Small but perfectly formed JBL home cinema

[JBL 4645]

Casper was perfect example for showing off the abilities of the Dolby 4.2.4 later version was dts six-track mix buti had to take backseat for a region 2 DVD which isn’t too bad the THX laserdisc did get more than few showings before settling down in its single laserdisc jacket.

Strange Days THX laserdisc with its P.O.V. opening sequence is neat for Dolby stereo 4.2.4 thou the region 2 DVD is fully isolated six-track discreteness is far more thrilling with voices panned behind and to (side to side LCR) cool end credits music.

DragonHeart THX laserdisc is another example of wicked panning like when Draco files around Bowen his voice swoops around the arrays of surrounds defused in Dolby stereo matrix 4.2.4 and clearer in six-track Dolby stereo.

Wicked LFE.1 effects when called for that would be missing on Dolby stereo 4.2.4 mix.

E.T. I could have kicked Spielberg for that naff 20th WTF edition! I think the guy is going senile walkie-talkies is the guy loosing the plot?

Thank god I still had the original theatrical version Dolby stereo 4.2.4 PCM PAL laserdisc.

The first edition 20th region 2 DVD I gave to a friend because he doesn’t know what to listen for so its no loss to me, besides he has naff sound system.

The three disc region 2 DVD was almost stepping in the right direction! It includes the (almost original theatrical with the a few noticeable clear stands out like sore thumb sly sound effects) I’ve pointed this out before and I’m sick of mention it.

It’s obvious these retards don’t know the meaning or understand what the meaning of (original) means [sigh]!:banghead:

Go and listen and I mean really listen!

Sneakers its all about the information cool flick with cool Dolby stereo 4.2.4 not sure when six-track Dolby stereo version will surface on region 2 DVD thou it doesn’t matter the film was released internationally in Dolby stereo SR I think.

I transferred the film to DVD-RW I think a few years ago, haven’t played it since. I’m sure I made DVD-RW hmm???

Cutthroat Island THX laserdisc talk about Cutthroat because the BBFC went batshit on the region 2 DVD and hacked it up badly with really silly cuts for 15 certificate that really does take the piss!

Well at least I have the illegal version so I can stick my fingers up at the BBFC and call you every foul word under the sun :biting: because I don’t like it when wankers take the piss with the consumer!

Robocop 2 more bloody gore and this had few creepy moments and plentiful of laughs. Mayor Kuzack: F&ck you, you old senile bastard! This is bullshit! F&ck you!

Wicked bass LCRS/sub bass extension on the footfalls bangs and crashes explosions etc.


Natural Born Killers wired flick and why on Earth did I buy this!? because it was controversial at the time of release in UK cinemas at the same time I had the laserdisc and really what a load of fuss.

Not a bad Dolby stereo mix with cool CAV side so you can playback (Robert Downey Jr) Wayne Gale death sequence That’s a f&cking joke right?

[B]The English Patient THX laserdisc must have only seen this less than 10 times played fully including the region 2 DVD. Saw this at UCI screen 5 in Dolby stereo SR as they didn’t install the Dolby CP500 till around 1997 I think?

Mighty Joe Young was recently played on region 2 DVD last month in six-track Dolby stereo thou the laserdisc is encoded in Dolby AC-3 the PCM isn’t too bad plenty of loudness and soft jungle sounds of birds tweeting all around.

Congo wicked THX laserdisc this bugger I saw a few times at the ABC screen 1 which is now called a wet fish because back around the time it came out, it wasn’t a bad sounding cinema. Must have saw this two or three times in Dolby stereo A type because they where too tight ass to buy Dolby SR cards for the Dolby CP200 in screen 1 and they’d rather use Dolby SR with some films in the naff still to this day screen 2 WTF!

Anyway this bugger really crackles nicely. The region 2 DVD sparkles a bit more with isolated six-track Dolby stereo.

Clear and Present Danger THX laserdisc was one of the first Dolby AC-3 arrivals on laserdisc to exhibit six-track Dolby stereo discrete must be worth a lot of money now, one of those rare things.

The region 2 DVD allows me to hear it the way it was heard in the cinema thou the ABC screen 1 didn’t install Dolby digital fully until around early 1998 I think?


Seven or Se7en wicked cool tense thriller. What’s in the box? The region 2 DVD with its Dolby –EX wow seems to work will all films with decent spilt-surround stereo surrounds mix!? [Sigh]

Blue Planet cool CAV laserdisc IMAX with bombastically loud PCM thunders with roaring ripples of low frequency sound waves as the space shuttles lifts off or the thunder lighting effects and some earthquake effects oh, volcanoes as well!

The narration track can be switched off on this laserdisc leaving only the music and effects playing.

The region 2 DVD six-track Dolby stereo has variable language tracks and its isolated discreteness is so choice for listening too.

Basic Instinct is different to the region 2 DVD where I forget which I think it’s the laserdisc theatrical version that doesn’t include a Jerry Goldsmith score when (George Dzundza) Gus questions (Michael Douglas) Nick about the possible motives that (Sharon Stone) Catherine Tramell is the killer she’s coming after me Gus.

Anyway we had ice pick titanium HF piss taking jokes a few days ago with this one. :D

[JBL 4645]

Some more gatefolds laserdiscs.

[JBL 4645]

I’m thinking about transferring the laserdisc edition of 2001: A Space Odyssey to DVD-RW as I just can’t stand to bare the rubbish version region 2 DVD with its pants re-mix and botched-up original dialogue panning well almost because its not like blu-ray can present true 5 five screen fronts so WTF!

Grease wasn’t a bad makeover with its re-release and the THX laserdisc kicks nicely so does the region 2 DVD in wonderful six-track Dolby stereo so really neat sound engineering mixing.

Forrest Gump I seem to recall the naff reviews on its sound by some magazines stating its fantastic or has lots and lots of surround sound? A Dolby stereo 4.2.4 will do that and with no real way of telling what is a surround rear because the front effects like stereo rain or music will filter into the surrounds making them sound constantly active. Its only when you do hear an effect panning you go wow.

Listen to it in six-track Dolby stereo it’s a totally different ball game entirely thou I only have the region 2 DVD along with PAL laserdisc PCM. Most of the rain effects are placed over LCR while the surrounds remain mute in the six-track Dolby mix as intended or mixed by the re-recoding mixers.

There is way to make the six-track constantly surround you or be active from start to finish.

Use stand-alone Dolby pro-logic decoder for the stereo surrounds and second Dolby pro-logic decoder for the L/R fronts and switch the front one to Dolby pro-logic while feeding the outputs from different output and send it to the surround preamp decoder and plug it into one of the two inputs that will also allow the now and then normal surround effects to play while keeping the surrounds activated from start to end of the film.

It takes a bit of juggling to get the balance correct but it does work a treat and your friends or guest wouldn’t know the damn difference.

Escape From New York He’s dangerous sir. Call me snake. I rather liked this when I brought this privately many years ago nice audio commentary track and additional extras. The region 2 DVD discrete isolated six-track Dolby stereo has but one pisses me right off sound mix!

He’s dangerous sir is originally mixed for right front as the guard is off-screen to the right. What the f%()king mixers have done is mixed it and placed it in the centre and that deserves a kick in the bollocks who ever they are because they don’t fool me for one second!:biting:

Starship Troopers I think I already mentioned this?

Cape Fear wicked once you heard it at the Empire in THX JBL 13KW plenty of the same here with the NTSC laserdisc. The region 2 DVD isolated six-track Dolby stereo mix is spot on with some cool discrete 100% sounds or music placement over the LCRS with a few now and then LFE.1 track effects.

Striking Distance transferred this bugger to DVD-RW for quicker viewing some wicked cool Dolby stereo mixing too bad there isn’t six-track Dolby stereo mix available on region 2 DVD as if yet.

[JBL 4645]

Some more gatefolds laserdiscs.

[JBL 4645]

Just finished watching, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull this afternoon sound nicely matched to the on-screen action with Dynamic EQ enhancing LCR LF/HF fronts from a flag fluttering in the breeze to left too a convoy of trucks and cars moving across right to centre.

[JBL 4645]

My friend as got me to do more things in his garden and he said he'll do it today! delayed yet again! i spent 4 hours Oh, am I'm off my f^)king mind because still wants to use plastic pipe!?

Well now I’ve tried a 6 inch round pipe by 5 ¾ length and the image passes though with bit of headroom around the edges.

This only makes it easy for drilling a hole in the wall. and he wants to take credit for the idea? A f^_king ludicrous :banghead: idea how I managed to get…

Any watch this moment from HEAT because I kinder feel like Vincent,
Don’t waste my motherbuggering time!:D


HEAT 1995 Dont waste my motherfu&king time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFeXaPDzVyg&feature=channel_page (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFeXaPDzVyg&feature=channel_page)

Anyway the image is passing though the pipe with less refraction off the edges unlike the 4 inch which failed big-time!

Don’t waste my motherbuggering time!

[JBL 4645]

Star Wars originals with new George Lucas interviews on the end of each film.

Also a rare PAL Star Wars analogue audio that works with the CX noise reduction system laserdisc was produced around (1992) this was before digital PCM encoded laserdiscs came about.

Also Japanese Star Wars episode 1 this was more or less the last Star Wars film produced for laserdisc. Its Dolby-EX encoded, nice gatefold cover. Cost a bomb I think it was $139.00 or around £75.00.

Also special edition Star Wars that was released early around 1997 in cinemas and on laserdisc around December that same year.

[JBL 4645]

Star Wars sp ed 1997

[JBL 4645]

Star Wars definitive collection CAV editions only with lots of interviews and audio commentary sessions at different parts spread over the 5 sides per film with extras often staring at the end of the film with a few trailers and additional extras on side 6 of each of the trilogy.

[JBL 4645]

I should have taken closer views of the laserdisc covers I know it’s a bit distant to view.

[JBL 4645]

Just signature THX laserdisc editions I have Apollo 13 is my favourite having an isolated James Horner score on side 4 on the analogue track only. It contains a few extra tracks that aren’t on the CD album.

The Jackal is cool one when I brought the director is raving about the use of panning the sounds around or music as Bruce perforates Jack Black with shell casing the size of fire work rockets! :D Loud soundtrack!

[JBL 4645]

Signature collection gatefolds opened up.

[JBL 4645]

Here’s something I only noticed yesterday while in Bournemouth The Square, at Maplin Electronics I saw an LED video projector?
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=225585 (http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=225585)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Media/PDFs/a65hz_spec_sheet.pdf (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Media/PDFs/a65hz_spec_sheet.pdf)

I’ve looked around and see that there are many other manufactures making this type of product. The prices vary from model to model.

http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=led+video+projector&hl=en (http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=led+video+projector&hl=en)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_projector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_projector)

Done a bit more research didn’t except to find promotional video demonstration.

LED Portable Projector Toshiba TDP-F10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsNk5bpjSVk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsNk5bpjSVk)

[JBL 4645]

Well I brought several of these RCA connectors. I’d have to re-plug the left and right front or disconnect the other Dolby pro-logic decoder that isn’t doing much at present time for additional decoding channel enhancement so I’ll use that for the overhead middle surround.

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=21685 (http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=21685)

Also while on travels this afternoon was thinking about Grand Canyon (1991) the opening has short brief moment where there is half-pan between centre and monaural surrounds.

The sound is also half between left and right fronts as it pans to the monaural surrounds but its so faint in level and focus unlike the centre where it’s focused more clearly.

Sooty, showed some JBL curiosity support as I placed the 6th JBL control 1 pair on the stool in the hallway.

I like the new look on the box design. This now makes 12 JBL control 1, because I need too have the sound controlled and under control, I need to be in-control with what I’m listening too.:D

[JBL 4645]

So now I have a few hours of steadily un-plugging and re-plugging the AVR and processors and only 1 amp channel left to use and its only for monaural use so that’s the good news.

I’ll use the existing holes in the ceiling that was used for other overhead surround from the (matrix rear) decoder. Also got 5 metres of loudspeaker cable so, (fixing the speaker bracket mounts and wiring up shouldn’t take no more, than 30 minutes).

The sound calibration will take a bit longer as I might have to drop in spare EQ for this to get the tone timbre near as possible

First off relax and have some ASDA Scottish strawberries and British double cream as I had bugger all in the way of luxury pleasurably delights for months, while Sooty was eating like a King.:D

[JBL 4645]

I had to re-plug the leads so that Yamaha DSR-70Pro acts as the surround decoder for normal split-surrounds or centre back as and when I want to use it.

So leads pass from Yamaha DSR-70Pro left and right side surrounds to the normal EQ/amp and (centre beck to Pioneer VSP-200 right input).

Centre front outputs from AVR with Y lead connector plug attached to centre while one lead goes directly to the DCX2496 for centre LF/HF. (Centre front goes to left input on the Pioneer VSP-200).

Basically the Pioneer VSP-200 is do the trick with overhead effect when switched onto Dolby pro-logic.

Opening from Grand Canyon the helicopter moves from centre front to overhead then to centre back surrounds because that is the way the Dolby pro-logic works and its really neat sounding.

Okay I need to completely re-balance the whole sound system now and that’s going to take many hours and few more tests with, (hmm, We Where Soldiers hmm, maybe).

It also works in Dolby stereo 4:2:4 a bit weird sounding but it works, (works best in discrete four-track or six-track).

[JBL 4645]

Here’s a quick simple idea that came to me last week. These simple RCA Y jack plug connectors or even the Y lead itself can be used.

Trick is to use some Y leads on the AVR and send long leads to the sub active and attach a few or daisy chain the Y leads so they can accept multiple inputs rather than the usual common two. Or place several leads onto each of the two inputs.

This seems like poormans approach but I’m sure, its sound enough to work.

Then set the levels for each using pink noise or sine wave for each channel to trim or customize the amount of level to the sub just for fun or take it serious doesn’t matter which.

It’s so simple a child could do it. I don’t know why the idea didn’t come to me 10 years ago.:D

[JBL 4645]

Here’s something I did at least 10 or more years ago was painted in the JBL logo on the back that would normally be black! I also painted in with tiny hobby modelling brush the smaller lettering. Each one took a few hours because I wanted it to look as neat possible and its different rather than the stiff black look.

Maybe next time I’ll use orange model paint.:D

[JBL 4645]

A little quick something I did earlier to see what the overall frequency response is like in 11 locations with a single sub. The different numbers indicate where I placed the ECM8000 microphone this showed where some large peaks where and where I need them most at the sweet spot isn’t always possible with a single sub…or single sub playing the LFE.1 while another sub plays out the LCRS that also has less peaks where I need them most or other peaks where I couldn’t get before.

I like playing with subs its like Gone with the frigging Wind. :D

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/JBL4645roomREWEQtest.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645leftfront.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645centrefront.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645rightfront.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645rightmiddlefront.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645centremiddlefront.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645leftmiddlefront.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645rearrightside.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645rearcentreback.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645rearleftside.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645sweetspotright.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/jbl4645sweetspotleft.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/allfreqrenciesmiddlefrontsandsweets.jpg

[JBL 4645]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk279/SpectrumsubbassLFE13417/allfrequnciescombined.jpg

[JBL 4645]

The dts six-track laserdisc collection is tour de force blast of ridiculous dynamic range.

Goldeneye (1995) this THX laserdisc is really a licence to trill! It’s one many big favourites (well one of many that is). Its opening with an airplane flying from left sidewall surrounds then panning seamlessly across (left centre fronts) while the breeze of wind blows gently around gives scale and creditable realism.

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) Starts off with an explosive kaboom.when ranged pissed off Simon says starts letting off bombs Bruce ole boy has to play his silly games to prevent another big bang going off in public area. Plenty of split-surrounds going on along with clear centre dialogue reproduction and what I call an upper centre dialogue moment, but you have to listen real hard for it!

Crimson Tide (1995) this THX goes nuclear has Denzel and Gene go head to head in this taught gritty thriller of cat and mouse as submarines each seek out there prey. Plenty of lows all-around and enough LFE.1 to sink a battle ship…well a sub?

Apollo 13 (1995) this THX laserdisc has enough 6.5 million pounds of trust to launch a decent sub bass on launch accent on chapter 13. The split-surrounds are real treat to listen too. It’s probably without doubt thee only demonstration dts THX laserdisc to showcase the JBL sound system.

Carlito’s Way (1993) Brian De Palma's has real talent for gangster type films with tense ending shoot out in train station. The laserdisc only has 5 active channels out of the six. The LFE.1 isn’t active anywhere in the film, I’m guessing the DVD will be the same.

Daylight (1996) this THX laserdisc goes nuts for the low end that is covered over all-channels on the explosive under-subway-pass that goes underneath the Hudson River in New York. I’ll be taking the bridge if you don’t mind.

Tomorrow never dies (1997) this dts laserdisc may not be THX but it sure sales off as on with nice colours of bass range throughout the running time. It’s not the best of the Pierce Brosnan’s but Goldeneye is.

Born of the Forth of July (1989) this dts laserdisc as rather impressive use of LCRS with rare occasional LFE.1 that is used sparingly. Helicopter flybys overhead sounds realistic. Surrounds are monaural on this film as that is internal for the 70mm Dolby format 42 of thus era.

True Lies (1994) this dts laserdisc is…well I’m not going to lie it’s a mindless load of LOUDNESS so break out the ear plugs the ear defenders and ear muffs. Here’s my invitation KABOOM!

Last Man Standing (1996) this dts laserdisc shoots out with plenty of action sub bass recoil with fly bodies in this gritty Walter Hill film starring uncle Bruce as lone man only looking a for a few peaceful hours at some down and out town in the middle of the desert soon turns into bloody sub bass of carnage.

Jurassic Park The Lost World (1997) this THX laserdisc has T-rex on the sub bass footfall rampage yet again. I’d be just a little careful with this T-HReX laserdisc because it could be the end of your sub/subs as we know it.

[JBL 4645]

Gatefold laserdisc jackets.

[JBL 4645]

In space no laserdisc can hear you scream…:D

This is nice gem CAV collectors edition with slight difference in the sound as the alien encounters acid burns though the decks of the Nostromo you have too listen real hard to notice never give up those laserdiscs…now then!

[JBL 4645]

Just peeking inside the box-set no sign of any face huggers as of yet…yikes!:D

[JBL 4645]

Laserdisc goes where no laserdisc as gone before…This is not complete NTSC Star Trek collection as I brought most of them separately (along with a few PAL editions only and the box covering for the PAL editions. Star Trek V is P&S the rest are widescreen scope 2.35:1 apart from Star Trek VI which is super35 2.2:1.

[jcrobso]

I have some of the Star Trek LD also, I'll have to check and see which ones.

[JBL 4645]

I have some of the Star Trek LD also, I'll have to check and see which ones.

I’m betting the laserdiscs are in cardboard box like mine.

Yes see which ones you have…one can not keep track of all things these days.:D

[jcrobso]

I'll probably have some time next week to go through them.

[JBL 4645]

I'll probably have some time next week to go through them.

I thought as much inside a cardboard box.

I laserdiscs displayed out fill three boxes in the bedroom.

I imagine you have a bit more than a few boxes.:D

[JBL 4645]

With the fluorescent display keep cutting-out and the inferred as well I decided to strip the front panel display right down to an almost bare so that I can see what is causing the short.

As it turned out it was dry joints on several pins connecting the devices to the PCB that had come lose. It’s a common thing and was surely glad it was a simple thing to put right.

I re-soldered the pins tested the AVR by sharking and pressing around (the fluorescent display) to see if it cut-out and it stayed intact working.

