VRSonic Launches SoundSim Cube, SoundSim Rack 3D Audio Appliances for Immersive Simulation, Training and Entertainment Applications
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Advances in Experiential Audio Promise Improved Effectiveness for Military Training, Attractions
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 19 / -- VRSonic, a leading provider of 3D spatial audio solutions, today announced commercial availability of two new products, the SoundSim Cube(TM), a plug-and-play 3D audio appliance for immersive simulation, training and entertainment applications, and the SoundSim(TM) Rack, a complete rack-mounted spatial audio design and presentation system for larger environments and applications. The SoundSim Cube is the industry's first integrated model and design solution for developers of soundscapes for simulation environments while the SoundSim Rack is the first spatial audio system designed to work within large multimedia frameworks such as large format theaters.
Technology developers and designers in the military training, film and entertainment industries have embraced virtual reality and immersive environments as a tool to enhance the overall experience. Great advances have been made in visual programming tools that mirror what the subject might see in the real world. But human beings have senses other than sight, and until now, very little has been done to help designers recreate what we might hear. Integrating realistic sound with 3D digital imaging is challenging. The SoundSim Cube solves this problem and allows virtual reality designers to seamlessly create and integrate 3D spatial audio into the end user experience.
"Our goal was to take the best audio technology in immersive simulation and bring it together in an easy to use appliance that producers and designers can use to integrate 3D spatial audio into their applications," said Hesham Fouad, President and CEO of VRSonic. "Most sound systems are written for gaming, but organizations such as giant screen cinemas, museums, high-end retailers and the military require a greater sense of realism. The SoundSim Cube makes it easy for them to improve the experience by adding 3D sound."
The technology at the heart of the SoundSim Cube was first developed in partnership with U.S. Naval Research Labs as a component of the Virtual Technologies and Environments (VIRTE) program with Lockheed Martin and has been scientifically validated and tested by NASA.
Using SoundScape3D's InterfaceLink technology, the SoundSim Cube or Rack can integrate with any standard simulation environment. The InterfaceLink allows designers to map 3D audio directly to specific programming events making it seamless and easy to model everything from gunfire to the roar of a lion. Programmers can manipulate the 3D sound, change audio behavior and map it to the visual space with a click of the mouse. The SoundSim Cube also supports 3D audio programming for multi-participant simulations allowing several cubes to be "daisy-chained" into the network and programming environment with spatialized voice communication between all the appliances.
The SoundSim Cube includes numerous upgrades over current audio simulation systems including:
o SoundScape3D engine with adaptive display technology for rendering audio and visual environments
o Guaranteed interoperability with any standard sound system
o Expandability up to 30 SoundSim Cubes to support a multi-user immersive simulation
o Dynamic loading of auditory scenes at runtime using the IOS
o Real-time spatialized voice communication between participants in a SoundSim Cube network
While the SoundSim Cube is designed for a single or small multi-person setting, the SoundSim Rack is designed to offer the same features as the Cube, but on a much larger scale. Designed for larger theaters, large-scale immersive simulators, and location based entertainment installations, the SoundSim Rack has a built in framework for the largest theater audiences.
In recent years, movie studios and producers have turned to large-screen theaters as a channel for introducing traditional, commercial movies in 3D, 360 degree or wide-screen formats. Modeling films in 3D spatial audio and reintroducing them into the market allows film producers and studios to enjoy new revenue streams from films already in the DVD market. "Adding an immersive audio experience to popular films is a cost-effective strategy to fill theater seats and renew interest in our favorite films," said Fouad.
For more information on availability and pricing contact VRSonic at rphillips@vrsonic.com .
About VRSonic
VRSonic is a pioneer in spatial audio solutions for immersive simulation and training, entertainment and scientific applications. For more than six years, the company has lead development efforts within the new domain of experiential audio that transforms two-dimensional simulation to three- dimensional Virtual Environments (VE) resulting in better outcomes in training effectiveness, entertainment and other immersive environments. For more information visit www.vrsonic.com/ .
VRSonic, SoundSim Cube and SoundSim Rack are registered or unregistered trademarks of VRSonic. All other company names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
