Considered Arizona's largest traditional movie house, the new cine Capri, named after the last of the Valley's movie palaces, features all of the latest technology, including Klipsch professional cinema loudspeakers. The original cine Capri charmed Biltmore area audiences for more than 30 years prior to its untimely demise in 1998.

Ironically, the new theater - part of a 14-screen multiplex in northeast Phoenix - represents the very industry-wide innovation that doomed the original, but Harkins hopes to revive its memory with this new $14 million theater-inside-a-theater concept.

The new cine Capri features a large 29-foot by 70-foot screen and can accommodate up to 600 guests. In order to fill this auditorium with dynamic and lifelike sound, Harkins chose five stage channels consisting of dual Klipsch KPT-415 bass cabinets and a KPT-402 and Grand-HF horn, eight KPT-684 subwoofers and 28 KPT-250 surround speakers.

According to Kirk Griffin, director of engineering for Harkins Theatres, he prefers the performance of Klipsch loudspeakers because they provide superior coverage from the first row to the back of the house, and their quality control and power handling are excellent.

"We have yet to lose a driver in the 83 screens we have installed using Klipsch," said Griffin. "Customer service is great and Harkins worked personally with Klipsch engineers to create the custom stage speaker system used in the new cine Capri."

With 40,900 watts of RMS amplifier power, this large auditorium currently presents films in 6.1 Dolby Digital EX but has the speakers and amplifiers in place to convert to 10-channel Digital Cinema sound when it debuts.

In an effort to capture the essence of the original cine Capri, the new theater features similar luxurious pleated gold drapes and a gold curtain that opens and closes for each show. The new cine Capri, however, includes stadium seating that meets the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers guidelines for optimum viewing.

The multiplex's other 13 auditoriums also feature Klipsch loudspeakers for the highest level of performance for the space and an ideal rotation of blockbuster films. These screens utilize KPT-535-T stage speakers, KPT-684 subwoofers and KPT-8001 and KPT-1201 surrounds.

This multiplex offers moviegoers with an award-winning snack bar, a full-size, in-lobby movie preview screen, rocking high-backed stadium seating and Internet accessible ticketing.

Griffin said Harkins prides itself in presenting the finest movie-going experience to its patrons by using the latest technology, maintaining well-stocked snack bars and providing exceptional management and customer service.

"Every last detail is taken care of, whether it's the imported German projection systems or state-of-the-art Klipsch speaker systems, nothing is left to chance," said Griffin. "You will not find a better 35mm film presentation anywhere."

The relationship between Klipsch and Harkins can be traced back to the 1960s when Harkins' founder, Dwight "Red" Harkins installed a Klipschorn in the mono sound system at his Tower Plaza theater. However, it wasn't until November 2000 that Harkins' began using Klipsch exclusively in all its new and retrofit theater installations. The first contemporary Klipsch professional cinema system was installed during Harkins' $1 million refurbishment of the Valley Art, a single-screen theater built by "Red" in 1940. Since then, Klipsch loudspeakers have been installed in six complexes, totaling 83 screens.

This exclusive partnership began after Harkins and Klipsch officials got together for a comprehensive shootout conducted at Malco's Majestic theater in Memphis. This opportunity allowed Harkins to compare its current loudspeaker brand and others with Klipsch.

"The differences between Klipsch and our former loudspeaker provider were quite startling," said Griffin. "The Klipsch speakers reproduced nuances in the soundtrack that were not even audible in the other speaker systems. The coverage of the Klipsch speakers were clearly superior, especially off-axis, in the front row and at extreme cross-auditorium angles."

Harkins has been entertaining audiences since 1933, making it the oldest theater chain in Arizona. The company currently operates 259 screens in 22 locations throughout the Phoenix metro area and Northern Arizona, but will soon expand into Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where a new 16-screen theater is scheduled to open July 2004.

By fostering relationships with these leading organizations, Klipsch has become their preferred audio provider and captured new market segments. Because Cinépolis is Latin America's largest cinema operator, and Cinemex is the majority film exhibitor in Mexico City, citizens throughout Latin America are becoming familiar with the Klipsch sound experience.

In addition, Cinépolis recently built a theater in Costa Rica, which marked Klipsch's entry into the Central American cinema market.

