The noise levels in a cinema are very high, and can even damage your hearing. Whether you are going to a regular theater or a premium cinema, there are ways to mitigate the noise levels. In this article, we look at Dolby, RPX, and IMAX sound systems.
Noise levels in a movie theater can cause hearing damage
It’s not uncommon to hear loud noises at the movies, and noise levels in movie theaters can cause hearing damage. Action movies, for example, are notorious for loud volume. Thankfully, there are many ways to avoid these noises and still enjoy a movie. One easy way is to avoid the theater altogether, or go to a quiet location for the movie.
The loud noises in movie theaters can be extremely damaging for your ears, but you can protect yourself by wearing ear plugs or ear muffs. You can even buy inexpensive foam ear plugs that offer a simple barrier of up to 30 decibels.
RPX is louder
If you’re looking for a better big screen theater experience, you should check out RPX cinemas. They’re designed to be louder, with a higher decibel level. There are other advantages to RPX theaters, too. Because they are designed to be louder, you can enjoy a movie more fully.
The seats at RPX cinemas are more comfortable than in other theatres, with leather backs and extra padding. The seats are also wider and higher. The theatres have speakers under the seats to help disperse sound evenly.
Dolby
Dolby surround sound in cinemas is a great way to experience immersive sound and experience the movie as if you were part of the scene. In the past, you had to crank up the volume to hear the action, but now you can experience movie magic right where the action is. Dolby Laboratories is a leader in creating this movie magic sound.
Dolby surround sound in cinemas uses four different audio channels to deliver an immersive experience. The left and right channels carry the main sounds and dialogue, while the rear channel adds ambiance. This results in a more realistic soundstage and better sound quality in movies than stereo. However, one drawback of Dolby surround sound is the limited directionality of sound. As a result, the separation between the channels isn’t as precise as it is with stereo sound.
IMAX is louder
If you’re wondering whether IMAX is louder in cinemas, think again. Audiences love the immersive experience of giant screens, but they can also be uncomfortable with the loudness. Some theaters have tried to reduce the sound to compensate for the large screen. While the sound quality in IMAX theaters is still very good, there are other ways to enjoy the movie experience.
IMAX stands for “Image Maximum,” and as the name suggests, everything on screen will be enlarged to give audiences a truly immersive experience. These giant screens are also bigger than normal cinemas, and moviegoers love the razor-sharp images. As a result, profits for the company have skyrocketed during the post-recession period. IMAX movies also have much louder audio, compared to normal movies.
Subphones operate at the lowest level
Cinemas have sound systems, which can be adjusted to different levels, depending on the movie you’re watching. The recommended sound level in cinemas is around seven decibels, but some people find this too loud. In such cases, filmmakers may increase the audio level of the film.
RPX is not a premium sound system
While RPX is a better sound system than the traditional one, it isn’t the highest-quality sound in cinemas. Many theaters have upgraded their sound systems and screens to provide a more premium experience. These theaters have more features and are generally more expensive than traditional movie theaters. For example, many new theaters have reclinable seats. Moreover, some of these theaters have brand-new projectors and sound systems.
Audio quality is a big factor to consider when visiting a cinema. IMAX theaters have 12 channels of high-quality sound, whereas RPX theaters have 7.1 surround sound. However, it is worth noting that RPX theaters have built-in speakers instead of separate ones.
RPX is not a 70mm IMAX
If you’ve ever been to an IMAX theater, you’ve likely wondered: “Is RPX a 70mm version of IMAX?” The answer is yes, but not exactly. The RPX is a curved screen that fills more of your field of vision, whereas IMAX uses 70mm film and a 20-by-60-foot screen. The result is a cinematic experience that is truly immersive.
Although RPX screens are smaller and wider than IMAX’s, they are still capable of showing 3D movies. The RPX also has a 7.1 surround sound system. While IMAX is a better choice for action-packed movies, RPX is an excellent choice for any kind of movie.