The only other slight issue is the master volume control. It doesn’t quite go and down the db scale at the twist of the knob. It tends to wonder slightly. Now if I turn it steadily it will respond as well as it responds well with the remote control.

Well that’s that I’m going to put it all back together. This is up-keeping, maintenance these little things need to be done once in while.

Now I have to re-plug all the leads as it looked like birds nest when I un-plugged the leads, I had to strip all the leads out and start over again, sigh lol.

Sooty wanted to play the part of The Cable Cat.:D As I was sorting out the lengths of leads he seemed curious and interested. I had to put him in he bedroom to clam down while I re-plug 60 plus leads sigh.

[JBL 4645]

...

[JBL 4645]

Okay I’ve watched I disliked the format war between HD-DVD and Bluray these past years, that left one contended standing.

So this morning at ASDA while shopping I saw Philips BDP3000 for £97.00 pounds. I kinder hesitated for while looking at the specific features it had that included DVD playback.

HDMI I don’t have at present with current flat screen but I can survive with the look of the image on the regular Panasonic CRT widescreen.

The component RGB with 1080i on the LCD video projector that supports HDReady looks marvellous when comparing the same film that I brought today Terminator 3 Rise of The Machines is slightly lacking resolution on DVD.

Other features

Dolby TrueHD
dts 2.0 digital output
Divx/Divx Ultra
BD Live
X.V. Colour

Plus I have to read though the owners manual a few times to familiarize myself with the device.

I was kinder disappointed that it didn’t support optical output, but I have had no issues as of yet with the coaxial digital out that is plugged into my 9 year old Kenwood KRF-X9050D THX select. The Dolby digital indicator displayed without a problem as well as dts on DVD and CD dts discs.

One thing I’ve noticed between the region 2 DVD is louder mix that seems to be around 8db 10db higher don’t quote me on that, I haven’t fully analyzed each formats in the audio chain yet.

The bluary Dolby digital seems detailed in someway that I can’t put my finger on, oh I like but I’m very curious as too why I like it.

I’ll do some frequency waterfalls later on and A & B between the two DVD/Bluray.

I can’t, still can’t believe the prices of some Bluray titles £33 pounds for I can’t remember the title, it was Fox/Bluray and all I can say is RIP OFF! They are charge prices that were fit for PAL laserdiscs 12 years ago…sigh.

Well I’m going to change my pre-order for Star Trek next week for Bluray.

The image of the video projector doesn’t come out too well under certain lighting conditions with Vivitar ViviCam 3785 unlike my, dads phone camera that can take reasonable picture with the light turned OFF.

The next step is towards a new AVR that supports the new Dolby and dts HD features. I’ll be keeping an eye out for model that has THX on it, and not a silly price tag wrapped around it. My Kenwood has lasted 9 years, now than.

Terminator 3 Rise of the Machines was £15.00 pounds at HMV thou I was thinking of buying 2001 A Space Odyssey for £10.00 pounds, but was fearing it might be the same dreadful re-mix with all the crazy wild dialogue panning junked like the 2001 release of the DVD that had virtually all centred with only few passages of (crazy wild dialogue panning anchored in the centre) Sigh.

Now if someone can confirm it’s the version as heard on the 70mm six-track original mix and not the new 70mm I think it was dts70mm that had the remix with split-surrounds SIGH.

Also brought a component lead 17 meters for £17.00 pounds from D.J. Electronics and performs fine. I doubt you’d even get Monster Cable for that price with that many meters of cable, not at there silly otherworldly prices.

[JBL 4645]

Over the last few nights I’ve manually re-equalized the LCR by placing the microphone in close proximity on each LCR LF and HF while stepping though each sine wave tone within the 50Hz to 10KHz as I have ran out of EQ filters on the Behringer DCX2496 which as limited parametric EQ bands due to crossover filers.

Yes that’s right I placed (the microphone up really close to the LCR LF/HF up really, really close).

I’ve managed to get the tone in the LF LCR to match-up within the 90% range and I want 100% as well in the HF range.

[JBL 4645]

Terminator 3 Rise of The Machines Bluray DolbyTrue LFE.1 nuclear explosion

Screen captures are from the region 2 DVD as my pc doesn’t support Bluray.

[JBL 4645]

I’ve been listening to The music of Sibelius - Finlandia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJlvbFzo9fw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJlvbFzo9fw)

That was featured on the end credits of Die Hard 2. Anyway the cinema I saw it at the time UCI had the surrounds mounted fixed to the ceiling some 8 in the larger two screens 5 and 6 and only, 5 I think in the smaller screens since the cinema was only rigged for Dolby stereo optical A/SR.

Well I saw Die Hard 2 several times in Dolby stereo SR and it sounded so neat and fresh in its mixing of atmospheric sounds that had me, look over my shoulder around and above depending on the type of sound or frequency, that tricked the ear.

Well I’ve been thinking of sticking 8 on the ceiling spaced apart and in dead straight line a few inches in from the sidewalls.

Only thing is, this would be relocating the sidewall surrounds a few inches down and total new re-calibration alignment so that they don’t sound like as one but rather a whole surround experience.

Anyway its just an idea for now and who knows I might be soon knocking up x8 more JBL control 1, making the total x18.

The surrounds will have simple switching for height surrounds or just (surrounds ceiling) I just like to simulate the different cinema style, maybe not with the real surrounds as they’d most likely rip the ceiling down!

The control 1 is lightweight and easy to install within minutes.

I saw Die Hard 2 in one of the smaller screens at UCI I’m sure it was screen 4 as I usedto be projectionist there around late 1989 to early 1990.

This is want happens when listening to past classical music; it clicks of an idea, at least it does with me.:)

[JBL 4645]

Here’s is a rough idea of it. The side view has x3 per side spaced apart along the room. The rear has x4 placed in a tighter group. The ceiling surrounds x8 spaced apart along the room leaving several feet apart from the fronts.

Other films that I heard with the original ceiling mounted surrounds.

Willow Dolby stereo A
This was real treat to listen to it had plentiful atmospheric effects like when the witch in the forest appealing for willow to see that the baby is returned to safe hands.

The Hunt for Red October Dolby stereo SR
The sound of the torpedoes from the other Russian sub attacking the Red October sounded rather neat that had me looking overhead as the actors looked upwards.

Die Hard 2 Dolby stereo SR
The title opening of the clash bang and whoosh was impressive. The intercom in the air traffic control tower as the terrorists talk to the tower and the snow windy effects also made the whole thing seem real. Screen 4

Jurassic Park dts
It was rather muted subtle on the effects ether it turned down on the surrounds or they weren’t up to the task or other, it was mostly front stage, thou I’m sure if the surrounds where turned on/off you’d notice the difference. Screen 6 as well as playing in screen 5 (interlocked) and in few of the smaller screens I think screen 8 or maybe 9 and screen 2 or 3?

The Lost World Jurassic Park dts
Again a bit muted! The surrounds don’t sound like on the dts THX laserdisc at my home, they are very involving. Saw this in screen 5


Alien 3 Dolby stereo SR
The sound effects on the open was impressive and when Mr. Aaron makes an announcement over the intercom, also when the power for the furnace is turned ON the humming sound, sounds so eerier and some alien attacks as the creature runs around on the walls and ceiling in the corridors. Screen 4


Always Dolby stereo A
The part when Pete’s friend Hal has engine problem and pulls the emergency extinguisher is heard overhead uniformly. Screen 4

Born on the Forth of July Dolby stereo SR
The helicopters passing overhead and ricochets whizzing though the air! Screen 5 and screen 4

Tango & Cash Dolby stereo A
Helicopter flyby during the opening of the film was rather neat sounding. Okay let’s do it. screen 4

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Dolby stereo SR
This had so much happening in its far too long to even list! Okay the airplanes flying around that made me feel dizzy and the bullet passing though 4 Nazis as Indy ices them! Screen 4

Star Trek VI The Undiscovered Country Dolby stereo SR
The shockwave rushing off screen and over the arrays of surrounds in the larger screen 6

Hook Dolby stereo SR
A nice treat as it is with most of Spielberg’s films. The music just swirled around the surrounds overhead. Screen 4

Waterworld dts
again the surrounds slightly soft. I think it was the dynamic range of the surrounds for dts which has full spectrum sound spec from 20Hz to 20KHz maybe there where being cautious as not to play them too loud fearing they might get busted in? Screen 5

Apollo 13 dts
Again same issue thou the part where the manifolds has the fuel being bumped up the Saturn V was slightly noticeable but rather soft compared to the other cinema I saw at, and that was optical sound not digital. Screen 6

Backdraft Dolby stereo A
The rushing fiery effects blasting around my ears while making me duck was impressive. Screen 4

Terminator 2 Judgement Day Dolby stereo SR
A very soft surround but noticeable when the terminator has smoke blown in his face at, bikers bar after the opening titles. Screen 5 (interlocked with screen 6)

Tomorrow Never Dies dts
Not much I can really remember about this one I know I was sat front row and centre and the onscreen effects was rather impressively crystal clear. Screen 6


I’ve seen many others but the surrounds up until early 2000 was changed for sidewall surrounds. I have no doubt the cinema has third makeover with the speaker system since early around this year 2009.

[JBL 4645]

I plugged the Philips Bluray player into the (internet rooter via ether connector) last night and upload a new feature that was an image enhancement (cinema 21:1).

[JBL 4645]

I’ve just put-up the silly small Christmas tree up and the lights are down! I’d have to get new LED low powered lights. Sooty has taken again a fascinating curiosity and as soon as I turn my back, he leaps up onto the sub, so he can fondle with the tree and most likely rip it down as he did last year, the little bugger.:D

I have gone though each bulb on the x-mas lights with magnifying glass checking for broken burnt filament. I replaced the first light as it’s the fuse light and nothing so simple less than £10.00 lighting LED should last longer, yet I’ve hardly used theses lights, just typical, huh.

Presently listening to Eyna in stereo two-channel only.
:happyh::tree:

[JBL 4645]

I just chatted on the Phillips consumer support by (text chat) the issue has been resolved for the player. I uploaded new firmware this morning not knowing what type of firmware it might be? So I asked a simple question and got simple answer and that’s all there is to need to know.

Great so I an get Terminator Salivation on bluray again and it should play.

[JBL 4645]

Okay I’m going to do an experiment to find a way around this centre issue. I’ll report back in short while.
http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=276811&postcount=675 (http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=276811&postcount=675)

[JBL 4645]

Okay what I’ve done is sent centre from the main AVR decoder to the Yamaha DRP-100 seen in the diagram. The centre invent is helped from the left and right from the main AVR decoder.

The role of the task is to get a signal sent to the Yamaha DSR-70Pro Dolby pro-logic to place an anti-phase signal to cannel or reduce the amount of signal on the (centre main signal) which shouldn’t be on the (main centre channel of ‘2010’).

There is downside since the signal will reduce some portions of the signal and (will inject a signal from centre phantom left and right). If there is signal of similar sound / frequency or mirror image it will be cancelled out thus freeing the centre front by a small degree.

The test signal I used was the dts calibration music and demonstration set-up disc (track 14, all-channels) which is a wideband pink noise signal.

I activate the Yamaha DRS-70Pro which sends out the same pink noise that is being sent to left and right front. I then adjust the centre level on the Yamaha DRS-70Pro so that the pink noise will cancel out the centre. Its only reduced (all or part of the lows) mid and highs are reduced down to very faint sound. Reason is the Yamaha DRS-70Pro has limited bandwidth down to 100Hz so tiny bit low end is heard but its reduced most of the directional.

Now before most of you start jumping around up and down, this doesn’t wreak the sound no worse than it already is. This helps by reducing the centre main will still perform most of its original level.

There it is, simple. I guess this can be improved upon with fancier audio electronics.

This can also remove normal half panned sounds from the centre for clearer left and right stereo sound field. Often the phase tends to have you shifting around in the sofa to catch a clearer left and right sound.

I tired this out a few years ago, with ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ (1984) when Foley gets tossed out a window and then cops show-up. There’s subtle effects left and right that had half panned sound filed mixed onto the centre and I found it distracting at the time.

Today I place a little delay on the DCX2496 centre LF/HF to gain a clearer left and right sound filed, or I can extend it further with the approach that I have just shown you.

[coruphius]

Dude u never sieze to amaze me thats for sure! loong time no see hey!

[JBL 4645]

Okay two waterfall graphs of Jerry Goldsmith Star Trek the motion picture main title opening on CD.

The differences between the stereo 2 channels and Dolby stereo pro-logic and I can see some work still needs to be done on the EQ or each of the two playback modes, not a big deal to sort out.

I used no sub bass extension I muted the sub, so only the two sides stereo only JBL control 5 are playing and then the three JBL control 5 in Dolby stereo mode.

Note: around 230Hz on the stereo only a nice warm spot. It’s less on the Dolby stereo mode but that’s just down to maybe placement and a little bit extra EQ to be applied.

Note: above 250Hz between the two waterfall graphs it’s more or less the same, or varies not a huge big deal as I can see.

[JBL 4645]

The graph shows my diy JBL 4645 sub which is located at the front left-hand side 7 ½ feet away. As you can see there is a bit of null between 40Hz and 60Hz.

If the sofa is moved a few feet forwards its different story where the null will even out, but the lower extreme drops away. Room size is an issue with 15 feet length 10 feet 7 feet 8 inches height.

[JBL 4645]

The graph for the smaller sub Eltax A 12-R which is located 4 – 5 feet depending on the angle or where you’re sat on the sofa.

The response is good across 35Hz to 80Hz where the crossover is set at. It should play find for LCRS sub bass extension on discrete Dolby / dts 5.1 with LFE.1 playing discreetly as to not over taxi the rest of the low end on high impacting film soundtracks.

[JBL 4645]

The two subs summed together JBL 4645 and Eltax A 12-R “it takes two tango” or even out the frequency response for a smother feeling.

All is needed now as little parametric EQ smoothing to finalize the level and additional adjustment on the audio mixer to get the rest of the levels LCRS to match up smoothly with the rest of the primary loudspeakers.

LFE.1 discrete needs to cut in on the smoothly rest of the two subs even thou the LCRS will only be playing on the Eltax A12-R sounds confusing!

[JBL 4645]

The two subs summed together with 1/3 octave smoothing this is still before I apply the parametric EQ which has been already pre-programmed into the Behringer FBQ2496 last night when I ran the same sweep, only I didn’t save the graphs till I made fresh frequency sweep this afternoon.

[JBL 4645]

A new picture of me and Sooty sat up front next to my vintage plasticity JBL control 5.:D

[JBL 4645]

I’ve got some thin MDF for the base platform for the fronts as soon as I get around to knocking it up. Also a few 2x1 or 9 foot lengths to be attached to the front length wall and a few off-cuts for the sidewalls to rest the MDF on.

Cost was £24.00 sodden VAT! :biting:

[JBL 4645]

However I’m also testing out an idea for the soon to be MDF flooring, so I can minimize the SPL db frequency between those neighbours I have below me and vice versa.

It tends to give smoother feel and was noticeable on the Foley of “Total Recall” (1990) bluray region 2, during the hand to hand combat between (Rachel Ticotin) Melina and (Sharon Stone) Lori, where Lori throws a few high kicks and sidekick while flipping Melina over her shoulder and flat onto her back with thud!

The concrete like floor keeps most vibrations to minimum and only a few reach the sofa.

Nulls and dips will decrees action effect, but with the sub resting on the MDF with a few beams underneath it and the sofa legs resting on the edge of the MDF allows some low frequency vibration transmission to be felt.

:D Sooty has been showing slight curiosity of the MDF timber, while sniffing it.

[JBL 4645]

Most of you may hear a little voice speech seeping though the sub on a few occasions. It’s mostly around the 100Hz to 200Hz range that manages to get though.

Okay, then since the way I run the sound system here is a little different with the low end from LCRS sent from various processors from the main AVR so I can cheat or find away around of controlling the low end thou the 6channel audio mixer.

The Eltax A-12R crossover high pass filter always lets a little audio low end speech (sound as an audible muffled tone).

Okay, so how did I solve this? Answer used a few filters on the BFQ2496 and placed sharp cuts of -36db and a little Q to kept most of the male speech that often goes down to 100Hz while monitoring on the RTA.

So that is it simple fast and it will kinder relax the energy on the subs amp by a few db where some tones are not need, they are however need over the LCR or surround depending on some crazy dialogue panning that moves around all-5 channels.

Anyhow you don’t have to set you’re BFQ2496 or DSP1124 to these frequencies its what I used to make it work here after trail and error of listening to the same moment from Bluray “Star Trek The Motion Picture” chapter 12, thou it doesn’t have to be this title or this chapter!

I also tested the sub bass extension with crossover THX set ON which is around -24db down at the crossover if I’m not too mistaken. The AVR still allows a tiny hint of voice dialogue to filtering though it, (only a tiny hint)!

With the THX crossover 80Hz turned off as it always since I run an DCX2496 for the LCR and the surrounds have there own amp and bass treble and EQ control my sound system won’t sweat it. So back to the normal way of running and with the (bypass mode turned back to ON the BFQ2496 its like having an extra filter, brick wall, placed right in front where the voices filter though.

The subs high pass crossover must be very shallow, I doubt 24db more like 12db. Well now I have an extra 180Hz -36db 302Hz -36db 502Hz -36db to deal with it.


Its all, trail and error!

The graph below only shows a prediction of what it should look like.

[JBL 4645]

The JBL 4645 sub and the Eltax A-12R have been raised a tiny fraction off the floor with some timber beams placed underneath each sub that extends towards the sofa ware its rests on the timber beams.

A noticeable difference in the sub bass lows, as the signal is vibrating/travelling the wood and given an extra buzzing feel to the soundtracks low end.

Its not yet been perfected as I still need to get a load more timber and MDF 8x4 sheets to outfit the flooring.

Also testing out the JBL control 5 stereo image as well as centre imaging as the height has been risen by 1 ½ inches.

I might allow for an extra 18mm after the flooring is placed down (as and when I get around to that?)

I have one whole length to place across the front at 8 feet. I need to cut a few feet of the other 8 foot length and attach so that it extends into the front corner.

The front corner needs to be blocked off so that most of the lows around below 80Hz don’t end up with huge dip around in-between the 70Hz range.

[JBL 4645]

Here I’ve moved left and right fronts (only) and placed each one in the centre location for testing.

Between the three there is a slight difference in the level. With the DCX2496 I only switched off all the (PEQ) for this test, but made no changes to the output levels of LF/HF, even thou I’m only testing the LF range here. I had the HF in mute mode.

Not much of big, difference its not drastically major, nothing a bit of PEQ can’t fix.

I’ll test one of the JBL Control 1, out later to see how much of difference there is between 40Hz to 2 KHz that was the sweep test I wanted to focus on for now.

1/3 smoothing applied.

[JBL 4645]

Watched some highlights from “The Living Daylights” a few weeks back. Its go a brilliant six-track Dolby stereo mix. Nice low end over LCRS and LFE.1 that rumbles loud enough!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yISqerg-Sik

[JBL 4645]

This Wednesday, I brought a rather go cheap Pioneer DVD player DV-515 that had been chipped for multi-region, for £20.00.

It’s in rather good, nick given its a few years old.

I was rather surprised to see Sooty so quiescent when I got back. Usually he sniffs out new items for Sooty “Paw Approval”. :D

I ordered same day the sci-fi underwater/horror (Alien meets The Thing) “Leviathan” (1989) scope 2.35:1 Dolby stereo for £6.76 sounds good. Saw Leviathan in Dolby stereo type SR when it opened in cinemas back around 89’. I liked the Dolby SR mix on the film and the Jerry Goldsmith score.