"We are very proud of the relationships we have established with both Cinépolis and Cinemex. We look forward to expanding these important partnerships and achieving our goal of becoming the number one audio supplier to all the Americas," said Sheldon Combs, Klipsch's director of sales for Asia and Latin America.

According to Combs, Klipsch secured these business deals after a series of comprehensive shootouts, or extensive product comparisons, conducted independently by Cinépolis and Cinemex. Combs said Klipsch won the shootout because of its high-performance products that reproduce a more genuine, lifelike sound.

"With Klipsch professional cinema speakers, we find the high level of quality and power that is required for our projects," said Erenia Tovar Márquez, projection and sound manager for Cinépolis. "Klipsch's ability to fill our orders in a timely manner is also very important to us."

"After a very competitive performance and pricing comparison with all the loudspeakers available on the market, we determined that Klipsch cinema loudspeakers offer the best audio experience for our customers," said Matthew Heyman, co-founder and former co-director general of Cinemex.

Klipsch's best-of-class reputation has also attracted Caribbean Cinemas, the largest cinema operator in the Caribbean. Combs said this newfound relationship has resulted in Klipsch becoming the preferred audio provider of yet another leading cinema operator.

"Because of our superior performance across the board, our engineering prowess and our high-performance brand recognition, Klipsch has become a dominant force in the professional cinema audio market in the U.S. and Mexico, and we're making in-roads to the markets in Europe and Asia," said Lance Jones, senior vice president of corporate development for Klipsch.

When first starting out, it appears Cinépolis and Cinemex used pure entrepreneurial ambition as part of their formulas for success. From there, they used innovative approaches to get where they are today.

For Cinépolis, it all started in Morelia, Michoacan more than 50 years ago when company founder, Enrique Ramirez Miguel built his first movie theater, Cine Morelos. This bold move kick-started a chain of events that would result in Cinépolis becoming the 12th largest cinema operator in the world by year-end 2002 with 135 cinemas and 915 screens.

Cinépolis was the first company in Latin America to introduce the stadium theater concept and considers their theaters as modern, spacious, attractive and clean with up-to-date equipment and a colorful barrage of refreshment concepts. The company also realizes the value of customer service and has invested in its people and, as a result, is reaping the rewards of being a customer-focused company.

While opening its first theater in August of 1995, Cinemex has not been around as long as Cinépolis but definitely has a unique story to tell. It all began in 1993 when three Harvard School of Business students conceived Cinemex as a thesis for their masters program. They determined that Mexico City's metropolitan area was underserved by existing theater circuits and decided to develop a series of theater complexes. The students raised $21.5 million dollars in financing from investors including J.P. Morgan and JMB Realty for what would become a very successful cinema operation with 371 screens to date.

Since opening its doors, Cinemex has offered digital sound in all its theaters and was the first to introduce a computerized system for ticket purchases and reservations via telephone and the Internet. Cinemex believes their success has been built on securing the best locations, building beautiful theaters and equipping them with advanced technology, while offering great customer service.

The final chapter of the Harvard graduates' success story with Cinemex came to a close in June of 2002 when they sold the company to Canadian Holding Company Onex and Oaktree Capital Management of the United States. It capped one of the theater industry's most impressive accomplishments in modern times.

Klipsch also carries its own ambitious success story. From humble beginnings in a tin shed in Hope, Arkansas, Klipsch has become one of the leading global manufacturers of premium audio products. As the company continues to grow and expand into markets outside of the United States, Klipsch plans to show international audiences the true meaning of high-performance audio.

Located amongst the mountainous Dandenong Ranges in the quaint township of Belgrave, Australia, the cherished Cameo is once again a focus of social activity for the community. Presenting a mix of first-run arthouse films, quality blockbusters and Hollywood classics, this revitalized cinema has something for everyone.

To accommodate its variety of films, the Cameo now features four theaters. In order to give moviegoers the most dynamic sound experience available, Atlab Image and Sound Technology installed best-of-class Klipsch professional cinema systems in each auditorium.

With 323 seats, Cinema 1 is the Cameo's largest and oldest auditorium. It features three THX®-certified KPT-942-T behind-the-screen loudspeakers, 14 THX®-certified KPT-8001 surrounds and two THX®-approved KPT-684 high-output, bass-reflex subwoofers. Despite its new sound system, projection equipment and seating, Cinema 1 will retain its historic foot-warmers and a 48-seat section of its renowned and instantly recognizable red leather chairs.

