TODD-AO WEST ADDS MORE BAG END SUBS
TO ACCOMMODATE SDDS 8-CHANNEL
SURROUND SOUND

Todd-AO Studios West (formerly Skywalker Sound South) has added additional BAG END Loudspeaker Systems subwoofer systems to its Santa Monica, California facilities.

The additional BAG END subs were added specifically to accommodate Sony's eight-channel SDDS system - an acronym for "Sony Dynamic Digital Sound," according to Todd-AO West engineer Tom Lalley.

"The SDDS eight-channel system is a theatrical system, used primarily in larger movie houses," Lalley said. "In addition to the standard 5.1 channel Left-center-right sub configuration across the front of the screen, the SDDS system extends the base by including what we call 'left extra' and 'right extra' subs for a total of five channels across the screen."

Todd-AO West has installed four additional BAG END D18E double-18 inched ELF subwoofers in Stage 1 at its Lantana facility, 3000 Olympic Boulevard, in Santa Monica, to complement the BAG END subwoofer systems it installed in 1997 after acquiring the facility from Skywalker.

In all, Todd-AO West has BAG END subwoofer systems in stages at both its Lantana facility and its Bundy facility, at 1861 Bundy Drive in West Los Angeles.

Todd-AO West offers complete post-production facilities at its two locations. They contain three large, dedicated 35mm feature dubbing rooms, two smaller stages for film and television, two dedicated ADR stages, and a dedicated Foley stage. In addition, Lantana boasts a 47-seat screening room as well as digital editorial suites that can electronically edit dialogue, music and effects.

"We opted for BAG END systems originally for one simple reason," Lalley said. "We needed a higher quality low end, and now we can deliver it."

"Both locations have full-service sound transfer departments and the stages at both can transmit and receive audio through digital tie lines from any stage to any compatible location anywhere in the world," Lalley said.

"We are pleased that Todd-AO West chose BAG END equipment to upgrade its facilities," Jim Wischmeyer, president of BAG END, said. "It's one more reinforcement of our promise that our products do what we say they will do."

BAG END Loudspeaker Systems is in its third decade of manufac-turing professional quality loudspeaker systems and components. Over that period, it has built an enviable reputation among performing artists, recording studios, post production facilities and sound reinforcement companies for for innovation, high quality sound reproduction, reliability and ruggedness.