You have all heard that Kamal Haasan on his birthday, who failed to keep his promise of the audio release, has launched a new trailer with the special Auro 3D technology for the first time in Asia at Satyam Theaters, Chennai. But what is Auro 3D technology and how is it different from you DTS or Dolby digital surround sounds? How better is it? Read on to know more.

In short, Auro 3D technology is the true 3D sound technology that you can now experience at few theaters all over the world. True 3D you ask? The current sound technology that you experience is only 2D though you can hear sounds from the front or back which form the first dimension and the lateral sides being the second.

Still doesn't make a lot of sense? What we miss in the pseudo 3D technology of a surround sound is the aerial sound aspect which is key for the movies to sound closest to natural. Auro 3D sound technology is the height based listening technology which groups sounds into different layers. This state-of-the art technology reproduces sounds based on these layers, (surround layer, height layer and top layer or god-voice layer) to make the sounds more realistic.

This technology allows you to play sounds from more than 9 channels incorporating up to 13 channels of audio streaming for a more natural reproduction without the audio interference from different channels.

History of Auro 3D

This technology was initially developed in 2005 as a basic concept with the principles of CESQ (compatibility efficiency simplicity and quality). Later the next year they integrated the technology to run on 9.1 channels. Auro 3D has later released the Auro 3D Cinematic Systems audio which could be played at the theaters due to its integration into 11.1 and 13.1 channels for better use in theaters.

On Jan 20th 2012 Lucasfilms, Red Tails released with Auro 3d technology world wide.

Kamal haasan's Viswaroopam was also made using  Auro 3D technology and the latest trailer for the movie was played in Satyam theaters. This is the only theater in India and Asia which is now capable of using the Auro 3D technology.

The technology by Barco can use several technologies and integrate them to play sound that has been generated natively and other obtained audio content to deliver seamless 3D sound experience. The technology can use Mono, Stereo, 5.1 Surround or an Auro-encoded signal to be converted to 3D-audio. In simpler terms you can use any kind of recorded sound and convert it to 3D technology.

Personal use Auro 3D technology is also possible with your headphones if they are binaural technology enabled.

Watch the video for a better understanding of the technology. As a bonus there are a couple of examples which have been appended to give you a realistic experience of the 3D sound. Prepare to be surprised with the rich sound experience. Best viewed in headphones over 480p resolution.

(AW- Anil)