There was another film of similar theme that same year, called “Deep Star Six” and of course “The Abyss” which is considered to be the best underwater films of 89’.

I’ll be keeping a look in the “free ads” on the internet for any bargains being sold at nutty prices.

[JBL 4645]

I watched Disney’s sci-fi adventure “The Black Hole” (1979) yet again. I made a few special trims and boast on the LCR LF/HF with (HP and LF filters) added to trim the mid to high range so it won’t be over bight hash and a tiny boast in the bass mid range to give the film a warmer feeling over the LCR.

I added a few extra smaller loudspeakers to the left and right sidewall surrounds and placed them at the back of the room, on top of the other JBL control 1, which wasn’t used as The Black Hole has (original monaural surrounds) and only the sidewall surrounds was used.

The extra low end has boasted by +6db with quick SPL db metre reading, rather than wideband pink noise check on the RTA, (which I’ll get around to later on).

The film sounded better this time around than last time, which was bit over bright. I didn’t run any HP/LP filters last time, (last year with this film/DVD).

The film got a pressurized deep rumble towards the end, as our hero’s travel into The Black Hole.

On the surrounds again which have plenty of ambient low end and few higher peak loud moments, that enclosed around my ears even more with the low end well, bass/mid was satisfying enough. The sub bass extension handle the last portion down 20Hz, not that The Black Hole goes down that far, it’s rather limited in terms of its 1979 Dolby mix which is about 30Hz or tiny trickle under the 30Hz mark.

The speakers on the back are Panasonic that I found dumped out the back late last year.

Only the bass driver is working the mid range/high driver is not connected as I only want some low end added.

I’m trying to find a way around so that I can run the back half along with the sidewall surrounds yet, make it easy to switch over to centre back surround without the need of adding more surrounds to the back wall that will function alongside with the sidewall surrounds with regular matrix/mono to discrete mono or stereo surrounds.

[JBL 4645]

I’ve just finished doing a few frequency sweeps of the surrounds left and right. I had to re-plug the surrounds outputs to left and right fronts so that the mono frequency sweep signal to work.

There’s not a great deal of difference its very subtle rise between each one with and without the bass extra.

Well if I had PEQ for the surrounds rather than a basic EQ I could tackle the few tiny peaks but I’m, not moaning it’s not as bad as I thought it was.

[JBL 4645]

Left JBL surround arrays with bass extra

[JBL 4645]

Left JBL surround arrays without bass extra

[JBL 4645]

Right JBL surround arrays with bass extra

Well a noticeable boast in the 40Hz to 60Hz range with bass extra, with slight dip in the range without bass extra.

I didn’t bother doing a frequency sweep with the EQ’s muted.

It’s not bad all with basic EQ all it, needs is PEQ to adjust for slight smoothness.

[JBL 4645]

Right JBL surround arrays without bass extra

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17IaCqCsy68

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H7IjFm1bME

[JBL 4645]

The mono sound of the single microphone ECM8000 picking up the sound of the film in the living not too bad. It needs a bit more mid to top end on the recording otherwise the sub bass extension that was used on the DOLBY STEREO 4.2.4 matrix isn’t all that bad its not over distorting like most I’ve heard on youtube.

I’m playing this back from pc audio out to audio in on the AVR though the same JBL sound system. The mid range sound bright or loud on my ears last year, it might be the level on the sub or sensitivity of the ECM8000 is exaggerating the low end a bit. At 0:53 it drops a deep tone in the

The Secret Agent getting kicked in the Bollocks :blink::D LOL that’s felt!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uMI3yMMeM8

[JBL 4645]

First edition THX DVD Alien original theatrical release 1979 director Ridley Scott talks briefly about the deafening roar of 6-track DOLBY STEREO that was released on 70mm with up to six tracks of discrete sound thou only three was used or the screen channels one for the surrounds and two “baby boom” LFE.1 “boom channels”


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJW09z5buVc

[JBL 4645]

So far I think the reduction of the 1 KHz as smoothed out some of the masking issues of the LCR practically over left and right after analyzing using one of a few RTA analyzers that I have…


TrueRTA tends to be too fast and I don’t have the high tolerance level of coolness to watch randomized frequencies peaking over the 10Hz to 20 KHz.
I use the Technics SH-8055 that I can work faster with and by plugging two channels into it Left and Centre where centre is constantly connected to it. I set the level at first using the pink noise from the AVR to equal level over its narrow middle frequency range. Then I use (wideband pink noise all-channels track 14) from a dts test disc that came with the dts decoder that I bought back around 1998.

Okay looks good on LCR all is matched!

Now play some moments from Moonraker opening credits while I monitored the Left and Centre looking at what frequency goes higher over the centre channel.

The vocals’ was peaking mostly at 1 KHz and a few high sounds now and then on the centre along with electrical bass guitar sound. I then monitored in the room with the SPL db placed middle front and then at seating location some of the 1 Khz tones was many db higher in the room so I trimmed the 1 KHz down with same Q filter width on left centre and right.

ABC input on the DCX2496

1 KHz
-5.7db
Q 3.5

LF LCR DCX2496
Channel 2 left front LF
1 KHz
-10.0db
Q 2.0

Channel 3 centre front LF
1 KHz
+3.0db
Q 1.8

Channel 5 right front LF
1 KHz
-10.0db
Q 2.0

So far so good a few other frequencies need to be sorted out in this fashion by looking at the level of frequency direct on the SH-8055 than seeing how bad it looks in the room for correction.

I’d step down and look at other frequencies
25Hz
40Hz
100Hz
163Hz
250Hz
500Hz
1KHz
2KHz
4KHz
8KHz
16KHz

The lower tones between 25Hz and 100Hz would be tricky since I might have peaks in and around 30Hz to 40Hz and dips in and around at 40Hz to 50Hz then peaking up a bit and down again in and around 60Hz to 70Hz and flatten out in and round between 80Hz to 100Hz.

I have to take some wild guessing and random switching back from the direct RTA to in-room RTA response at the listening sofa position.

Or maybe a few un-costly Behringer DEQ2496 might have an easy timing on the frequency action. I can set the TrueRTA to peak response but its still a bit iffy and I need a direct response for reference and its not easy to hook up leads leading from AVR to the audio mixer then over to the pc so that I can switch though each channel for close monitoring.

[JBL 4645]

I’ve been listening to the end credits or part of the remaining seconds of “The Saint” (1997) leading up to the end credits sounds smoother without left and right drowning out the centre channel mix.

The centre mix eventually fades down to mute level while left and right plays along with stereo surrounds that is many db down from left and right front, but still audible.

Chapter 2 or backing up a few minutes to where a tape recording plays that sounds on centre then panned hard to left front as Templar (Val Kilmer) listens to his next assignment.

[JBL 4645]

"The Saint" (1997)

I have tiny amount to sort when the voice of the radio announcer on centre channel grandly fades down as the left and right fades up the word “inexpensive” is the last dialogue sound on the centre and only a remaining few frequencies need to be sorted out to make the sound clearer.

Okay sussed it. I muted the HF on left and right and the word “inexpensive” sounded clear so I know it’s down to few frequency bands over the HF left and right that needs to be reduced (but carefully).

[JBL 4645]

I did a quickie video lasting 10min while I monitor the sound over the LCR I’m not focusing on the surrounds tonight that’s for another day.

I go though muting HF left and right and left and right and centre and given where the SPL db metre is placed it still missed the word “inexpensive” on the playback by a few db masking of left and right fronts. It’s getting near, its close to where it should be for clear reproduction.

SPL db was set at 70dbc so it slightly overloaded on the youtube recoding level at few moments. I should have set it at 80dbc.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr8cmfJnUnI

Contrast and brightness levels wash the image out on the cheap webcam! The LCD video projector is picked up clearer on the webcam. You get what you pay for.

[JBL 4645]

Re-listened to a few brief sounding moments from “The Fly II” (1989) the effects and Foley sounds clearer practically with chapter 22 as Martin Brundle fly footsteps slap down on right and left with half pans in the centre gives it wide front with clear centre sound.

The gene swapping sequence circles around when Bartok yells out "No" and "No" fades as sparkly crackles energize within the pod his voice starts to move right and then in one last "NOOOOOO" echoes left and back to centre slightly louder and then in one circular uniformed motion of sweeping (whoosh) over to the surrounds, as teleporter booms with thumb as the subject is teleported from one pod to the next pod.

I just like listening to discrete vintage Dolby stereo films and this was produced in Dolby stereo SR when released theatrically.


I saw The Fly II in two different type of cinema auditoriums first was Odeon screen 1 Bournemouth, when it opened nationally and back when I wasn’t as cynical as I’m today about being peaky with classy sounding cinemas.

It was only presented in optical type A Dolby stereo as the processor Dolby CP50 was only fitted with type A cards.

The next time I saw late night Fly night of The Fly and The Fly II back to back at ABC screen 2 I think early (1990's) and I believe they had type SR cards as well as type A for the screen on Dolby CP55.

The Odeon was an equal shape for sound and not bad fair acoustics. The ABC screen 2 is an oddly shaped cinema not easy to find a decent seat it takes a bit of trail and error, once the best row is found the surround effects mono matrix surround nicely expect for the LCR fronts was far too narrow for middle row at the back, you’d need to be at least a few rows from the front for decent stereo over left and right stage fronts.

Still it was creepy night of flies buzzing around my ears practically with The Fly II as the opening has you waving your hands around your ears fooling the ear into believing a dozen flies, yeah, you get the idea!

I don’t like fly’s they sit on dog crap and suck it up! :barf:

It’s also a bit toppy bright harsh on the high frequencies at times mostly with the Christopher Young score this is where its needed to send shivers down your spine when Dr. Shepard finds Dr. Janeway hanging up on the ceiling in bloody mess. Well these aren’t nice doctors and Martin wasn’t revenge.

[JBL 4645]

I can’t resist re-listening to “Leviathan” (1989) this has to be the #1 film/DVD over Avatar (2009) and its hopeless dtsHDMA on bluray.

The sound of the whales opening panning from front to back sounds harmonistically its like being there going deeper and deeper under the ocean fading from blue well blue atmosphere that cocoons the earth miles above the clear transparency of the ocean.

I just like listening to matrix vintage Dolby stereo films and this was produced in Dolby stereo SR.:)

You’re skin changes?

-Yeah, it blackens. It gets scaly.
-What, like a fish?
-Yeah, like a fish.
- I was just joking, Doc.


Between some half panned sounds that blend onto the centre in a Dolby stereo matrix playback when Beck places his hand on the shower door in Leviathan (right front) the sound is also partly on the centre. Hard pans or sound frequencies tend to be the correct location.

I add a bit more extra delay on the centre of each output LF and HF
Distance 6.89feet
Delay 6.35m/s

This helped to improve the Foley hand effect as it touches the shower door on the right front.

It’s only an illusion and if it works why knock it.

I have a different idea in mind that I will look into later on in the day.

[JBL 4645]

Okay plan B is to wire up as its not wired up at present this fails never to widen the fronts further.


Okay what I’ve done is sent centre from the main AVR decoder to the Yamaha DRP-100 seen in the diagram. The centre invent is helped from the left and right from the main AVR decoder.

The role of the task is to get a signal sent to the Yamaha DSR-70Pro Dolby pro-logic to place an anti-phase signal to cannel or reduce the amount of signal on the (centre main signal) which shouldn’t be on the (main centre channel of ‘2010’).

There is downside since the signal will reduce some portions of the signal and (will inject a signal from centre phantom left and right). If there is signal of similar sound / frequency or mirror image it will be cancelled out thus freeing the centre front by a small degree.

The test signal I used was the dts calibration music and demonstration set-up disc (track 14, all-channels) which is a wideband pink noise signal.

I activate the Yamaha DRS-70Pro which sends out the same pink noise that is being sent to left and right front. I then adjust the centre level on the Yamaha DRS-70Pro so that the pink noise will cancel out the centre. Its only reduced (all or part of the lows) mid and highs are reduced down to very faint sound. Reason is the Yamaha DRS-70Pro has limited bandwidth down to 100Hz so tiny bit low end is heard but its reduced most of the directional.

Now before most of you start jumping around up and down, this doesn’t wreak the sound no worse than it already is. This helps by reducing the centre main will still perform most of its original level.

There it is, simple. I guess this can be improved upon with fancier audio electronics.

This can also remove normal half panned sounds from the centre for clearer left and right stereo sound field. Often the phase tends to have you shifting around in the sofa to catch a clearer left and right sound.

I tired this out a few years ago, with ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ (1984) when Foley gets tossed out a window and then cops show-up. There’s subtle effects left and right that had half panned sound filed mixed onto the centre and I found it distracting at the time.

Today I place a little delay on the DCX2496 centre LF/HF to gain a clearer left and right sound filed, or I can extend it further with the approach that I have just shown you.


http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=43938&stc=1&d=1264457816

[JBL 4645]

Only 8 min remaining on Leviathan wow this film rocks in Dolby stereo.:applaud:

I’ve lost count how many times this has been played now it must be in its 50th or 60th run over 1 full showing of "Avatar" on dtsHDMA lousy bluray.http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon13.png


It’s a shark!

Talk about having a bad day.

Say “Aah,” motherfucker!

KABOOM!

(Now for pleasant pleasing Jerry Goldsmith score!)

Beck! You made it! No one back at Tri-Oceanic believed me. But I never gave up on you once. How do you feel?

[Smack in the gob!]

Better. A lot better.

Role the end credits and that’s that for late night film tonight!

Powered down in the correct sequence all the amps first followed by lots and lots of processors!!

[JBL 4645]

Oh, the Cello DR810 while watching “Batman” (1989)on bluray (DOLBY TRUE-HD) is only now allowed in this JBL home cinema just went down! It powers the video image to the CRT so I have to check for curse?

Mains fuse checks out okay on the volt meter!

Slow-blow fuse shows up okay on the volt-metre as that is what I was hoping went down.

I believe I have found the fault that is the power supply one of the 400volt 100uf capacitors looks a bit caked around the edges lower part that is mounted to the PCB.

I’ll call Cello Electronics tomorrow and as for engineering department so that I can get a spare part capacitor sent to me.

My other guess is the rooms temperature and the units operating temperature must have exceeded tolerance levels.

No worries it’s a simple soldering task of 15 minutes to remove and test the capacitor and then replace with a new one and hope that doesn’t blow its top!

I’ve had the Cello DR-810 DVD-RW for 5 years now.

It’s mostly used as video enhancer between the RCA video inputs from the AVR that is then sent over to the Panasonic widescreen TV.

I guess I’d have to send the video lead directly from AVR to Panasonic but! It was used via the SCART lead so I have to find or make an RCA lead for the front input on the Panasonic which I don’t have or maybe I can make a Frankenstein RCA cable lead up of bits and bobs wired together with elastically electrical installation tape!

Or I could undone the S-Video lead from the video projector but! I don’t have S-Video on the bluray/DVD player only the other players do!

Sigh, so I can’t use that route and I’d have to buy a simple RCA lead of 3 or 4 meters tomorrow I mean today as its now, just turned Friday (12:04)am so I only have 8 hours to wait.

A few pictures of the Cello and my evening now put off, oh, well lar-de-dar that’s the way it goes.

It’s the capacitor near to the back right side of the picture the big small fat one! Note picture is out of focus as its cheap none digital camera without focus (only zoom x2 x3 x4). You can see a brown like crease stain along the edge of the bottom part so that is an indication of it being damaged.

If its turns out to be the whole power supply its easy to unplug all the terminals and drop a brand new one in, if they still have one in supply!?

Lucky I only have small soldering skill that I leant years ago so, if it turns out to be what I believe, it would only take a short while and save me the cost of a simple de-soldiering and re-soldiering that would otherwise cost £10.00 or more for just one part.

At first the picture went off as the Cello DR-810 powers the video image side then I turned it back on and after a few seconds it went off again and I checked the front of the Cello DR-810 and the display was not ON which lead me to believe it’s a common mains fuse fault.

If the situation was worse like micro processing chips it would be out of my hands so hopefully I can get this up and running before the end of the month depending on part number, which I don’t have so I’d have to clearly explain to the engineer the capacitor type

400volts 100uf microfarad

As it’s the only one inside the Cello DR-810.

[JBL 4645]

I just sent a smaller description of the issue via email to Cello and I’ll get on the phone, earliest in the morning as soon as offices are open.

[JBL 4645]

I’ve managed to get the video signal back up and running with and iffy buy simple and quick solution.

I’ve found a short RCA phone lead that was 1.5 meter stereo and stripped the lead apart and joined it up with the other RCA phone lead using RCA Y adaptor plugs.

There simple!

I’ll buy a near decent lead from D.J. Electronics later in the day as the lead (I think its prone to picking up some minor interference due to the exposed ends on the RCA Y adaptor plugs).

If I keep the cable undeserved it behaves and allows a video signal to pass though.

See no need for expensive snake oil leads costing hundreds of pounds for silly half-a-metre. Now then!;)

[JBL 4645]

Sooty approves of “BATMAN” (1989) 6track DOLBY STEREO with five paws! The Sooty as spoken or catnapping on the job again!:D

[JBL 4645]

I can’t believe Maplin Electronics doesn’t carry this type of capacitor.

I found another supplier but they are now closed and will have to wait till Monday.

[JBL 4645]

Well the capacitor has turned up at friends as I had issues in ordering the damn thing as the company only takes a certain card type. So off to get the part and hope it is the part that has failed and the DVD-RW powers back-up!

[JBL 4645]

Oh, it turns out I was wrong. A friend came over as electronics is his trade to (a degree) when he came across a part that he recognized but doesn’t normally practice in the part type.

I guess the only simple option would be to pop over another friends and fish around ebay for the same model that powers up but has a faulty laser or drive motor mechanism that can be cannibalized for a spare working part at low buy now price.

The capacitor type as it turns out is a bit taller and not as wide as the original but the original is intact nothing wrong with it. Needle in haystack and I don’t blame my, friend rush off as he as guest popping over his home. Least he tried I’m just stubbed that’s all?

Oh well then, "plan B from outer space" is the next best option.:D

[JBL 4645]

This captures nicely over the other camera, its not being replaced.

Sod all on British TV might as well watch "Leathern" for 100th or is it 200th time now?

[JBL 4645]

I might as well take those other speakers down since I disconnected them weeks and weeks ago.

The tissue paper is there on purpose to muffled or reduce the HF that is slightly ahead all I want is bass/mid at the upper front. I don’t often move the sofa within 1.5meters from front no more thou it does sound wow because the stereo increases width but its fine at 2.7meters back.

The speaker mounting the projector up is disconnected and I wouldn’t run a speaker underneath as the vibration would flutter the image on the screen. I hardly use the projector now, its just there for when I what to use it.

The overheard matrix surrounds sounded great on “Eraser” (1996) early this week.

Yeah just looking at the night storage heater and it won’t be many months away now till that’s ON again. The weather has been nice this week lots of rain nice and the wind as well nice.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1-jIUp0CPw

The first video is the region2DVD special yuck edition followed by the region1DVD first edition at the end.

The light from the closet should appear white not (blue and green) thou some blue is noticeable in the region1 shots but not plagued with green that washes out picture detail.

This is just a simple fast webcam upload of the two regional copies. One stands out as it should have in the cinema the other one doesn’t because of the gross overuse of colour video manipulation on the special edition that was later produced for the lousy bluray.

The region1DVD is close to what I saw in the cinema 1990 at late night double poltergeist bill that was quite spooky in DOLBY STEREO type A.

