In this second part of the interview we asked Yves Trélohan if he could explain the difference between the leading 3D sound formats.
Yves Trélohan – CEO StormAudio: Basically our product line supports all the formats. So, that means Auro-3D, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. That’s quiet a challenge for a surround sound processor manufacturer, because every format has a different way of setting up the speakers. Dolby Atmos is based on a traditional surround configuration of 5, 7 or 9 speakers. Then you add 2, 3 or 4 ceiling speakers. Most of the movies are mixed, considering this format. Auro-3D is significantly different. The way that our ears localize sound, is rather horizontally orientated then vertically. Auro-3D puts only one speaker on the ceiling. There’s a second layer of height speakers above the base layer, angled 20 or 30°. According to Auro Technologies this is what makes the experience more immersive. DTS:X was the last to present their 3D format. They have really been clever as they support both configurations. So, what’s the best format? Well, that depends on the content. Most of the time the content is optimized for that particular format and speaker layout. We never say that one format is better than the other. The result depends on the content relation to the studio and the mix. If content is natively mixed in Dolby Atmos, it’s best to use a Dolby Atmos configuration, even if you could play it in Auro-3D. For us as manufacturer the challenge is to be intelligent and flexible enough to support the different formats and speaker configurations. Compatibility with any kind of speaker layout is key. That way you can run all the different formats through a chosen speaker layout, even if they aren’t ment to be compatible. Believe me, that is very complex!
Visit the StormAudio | Auro-3D | Dolby Atmos | DTS:X website.
