At the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, the scientists of the imaging systems department have been provided a state-of-the-art digital cinema where D-Cinema developments can be presented and tested. Premium sound and projection technology as well as a multi-functional stage system make the “Cinema of the Future” one of the best equipped theatres in the world.
The German Fraunhofer IIS in Erlangen (Southern Germany) is one of the word’s most important research facilities for Digital Cinema development. Recently, the institute has inaugurated its new extension building which offers ideal premises for developing, testing and building up the complete digital workflow, from the shooting to the distribution to the theatres.
One of the highlights of the new Fraunhofer IIS building, along with camera studios and modern post production laboratories, is the digital “Cinema of the Future” with 70 seats. The technical equipment of this theatre does not only offer first-rate picture and sound quality, but maximum versatility and an opportunity for fast backfitting. For an example, the auditorium as well as the projection room provide multi-play connections and flexible component switching.
The stage system, the sound technology including the miking, the 2K Digital Cinema projectors and the patch panels for the whole wiring have been supplied and installed by Kinoton. The German specialist for cinema technology supported the demanding project from the conception, to the implementation planning, to the finishing of the installation.
The highly complex stage construction has been specially designed by Kinoton to meet the exceptional requirements of the Fraunhofer IIS. Via an automated masking system the screen can be easily masked horizontally and vertically to conform to any picture format. In front of the screen another screen holding device was installed, so alternate screens featuring different reflection characteristics can be mounted for testing purposes. If additional stage area is needed, the complete screen frame system, including screen and speakers, can be moved into the back area by a heavy-duty rail system.
The projection room was stocked with a DCP 30 Digital Cinema projector. A second DCP 30 has shortly been delivered for the newly furnished post production studio. Both D-Cinema projectors are equipped with a Dolby 3D system already. Due to the special technical design of the DCP projector range, the 3D colour filter wheel can be entirely integrated into the projector where it is safely protected against soiling or misalignment.
The sound technology at the “Cinema of the Future” is extremely versatile as well. For cinema sound, Kinoton installed a first-rate Dolby 5.1 surround system for optimum sound quality. Another sound system especially designed for voice reproduction guarantees good hearing at any place in the auditorium. Additionally, the three-dimensional IOSONO sound system developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology was integrated, which simulates various real sound sources by means of many small speakers.
With this premium and adaptable technical equipment, the cinema at the Fraunhofer IIS is perfectly suited for presenting D-Cinema technologies and systems to expert visitors from research and economy, and as a testing environment for the testing and objective evaluation of different D-Cinema technologies and szenarios. When necessary, the auditorium will be also used for presentations or lectures.