Cinemas 2 and 3 are also equipped to deliver amazing performances by utilizing KPT-904 mid-sized behind-the-screen loudspeakers, KPT-8001 surrounds and a KPT-684 subwoofer. Even the small 65-seat Cinema 4 has enough power to blow audiences away. It incorporates three space-saving KPT-325 behind-the-screen loudspeakers, eight KPT-8001 surrounds and a compact, high-output KPT-484 subwoofer.

According to Atlab's Senior Technical Manager Bob Lucas, Klipsch cinema systems are his company's best selling loudspeakers. "With Klipsch speakers, the sound on dialog is very natural without the typical horn 'croak' that a lot of other cinema speakers have. The bass is strong, the high frequencies are not harsh and metallic, and, at high levels, Klipsch has great impact without sounding loud or hurting your ears."

"I first heard Klipsch's cinema systems at Malco's Majestic Theater in Memphis. The Majestic has a number of top manufacturers' cinema systems, which provides a good opportunity to compare them against each other. After critical listening, I felt that the Klipsch speakers sounded the best. They definitely stood out from the rest."

To preserve the spirit of its past, the Cameo retains its finest historical features from the Art Deco period, together with decorative flourishes from its post-1970s life. The cinema foyer has also kept its 1980s chrome spotlights and mirrored tiles, but with additional chrome and glass features. Reeded wallpaper has been used throughout to create a fine bamboo effect along with a cream and brown color scheme.

Even the Cameo's snack bar has a distinctive look, with glass and chrome features, and old-style confectionary and sweets from the local area. In addition, the cinema features a new sidewalk café that offers indoor and outdoor seating along with a variety of light meals, snacks, desserts and great coffee.

Because of its new owner Eddie Tamir, the Cameo is one of the few architecturally notable, decorative cinemas still operating in Victoria; the second smallest but most densely populated state in Australia.

Tamir purchased the Cameo in September 2003 because he wanted to return it to its former glory and make it part of the resurgence of the area by providing audiences with movies that make them laugh, cry and commune.

"I'm drawn to old cinemas that resonate with the laughter and tears of audiences who have been moved by films in the past. The Cameo is a cinema that has always engaged the community, and I'm allowing this tradition to continue. There's a magic in the forests of the Dandenongs, and this is a fitting environment for the magic of film."

By breathing new life into this treasured cinema, Tamir has proven that the show must go on. And if you're visiting the Land Down Under anytime soon, be sure to add the Cameo to your list of stops.

Using the best of everything - including Klipsch professional cinema systems - Coltman poured nearly $10 million into the design of Cinetopia. This combination film complex features a gourmet restaurant, a 105-selection wine bar with indoor and tropical garden seating, an art gallery and a state-of-the-art business conferencing facility - to give people a new reason to come back to the silver screen.

Located in Vancouver, Wash., this 50,000-square-foot complex has eight auditoriums consisting of a grand 300-seat theater with 50-foot screen, two 180-seat theaters, two 100-seat theaters and three unique "living room" theaters that offer food and wine service and accommodate 65 viewers each. All of these auditoriums utilize advanced technologies that enhance the look and sound of the films, comfy leather chairs, greater space between rows and higher stadium seating for uninterrupted viewing.

"In order to create the ideal place to watch films, I believe it's necessary to provide customers with a luxurious and artistic environment that utilizes the industry's best technology," Coltman said.

While the grand auditorium features Klipsch KPT-MCM-4-T Grand behind-the-screen systems (the first and only fully horn-loaded, THX®-Certified four-way cinema design), KPT-1201 surrounds and dual KPT-684 subwoofers, the smaller theaters are outfitted with a variety of other Klipsch products. Inside the cozy, more intimate living room theaters, the Klipsch speakers do more than just deliver lifelike sounding movie presentations; they also support the live musicians who perform during intermissions.

According to Coltman, he hired experts to ensure the highest level of sound quality inside his complex. "My designers and I uniformly agreed that Klipsch offered the finest sound presentation in the industry so it was a clear choice who we would go with," he said.

Scott Hicks of American Cinema Equipment Inc., the company responsible for handling Cinetopia's A/V installations, said he has received several compliments regarding the cinema's amazing sound capabilities. "I've gotten calls from patrons who are so impressed with the sound that they ask where they can buy Klipsch for their homes." Hicks also mentioned that Klipsch is by far, the number one speaker brand in sales volume at his company.