The last video is the region1DVD I highly strongly recommended it. Sure its not anamorphic 16:9 but it still shows its entirety over the fit for the dustbin special edition that I don’t even bother playing anymore. I wouldn’t even been seen dead buying the crappy bluray version which I have now turned my back on.

The video is a bit rough due to the webcam upload thou the Kworld device as long as you can see the colour difference that’s all that matters.

Sound is direct feed from the centre channel AVR at 0db.

[JBL 4645]

I just brought (x1 cinema rocker seat) to start off with, I’ll get another and another and another soon. They are used cinema seats going for £79.50 (paypal) which sounds good for rocker seat, should be here sometime within the next few days.

I’d have to make solid MDF flooring with thick piece of timber placed underneath with each set apart so many inches for support.

I’d countersink the holes on the upper mounting surface to screw the timber tightly and securely and fix the seating into it. I have no idea of if the seats have the original fixing screws but if not it, shouldn’t cost much for screw fittings.

This, what it looks like.

[JBL 4645]

Been watching a few chapters from DIE HARD it’s the perfect Sunday morning DOLBY STEREO sound to wake the neighbours up!

The camera always places a slight green mild tint on the video projection image. This did the same with my dads, camera phone when he loaned it to me, last year. Also the other digital camera would be utterly hopeless in taking a picture with dark light; all the softer darker tones would be so muted.

Taking pictures at the TV is bit tricky because of the contrast level that tends to be overexposed on whites.

[JBL 4645]

This film is still the dogs bollocks for one many DOLBY STEREO films of 1988, that got a best sound/sound editing nomination but BIRD took best sound while ROGER RABBIT took sound effects editing.

A slight close up view on the tacky but simply cost efficient bed sheet only £4.99 from ASDA. Still haven’t gotten around to buy micro perforated screen yet, well maybe soon.

The angle of the close up shot looks kinder skewed it’s the bed sheet, its not totally flat as its rolled up after use and tends to give a kinder 3D look that is better than watching AVATAR on bluray.

I haven’t reviewed the special edition region2 DVD that is also used for the bluray Fox are so tight ass and cheap with bluray. Yeah I can’t recall if the picture was purposely turned to mega crap or made crisper without the use of DNR or EE?

The image on this version looks far I can see fair range of grain flicking around. Also I think the sound mix was the same as the first edition region2. There so many region1 DVD versions it might be hard to find the theatrical DOLBY mix as the later version I won’t touch with 10 foot barge pole.

The Fox introduction is bit squashed down that is not how it appeared in the 1988 release and later versions of DIE HARD had I think they’ve had the original Fox intro replaced with that yucky Hollywood version like on the STAR WARS films as well SIGH.

[JBL 4645]

The weaponry sound effects are nicely crafted for this film are fixed or located to where performers are standing or moving around while firing a machinegun pans left then right and over to centre with loud smoothness.

The dialogue mix is brilliant from normal to mild to soft and silky whispery tones.

Some of the photochemical visual effects are a bit dated when the building blows up around the helicopter it’s a superimposed visual effect, I doubt the filming crew could get away blowing the building into smithereens. The same for the lower shot when McClane tosses a diy bomb down the elevator shaft, part of its practical real pyro with some elements of superimposing.


Chapter 22 has cool mix of deep rumble on the LFE.1 a motor that is humming away while steam is hissing over the LCR and surrounds mildly.

Surrounds are monaural as the film wasn’t mixed for split-stereo surrounds for 70mm release. Only a few handful split-stereo surround 70mm prints were ever made between 1978 and its final days in the 1990’s.

Nice mild air condition sound surrounds while Hans and McClane face each other for the first time.

There is a tiny hint of EE it doesn’t worry me it should thou both Fox for allowing it to be used.

A slightly closer shot shows the chicken wire effect, but that’s okay I like chicken wire.:D It’s only visible when standing up real close to the screen.

The gun fire in chapter 22 is Just Bloody Loud at in some parts as the glass shatters in millions of pieces! It hits when at 93m:23 “Jesus Christ” and as it rapidly builds up to a large chunk of glass shattering and falling to the floor with THUD!

Nice use of Beethoven's 9th Symphony in L/R only on the end credits. If I wanted the surrounds active to give a far dramatic closing all I’d need to do is press ON, on the second DOLBY decoder to feed out of phase signal to the surrounds that is stripped from the left and right front. In DOLBY STEREO matrix all 5 primary channels will be constantly active.

I sometimes just sneak the volume up while being aware of the issues it would have if I forgot to turn it down on the next film as it would damage loudspeakers. But the input on the DCX2496 seems very low level on the end credits fader +6db -30db input with -40db output EQ and amps are set accordantly for LF/HF LCRS/sub bass extension and LFE.1.

85db seems plenty loudness for the LCRS while sub bass extension LCRS fills in the missing lows below crossover point while LFE.1 is added to fit in within a few db so that I only notice the special low discrete effects as tiny thump rather than an overwhelming bloated load of booming noise.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=47403&stc=1&d=1283686066

Between the above in room picture ware the camera has placed a slight green tint not just on the projected image but on the sidewall and in the black bar areas on the image. If the projector was up the creek the whites would register green, which they don’t.

The direct screen capture from DVD shows the film captured by the camera has placed a green tint on the dark areas. All the grey like concrete is totally off. I’d have to try other settings on the camera to find the best mode for the room conditions.

I might start off with black and white tests that way it would be easier for me to suss out what is happening.

[JBL 4645]

Just been in contact with the supplier and the seat whoa it comes as seen double and I need them in single to be able to fit them in the room, interpedently otherwise I’d have a few rows that aren’t centred to the room.

I’d like to get 6 seats in the room and then place the two seat sofa in the bedroom as relaxing meditation seat. Or a glorified large cat bed for Sooty.:D

[JBL 4645]

Using the spectrumlab as spectrum analyzer works for me as tool. I’ve already applied a several filters over the LCR LF range and I’m fresh out of filters now on the DCX2496.

What I like about the tool is the ability to see the colour of the spectrum while plotting out with the mouse moving it onto the higher peak frequencies (to show me the precise frequency) then making some judgment calls to select a Q shape filter and then apply the cut to the frequency until brighter colours thin out with the rest of the green colours.

The SPL db level I forget what level it was when testing I had to stick in ear plugs because the wideband pink noise, was a bit nauseating.

I haven’t tested out the HF LCR with spectrumlab yet only on the Technics SH-8055 RTA which looks fine but I’m sure there are few odd bands that need, delicate adjustment.

The SPL db metre was placed in temporary placement centreline of the room in the Irwin Rocker seat, slightly above back of the seat.


Centre channel LF

1
37Hz
-15.0db
Q7.1

2
75Hz
-15db
Q6.3

3
92Hz
+5.6db
Q3.2

4
111Hz
-10.0
Q8.9

5
145Hz
10.0db
Q8.9

6
184Hz
-9.0db
Q7.9

7
303Hz
10.0db
Q7.9

8
352Hz
-10.0db
Q7.1

9
738Hz
-10.0db
Q7.1


Left channel LF

1
37Hz
-10.0db
Q7.1

2
141Hz
-9.8db
Q7.1

3
233Hz
-8.0db
Q8.9

4
309Hz
-8.0db
Q8.9

5
556Hz
-9.0db
Q7.1

6
787Hz
-8.4db
Q8.9

7
352Hz
-9.4db
Q7.1

8
176Hz
-6.5db
Q8.9

9
111
-4.5db
Q5.6


Right channel LF

1
74Hz
-9.9db
Q7.1

2
145Hz
-11.9
Q7.1

3
176Hz
-6.1db
Q7.1


4
266Hz
-10.6db
Q8.9

5
330Hz
-8.6db
Q7.1

6
556Hz
-8.6db
Q7.1

7
37.Hz
-9.0db
Q8.9

8
787Hz
-5.5db
Q5.0

9
917Hz
-4.1db
Q5.0

[JBL 4645]

The surrounds need a slight bit of trimming and level boasting on the amplifier for the centre back surround. I have limited means with the other EQ has I can’t slot the frequency directly onto the issue that needs adjustment.

There are few yellow warm spots maybe a subtle db level cut and few EQ bands might make it unnoticeable by ear but not visually.

I’ll apply a few EQ band cuts to see how it looks against this, waterfall frequency spectrum.

[JBL 4645]

Well this is what I can do with the limited means of the other EQ. If I had a PEQ I can centre on the issue and sort it. Well it could be far worse.

[JBL 4645]

I had to apply some aggressive cuts in the hot areas that presented rough boom on the ole diy JBL4645. I prefer a smooth tone that fits within the LCR fronts.

I used a secondary JVC SEA-E30 EQ along with the PEQ FBQ2496 to apply some cut on the lower to level it with rest of the lower frequencies.

Some of the LFE.1 content on STAR TREK (2009) DolbyTrueHD is lubricious at times, that needs cutting back to prevent possible damage and smearing the rest of the mix with silly SPL db levels.

50Hz and 60Hz was bit a room location issue. I boasted a few frequencies up between these tones but any sudden soundtrack peaks around those tones will boast the level, its best to have second sub or relocate the SPL metre microphone where the tone fills in naturally without the need of applying boasting (boasting is not something I practice as this will reduce headroom).


Behringer FBQ2496

+10.0db
65.4Hz
Q0.25

-26db
37.2Hz
Q4.0

-7.0db
37.2Hz
Q0.12

+5.0db
93.5Hz
Q0.25

-6.0db
71.7Hz
Q0.14

+8.0db
50.2Hz
Q0.20

JVC SEA-E30
30Hz
-10db

63Hz
+2db

[JBL 4645]

Just did this quick off the webcam with SPL db metre connected to pc as the webcam mic is rubbish.
Image is bit on the high contrast side in some parts of the LCD video projection image at 1080iHD possibly the webcam setting is set to high for contrast levels.

Image looses stability a bit due to the high action movement of the image which is causing a bit of lag and slight out of sync because the image freezes for a second, hey its craptube not the cinema.;)

The SPL db range is set at 80dbc which has captured a not too all bad sound of the room in (mono) I can even hear some of the mild reverb of the room, metre is placed 7 feet away form the front.

I ran a few log sweeps at 5.0 seconds from 10Hz to 1KHz while looking at the graph of each LCR LF and sub bass extension and LFE.1 to get the colour of the spectrum the same with the PEQ.

I can hear the Spock footsteps at 3:12 centre channel.

3:30 the SPL db metre is picking up the video projector fan noise and most likely the pc fan in the rear, background.

The SPL db adds a bit of exaggeration to the sound I’m, surprised its not grossly distorted with the low end as that is the case most times, if played too loud.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1WS-T4n5T8

[JBL 4645]

Well apparently I had a slight faulty EQ that was the Genxxa 10 band EQ yes the one produced for Tandy, UK or radio shack of that makes you laugh. I’ve had the EQ for years and haven’t noticed any previous past issues with it.

The fault was the left front was sounding like a room issue thou there is still an issue on the left side that is room, related. The EQ was lowering the output level when EQ mode was turned ON. The right channel was unaffected by the issue.

I’ve since swapped the leads around for another EQ for L/R it mostly acts as frequency monitor along with the other EQ that are used for some EQ trimming adjustment.

Not sure if the left channel on the Genexxa got overloaded with an input signal in the past as some of the films are heavy on dynamics.

I’m using the right input as spectrum monitor for centre channel at the moment (while the primary PEQ is handled by the DCX296 for all LCR fronts).

I did a quickie short video playing, The Fugitive region2 DVD DOLBY DIGITAL, while listening/monitoring to each LCR and stereo surround channel. The LCR least the left is bit balanced now with right and only few tiny EQ (tiny differences) slight subtleties in tone I can hear with the AVR pink noise in the LF LCR.

Oh, maybe I should start saving up for DEQ2496 and get the other EQ out of the system, plus the DEQ2496 are slimmer and don’t take up much height space.

From the stat I monitor the LCR then mute the centre while left and right played.

I’m listening to the score mix that is on L/R while it might be at the same level sometime on the centre, often its placed down a few db against the DE dialogue/effects.

2:39 I mute the LCR and monitor the stereo surrounds, that had me looking left and right downwards and upwards while the action unfolds in large ear busting dynamics.

4:01 the metrically clanging of score pinging from surround left to surround right was alarming, knowing there’s a freight train heading their way.

5:10 f&%k! :D Yeah it was Just Bloody Loud on the stereo surrounds!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vswxziVO3Wg


I might buy a few more microphones and new preamp and microphone/multiplexer and placed the microphones at different locations around the living room, to see if I can’t captured the low and the back, (while adjusting the level so it won’t be too high) microphones for the middle and front set at different levels, so I’ll be capturing different parts of the room simultaneously rather than one point source location as my ears don’t hear the honky like sound in the living room, unless I placed my finger over my ear and listen with one ear.

The effects and music seems unnoticeable its like when going to cinema that is fair amount of echo, we tend to hear dialogue speech frequencies overlapping before a sentence has finished or if two performers are yelling at each other forget it, it’s a chaotic blast of noise that makes dialogue unintelligible.

I played a bit of pink noise on the ACR over LCR LF then with HF turned ON. The SPL db was placed near to the right front slightly in-between centre and right. A tiny difference in the frequency needs to be tackled to get a seamless tone in the LF and HF.

When the pink noise sounds on the left where it starts from it should sound the same precisely the same on the centre, followed by the right and then surrounds.

[JBL 4645]

Re-listening WATERWORLD 1995 this film must be regarded as classic by now. It was over budgeted with production issues and then got hammered by the film critics as stinker. I think its cut and paced nicely with wonderful James Newton Howard score that has lots of brassy instruments and precision beating away, that accompanies pleasingly naturally balanced film sound mix all this gets me, on the edge of the Rocker.


-Ever try and listen?
-To What?
The sound of the world.
-I don’t hear anything.
-That’s because you’re too loud, and you’re moving around all the time. Try sittin’ still.

Mariner a mutation who can survive/swim underwater (Kevin Costner) gives good performance (Jennie Tripplehorn) Helen, is part of community along with a little girl (Tina Majorino) Enola, who holds the key to “dry land” and everyone wants a piece of it, including the Smokers! The late (Dennis Hopper) r.i.p. “Deacon” chactutre is in chactutre with other nutty roles he’s played before and after.

WATERWORD was billed as “MAD MAX on water” which is fair to say it does deliver with climatic end fight.

I’m still puzzled as to where the LFE.1 track is? Its not displayed on the AVR just 5 primary full spectrum channels. Not sure if its an encoding issue at the DVD authoring plant or an intentional mix by the mixers to not adopt the LFE.1 thou it does seem weird and I think its down to someone screwing the film to video master transfer up, as its happened before on SPEED 1994 R2DVD first edition. The later special edition contained the LFE.1.

Well for WAERWORLD I just reroute the low end from LCRS to the main JBL sub though the AVR, that packs mild punch. A nice bass kicks off the sidewalls surrounds with smoothing stereo panning and in-between centre phantom that would work best with the surround processor Dolby pro-logic for centre back and overhead matrix, which I didn’t use tonight, just standard sidewall surrounds.

The end credits score doesn’t lose its centre channel tonal balance like on some film score end credit mixes where there’s a different mix for the centre and often left/right drowns-out the centre.

That’s quit a staggering list for the sound team often it’s a bit less for some big budget films.

Sound Department
Lou Angelo .... sound editor
David A. Arnold .... sound editor
James Ashwill .... foley mixer
Bill W. Benton .... additional sound re-recording mixer (as Bill Benton)
Brad Biggart .... sound re-recordist
David Burk .... assistant sound editor
Rick Canelli .... adr recordist
Chris Carpenter .... additional sound re-recording mixer
Simon Coke .... sound editor
Blake R. Cornett .... assistant sound editor (as Blake Cornett)
Gordon Davidson .... sound editor
Carmen Flores De Tanis .... assistant sound editor (as Carmen Flores Tanis)
Teri E. Dorman .... sound editor
Ann Ducommun .... assistant adr editor
Susan Dudeck .... adr editor
David R. Finkelstein .... assistant sound effects editor
Kimberly Gallagher-Carlton .... assistant sound editor (as Kimberly Carlton)
Steven Gerrior .... assistant sound editor
Nerses Gezalyan .... foley recordist
Mark C. Grech .... utility sound technician
Michael Haight .... sound editor
Jerelyn J. Harding .... adr editor
Todd Harris .... assistant sound editor (as Todd M. Harris)
Gary A. Hecker .... foley artist
Denise Horta .... adr editor
Chris Jackson .... assistant sound editor
Mark Kamps .... assistant sound editor
Mark Kamps .... sound post-production
Richard King .... sound effects editor
Steve Kohler .... sound
Andy Kopetzky .... sound editor
Dave Kulczycki .... sound editor
Gregg Landaker .... sound re-recording mixer
Melissa Lytle .... assistant adr editor
Melissa Lytle .... assistant sound editor
Larry Mann .... sound editor
Courtenay Marvin .... assistant sound editor
Steve Maslow .... sound re-recording mixer
Caitlin McKenna .... first assistant sound editor
Caitlin McKenna-Wilkinson .... first assistant sound editor (as Caitlin McKenna)
Chuck Michael .... sound editor
Nash Michael .... sound editor
Harry B. Miller III .... sound editor (as Harry Miller III)
Bob Newlan .... sound editor
Dan O'Connell .... foley artist
Thomas J. O'Connell .... adr mixer
Brion Paccassi .... sound re-recordist
Lauren Palmer .... supervising adr editor
Mark Pappas .... sound editor
Rodger Pardee .... sound editor
Jerry Pirozzi .... assistant sound editor
Timothy P. Salmon .... boom operator
Fritz Seid .... assistant sound editor
Yôko Seto .... assistant sound editor
Robert Ulrich .... adr editor
Paul C. Warschilka .... assistant sound editor (as Paul Warschilka)
Craig Weintraub .... assistant adr editor
Keith A. Wester .... sound mixer
Karen G. Wilson .... sound editor (as Karen Wilson)
Gary Wright .... sound editor
Bill Meadows .... sound recordist (uncredited)
Mark Ulano .... additional production sound mixer (uncredited)
Mark Ulano .... production sound mixer: reshoots (uncredited)
Jay Wilkinson .... supervising sound editor (uncredited)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114898/fullcredits#cast
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114898/

There were three sound formats for its release; dts stereo dts and Dolby SR, I saw it first in dts at UCI screen 5 I believe sat to the front of the auditorium gave a sonically clear sound over EV LCR. I also saw it twice at MGM screen1 in Dolby stereo with type A cards as the CP200 that was used in the screen only had type A cards and SR cards in the downstairs CP55. The bass was bit fuller with JBL stage fronts and sub. UCI tower park, same film mix expect one is digital dts the other Dolby stereo only difference is minus stereo surrounds and discrete output over all channels, but it has the same frequency response.

I like to get the WATERWORLD James Newton Howard score on CD.:bouncy:

Wow didn’t know there was USA:176 min (director's cut) over the theatrical 135min running time. region2 clocks in at 129min due to 4% PAL speed-up. I did once own the THX laserdisc that was only matrix audio PCM that sounded great, having only watched in the cinema a few months before it left the cinema.

I like how the camera captured the roll-bar on the CRT.

[JBL 4645]

I did a video last night, my usual self rambling away, since Sooty isn’t much of (conversationalist). Whew that’s a long word!! You know I’m exhausted after typing that word out. lol

ALIEN first edition R1DVD with dynamicEQ test and directors edition R2DVD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQhIDA6rbY8

Please note! The audio is mono on this video (not stereo) the SPL db metre pick-up on the sound fairly well than most that I’ve heard on youtube that ether distort because someone wants to show-off there SVS sub at how loud it can play, with rumbles of bloated coloured, distortion overloading the cheap camera/phone.

