Surround Sound CRT Monitor For 5.1 Systems

NAB Las Vegas, April 21, 1999 - Leader Instruments Corporation introduced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) the release of Model 5836B, a CRT instrument capable of displaying a precise sound image that visually matches the human aural perception of sound directivity in surround sound systems. Developed in collaboration with NHK, the Japanese National Broadcasting Company, the digital processor works out phase and amplitude aspects to display the sound image. Both L-Center-R-S (3-1) and L-Center-R-LS-RS (3-2) are accommodated as well as the 5.1 Dolby Digital system. The unit accepts the latter in the form of 6-channel AES/EBU digital audio. A separate on-screen-level indicator is employed for the low frequency effects (LFE 0.1) subwoofer channel.In addition to the sound image, dedicated bar-graph level indicators are provided. And six multi-Lissajous displays are available to show phase and polarity between pairs in the five-channel group, which will allow the user to spot polarity inversion in signal feeds at a glance. The unit accepts six channels of analog audio in both balanced and unbalanced form. Peak or average response may be chosen, and an out gain feature ensures optimum display. Fixed reference levels are menu selectable for both digital and analog inputs. A spot killer protects the CRT from extended no-signal operation.At Widescreen Review Leader instruments are used to for measuring and testing performance of various display devices. The magazine has ordered a Model 5836B to use as a tool to better evaluate 5.1 discrete Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround soundtracks.The price for the Model 5836B is $4,995. Availability is June 1999 through Leaderís regional sales office and nationwide distributor network.For more information on the Model 5836B and other digital and analog test instruments, contact Leader USA at www.leaderusa.com; email sales@leaderusa.com; phone 1 800 645 5104 or fax: 1 516 231 5295. Ask for Joe Fisher at 516 231 6900 x123.