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I can't recall any announcement, and I can't find anything in a quick search of the Dolby web site. What did you hear about the features of the new processor?

I think a few Dolby folks "lurk" here, maybe one of them will provide details, if they are available.

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Actually, I know very little about the CP650. I just hope that it doesn't have a STUPID MENU SYSTEM like the CP500 does. I hate going through what seems like 20 very slow-changing screens just to adjust dolbytone. Also, the format switching on the CP500 seems slow to me, I hope they fix that.

Also, on the CP500 you must cue SK8 which must be set up as Dolby Digital to cue the SA-10 into EX mode. But I run those cues right after the policy trailer before the digital comes on, and it gives me a "Not Ready" and never goes into EX. I must change the auto digital targeting for every EX movie to avoid this. I like how the CP65 will try to go to digital, but instantly fall back to SR. When digital is restored, the EX will come on.

I do like the serial control capabilities of the CP500, so hopefully they retain that (I think that is the plan).

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Please lose the digital equalization. Nothing beats the good ol' cat64 cards for great sound.

Also, let's get that external digital input configured directly for a DTS input. No more of this "pull these two pins for the subwoofer to work" nonsense. And where's the SDDS input? I'd like to be able to leave the SDDS eq FLAT and perform the equalization within the Dolby processor. This nonsense of the SDDS "taking over" the audio system is a joke. The CP650 NEEDS two completely separate digital inputs, although I would personally like to see three.

While I'm talking about external inputs, the dual non-sync was a fantastic idea. Please leave that.

Can we please get back to tweekers? I agree with Joe that going through a maze of menus is just plain annoying. It's not that it's hard or anything (I've learned how many times to hit what button and in what order, so the CP500 is always seriously lagging behind my commands), but what is the benefit other than being able to store the settings on a disk? Is it a cost issue?

Anyone given any thought to 1/3 octave eqing on the surround channels?

How about 70mm? The last good 70mm machine Dolby put out was the CP200.

The front panel needs more than 8 soft keys. I think 12 should suffice.

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Joe: and to anyone else that is interested. Dolby has a new version of software for the 500 it is 1.61. It is suppose to change to EX or SK8 when it sees EX. I ran into that doing a service in the small town of Willows. I could not tell if it was working right because MI2 was on that screen, but the boot up window says it was EX. I have not talked to Norm or Lonnie since then, but they should have it.

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The only difference between 1.61 and 1.61EX is that 1.61EX kills the EQ on the surrounds in the CP500 so they can be adjusted on the SA-10

DTS has had auto ES detection from the beginning. DTS kicks ass.

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"The CP650 represents Dolby Laboratories' latest generation of cinema processors. With a completely new design, it incorporates the latest technology for decoding digital and analog Dolby optical soundtracks. The processor fits in a 3-U rackspace (5-1/4" high).

All processing occurs in the digital domain. SR and A-Type noise reduction are achieved digitally, as is third-octave equalization for all playback channels. A digital parametric equalizer is also included for the LFE channel.

Setup and alignment can be accomplished via a dual-trace scope or Windows-based PC. All alignment connections and test points are available at the front panel of the unit to simplify setup and testing.

The CP650 has digital inputs for two projectors" <Yippie!> "supporting the Cat. No. 701 Dolby Digital reader, a six-channel analog input for external digital processors, two pairs of nonsync input connectors (RCA Style), a microphone input (balanced XLR connector) for P.A. use and B-Chain alignment, stereo PCM audio capability, and Dolby Digital for consumer applications (DVD and HDTV).

There are balanced outputs" <finally> "for eight auditorium channels: left, center, right, left surround, right surround, back left surround, back right surround, and a subwoofer output. The unit features a hearing-impaired output, and an Ethernet port to accommodate future control and monitor functions."

It apparently comes in two flavors:

CP650: 35mm Dolby Digital Surround EX and Dolby Analog soundtracks.. $11,500.00 List.

CP650-D: For 35 mm Dolby Digital and Dolby analog soundtracks....$10,500.00 List.

The CP650-D can be upgraded with a UEX/650.