I give a slight commentary, I must admit I’m very shy and rarely look at the camera.

If you understand that there is centre phantom image placed in the middle of left/right stereo front, same thing with stereo surrounds! I use the Pioneer VSP-200 to reduce the amount of centre phantom, and it can be placed elsewhere but I can’t at the moment since (the centre output phantom) doesn’t have its own dynamicEQ and would otherwise get out of control or I’d have to end up playing at lower volume on inner-left and inner-right fronts, which need their own DCX2496 and amps which I don’t have at the time!

I could do it, its not impossible just a lot of extra listening to do to get the balance smooth as possible.

What I mean “I don’t and have” is that the Pioneer VSP-200 has a small internal amps for centre and mono matrix surrounds left and right with pre-outputs and I’d rather use the pre-outputs with another DCX2496.

All this means is when vocals in music that sometimes is mixed on left/right in some films, often its sent to centre with echo effect on left/right. Moonraker (1979) has the vocals on left/right with an instrumental and bass guitar centre channel, on the opening titles music.


So what I’ve done is, to maximize the listening level. I can get deeply involved with the sound action, rather than having the sound blasting at ear fatigue high SPL db levels while straining my hearing to hear softer sounds or faint sounds in the centre.

Sure in real life, but this, isn’t “real life” it’s a an artistically created crafted film mix with layers of fabricated sound effects re-looping dialogue along with effects and music, all precisely mixed and balanced or some sounds hidden amongst the loudness of left/right front. It’s like finding an Easter Egg an extra sound that most wouldn’t even care to re-listening or question there thoughts “why can’t I hear the dialogue” not just dialogue soft Foley effects make for good listening entertainment.

Again in “real life” if woman was tapping her shoe heels across the road while loud traffic passes in-between, the chances are you won’t hear it, you might hear some of it with brief gaps between, the traffic noises. Otherwise we never get a second chance to hear real life sounds again in that moment in time. We might be familiarized with the sounds of everyday, but it’s never repeated twice, it may sound like it, but never repeated, if is, we are indeed living inside the matrix.:D

[JBL 4645]

I was just thinking about the issues regarding loudspeaker placement at the front of living room, while the CRT takes up a fair 31 1/2 “ by 22” by 41” size thus limiting the placement of the subs below the screen channels.

I was thinking about a cheap LED video projector that has long running time with less power being consumed, with a trade off of a small image throw. No matter I can use it for running regular viewings and leave the LCD video projector for showing the image at large and bright image scale for once in while DVD/laserdisc coughing bluray, I mean DVD showings.

I think the lamp time for the LED is something like 80,000 hours, which is damn sight more than the LCD video projector.

So I have a plan, that I’ll think about, I don’t want no flat screen because it will still limit as to where it can be placed and since the diy JBL sub takes up the same depth space as the CRT a flat screen would have to be placed at the front, no way and no how will it fit, not without compromising the sound, and sound comes first here!

This is the projector
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=225585
Sorry its 50,000hours :D

Display your DVDs, satellite, games consoles or any other video source on your wall
Ideal for bedrooms, small office presentations and the lounge
Get a screen size of up to 21-inch at a distance of 1 metre
Manual focus to get the best picture at different distances
LED operation - no bulbs to replace – no on-going replacement costs
Over 50,000 hours of use from the LEDs
Built in stereo speakers
Very small and ultra-portable
Lower power, high light output
Eco-friendly - only consumes 18W of power when in use
Includes dust cover
Dimensions (L x W x H): 180 x 110 x 55 mm
Weight: 1kg

Are you limited to space in your bedroom or cannot hang a flat screen TV on your wall. The answer therefore is this compact video projector. Great for watching regular TV, DVDs even for playing games and all from a unit that''s low in power, small in size and has no lamps or bulbs that can blow. Please note this is a low cost projector and is not up to the quality of displaying Blu-ray or HD TV signals. It is ideal for secondary use but should not be used as the primary "home cinema" projector.

So if the projector is mounted to ceiling at least 2 meters it should be around the size of the CRT screen so no big loss.

Light source: LED
Case material: Plastic & aluminium alloy
Power consumption (max): 18W
Luminous flux: 13 Lumens (equivalent of 400 Lumens)
Lens: F = 71mm, F = 2.5mm
Speakers: 2 x 2W
Resolution: 480 x 240
Video connection: 4-pole 3.5mm jack (with jack to 3-RCA lead)

Oh bugger!

This product is not available to purchase at this time.

I was looking for price, last I knew the price was knocked down to around £120 or £140 pounds early this year, sigh I should have brought it then.:banghead::D

[JBL 4645]

I raised the level by 4.7db on the graph just to get an idea of the frequency on the flat imaginary line.

Level sent to HF was -16db fader AVR level set at -13db DynamicEQ was switched OFF

I muted the LF and started the sweep on the HF tweeter from 900Hz to end at 16,000 KHz since 20 KHz is light-years out of my listening range now, no sense going there if the tone is hard to hear and rarely does it ever crop up in film today. Tones around 10KHz to 16KHz you might hear them on a few odd films a few.

I knew the peak was there having done the sweep before and seeing it on the RTA with pink noise. I can hear tone just fine, I don’t want the tone in my face, I want to smoothness.

I guess it wouldn’t be problem listening to the HF sounds on Alien3 (1992) or Whiteout (2009) where there’s a typing like computer sound effect typing out text on the screen, that’s in and around between 4KHz and 8KHz, DynamicEQ should make the softer sounds still audible, over the room, thou the sound effect on Whiteout is a bit fainter in the mix over Alien3 and The Hunt For Red October (1990) has similar effect, I wonder do computers really sound, like that when we type?

Since the Marantz 1050 are powering the HF tweeters could be the amps adding in hump and slight roll-off still not bad amps for getting on 30 years plus

Also the crossover on the HF tweeter is set at 2.03 KHz on the DCX2496 Link-Riley -24db

[JBL 4645]

Brought a set of x3 Piezo tweeter horns of fleabay for cool £1.99 each should get them around Monday-Tuesday for hook up.

Power max. 150W
Frequency response 1.8kHz - 30kHz
SPL @ 1W/1m 96dB
Dimensions 188 x 80 x 107mm

[JBL 4645]

Done a little testing this evening with crossover DCX2496 on the lower end, rather than set at 50Hz or 80Hz I’ve experimented with setting at 168Hz Link-Riley -24db over the LCR LF while setting the crossover on the Eltax A-12R at 170Hz and balanced the level using the SPL db at within same level as the loud sound is on one of the LCR while then muting LCR and letting the sub bass extension play and setting for same level.

So far it’s played without any snags. I’ve set the LFE.1 up by +2db higher over the LCR sub bass extension, the whole system plays fine.

I’ve tested it out on an early 90’s bass sub bass heavy, that I saw at UCI High Wycombe in one the JBL/THX screens that sounded out of this world.
Wow the SPL metre is picking up a high bright reverb. The rustling sound is, me setting the SPL db metre at high scale range to prevent the bass sub bass from overloading and distorting. I changed the SPL range from 80db to 90db as the low notes in Trevor Jones score are deep and high at times.

I’m playing this back on the same JBL system and I’m a little disappointed of the rustling around, but the bass sub bass isn’t grossly overloading as it does on most of the videos that I’ve heard.

I think I should solder up the lead for the SPL db metre, but hey its not booming with that farting like bass that you hear in those car Hi-Fi videos on youtube at silly 120/130db levels.
The rest of the midrange to highs are at lower volume, if I wanted to capture that. I’d have to set the SPL db at lower scale range, and turn the sub bass extension down along with LFE.1 so they don’t overload the SPL db metre. So I can’t have it both ways.

SPL at centre of room will be around 85db to 90dbc at present. So if you play this back on JBL thou the AVR it should sound near (not precisely, just near enough).

Starting from 6:57 is where the lows get a bit deeper on the playback it seems a bit exaggerated, its more or less near to what I experienced at UCI High Wycombe WHOW! 7:44 starts to mildly distort as the Trevor Jones score is going down on few deep notes at high range.

Maybe I should have set the SPL db metre at 100dbc. :D Not at one moment the sound was distorting in the room, it could have been the positioning of SPL db metre at my side a few inches away might have been in warm spot?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehkGYoc_QXk

Part2 0:17 was JBL nuts bass/sub bass at High Wycombe it was pressing on my body and pressuring my ears while at the same time, bass/mid and HF highs played loud and clearly, well at softer level as this was one of the quietist moments in the film.

Also set the contrast range at lower level as it was set up a bit high for the last video I made later in week, the webcam is highly sensitive to bright contrast/brightness images, that tends to add an extra brightness on the image, lousy cheap webcam.

3:45 I haven’t watched this film/DVD in while now, least of all, not on the LCD video projector and that spider did make me flinch and jump,:D I hate spiders!

Most if not most of the low sub bass extension you hear in the videos is over LCR. The LFE.1 only comes on as and when need in the film/DVD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4gTYtPH5vI

[JBL 4645]

I’ve ran a few frequency waterfalls graphs of the opening. I’ve used only the LCR combined though the audio mixer thou most of lows are covered by the centre channel with milder occasional lows over left/right.

[JBL 4645]

The lows seen here should reproduce in the exact same way in the room over seating area, unless there are dips where some of the lows will not show-off well. The same Spectrumlab can be used for in-room recoding to get a near enough or a precise mirrored matched frequency response.

[JBL 4645]

While first placing the SPL db metre at several locations while analyzing the waterfall frequency response for hot colours and comparing them at seating location to see what frequencies have room gain and what frequencies have dips.

I first tested the centre channel (with other channels muted) at various crossover settings on the low end from 168Hz to 100Hz and 50Hz while testing sub bass extension at the same range distance. Crossover I tried 170Hz and 40Hz. I had to trim the level for centre low output so that it looked normal, but showed the high tympani beat in the bottom part of the spectrum.

I trimmed some of the other peaks like, 37.2Hz / 74.3Hz / 107Hz / 155Hz while actually playing the filmDVD in “real time.” This is not usual how to test the, performance I’d sooner look for new approach rather than running a series of frequency sweeps.

Usual it’s the loudness of the LCRS that I think, makes us turn up the sub bass because are ears are less sensitive to low notes, just like we’re less sensitive to tone over 10KHz.

[JBL 4645]

Tested the Eltax A-12R near to the sub while making an output level adjustment, some portions show where instruments like tympani is beating down on the lower end between 30Hz and 40Hz. The red outline is showing only noise maybe air blowing on the SPL db metre nothing to worrying to about.

[JBL 4645]

Centre channel tested with 100Hz same location near to the centre channel.

[JBL 4645]

Centre channel tested with 100Hz while expanding the spectrum response up to 1KHz

[JBL 4645]

Now tested at Rocker seat location with (centre sub bass extension) no that means centre is muted only the, lows from centre output is being sent to the sub. With PEQ already applied earlier the room gains a bit towards the back.

[JBL 4645]

Same location again, with a bit extra PEQ trimming the warmer peaks down for a calmer level.

[JBL 4645]

Well my package up and after unpacking I switched ON the sound system for testing.

Well my first test was to set the SPL db metre up at the front centre and test the JBL tweeter (set to a calm level 60db).

Next was unattached the wires and connect up (I noticed the tone was different and these would have to be EQ).

[JBL 4645]

I noticed screws holding the backs together and undid the backs for inspection. I noticed the paper cone was properly aligned inside the housing and one of the pizeo was slightly pulled to one side due to wire pulling out of the centre of throat.

I then attached them all back together and tested with pink noise. The SPL came within tiny variables 0.1db of each other. Hey I wasn’t expecting a lot for £1.99.

I have my eye on some compression HF horns (nope not JBL, why is JBL so expressive?) They have range from 400Hz to 20KHz and cheap rate cost so that might be on the list after I’ve finished building the floor and getting all the Rocker seats set up.

Anyway back to the piezo horn tweeters. After playing a few sine wave tones to see how they performed as I was bit sceptical and since I have no test RTA equipment that goes monitors above 20KHz I mean 30 KHz really like I’m going to hear that easily.

I managed to get the pink noise frequency response flatted out up to 16 KHz. It was bit of pig ears, foundling around with PEQ on the DCX2496 and few bands on the other EQ to flatten the peaks out.

I’ll get a few more for the other two, JBL control 5 later in the week.

How do they sound with The Black Hole that is presently playing! A bit “horny” LOL what I mean is I can hear a hollow like sound when muting the LF while the piezo horn tweeter plays. I curious as to what they’re technical tolerances are?

What SPL db peak can they reach within they’re operating range at @1meter.
What is the real maximum wattage/voltage before the piezo fails?

[JBL 4645]

Measured the piezo horn tweeter @16” from the outside, inside about @19” to the SPL db meter. Not sure if this is accurate but I could test it on Sooty as he has the top end hearing range.

I started the sweep from 800Hz not that it will respond down that low and I have the DCX2496 crossover set at 1KHz -24db Linkwitz-Riley with audio limiter set to ON for extra protection.

Frequency sweep won’t go any higher above 23KHz it’s a bit bumpy at the top end and this, with the EQ that I applied earlier on with just adding a few PEQ filters with the (pink noise on the RTA mode).

I ran two sweeps one at 800Hz to 16KHz and the other at 800Hz to 23KHz

I’ll have a few more tweaks with this, later on.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjTR2QaRbPo

Here is a recoding of how the pizeo horn tweeters sound at present after another adjustment I made late afternoon, as I was just a bit unsatisfied with the PEQ. I only have few PEQ bands to play with (three) for the HF end as the rest of the 9 PEQ are all used up on the LF range.

One thing I’ve sussed out is the paper cone inside the horn tweeter needs to be properly aligned, I have slight issue with another piezo horn tweeter that need adjustment. I really need some soft tacky like clue to hold each of them in place.

Well this is how it sounds for now with ALIEN3 which has good use of dialogue panning.

Some portions of the peaks are around the 85db range @8 feet.

Made some changes to the LF crossover to trick or give the illusion while monitoring the RTA of each LF / HF with pink noise. Alesis RA300 now set at full for each LF. Marantz 1050 set half way for each for each HF.

I placed captions on the video to show which side the dialogue panning and centre channel is sounding from. I only placed a few captions in as there is lots of subtle voices panned left and right on the opening scene.

[JBL 4645]

View behind the bed sheet screen. I doubt the bed sheet will reduce much of the highs, maybe the higher pitched tones?


I placed a cassette case to tilt/lean the horn downwards and stuck a little blutack underneath the case to hold it down and same with horn as its lightweight.

The highs remain focused across the fronts where with JBL titanium dome tweeter, it tended to wonder or sound slightly shifted to one side of the centre when listening to certain sound frequencies, it had slight phase shift to the left or made me think a sound was coming from left even thou it was centre sound or mono a film. With the horn it stays focused to each of the LCR.

I haven’t listened to anything that has (half pan dialogue mixing in it yet) to see how it sounds. Listened to The Abyss where the dialogue panning is isolated hard left or right, often they’re would be half pan of the dialogue sound in the centre and half on the left or right.

I can think of good list of films that have hard dialogue panning to half pans.

My Fair Lady (R2DVD Dolby5.1)
2001: A Space Odyssey (laserdisc original mix to DVD-RW Dolby4.2.4 matrix)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (R2DVD Dolby5.1)
Alien (R1DVD Dolby5.1)
Titanic (R1DVD Dolby5.1)
Star Trek V the Final Frontier (blurayDolbyTrueHD 5.1/7.1)
The Towering Inferno (bluray dtshdma 5.1 Dolby4.0)
Terminator2 (bluray dtshdma 5.1)
Ice Station Zebra (R2DVD Dolby5.1)
And the list goes on…

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLy7cOuxwO0

Gremlins2 sounds brilliant in 6track DOLBY STEREO DIGITAL. Made a few SPL level changes from 80dbc to 100dbc for picking up the JBL sub when the Phantom Gremlin plays the low peddle note.

0:20 I switched SPL db meter to 80dbc then switch to 100dbc at 0:34

Sounds okay on the playback though the same JBL sound system only the videos audio is mono, still that’s how it sounds in the room.

The Gremlin dentist scene “is not safe” the pitch of the frequency was in the 8KHz range at high level at seated position @8 feet.

The Gremlin dentist scene “is not safe” :D the pitch of the frequency was in the 8KHz range at high level at seated position @8 feet. The sound pressed, me back in the rocker and it’s a good thing it rocks back, :p because the scene made me feel uncomfortable :( it sounded that realistic on the top end centre channel with a few subtle pans of the drill moving left and right as Gremlin dentist waves the drill around.

[JBL 4645]

I have two region2DVD versions, one that has been senselessly cut by the BBFC for DVD R2 first edition release! The other version is special edition which is same as theatrical UK release and both releases are Dolby stereo 4.1 discrete.

So today I thought I’d spin the laserdisc NTSC version in PCM Dolby stereo for a few hours, viewing/listening while making some minor, changes to the EQ for LCR.

I’ve moved the left and right out a bit further by a few inches which, has helped in few ways. Some of the sound frequencies in the bass/mid upper middle range tend to shift over to middle or reduce in shape/size to where they’re suppose to be heard. Also its changed the HF piezo tweeters a little bit. These piezo horn tweeters are a real pig to set-up, right!


Anyhow the laserdisc played fine with, no visible “laser-rot2 issues, colours still look pleasing as does the general image detail it has grain texture that, I enjoyed to the fullest.

The audio varies in a few ways that some of the lows have higher range in analogue mode over PCM digital within a few (+- db). The LCR played loud when need and softer tones was easy to hear like when the Predator is, pulling Blain’s body out, (the cracking of branch right front alerts you) that something is sneaking around.

I think I paid £35.00 for this laserdisc mid 90’s, it was produced for street date: (30/08/1991)
http://www.lddb.com/laserdisc/03449/1515-85/Predator-(1987)

Huh, reading the LDDB stating it’s a possible candidate for “laser rot” yet I’ve had my copy for some, 15 years now, not a sign of any laser rot, maybe I brought a good copy?

[JBL 4645]

I’m smiling like “Cheshire cat” the playback came out okay thou it was slightly nearing distortion on the low end as the SPL db is only set to 80dbc still it made! I sat in the rocker and the bass/sub bass extension was pounding me in the chest, kinder like what the “Fantastique” Dolby SR did in the late 80’s to early 90’s in the cinema. So I have flashbacks now. It’s a cool theme to start of movie night at home, just as it did in cinema with Dolby stereo SR soundtracks.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNpsrFY8PkI

The level of the soundtrack on the music that that I rarely visit was at lesser volume level so, I turned it up to +4db.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OepPdbw2ijU


It was loud scene, the gunfight shoot out with ample low end of Tommy-guns with occasional explosions.

SPL db would normally be around 85db over the LCRS while LFE.1 might be a few db higher but never overwhelming the mix.

The quiet scenes sounded good from sound to dialogue recoding variables of softly spoken whispery dialogue “we’re being bugged” sounded like it did at the cinema.

Fader level on AVR was -8db all amp levels are on full for LCR LF and LFE.1 HF are set half way some sub bass extension was added on to the other sub for LCRS as the smaller speakers can only play so far down at a high level! Crossover was re-set from 40Hz to 80Hz L-R -24db for LCR LF as this can be a bit low end heavy at times for the smaller control 5, not that they can’t handle moderate mild lows which they can, they just don’t like it and its not wise to push them too far, rather than let sub handle the rest of the lows.

Lots of directional sound effects had me looking centre left right centre surround left left front right surround in the chaotic shoot-out scene or quiet scenes, but mostly the shoot-out!

