Alcons Extends Digital Cinema Compliance

In order to extend Alcons' evolutionary Digital Cinema sound system program, the company has developed the CR3 thee-way pro-ribbon cinema screen system, specifically aimed at medium sized applications, where excellent projection control and superb, 1:1 accurate, non-compressed digital sound reproduction is required. It is designed to meet and exceed all requirements of current and future Digital Cinema sound formats.

With the Digital Cinema standard of 24-bit, up-to-16-channels of PCM non-compressed audio now becoming reality, new challenges have arrived for existing equipment, the company says, and upgrading with just higher powered versions of existing solutions is not enough to benefit from the new audio standard. Speech, music, and effects should be reproduced with non-compressed non-colored detail, with lowest distortion and fullest digital dynamics.

Due to the multiple-patented Alcons pro-ribbon transducer technology, the CR3 offers a unique linear response to above 20,000Hz. The absence of a compression mechanism caters for the same tonal balance from the lowest to highest SPL's, while the patented "Real-90" horizontal dispersion of the pro-ribbon transducer guarantees a very stable sound field throughout the operating bandwidth. This also widens the stereo experience for far left and right seated audience.

The driver arrangement consists of a double RBN401 pro-ribbon HF driver array, two 6.5" mid-range drivers, and two vented 15" woofers for LF reproduction. The CR3 HF section has an 1,600W peak power input, enabling a 1:16 dynamic range with up to 90% less distortion from 1kHz to beyond 20kHz.

The 40-degree vertical cylindrical projection of the HF section (inclusive screen spreading compensation), in combination with the 10-degree pre-tilt, caters for a very precise projection control, preventing unwanted ceiling reflections.

The bi-amped CR3 is powered and controlled by the ALC Sentinel amplified loudspeaker controller. Through the integrated processing and feedback, the Sentinel offers CR3-specific drive processing with optimal response and reliability. It is covered by a six-year limited warranty.

The Signal Integrity Sensing prewiring ensures complete cable/connector compensation between the CR3 and ALC Sentinel. This offers an undistorted natural sound reproduction, regardless of cable length and amplifier impedance load (system damping factor >10.000 down to 2 ohms).