Most people think that Star Wars (1977) was the first movie shown in movie theaters using surround sound technology. It wasn’t. Although Star Wars ushered in the new era of surround sound (despite being named Dolby Stereo), it was Walt Disney that utilized Bell Lab’s Fantasound technology in the movie Fantasia (1941).
Unfortunately, that movie, with just “Flight of the Bumblebee” recorded in surround sound, could only be fully appreciated in two theaters—one in New York and one in Los Angeles. To outfit each theater with Fantasound technology and its 54 speakers, cost $85,000 in 1941. In today’s dollars that would cost $1,244,152—a lot of money to hear just one special effect (bees buzzing behind your head) available in only one movie.
Today, surround sound is incorporated into most receivers and players for a fraction of the cost (pennies in 1941 currency) and surround sound can even be recorded with lossless sound. Yet with all the advancements only one person in the room sits in the sweet spot and everyone is exposed to about the same volume level. After decades of progress it hasn’t really come that far—until now.
Physics dictates that sound energy diminishes by the fourth power of distance—sound levels drop fast over a little space. As a result, listeners keep the volume loud enough so the person with the worst hearing in the room is somewhat satisfied. Even then, some of the dialogue and more subtle special effects are still unheard by others in the room.
BodySound technology, with its Soundnumber™ system and seven speakers, provides automatic adjustments for an incredible, close-up and personal surround sound experience in every seat.
Now, 67 years after surround sound was introduced, everyone can personalize their surround sound experience.
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