Wow I should have set the SPL db to 90dbc to handle the shoot-out it sounded like Earthquake in sensrround in the cinema that raw like gritty sound on the recoded playback due to distortion slightly overloading the SPL db meter at 80dbc.

Some lows rocked me back in the rocker, that’s why they call them rocker seats!

Some portions of the Danny Elfman score had me looking left to right in wine cellar.

That horn was bit peaky mostly in the 500Hz to 800Hz range might be the SPL db meter is spot where its peaky at 500Hz or the level setting of the SPL db meter I think I say it was the range setting at 80dbc should have turned the fader level down or turned the SPL db up 90dbc!

[JBL 4645]

This is what normally happens after a major Earthquake!:eek:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWZ3riim65Y

The SPL db meter set at seated position is picking up a bit of reverb. Still the dialogue remains clear. I might have to put soft absorbent material on the walls (afterwards) once the floor building starts around November. Recoded with SPL db metre @70dbc weighting.

When the M-16 is cocked! You can hear the echo effect off its cocking on the surrounds, with part of cocking centre and part echo surround effect.

[JBL 4645]

Superman the movie flew in yesterday on laserdisc for under £10.00 off fleabay. The cover is a bit beaten on the sides. The laserdisc themselves look fine apart from minor laser rot in few areas on side3 and given the age of the laserdisc I think it should last many more years.

The PCM audio is clear and dynamic with occasional faint dialogue panning that works when the centre is lowered otherwise the centre masks over the soft dialogue panning left/right. Analogue has bit of common low level noise when the soundtrack is quiet which is normal for analogue.

This is the same transfer that was used for the VHS PAL many years back which had sound issue of kind with some wining electrical pulse sound in the background many db below the soundtrack. There was no evidence of this on laserdisc on PCM digital or the analogue track.

http://www.lddb.com/laserdisc/02701/12030-A/B/Superman:-The-Movie-(1978)

It’s CLV pressing on sides 1, 2 & 3 with fast break ends. Some laserdiscs fade the end break which looks a bit distracting. I think it’s mostly my PAL laserdisc collection that does this.

Running time 143 minutes
Scope 2.35:1
Colour NTSC or I can switch it to PAL
Dolby stereo 4.2.4 matrix

Chapter stops started off as 0 then moved though to chapter 1 over sides 1, 2 & 3 I never noticed that before often it starts as 1 though 2 and so on. The countdown time remaining wasn’t encoded on the disc just time as the disc played. It would have been nice if there was room for a CAV side but given the time it wouldn’t be possible.

Well now I have it on laserdisc DVD and VHS transferred to DVD-RW I’ll get a new DVD-RW at some point and transfer the laserdisc to DVD-RW.

[JBL 4645]

Re-wired the JBL up with the Eltax using the Eltax amp to power both. JBL placed front right corner Eltax placed right back corner of room.

I did manual EQ adjustments early morning hours with sine waves and SPL db metre.

I just ran the sweep to see what it looks like and its fine. I don’t have that gapping gap between 40Hz and 60Hz no more.

The drop off at 80Hz needs to be sorted and there’s not much I can do about that right now. Normally the internal frequency sweep shows a smooth none interrupted sweep which drops off at 80Hz when sliding the crossover slope over the frequency sweep and adjusting the crossover to 80Hz matches up.

Why it’s peaking at 106Hz maybe a room issue than again it might be possible to fill the gap in with car body filler! LOL No a third or forth sub might sort it!

The dip at 35Hz and rise at 37Hz 73Hz tends to be peaky one, I’ll correct all this, in jiffy as its minor tiny adjustment that needs delicate touch!

There’s sod all I can do starting at 76Hz to 104Hz unless I want a gapping abyssal hole between 40Hz and 60Hz where most of the action effects are placed.

I’ll try and tighten up 20Hz a bit, which has dropped a off a bit.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W13BMnPzKU


A short video for my,(reference use) later on describing how the sub bass lows feel in the rocker seat on the seat itself and on various parts of my body. Recently I improved the frequency response between the 40Hz and 60Hz range that had large sloping gap that wasn’t doing much expect the range below 40Hz was boomy most of the time. Now that its smoother along with the filled in gap, action sequences that have most of the lows in-around 40Hz and 80Hz are felt.

Largely it feels better than early last month, with some peaks at 108dbc and yes I’ve had the sub up to 126dbc many years in the past and that’s damn loud! I only care about smoothness now with the feel at leaser db peak, thou 108db is loud but only for short few seconds.

Independence Day, towards the end as the Mothership explodes from the inside had smooth deep depth, then as the shockwave moved outwards created a mild feeling rumble in the rocket seat at 108dbc.

The seat is only resting on two pieces of timber on the concrete floor at present, until I start on MDF floor early December as I need to get the money and materials saved up, I only finished paying off for the cinema seats.

The floor might take a few days to build once I have all materials needed for the basics of the build. Any minor materials needed, will just have to wait.

When L.A. gets touched, I think, I had SPL db set at 90dbc so that’s why its distorting mildly on the low end. I later switched it to 100dbc. The mid-range and highs are bit distant sounding its louder than you might think, its around 80 to 85dbc on the LCRS if the sub was muted.

[JBL 4645]

I’ve just finished listening to this, twice this evening, John Barry’s score to, On Her Majesty's Secret Service.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awB-OtVOKvw

James Bond Loudness, :D JBL! No Body Makes Speakers Better, that JBL baby you’re the best. LOL

SPL db metre was set at 90dbc placed in the centre rocker seat. Sub bass extension is trimmed down a bit to prevent possible sub bass distortion overload on the SPL db metre. Volume was set moderately high at around an 85db max peak if I had the sub bass extension muted the LCRS would peak around 85db with rare 90dbc peak, in small room. Sub bass extension could easily reach 108db (or over) on LFE.1 with plenty of mild power left before it finally runs out of headroom.

Re-listening to the monaural recoding in stadium DSP mode on the AVR gives a simulated stereo effect that adds reverberation echo, I wonder what would happen if I recoding the monaural sound from the video onto another new video with stadium mode ON, would it start to distort at some degree or echo really badly?

I know the playback was vibrating underneath the rocker seat and kicking me in the chest on parts of the sub bass/bass notes.:bouncy:

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oRYM3dz7uI

Not sure if the mild thumbing sound was coming from the audio lead between the SPL db metre that is connected to pc I think it is! It corrects after a few seconds. The dialogue is a bit distant in the mix as the film relies more on low end. I could do it again and turn up the fader a bit and lower the LCRS sub bass extension and lower the LFE.1 level so that it plays at normal sound level.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju561IzV-Yg


It sounds a bit boomy and that’s not the fault of the JBL its the levels of low end that is piling up high on the SPL db metre. It was low on the lows in the room and when the tank went over the cliff its like WHAM BANG! CHASH!

There’s just so much on this Dolby film mix to listen to on well balanced LCR matching fronts. Subtle half dialogue panning that shifts between centre and left or centre and right or hand pans left and right, that’s what you should be listening for when watching films that use a lot of dialogue panning.

Effects move around with the onscreen action fixed ether to left centre right or panning madly over the LCR and onto the stereo surrounds or stereo surrounds to LCR. They just don’t mix Dolby stereo digital films like this, anymore, today its just centred and its sounds dull and less enjoyable to listen to.

The one thing the single SPL db metre is picking-up is the mild room reverb and there’s sod all I can do about that at the moment. It doesn’t sound like that when listening with (two ears) if I close one ear off I can hear the mild reverb in the living room. Its not as bad as the bedroom that I once used as the home cinema. That had really high pinging reverberation that would echo on high frequencies.

LOL looking at myself moving my head left and right and around, I can’t help it! I’m I highly turned to the listening to the 6channel Dolby stereo mix, even with the head of hair I can hear higher, highs! :D Well its wintertime now so I need a head of hair.

The mirage of bullets whistling around is just wild in this room, the surrounds that I set up sure make it worthwhile to listen to for a bullwhip cracking 2 hours of listening fun.

I like the “Indy punch” on the Nazi, where the LFE.1 slams in!

It’s better to shoot down 3 with one bullet that whistled along the right surround array.

Video locks-up just near the end! Well that’s youtube;s unbeatable bullshit service for you!

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N4PDjiAejc

I’m surprised it didn’t distort or overload at 80dbc setting on the SPL db metre. The lows are punchy with slam and kick on the stereo surrounds.

[JBL 4645]

Picked up a rather inexpensive Gale30Series 3090 sub last week for £50.00 its in fair cosmetic shape apart from slight nip on the edge of the veneer.

The sub plays fine with tiny 150watt plate amplifier. I placed it at the left front and it still gives slight curved dip to seating location as this room issue not a sub performance issue.

The sub runs the LCRS low end as sub bass extension while the Eltax still powers itself along with the JBL 4645 for LFE.1 effects.

The Gale3090 is bit larger box over the Eltax A12R which uses a 12” sub driver same as Gale3090. The little Gale3090 packs quiet a force gale wind in the living room.

The Gale plays smoothly on Revenge (1990) that is currently playing in DOLBY STEREO DIGITAL 6channel over the LCRS low end with nice floor rumble.

[JBL 4645]

I’m really surprised with its performance port noise isn’t as noticeable as it is on the Eltax even thou its flared on both ends of the port, it still chuffs on some lows. The Gale has less since its port is located on the rear of the enclosure. I have tuned up high a sine wave low tone to see where the chuffing would start at. Can’t recall the frequency, I did the test last week and never made any notes. I wanted to test it out to see if it had any faults, none what so ever for £50.00 pounds.

I ran a frequency sweep at its location to seated position which showed a narrow slope dip stating around 40Hz to 60Hz and that is typical of the room for that position. If located at the back the frequency response would be different. The subs frequency response from what I got off the web is quoted down at 25Hz thou I think it would manage 20Hz with a bit trail and error placement.

The inside is basically plain for what it is.

I’m going to fair and give the Gale a 5 rating.:bouncy:

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwPUu0lu7yg

I like the DOLBY STEREO DIGIAL 6channel trailer mix on the extras of Revenge. Too bad there isn’t a trailer for Revenge. Casino Royale thriller had an operatic choir blaring out loud during the last half of the trailer with plenty of thunderous low end.

I’m surprised the SPL db metre didn’t grossly overload with distortion. The reverberation is a bit high lower end, thou it doesn’t quiet sound like that in room, it’s the SPL metre that is exaggerating the low end even the background pc noise sounds different. The SPL is fairly sensitive to picking-up even the relay switching on the AVR as it switches from DOLBY STEREO 2channle to DOLBY DIGITAL 6channel.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW2pe3Nf3Tc

More trailer extras Into The Blue (2005) was damn deep on the low end part of the lows is LCRS and the other is LFE.1 hard to till which is which as they play seamlessly together.

[JBL 4645]

Late of last week Saturday the timber arrived for the first part of the flooring to rise a tiny bit off the floor so that the MDF can rest on top of it, with the first row of seating screwed down into the MDF and part of the timber beneath it.

The rise platform for the back row seating will be done at different stage as that will require thicker ticker beams to make up the 8” high rise to clear the front seats at seated height position.

The timber came in at about £22.00 free delivery.

I’ll get the MDF from the same place next week, thou I’m looking at an item on ebay too tempting to pass at the silly buy now price, shhh not saying what it is, don’t want the other EbayVultures bidding or buying it. :D So I might skip the MDF till late December the very least I’d start knocking the floor up around early January, “no rush”.

The MDF alone will be the most costly part of the floor as each sheet 4x8 is around £26.00 do the math! I need to cover 15 feet by 9 feet 1” well over a £100.00! The rise flooring for the back row seats will cost near around £80.00.

So at least things are moving along slowly and there need to rush it, it will come together over a short time.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTWgENtEneGXwMaSKwBy2tIkWx7Wy2uG K1q_5jaXn3lqGDB6lvd
Oh, there is just one more thing.

There are x6 pieces of timber to be spaced apart by 18” to give equal amount for the MDF to lay-down on, I was going to go for x8 pieces, but didn’t see the need to buy more.

:xmas::tree:

[JBL 4645]

Late of last week my dad calls around to drop off a DVD-RW that he no longer needs as it doesn’t support this HDMI thingy not that I’m fussed about HDMN its just another excuse for a different lead to send video and audio information down a cable.

He got himself a new player that records that has HDMI for his large flat screen.

It’s a an upper cheap model a bit higher priced than want I paid for my Cello DR-810 DVD-RW recorder that gave up the ghost early this year. Still can’t find a power supply for it on fleabay?

I set the Yamada DVR-9300HX up played a few DVD on it as its non-bluray. It has I think from recall a less than 200GB hard-drive for recoding direct to the player/recorder.

It has Dolby stereo digital/dts 6channel RCA outputs and its own decoder of coarse that is set up on the AVR 6channel input not that it makes any difference but I’m fresh out of RCA coaxial inputs on the AVR and I only have one optical input left but, my friend has my optical lead so that he can run that PS3 thingy.

Sod I’ll buy another cheap optical lead off fleabay for less than £10.00 no big deal.

I think I might need to buy new AVR one that doesn’t cost over £600.00 but has all the trimmings of DolbyTureHD and sod dtsHDMA, maybe Lucasfilm THX, oh, I mean THX as they are private now! Something that has more RCA coaxial inputs and optical inputs, not really interested in HDMI as I only have one Phillips bluray player with it so might as well use the sodden thing, as and when I get around to buying a new AVR its not top priority at the moment.

Anyway the Yamada DVR-9300HX has two scart plugs on the back
Also composite output RCA for red green blue (RGB)
A video output
A video input
An S-video in and output
An optical digital output
An RCA coaxial output

Front as aux S-video input and RCA inputs for left/right
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Not a good picture I didn't take any pictures of it before I fitted it in afterwards.
:happyh::tree:

[JBL 4645]

It's also got a fan on the rear for the HD driver system its also a bit taller and deeper than the Cello DR-810.
:xmas:
:sleigh:

[JBL 4645]

The Yamada is also a bit heavier than the Cello DR-810 Odd thou the colour is about the same as the Cello DR-810.
:xmas::presents:

[JBL 4645]

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTTa5eSDXtejbvggxIahSfk048aZpE3H bnk0t8p5ixDXGRyDDQd
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQPtoQTcqe5O_WiitIjWnMyazCQBYCM4 7neWivlESM7c5MjkEH4Lg

The Phillips BDP3000 has mysteriously given up the ghost? Late of last night I wanted to played a disc in bluray player but decided to switch it off as I was viewing The Core (2003) on another DVD player at the time.

A few hours later on in morning I turned the Phillips BDP3000 ON, and nothing no onscreen display nothing? I unplugged the unit as I couldn’t turn the power OFF at the remote or via the players front panel, (totally inoperative).

I then sent an email off to Philips about the technical issue (which has happened once or twice before only I turned the power of at the mains and it started back up with no issues).

I’m guessing as I said in the email it’s a (microprocessor issue) that as gone wrong and no reason for it not for something that is almost still practically brand new, oh just shy over 12 months whoopee: banghead: wow, its hardly been used over the other players and even they are many years older and still play, sigh.

So its been arranged to pick it for free and get it sent off for repair under warranty or maybe replaced if the technical issue beyond repair?

It’s all boxed up in its original box with leads and remote manual as well ready for a pick-up sometime tomorrow.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRB9dZaHtmY&feature=related

[JBL 4645]

Well some delay due to weather conditions in picking up the Phillips which won’t be till Monday next week, oh, well only 3 days to go as Thursday is almost near to the end of other freezing the bollocks off!
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Just brought a Sony BDP-S550 bluray player of fleaBay this morning for £112.00
It has some advantages over the Phillips BDP3000 which is waiting to be picked-up for service repair. Where the Philips doesn’t offer true onboard decoding like built in 6channel or even 8channel where the Sony does is plus if you don’t happen to have an AVR that supports 8channel input!

Oh, no my AVR doesn’t have 8channel input! I’ve overlooked the situation and given the amount of addition decoders and amplifiers I have I’ve discovered its doable!

The players often have a volume control to adjust the level so all, I need to do is send 6channles to the main AVR Kenwood KRF-X9050D THX select, and the remaining 2channels rear back surrounds to the Pioneer VSP-200 on one of its additional input modes.

So when I select the Sony I’d switch to 6channel on the Kenwood AVR and select one of the other three modes on the Pioneer, nothing to it.

Users manual for Sony BDP-S550
http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/SonyStyleStorefrontAssetStore/pdf/BDPS550_OM.pdf

The player has Ethernet connection for firmware upgrades a really pants USB port that I’ve done some research on and I hope it’s supplied with the extended port, if not a lead with male/female connection would get around this.

It’s got all the other usual outputs S-video/video/composite RGB for 1080i/p digital audio optical.

This now delays the floor getting done by several weeks.
:xmas::tree:

[JBL 4645]

The Sony has arrived and I didn’t expect it in 1day! It said (5 to 7 days).

It was bit dicey to suss out the menu/options to find the speaker modes to send the 8channles to RCA phone rather than via HDMI.

I noticed the remotes commands doesn’t control the volume (like the Yamada DVD-RW player). No matter I’m working on solution to get around this.

I have 6 of the channels outputting to the main AVR now I have to make changes in the surround speaker positions by a few inches. After that’s done I’d use one of the other spare Marantz amps 1030 to power the rear back, but now the problem? What if I want to use the main AVR other video modes for the other DVD players and I want to use centre back and overhead matrix surround, I’m a bit stuffed now?

It’s going to take a bit of extra sussing out now.

So far I only have the side surround outputs, outputting to the sidewall surround arrays, while Re-listening to Star Trek the motion picture in Dolby Stereo TureHD it’s a bit hard to tell if HD is better as I need to switch from DolbyTrueHD 8channel to regular Dolby Stereo Digital 6channel, so I’d have to set-up the coaxial digital output to the and do a thorough re-listening later this evening.


All the additional packing came with the Sony BDP-S550.

What do I think of the unit so far? I find it almost easy to work-around thou I’d still have to read the manual to absorb and digest up the information.

I only have it running on the Panasonic CRT at present I’d start-up the video projector later on tonight and see how it fairs thou I expect nothing grand to what I’ve seen with the Phillips BDP3000 which is waiting for pick-up this Monday for repair.

The remote control back-lighting is rather nifty thou that function will drain battery power if used too much.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Opening the box. I’m surprised it came in an original box for a refurbished player.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Users manual / Remote Control / External Memory Card / Power cord and one three-way RCA lead.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

The player itself came wrapped in plastic.
:xmas::presents:

[JBL 4645]

The player looks spanking brand new for a second hand model.

The end credits rolling now on STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE (1979) and its time for re-run re-listening again.
:xmas::tree:

[JBL 4645]

The rear view has a bit more than the Phillips BDP3000 has. I think all players should come like this, why skip on the features.

Replaying STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE (1979) now! WOW I like the Jerry Goldsmith score opening fantastic!:bouncy:
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

A closer up view of the units assorted outputs and inputs. I haven’t really noticed the fan noise it must be whisper quiet over the Sony PS3 that I noticed on my friends last night (as popped over to enjoy the warmth of his living room.):D

The Klingon attack verses V’ger is great DolbyTureHD listening fun.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Onscreen menu displaying the sound outputs set to multi-channel RCA output.
All the outputs are set to wide range distances are set at normal as most of the distance setting for the fronts is controlled by the Behringer DCX2496 for the LCR I’ll set in side surround and rear back distances in later to night.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Onscreen menus.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Running the pink noise. Oh, well I’d have to start re-positioning the surrounds should take more than a few hours then re-wire and re-plug the Sony to run at full 8channles as and when its encoded onto the film mix.
:xmas::presents:

[JBL 4645]

I have the rear ones up and running while still conducting some tests. I can hear difference in chapter 6 where the transporter goes up the creek, the sound of the engineering level as the deeper humming in the back with the alarm sounding. Sidewall surrounds has a milder less deeper sound of the Enterprise’s warp core rector system. As one of the engineering personal calls Mr. Scott’s attention to the situation the voices can be heard echoing give a sense of size to engineering level.

