Suresh Productions and Ramanaidu Studios adopt Barco Auro-3D cinema format
Published: ASIA
INDIA: Barco has announced that its Auro-3D format is being taken up by around 100 cinemas in the south eastern state of Andhra Pradesh. The cinemas are to be equipped with Auro 11.1, the cinema playback version of the new format, a three-layer sound technology from Auro Technologies powered by digital cinema specialist Barco. Additionally, two post–production and mixing facilities belonging to Ramanaidu Studios in the state are to install the certified Auro-3D studio system.
The cinema industry of Andhra Pradesh, also known as Telugu cinema or ‘Tollywood’, is based in Hyderabad. Film production company Suresh Productions, a subsidiary of Ramanaidu Studios, has been producing movies for around 50 years and is one of India’s largest film production companies.
Around 100 cinemas are upgrading their 2D sound technology to Barco’s three-layer sound platform, in close collaboration with Suresh Productions and Barco India’s Auro deployment partner, Pro Visual Audio. Barco is aiming to install the first 25 systems before the year is out, as a number of big titles are scheduled for release in the near future.
‘We are incorporating Auro-3D technology into our expansion plans over the next few years, starting with the installation of Auro 11.1 by Barco in some of our existing theatres,’ said Suresh Babu, MD of Suresh Productions. ‘Going forward, we will further expand and integrate the cutting-edge cinema sound technology in our theatres to enhance the movie viewing experience.’
Auro 11.1 by Barco reproduces sound on three axes, with three layers of sound, including ceiling channels, creating a natural spread of acoustic energy around the audience. Once its facilities have been upgraded, Ramanaidu Studios will start mixing audio for Tollywood productions using Auro-3D production tools.
‘Ramanaidu Studios is really ahead of the curve by adopting this technology,’ said Abel Garamhegyi, managing director at Barco India. ‘The essence of the company has always been in its cutting-edge technology. This latest product from Barco is aiming to reach the same level we’ve achieved visually in the cinemas with sound. We really believe that we attract additional audiences with this technology.’
Added Wilfried Van Baelen, inventor of the Auro-3D format and CEO of Auro Technologies, ‘We are honored that Suresh Productions and Ramanaidu Studios has chosen the Auro-3D format.’