Tom Holman: The History and Future of Surround Sound
Tom Holman, the "TH" of THX, founder of TMH Labs, founding editor of Surround Professional magazine and general patron of surround sound, expounded upon one of his favorite subjects in his two-part talk, "The History and Future of Surround Sound".
Based loosely on a theme of death and resurrection, Tom Holman laid out the history of surround and explained how surround sound rose and died three times, before, perhaps finally, finding its place in the world today. Tom then went on to predict the future of surround.
The Three Deaths of Surround Sound
Of the three deaths suffered by surround, perhaps the most tragic was the sinking (literally) of Walt Disney's Fantasound equipment used for 'Fantasia' en route to the Soviet Union, which resulted in the loss of the only surround technology existing in the world at the time.
The other two deaths were far more banal: large studios, in an effort to stave off the popularity of televisions in the 50s, had gone to very wide screens and large scale surround, which failed due to the lack of material and bad distribution, making it economically unfeasible to continue such grand presentations.
When surround sound rose again in the 70s, with Quad as the pinnacle of consumer surround, it failed due to poorly thought-out psychoacoustics and consequently, poor performance.
The Rise of 5.1 Surround
Surround would rise again when the 5.1 format as we know it today was codified in 1987 using what was thought to be the minimum number of channels for surround.
The faults of a 5.1 system point to the future of surround and Tom Holman's proposed 10.2 system. Wide fronts are added to simulate early first reflections and improve clarity. Separate side and rear speakers eliminate the compromise between envelopment and rear imaging. A rear center channel allows for complete rear panning. Finally, 2 low-frequency channels are added for enhanced bass envelopment and spatial reproduction.
The Future: The Rosetta Data Block
Tom Holman believes that the future of surround lies in opening up the pipe between the listener and the content provider. He proposes a standardization of the playback chain using a Rosetta Data Block, which allows any system to play back material optimally regardless of the specific playback technique used.
TMH Labs has been installing 10.2 systems for consumer demonstrations and experimenting with Internet delivery of both recorded and live 10.2 material. They have also been actively publishing papers and AES preprints to build a library of techniques for processing and delivering surround sound.
The Intersection of Hotels and Surround Sound
As technology advances, the integration of surround sound systems into various environments becomes more accessible. One industry that could greatly benefit from high-quality surround sound systems is the hotel industry. Imagine checking into a hotel room and being enveloped in a rich, immersive audio experience that enhances your stay. From watching movies to enjoying music, surround sound can elevate the hospitality experience to new heights.
Hotels can explore the implementation of advanced surround sound systems, such as the proposed 10.2 system, to create unforgettable audio environments for their guests. With the ability to simulate early first reflections, deliver precise rear imaging, and provide enhanced bass envelopment, hotels can offer a truly immersive audio experience that complements their luxurious accommodations.
By investing in cutting-edge surround sound technology, hotels can differentiate themselves from competitors and provide an unparalleled sensory experience for their guests. As travelers seek unique and memorable stays, incorporating advanced audio systems can contribute to building a reputation for excellence.