Chief Engineer
SMART Devices, Inc.

Seeing and hearing "Seven Wonders of the World" and "How the West Was Won" in 7 discrete channel Cinerama in Dayton OH last month made me realize how much we have lost, despite the latest in digital technology. That 7-track analog magnetic film played on 1950's equipment may have had some hum and noise, but the sound truly "brought you into the picture" and added a major creative tool.

The "ultimate" on my "wish list"? A great movie filmed using 65mm negative, with hundreds of 70mm DTS prints having 12 channels: L, LC, C, RC, R, 5 surrounds, 1 overhead, and 1 subwoofer. "Seat Shaker" optional.

Guess what? --- all the technology and equipment needed exists today! Which makes me both happy (that it could be used), and sad (that it isn't).