Dolby ScreenTalk Cinema Subtitling and Audio Description System
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Dolby ScreenTalk provides full-color digital subtitles, audio description for the visually impaired, and onscreen advertising in the cinema.
When screening Dolby® Digital 35 mm films, the Dolby ScreenTalk™ system superimposes subtitles over the projected image using a video projector, or displays the text via an alternative subtitling device. There is no need for special prints; the film distributor simply provides the cinema, either electronically or via CD-ROM, a computer file containing the subtitling and audio description information for a particular release.
The Dolby ScreenTalk system can also be used with a video projector to exhibit advertising slide shows. Cinema staff can assemble and load the shows using Dolby ST Media Master software supplied with the Dolby ScreenTalk package.
For audience members with disabilities, the system interfaces with the cinema’s wireless headphone installation to transmit audio commentary directly to visually impaired patrons. Subtitles for the hearing impaired can be projected simultaneously, using a different color for each character’s dialogue to provide a more satisfying cinema experience.
The Dolby ScreenTalk Package
The Dolby ScreenTalk system operates in conjunction with an off-the-shelf PC running Linux-based Dolby software. Projectionist control is provided by the Dolby Model ST100 System Controller, which eliminates the need for a keyboard, mouse, or monitor for the PC. Timing information from the film’s Dolby Digital soundtrack links the subtitles and audio description to the film being shown.
The Dolby ScreenTalk package also includes an electronically controlled douser (Dolby Cat. No. 765A), which is positioned in front of the video projector. The douser automatically adapts to the size of the subtitle, opening just enough to project the text, thereby preventing unwanted light from reaching the screen. The douser makes it possible to use a standard video projector without compromising presentation quality.
Your Dolby cinema equipment dealer can provide a Dolby ScreenTalk system tailored to your individual needs, including a suitable PC, a video projector appropriate to your cinema’s size and configuration, an infrared headphone system if required, and the Dolby ScreenTalk components and software.