Listening to the fronts left/right only Mr. Scott’s voice is heard with milder echo and milder sound of the warp core humming, Foly footsteps can be heard running to right as Kirk and Scotty head for the transporter room only to find the new crew personal have been turned into something other than what they ware. I guess Star Fleet will be mopping up mess on the transporter pad for a few hours.

I’ve looked at options to make it easier when running 8channels but there are none and the only way is to wait till next year and buy an affordable AVR that supports 8channel RCA inputs/outputs maybe a model with DolbyTrueHD don’t care for dtshdma but don’t have any choices. Grim and bare it, love it or hate it, dts is just like Marmite only I like Marmite and hate dtshdma.

Maybe I’d have a change of heart in the new year, who knows?:dont-know:

Well back to re-positioning need to make a few quick changes and that will be it and I might have room to fit in an EQ for the rear back.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Re-listening again to chapter 6, with the player set to coaxial digital output Dolby Stereo Digital 6channel the sidewall surrounds has sound overlaid making it harder to tell which is, rear back surround and which is, sidewall surrounds.

I think I’ll switch the player back to multi-channel decoder.

It’s cool when stopping player the image faders out slowing, unlike the Phillips where it goes to onscreen graphic instantly.

I’m not sure if the player will run regionFree so I’ll try Revenge (1989) and see if plays.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Revenge (1989) plays without any hitches in Dolby Stereo Digital and PCM 6channel. The F-14 TomCat flyby sonic booms give me alarming ups 106dbc to the chest!:bouncy:
:window::tree:

[JBL 4645]

I’ve tried problematic Terminator Salvation (2009) to see if it plays as this title caused menu lock-ups on several bluray players (Samsung / LG and Phillips) last year, until new firmware software was written late December 2010, so that the title will play without any hitches.

Chapter9 is buzzing as the Terminators Machines house humans like cattle in cages feels like there’s a lot raw electrical buzzing begin generated by the Machines. Yeah I certainly felt the madness of it on my body.

Chapter 15 makes me cringe and grit my teeth as the Terminator reaches out and scares John Connors face.

I have to check by switching back to and throw to dts and dtshdma to determine if there really is that much difference in SPL db level loudness or any subtlety in softer sounds in the background or foreground.

I like the little bit-rate counter showing the strength in the lower part of the onscreen display. Something that is not available on the Phillips BDP3000.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Sigh, whew, that’s a workout, got the surrounds repositioned along the sidewall by moving them along 9” towards the neatest surround.

For the back moved them outer pair outwards by 21”.

Got STAR TREK II THE WRATH OF KHAN (1982) Dolby Stereo Digital TureHD 8channel, running at present, don’t have many 8channel mixes. The surrounds isn’t really surprising me that much after closely listening between each surround sidewall and rear back one at time. There’s depth of space between certain sound effects and music

As noticed the rear back produces stereo surrounds as does the of course the sidewall surrounds so looks like I can do some matrix decoding on them in future to customize it bit different over the norm.

Rear centre-back as they where earlier this evening.
:happyh::tree:

[JBL 4645]

Left side view as it is now.
:xmas::presents:

[JBL 4645]

Right side view as it is now.
:window::tree:

[JBL 4645]

Chapter 10 as Kirk and party beam down to the moon they see a cave holding the Genesis device. In the back Kirk hears something moving as small object lands on the floor sidewall-right-surround with one small quick sound! Then as the sound moves quickly across the rear back surrounds right back and left back as if the object is sliding across the floor.

Well I have to say that was some rather neat bit of quick mixing. I listened to each surround array one at time, as I wanted to see how good the discreteness was.
:xmas::window:

[JBL 4645]

Re-listened to Pearl Harbour (2001) this time in PCM6channel chapter 21 onwards airplanes are literally buzzing whizzing whooshing in and around the stereo surrounds passing over fronts with in-between phantom sounds over LCR and between fronts and surrounds as well as discrete surround fly-passes, bullets from the Japanese planes chasing Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett blitz around the cockpit side to side, its enough to make you dizzy if you listen. I know I was feeling dizzy after some, PCM6channel which I gave my fullest listening attention!

The encoding is rated at 48KHz 16bit while Dolby digital is at 48KHz.
:xmas::tree:

[JBL 4645]

I sussed out how to get the rear centre back for Dolby Stereo Digital 6channel or EX working again.

I refreshed breathed and thought it though and after seeing arhh! The answer was staring at me for days now. I’d just use one of the extra inputs and re-plug the lead from Pioneer VSP-200 with Y-jack connected to centre out and send the two RCA phone jacks to the Marantz 1030 tape input. Sorted!

I stuck a bit masking tape on the front marked the sound formats that I need to use. So if I’m using the Sony BDP-S550 to play Dolby Stereo Digital TrueHD 8channel I select the 1030 to Aux mode.

If I happen to be using the Sony BDP-S550 for Dolby Stereo Digital 6channel or PCM6channel or one of the other DVD I’d set the mode on the 1030 to Tape mode.

Still I have to set the level on the main AVR carefully to make sure the levels are balanced as the 1030 isn’t connected to the main AVR Kenwood KRF-X9050D, however the main AVR is sending the rear centre back for matrix use when using it for Dolby Stereo Digital 6chanmnel, sounds confusing doesn’t it.

Got, Eraser (1996) up and running with matrix overhead and centre back along with sidewall surrounds, only listening to the surrounds at the moment. Chapter 20 though 21 and 22 WOW!

So now I’m catered for all sound formats, after pause and a bit of re-thinking.

I might do diagram later on showing how all these, spaghetti leads are connected up. I wouldn't mind a spaghetti bolognese right now!:bouncy:
:xmas::tree:

[JBL 4645]

I’m looking into future customizing the extra new surround channel outputs to support a few matrix decoders, but I’d need to do a thorough listening to, see how much or how often there’s centre phantom sounds between (left side and rear left back as well as right side and right rear back)?

If I think its beneficial I’d stretch it to 14channles or 13.1 at present I can use the overhead with 8channel but that will get it’s sound information off the sidewall surrounds, I haven’t tried it yet to see how it sounds. So, 8 channles.x1 matrix.1overhead and x1 LFE.1, 9.1?
:xmas:
:sleigh:

[JBL 4645]

I was thinking early evening last night as its now today, isn’t the time zone jut great.

What if I used two Dolby Stereo pro-logic matrix decoders attached to (left front and left rear) (right front and right rear) why?

Well some mixes in Dolby 6channel or even 4channel discrete have what is called centre phantom that will be very brief when certain noticeable sound effects pass from front to rear or rear to front will only produce a foggy centre phantom image.

So why not just place a few decoders inline and get the centre phantom image to position itself somewhere along the sidewall surrounds?

Films with stereo surrounds will work smartly while films with mono surround discrete will produce a stereo surround like effect.

The way it will work is first sound panning from front, then the second sound or (centre phantom) will position itself somewhere along the sidewall, the last sound pan is when it reaches the rear back milliseconds later played over all surrounds at the same time.

I tried this last year and it worked out fairly well with Grand Canyon (1991) Dolby Stereo digital 4.0channels with the sound directed to play overhead then over to rear surrounds or centre back.

So why not try and create it for the side surrounds sometime later as I don’t have enough matching decoders or amps to make it work, but in theory it should work, there is just one snag thou.

The sound imaging pan from centre to surrounds I have to devise a way for the sound to pan from centre back and work along the sidewalls so only way is to use an audio mixer and a third Dolby pro-logic decoder and use the mixers inputs and set pan pots accordingly to send out the signals to the amps. This will make listening to film soundtracks just a bit more exciting.
:happyh::tree:

[JBL 4645]

Phillips customer support all I can say is bravo! :applaud: I just got off the phone as they called me, twice this, morning and afternoon. One, call from Phillips the other from their service department.

They can’t find what has cursed the issue with my BDP3000 s (The fault could be anywhere on the main PCB one chip that has thousands of connections, needle in haystack I guess?)

So they’re going to replace it with newer model BDP7000 series that supports onboard DolbyTrueHD8channel decoding as well as dtshdma (not that I care for dtshdam). It also has a 3D support so I guess I can’t grumble rather than I’m cuffed with the outcome.

The service engineer told me that it will also come with unlocked regional coding so I guess that means it can play any regional bluray title. Now that is customer support! :bouncy:

The player should be here maybe tomorrow, the very least Monday.

I’d recommend Phillips to friends.

Technical specifications
http://www.philips.co.uk/c/blu-ray-dvd/7000-series-3d-playback-wi-fi-ready-black-aluminium-bdp7500b2_05/prd/;jsessionid=666178AFBEF559CEBDBD4B439325D5B2.app10 2-drp3?t=specifications
:xmas::window:

[moparfan]

DTS-MA seems to have taken over blu-ray. It's kinda tough to limit yourself to just watching the "correctly" encoded movies.

[JBL 4645]

The unit has been delayed as other parts, of the UK was so deep with the snow, but that should be also melting away at fast rate now. Temperatures are milder with 8 to (6 or 4 at night-time). So the player should be re-despatched before the end of the month the very least early January 2011.

Sod dtshdma I couldn’t care for it. I did shamelessly buy my dad, The Sound of Music on bluray with that dtshdma8channel. I have the DVD region2 from years ago, not interested in buying another copy of it for 1080i/p line resolution not after seeing the screen captures it looks out of place. 70mm had less grain and it looks like, what one reviewer noticed, it came off a 35mm print which does have a high degree of grain.

I know my dad, likes the film as it played for 2 years in the local Odeon on the Lansdown from 1965, those were the days when films had long runs. Today its 2 to 4 years at most. In the 90’s you might get 6 to 8 week runs, same with the 80’s thou might get 10 weeks or more. 70’s about the same. Today its gotten lesser and lesser and just doesn’t excite me anymore.

[JBL 4645]

The rustling sound must be that cattle cow rustling buzz of sound? I need to get the cable sorted on the SPL db lead to the pc.

I had it up a bit high or a bit high on the sub bass extension for left/right as that is where most of the low end is coming from and the stage fronts as well. The surrounds fade out towards the end

The playback on the low end is going over or near 100dbc needs to be bit lower for good SPL db 80dbc pick-up! I’m going listening to this again. :D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9EQDNvslxI

The surrounds fade out as that is intentional for classic Dolby Stereo 6trcak discrete mixes the art of Dolby 5:24 slowly. This was the dogs bollocks. Let me rephrase that. That was the cats bollocks! :bouncy: WOOOW!

[JBL 4645]

That’s a little better, whoops its still hitting on low end part that is peaking a bit high! Well this is still the Cats Sooty Bollocks :bouncy: of classic Dolby Stereo film. No distortion in here! It’s the overload on the SPL db metre!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx-mFRFrYfI

I’ll do another video as I’m in Dolby listening mood tonight one with LCR on then one with surrounds on only. As most can’t be asked to monitor their own home cinema might as well do it for you.:D

[JBL 4645]

Phillips BDP7300 turned up just before midday the model that was issued as replacement that incorporates built-in multi-channel decoder RCA outputs 6channel (over the 8channel that was originally offered).

I’m pleased with the model it performs faster at visual searching over the (Sony BDP-S550).

The visual is still a pleasing aspect of the players function crisp and sharp around colours, contrast and brightness.

The unit is attached to video mode 3 on the Kenwood KRF-X9050D which is now exhausted for video mode inputs, even thou I have 4 players left.

I had to use an optical lead output from BDP7300 to video mode optical input as there is no coaxial digital inputs left.

While Sony BDP-S550 outputs DolbyTrueHD and dtshdma from the player directly from the players built-in multi-channel decoder 6/8channel decoder is good enough for the meantime until I upgrade to a newer AVR that’s not too costly and offers enough video input and digital audio inputs, with RCA 8channel input and 8channel output via RCA.

Phillips was nice enough to supply x2 bluray titles from Warner home entertainment. I Legend (2007) and Batman Begins (2005) both are Dolby TrueHD 6channel.

There was also a HDMI lead in the box so might come handy in the somewhat future?

For the video output I used composite for the CRT widescreen or regular use on the LCD video projector as well as connecting up component RBG for 1080i output on the LCD projector, (that gets little use but its there for when I need it).

The player has USB frontal input for video camera or USB port. I tried out the digital camera which gave a good reasonable picture quality Panasonic widescreen.

Also the engineer supplied a report on the fault on BDP3000 which turned out to be (freezes up when playing disc now won’t function properly, not booting up properly)

I just don’t know what could have caused that fault? Thou I suspect microprocessor chip error of some kind.

[JBL 4645]

Opening the box up. I find x2 bluray titles I Legend (2007) Batman Begins (2005) player cosily supported by Styrofoam users manuals / CD user manual / leads, component RGB / HDMI / power lead / remote control.

[JBL 4645]

The player was wrapped in polystyrene

[JBL 4645]

Wide rear view of the player

[JBL 4645]

Wide front view of the player

[JBL 4645]

Wide top view of the player

The camera flash was reflecting off the white label which reduced the visibility slightly something I should learn from in future when picture taking.

[JBL 4645]

Wide underside view of the player

[JBL 4645]

Close-up rear view of the player

[JBL 4645]

Close-up rear view of the player
Inputs Ethernet composite / component RBG / twin stereo output audio / coaxial digital / optical digital

[JBL 4645]

Close-up rear view of the player

RCA phone outputs for external use on AVR that doesn’t support new Dolby dts codes so this way you can cut corners with an older AVR where’s with a newer AVR just one HDMI would be required.

[JBL 4645]

Brought a cheap digital optical lead for the use Phillips DBP7300, 1 meter length

[JBL 4645]

Close-up top view of the player

[JBL 4645]

View players that are currently being thou some are ether powered-up or discounted the Pioneer CLD-1750 needs a slight laser alignment I’ll get around to that soon or enough. The DVD-RW is powered-up but till I get the laserdisc player up and running to record some laserdiscs it will have to standby.

Video mode 1 not being used at the moment its input mode is for RCA analogue only

Video mode 2 Pioneer DV-515 is currently used for multi-regional discs coaxial digital output and RAC analogue output / composite video / S-video for LCD projector

Video mode 3 Phillips BDP7300 digital optical output RGB 1080i and composite video widescreen CRT / LCD projector

Video mode DVD/6channel Sony BDP-S550 used for regular Dolby / dts 6channel or the AVR would have to be set at 0db for 8channel as the rear back is used directly from Sony BDP-S550 to Marantz 1030 amp, so level has to be set precisely or can be used at any level with 6channel as the rear back is not being used during 6channel function. Sound’s confusing doesn’t it!

Coaxial for digital input or 6/8channel output for HD output / RGB 1080i for LCD projector / composite video for LCD projector and widescreen CRT

Even boggles my head :blink: with all these spaghetti leads behind the AVR which goes where? Don’t ask.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1vrx0bV-sc

The levels of sub bass extension and LFE.1 is heavily overloading the SPL db metre at 80dbc, I should have set it to 90dbc or lowered the output for LCRS sub bass extension and the LFE.1 level.

Still it was great okay fun on the LCD projector.

Superman Returns Dolby mix is noticeably low end heavy.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpN6XS9SveI

I’d guess the LPCM 6channel is near or equal to the dts THX laserdisc last time I listened to it.

The 1080i was sharp and clear around fine image detail. Too bad the webcam mucks up the image with poor contrast levels of overexposing and image resolution.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grOjAfU3Fmk

I don’t sue the video projector all the time only on rare occasions. The CRT widescreen is okay thou the image is greatly reduced like peering though a projector port window.

There’s very little stereo surrounds on this Superman 2 sequel. The surrounds have a rather odd mix when listening to just the surrounds on there own. Glad it was faked with folding left/right front onto the monaural surround like Warner did with the bluray “2010 the year we make contact” the idiots!

I saw Superman 2 twice in ABC1 around April 1980 and Superman the movie 1978 around December once in large screen ABC1 and second time was with friends in smaller screen ABC2 around early 1979as the film played for a few months. I don’t forget the screen numbers.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua-1bQgbsgk

A little Sooty meow at 0:48.

Until the phaser attack started the low end pick-up was going just about okay. I think I need to set the low end at lesser level setting the SPL db to 90dbc will make the low end pick-up sound okay but will reduce the midrange to high end.

Most of the deep low end is off the LFE.1 and part of the LCRS sub bass extension.

Made a few changes on the DCX2496 don’t care to discuses the crossover politics for the LCR LF/HF.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErQ0MiCDSLE

The SPL db metre is producing a bright dialogue midrange on the playback on the JBL control 5 centre, but not to my ears with the actually film/DVD playing. Looking at the RTA I can see there’s an increase caused by the SPL db meter


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKMZZUyHQ7g

The end credits sounds like its been mildly overloaded on the sub bass extension. It might the db weighting at 80dbc maybe I should try 90dbc?

Okay back to the drawing board!

[JBL 4645]

Well, this is how it’s presently set-up had shift a few units around. I’d be glad when I buy some 19” racks and get all this smartly stacked in neat and tidily fashion.

The Harman Kardon AVP1a is now being used as Dolby-EX decoder. The Pioneer VSP-200 disconnected thou I’m figuring out what role it could be used for? Since I’m out of amps and next would be to buy new Behringer A500 amps, well that’s way, way later.

I could use the VSP-200 for extracting centre phantom from the sidewall surrounds when running the Sony BDP-S550 with Dolby TrueHD 8channel titles and place the signal overheard from the centre output.

[stephane RAME]

Hi,
The next évolution is a full HD screen?
Stéphane

[hjames]

Hi,
The next évolution is a full HD screen?
Stéphane

Bite your tongue!

Laserdisc doesn't do HDTV ...
(and by HDTV I mean the well recognized 16x9 widescreen 1080p High Definition TV standard,
not some limited old spec that was never mass produced and never went anywhere)

[JBL 4645]

MUSE HI-Vision LD Launched in Japan enters a new era of high-definition laserdisc - the first upgrade to depart completely from the original 1978 NTSC LD specification

http://www.laserdiscarchive.co.uk/laserdisc_archive/muse_high_def_ld/Muse_high_def_ld.htm

[hjames]

By the way - if you like Science Fiction -
have you seen Endirhan the Robot - just crazy amazing effects!!

here's the action sequence at you tube ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yysbbPStfWw

Music is by A R Rahman, from Dil Sei ...

[JBL 4645]

By the way - if you like Science Fiction -
have you seen Endirhan the Robot - just crazy amazing effects!!

here's the action sequence at you tube ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yysbbPStfWw

Music is by A R Rahman, from Dil Sei ...

Oh bloody hell its Indian beef curry meets the matrix meets the terminator meets transformers. I like it. But lose the voice-over. :D

I noticed, “the Wilhelm Scream” that scream has been used so many times when Ben Burtt resurrected it with Star Wars episode 4 (1977) its been used a lot since then.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_scream

http://www.hollywoodlostandfound.net/wilhelm/

I didn’t see Endhiran listed on latest Wilhelm
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1305797/

http://www.hollywoodlostandfound.net/wilhelm.html

[stephane RAME]

Hi,
The laserdisc player does not work better on a full HD screen
The BD player works best on a full HD screen
Stéphane

[JBL 4645]

Hi,
The laserdisc player does not work better on a full HD screen
The BD player works best on a full HD screen
Stéphane

I find even DVD has the same results looking on friends’ flat screen Samsung. The image is total fail yuck! So I’ll keep with CRT. bluray looks good at standard definition.

