The 5.1 audio distribution systems in at least 100 movie screens in the State will be upgraded to Auro 11.1 by Barco, the latest in 3D sound, to offer what the company describes as truly immersive sound.
It is as close to being natural as it can be, said D. Suresh Babu, managing director of Suresh Productions, adding that the change would be effected by the end of the current fiscal.
Mr. Babu told reporters here that the enhanced audio experience would soon be available in 10 screens across Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Vijayawada, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.
“In three to five years, we expect to have at least 40 to 50 films processed with Auro sound and about 300 to 500 screens equipped with the audio systems. Individually, conversion will mean an investment of between Rs. 12-15 lakh and exhibitors will find it well worth it,” he said, adding that Allu Arjun-starrer Race Gurram would hit the screens with Auro 11.1 sound.
Interestingly, the credit of bringing Auro 11.1 to India goes to actor Kamal Haasan, said Auro 3D patent holder and Auro Technologies CEO Wilfried Van Baelen. Viswaroopam 2 was made with the technology, he revealed.
Since its launch in Tokyo in 2010, over 50 international films had adopted the process to record sound while shooting, and 350 multiplexes have confirmed installation of the technology, he stated.