List of “aurophonic” systems known to date
(listed according to the number of height speakers):

 

IMAX™
(6.1 surround + center height speaker)

This format is used by IMAX movie theatres. Due to the fact that the height is represented by a single channel (the center height speaker = mono), IMAX is an incompletely aurophonic format as it is unable to render three-dimensional recordings.

 

AUROPHONIC SYSTEM 6™
(2+2+2)

This is the smallest aurophonic format based on the 2+2+2 patent: special recording and playback process of sounds that allows a natural, three-dimensional reproduction of sound independent from a listener’s position within the sound- scape” and allows actual three-dimensionality. That’s why each listening position could be considered as a “sweet spot”.

  • Due to the triple stereo pairs (the third pair is used at a certain height for the z-dimension), this system already provides an very strong impression of a three-dimensional playback.
  • Optionally to be used with centre and/or LFE channels, which also allows an authentic playback of so-called 5.1 surround recordings.

 

DOLBY DIGITAL Plus™

This system is based on the 10.2 surround-sound format (that does not include any height speakers) and was developed by THX founder Tomlinson Holman. As it is amplified by an additional two height channels it is turned into a true aurophonic system. Following the THX standard, it was designed for movie theatres and the new HD formats BluRay and HD-DVD respectively (with a total of up to 14 channels/speakers).

 

AUROPHONIC SYSTEM 8™
(2+2+2+2 = 2x2x2)

First full realization of a three-dimensional playback equalling the eight corners of a cube: the 2+2+2 configuration + 2 additional speakers at the top rear to render the rear height extension. Two pairs of stereo speakers above = “quadraphonic sky”.

  • Optionally to be used with centre and/or LFE channels, which allows an authentic playback of so-called 5.1 surround recordings

 

AUROPHONIC SYSTEM 10™
(System 8 – cube + CS + TS)

Full realization of a three-dimensional playback equalling the eight corners of a cube, expanded by a top surround speaker (top center) and/or a center surround speaker (center rear).

 

HAMASAKI 22.2

This highly complex speaker setup with 24 audio channels on three levels allows a highly impressive playback of three- dimensional recordings.