[hjames]

I find even DVD as the same results looking on friends’ flat screen Samsung. The image is total fail yuck! So I’ll keep with CRT. bluray looks good at standard definition.

Now, isn't that odd! But maybe the Samsung is a cheaper model with poor contrast ratio ... contrast matters!

I find watching a DVD through the Oppo BDP-93 on our Philips CRT HDTV looks great! Even before we had Bluray, the older Oppo DV981 looked great on that set, even tho it only goes to 180i ...

On Friday I bought a 47 inch Vizio flat screen for a stunningly good price - so once it arrives I'll have to get back to you in a couple weeks how DVDs and Bluray look on that ...

[hjames]

Cinema is the original moving image medium. TV isn’t.

Yep, but seeing as how few of us can afford 70 MM prints and the hardware to accurately run that media in our homes, anything else is just making compromises.


So - pick a reasonable point for your compromise and just enjoy the movie ...

My choice is to have a single system to view it all on ... not multiple media players or multiple "screens" ... its my home and sometimes it nice to do something other than dink with a pile of gear.

So, if the new VIZIO TV looks better with DVs, BR and TV shows than the old Philips CRT, the CRT goes away. if it does not. the new one goes back for a refund, and I wait for a better model to be released.

Honestly, Plasma screens do look better than cheap flat screen LCD TVs ...
and quality LCD Tvs are somewhere in the middle ....
I'm just not looking for a $5000 TV set ...

[hjames]

You be surprised how cheap duel 35/70 projectors are second/hand!

As well as my dads' choice, he uses a LCD flat screen. Except for me! Now why is that?
I’d sooner have flatter screen as possible and that’s a video projector or LED projector, I’ll think about for now its not on the list for this season.

No, I wouldn't be surprised - but - I worked for the KB movie theatre chain here in the DC area when I was in HS ...
not as projectionist, that was a union job here, back in those days, but I got a close look at all that stuff ...
I surely don't need/want all that in my house, thank you very much.

And our viewing habits are much different - I don't want a TV projector system either -
The good ones aren't in my budget, and I wouldn't have a cheap one ...
Besides - I like the view out our windows and I don't have to dim the room for casual watching.

And, no, I am not going to be finding clean 70mm prints of Lawrence of Arabia, The Wind and the Lion,
Beckett, or similar film classics for reasonable money - yet I own clean prints of those and so more on disc already ...
God bless technology's march forward!

DVDs work just great for me, thanks!

But forgive me, I've gotten carried away and pulled your thread off topic!
- do you want me to delete these posts of mine here?

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGuRximr7A0

Watching some highlights from Backdraft (1991) on bluray with bed sheet 1080i, you can’t beat a good ole bed sheet! :p

SPL db meter set at 90dbc rather than 80bc due to some recent level adjustments on the LCRS

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tHRKPqCgN8

The lows roll roar and rumble around on this classic film

Need to get a perforated screen the bed sheet creases and screen brightness are diminished

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hvuKPEVrrE

Listening and re-listening to the shootouts from The Getaway (1994) on side2 CLV laserdisc

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLetssVQQ1U

When Kim smacks Jennifer Tilly, well it’s the Foley effects that gave it the hard punch within the 30Hz to 40Hz. First she grabs her by the scruff of the hair and slams her into the side of door WHAM then punches in the face. The slam into the door was higher than the rest of the shootouts and the lift falling down the shaft at the end.

Is that gunfire?
No someone’s TV. :D

That’s a funny line in the early days of Dolby SR-D, dts SDDS8 which is getting louder and louder with these action films.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZbNmlx4F7k

Another shootout moment from The Getaway with car chase.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=252QVTOHshA

Checking the pink noise using the internal AVR own narrow band pink noise.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHgGSR2V7yw&feature=player_embedded

Listening to a cool dialogue scene from The Specialist the score was by John Barry.
SPL db meter set at 80dbc

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mK7E3UE9kQ&feature=player_embedded

Listening to another cool scene from The Specialist John Barry score slowly builds up to an explosive moment which rumbled thumped kicked and roared deeply.:bouncy:

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XCOve80WKw&feature=player_embedded

The Specialist even has a cat called, timer.:D The cats’ meow pans from left to centre but doesn’t pan over to right. Maybe the cat only meows briefly.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5lEkDL93bI


Played some highlights from BACKDRAFT 1990 again because its the hottest sound now playing in my JBL home cinema!

The audio slipped out of sync by a second ½, typical of youtube!

One of the sound effects is Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber cutting into the AT-AT walker which has been used in many other STAR WARS films Indiana Jones and Forest Gump as mortar expulsion, you need a trained golden ear!

This would have rocked Empire Leicester Square in 70mm Dolby Stereo original 13KW THX sure missed that one!

Here I can feel not just the loud hard explosions but, the subtle Foley effects of footsteps, that’s better than UCI Tower Park, because I don’t recall remember feeling the footsteps mild to loud effects in one of the smaller screens.

The JBL control 1 doe’s adequate justice to the stereo surrounds.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydbk6DhgCj4

The playback even picks up the Foley footsteps clearly. Good effective use of dialogue panning as frantic woman crying from right to centre and other fireman yelling out from left while the woman cries on left and then, centre front with Scott Glenn yelling out.

The fire breathing behind the door as it flexes in and out is creepy it’s certainly felt!

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4AHWCVnnJM

The sound of the traffic on the start feels like a mild, sensurround Earthquake rumble!

The loud DeNiro dialogue scene was how it was at the cinema. It’s still plenty loud for the living room and fits nicely with video projection with small screen even if, it was large flat screen it, just won’t fit the image which, needs to be in front of the sound with the sound leaping out from behind the screen.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uapTz3kXlc4

I like the sound of fire sirens and horns nicely recoded.

The way the fire creaking around corners and overhead in the building is creepy. You just don’t know where an explosion (sound will come from)? It creeks along the right surround and over to left and along the front as the backdraft breaths with puff of smoke below the door and sucks back on the right side.


Even a mild Foley effect of the axe knocking against the door is felt just before (Jason Gedrick) Tim busts in the door with his axe. The explosion is sudden followed by range of low fiery frequencies that are felt.

Looking on the imdb I noticed QSound which was a sound panning format system I seem to recall seeing it demonstrated on BBC “Tomorrow’s World” around early 1990 and it was also used in robin hood prince of thieves (1991) buts its not credited on the imdb but it is credited on the end credits of the film next to the Dolby Stereo logo.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101393/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102798/

http://www.qsound.com/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QSound

[JBL 4645]

I’m presently re-plugging the surrounds it’s a bit complicated in the set-up arrangement I’ll update later on once its all been sussed out.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_GXs7LHoDk


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liwkdCuWzJ4


The regular surrounds that would normally play on the sidewall in “5.1” mode that most only know it by or as I see it as Dolby stereo 4.2.4 or Dolby stereo discrete 4.0 / 4.1 / 5.1 would only play on the sidewall and the rear back in idle mode doing sod all unless used for “EX” or Dolby/dts 7.1 where they become active as stereo rear back or duel mono back while sidewall plays in stereo surrounds

Well now I can use the rear back in the conventional way by using record output on the Harman Kardon AVP1a which is acting as Dolby-EX decoder.

The master volume on the AVP1a only works with pre-outputs not on record out so the level as to be set on AVP1a then I use the Pioneer VSP-200 which acts as preamp for rear back surrounds.

I’ve used two inputs on the VSP-200 (video mode and LD mode) LP mode is used for the Sony BDP-S550 when I want to use the rear back stereo surrounds on Dolby/dts 7.1.

Video mode is used for conventional surrounds whither they’re monaural or stereo surrounds.

The Kenwood is the main decoder and only the master volume on that AVR will be used to control the levels from its pre-outputs. It sounds really confusing doesn’t it, but it works

Now I can play any film in any style or fashion.

Surrounds worked as whole in the past along the sidewalls and rear wall until 1999 when it was changed it might have gone from mono to stereo surrounds in 1978 but the layout style hasn’t change much only extra outputs to feed the surrounds in the cinemas.

I was going to try the 70mm wide mode on the AVP1a but it acts in similar way to Dolby pro-logic II by adding a blend of stereo on one of the surround outputs and I don’t want that. So the way its now running is the way I would have heard in the cinema only I have to switch this and that on for different surround playback styles.

If I want to use the Dolby pro-logic as “EX” I’d have to select the input on the Marantz 1030 from AUX to “Tape” sounds confusing! Then select on AVP1a from stereo bypass to Dolby Pro-Logic and that it. It wouldn’t so bad if I only had one switch button to press but that’s the only way around unless its all digital with relays switching from one surround mode configuration to the next, would make it flexible and easy.

I used the dts test disc to output steady wideband pink noise to each left and right surround channel while adjusting the level on each left-sidewall to left rear wall, to right rear wall surrounds, to left-sidewall surround, for equal SPL db level.


How it sounds? Walking around the room with only the sidewall surrounds ON it still envelops but once I get near to the back wall it’s a dead hole sound, that is no sound from the rear surrounds!

With the rear back ON along with the sidewall surrounds playing, chapter 5 The Abyss laserdisc sounds dizzy as I walk around the living room. It no longer has a hole in the sound on the back wall, (where’s yesterday it would) today it’s totally all-around now.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naHo9e8ar-E

It’s hard to tell where the person at the back saying “auxiliary power motors back” where is he standing is right behind the in front or behind the captain as we can only see part of the con. The man could be standing to left rear back or left surround or right surround or rear right back or centre back? The voice just surrounds for now and that’s it.

In Dolby digital version it’s the same effect except the surrounds are totally discrete over Dolby 4.2.4 matrix.

It’s kip time, because I’m buggered :smsex: after hours of thinking and re-plugging even thou it was piss easy it still eluded me months.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6wBZygH2KQ&feature=player_embedded#at=125

Listening to “This Episode” opening Black Sun” Space 1999 dtshd master audio 6channel.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXFrzCbGxPw&feature=player_embedded

[JBL 4645]

For this IMAX DVD I’ve selected only the rear stereo back wall control 1 with sidewall stereo surrounds switched off. It works out fairly effective with panned voices from mission control. Music effects flow with nice harmonistic grandeur feeling motion.

I’d try out Hail Columbia in jiffy.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXwitUdCJj4&feature=player_embedded


The press ask questions about the Space Shuttles ability during escape procedures and the safety of its tiles that protect the orbiter from re-entry against the tremendous heat.

The voices are panned from left to right over the rear back stereo surrounds one voice is positioned as centre-phantom or sent to left right surround at equal level to give the illusion, he’s standing right behind.

With a flexible JBL home cinema I have switched off the sidewall JBL surrounds and used the rear stereo back that would be used with Dolby Stereo features films or Dolby-EX depending on stereo surround mix or the mood I’m in or the weather the film works best with EX on regular Dolby Stereo Digital films with exceptionally good stereo surround mixing.

I can choose any surround flavour to suit the style of the film, now that is JBL control 1 surround control with fewer limitations.

[JBL 4645]

I’m looking at buying some cheaper FBQ3102 that are going cheap as chips might get one to start off with in a couple of weeks then another and another and another (and additional extra for left-centre/right-centre at later date) I need x4 or x8 31 band EQ to start off with.

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/FBQ3102.aspx

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grgn-7dwHoY


HMV was doing Apollo 13 from £16.00 down to an £APOLLO 12 pounds if it was priced 13 I might start worrying.

I was worried if it was the crap version from the second edition special edition where all the white text that’s displayed on the screen showing the dates to launch, (was removed and subtitle text had been replaced that displayed in the black boarder area below the image).

I run a few minutes at 1080i on the bed sheet. You can’t beat a good bed sheet in fact they used to use bed sheets in cinemas in the early days of cinema, long before plastic screens came around and a few more years until plastic perforated screens came about in the 1950’s.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGK-wbT5IUk

The film is the same nothing different expect the image which in the next video you’ll see laserdisc over DVD first edition and bluray, I forgot to put the special edition DVD in! No matter I’m sure the framing on that is just a few inches different.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWoP_Q45tbg

The image is blurred on the THX laserdisc but this was the cats’ bollocks in its day over VHS.

The first edition DVD upscale looked a trifle better over the THX laserdisc thou the edge enhancement was an eyesore to look at.

I couldn’t see least I’m sure on the bluray no (edge enhancement) EE.

Next up is spectrumlab I’ll keep it simple to one channel the LFE.1 to see which one is despite this lossless nonsense to see which one is the cats’ bollocks! I should really do each channel at time but, with 4 of the same no make that 5! I forgot about the THX signature laserdisc! That’s 10 sound formats. Sigh, this is going to take hours literally!

I’m going to need some cream soda cans for this.

[JBL 4645]

The Specialist (1994) has been the number #1 DVD for the past few weeks for late night viewing.

The John Barry score heats up Stallone, Stone and Woods in Bond like style, I like every note that plays along with the action.

Lows are plenty on this film the mixing style is so cool plenty to listen out for plenty of experimentation to tweak on this film.

The film often gets 4 showings a night which is a bit more for single screen out of multiplex per day, which is average at 3 showings per day.

The riverside dock explosion chapter 27, wow that’s a lot of crabs flying in the air! :D

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OejAFY1JlCI

The film editing was cut fast to story action wow strange interesting sci-fi film

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noSCeyBh4bw

I liked the Hans Zimmer score different from some of the other scores.

The loudness that wasn’t super-loud in the face soft sounds to loud nicely balanced. The score beats it out on the end credits up till I say “wow” The Da Vinci Code score was too damn loud as score but the Inception score is far calmer it didn’t have me reaching to turn it down expect up a bit louder on the end credits.

I think it’s the midrange choir/voices on The Da Vinci Code that was too bright and some of the instrumental.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJGegSwV2q0


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehaerMEemR8

John Barry score gives the film heart-warming feeling that holds up just as well today as it did in 1990.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7qyrL0mgy8

The lows were overloading the SPL db mic a bit. Dances with Sub Bass! Low give the score sweeping feeling that presses on the body. The solo trumpet gives me lump in the throat feeling, wow, what a powerful score.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei7QXI91O6s


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoYFrRKYQZI

Between the dts THX laserdisc and bluray dtsHD master audio, soundtrack was a +3 to 5db level on THX laserdisc it’s a level boasting same mix just different level.

[JBL 4645]

Back to watching The Specialist (1994) on DVD for the late nights made a few changes on crossover for LCR changed the sub bass LFE.1 EQ with three all wired up. The high tweeting sounds are birds on the stereo surrounds from left to right nice jungle sounds.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emPubFVy06A&feature=player_embedded

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy-JRhlT-vg&feature=player_embedded

I think the SPL is picking up the sound a bit clearer this morning last week seemed like everything was overloading on it? Gremlins, is what is.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zojVs4wiAs&feature=player_embedded

The explosion was moving forwards and backwards side to side of the stereo surrounds as the hotel room detached itself from the building. How the hell did Sly, manage to rig that room in short time as the underside of the block was blow totally away.

The recoding picks out James Woods voice “holy sh!t”.

The alarm ringing sound is on left/right front and stereo surrounds
A real fire alarm bell would be around 107db as I measured the fire alarm bell in the building that was activated early this month when the guy was filling the walls with WhiteWool for cavity wall installation.

I don’t think I want to listen to an alarm bell on film at 107db its deafening!

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab2ZLw2UwU8&feature=player_embedded

The seagulls, flying all over the stereo surrounds sounds with occasional flybys over the left/right front is effective amongst the centre dialogue that might normally mask what you’re listening for.

Also there is a mild windy blowing atmosphere blowing over LCR as the scene is a breezy.

With LCR muted Sooty is looking up at the surrounds the seagulls. He’s probably thinking, WTF? Food! LOL

The airy breeze is bit softer on the surrounds. Could do with some warming up, I’d have to run a few tests first.

The bomb squad centre has sounds of people chatting left to right front as Ned enters the building.

The helicopter pans smoothly across the fronts from left to centre before landing.

[JBL 4645]

I like the harmony of the John Barry score in chapter 21, choir voices and instrumental slowly moves around the surrounds.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DN4RTL103M&feature=player_embedded

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0-PFKkI-9o&feature=player_embedded

Listening to DIE HARD

Switched the Lucasfilm THX to ON has some of the highs on the monaural surrounds was bit bright. I didn’t want to trim the highs on the surrounds EQ as that is EQ to flat so switching the THX to ON relaxed the some of bullet whizzing though air.

Machinegun fire pans automatically from right as the terrorist fire to their left while single semi-matic shots fire in return. Chasing McClaine down to the elevator shaft with doors opening and closing from left to right creates incredible believability for this vintage (1988) 6track Dolby Stereo classic.

Some of the hard bullet impacts against the fan showed over my ears!

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so3wmtDvnGg&feature=player_embedded

The office shootout blazes into total machinegun fire which shatters glass into sharp splinters all over the floor oh, ouch! And McClane doesn’t have any footwear.

I think I saw DIE HARD 3 times at the cinema during early 1989 a it was the best Dolby mix currently playing in town.

[JBL 4645]

Something got me thinking about an hour ago about the RGB on the bluray players and the CRT Panasonic that only has SCRAT inputs video and S-video.

The SCART now not sure if it would work or not at upscale image to at 720p, no I don’t think the progressive scan will be accepted on the CRT maybe 480/576i and I’m not sure of 1080i?

Adaptor plugs are cheap so I’ll get one next week and see if this works or not?

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfXP-bhoC8g&feature=player_embedded

Star Trek DVD has very well crafted Dolby digital 6channel mix. The opening with enterprise shhh along the right surround then shhh along left surround then again shhh on right surround and finally shhh on the left surround as it exits from onscreen to off-screen into the far distance of space.

SPL db meter set at 80dbc hmm I can’t explain why its performing smartly this week, when last week, it was overloading at 80dbc.

[JBL 4645]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq4oYdym5DE

Switched rear stereo back half from regular stereo surrounds to Dolby-EX with overhead surround ON.

Lows can be aggressively deep and high on this Dolby film mix.

Cool use of the surrounds as captain Rubin exits the turbo-lift centre [shhh] then doors close behind him on centre back surround [shhh].

The opening STAR TREK intro WOW score beating left to right slam! Slam! Slam! Slam! Slam! Slammm!

This was the best Dolby digital mix I heard at the Empire on its new JBL sound system thou at times the highs were a bit bright, ear bending on the phasers.

[JBL 4645]

I like the Foley body work, which carries a nice deep punch to the hits. Sooty like his, snake toy.

The medical thingy used in the transporter room pans along the HF smoothly centre to right.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b04A2bVVzOY&feature=player_embedded


Violent stresses of the black hole pulling the enterprise as she tries desperately to pull away, wow tense moment.

The shaking and buckling of the bridge, reaches its breaking point, as the ceiling starts to crack around room it’s like being there. The sound moves over fronts to surrounds then followed by the glass splintering across the LCR.

Push it! Push it!

I’m given it all she’s got, captain!

All she’s got is not good enough what else she got?

[JBL 4645]

Good use of the LCR with music over LCR at different levels as, Snake gets into his, gear the snap of the belt buckle sounds cool. Stereo surrounds carry a softer ambient level.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTEl53MmBmU&feature=player_embedded

[Wagner]

http://www.avsforum.com/

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=3

Thomas