Guests from all over the country visit Cinetopia, including employees of major movie studios and film companies in L.A. Coltman said Cinetopia's success couldn't be better and that it is getting tons of great press and support from the local community. Holding future cinema plans, Coltman hopes to keep an on-going relationship with Klipsch so that he can always offer "the best in sound" to his customers.

Once your eyes stop focusing on the beauty of the stately room, your nose welcomes the enticing aromas of hot buttered popcorn and freshly brewed cappuccino. Your mouth begins salivating at the wide selection of candy, colorfully arranged inside the concession stand display case.

You surrender to temptation and purchase a large tub of freshly buttered popcorn, a box of Junior Mints and a Diet Pepsi (simply even out the calories). Once inside the theater you discover the chairs are positioned like a stadium making every spot ideal. The days of overextending your neck to see past the lady with over-teased hair are gone. Even if that tall guy absolutely has to sit in front you when there are 50 other seats available it won't result in a crisis situation. However, you'll still wonder why he had to choose that seat.

Once the movie trailers begin, you sit down and discover the seating is as comfy as your favorite chair, and you get a beverage holder on the side. The fear of you or someone else kicking over your Diet Pepsi subsides. You move your feet around and smile because for once they do not stick to the floor.

Just when you thought your movie-going experience couldn't get any better, the feature presentation begins and dynamic lifelike sound fills the room. You suddenly feel like part of the movie and, if you are lucky, it stars hunky Brad Pitt or sex-kitten Jennifer Garner. The next two hours disappear without warning and the movie is over. While exiting the auditorium you briefly consider sneaking into another movie but come back to reality and remember that course you took on ethics and morality (or at least you should).

During your drive home, you can't get over how high society you felt just by going to the movies. Everything from the custom-made Italian crystal chandeliers hanging in the lobby to the dynamic sound inside the theater was amazing.

And this is exactly how Krikorian Premiere Theatres wants you to feel when leaving one of their theaters. In fact, their slogan is "Where Movie Going Is A Premiere Event."

With their new Metroplex opening in May, Krikorian wants to set a new precedent for excellence in design and performance. This 18-screen theater is currently under construction in Buena Park, Calif., and will cover approximately 100,000 square feet of prime commercial space. It will have the capability of seating close to 5,000 guests at one time.

Krikorian currently operates theaters in Chino, Redlands, Downey, San Clemente and Monrovia, Calif.

According to Krikorian officials, the Metroplex at Buena Park is a revolutionary design concept for movie theaters in the United States. It will not only offer its customers the best of service in the movie industry but also will provide them with the most elegant and exciting movie-going experience possible. The theater will feature all stadium seating, digital sound and virtually every amenity a patron could want.

In order to provide their guests with the most dynamic cinema sound, Krikorian chose Klipsch to be their exclusive audio partner on this project. The theater's mix of auditorium sizes will house a variety of Klipsch speakers designed exclusively for Krikorian Theatres to achieve the highest level of performance for the space and an ideal rotation of blockbuster films.

"We chose Klipsch because of their supreme reputation and phenomenal products," said George Krikorian, president and chief executive of Krikorian Premiere Theatres. "We want our guests to know we are serious about providing them with the ultimate movie-going experience both sound wise and visually."

In the four largest auditoriums, Klipsch KMX-4-T Grand speakers will be installed. These are customized versions of Klipsch's KPT-MCM-4-T Grand, the world's first and only fully horn-loaded, THX®-Approved four-way cinema sound system offering the ultimate in audio performance for the world's largest and finest theaters. The KMX-4-T Grand successfully passed a series of rigorous quality and performance tests that include various frequency evaluations in order to receive the THX® Certification.

The Klipsch KMX-4-T Grand delivers exceptional sound through no-compromise, high efficiency horns that further lower distortion levels and increase dialogue intelligibility.

"The Klipsch sound experience is state-of-the art, best of class audio solutions for the cinema industry," said Lance Jones, Klipsch senior vice president of corporate development. "People who have never experienced Klipsch will witness the dynamic range and realistic reproduction from the quietest whisper to the most massive explosion."

According to Jones, Klipsch is very proud to be a valued partner of the Krikorian organization and believes this alliance will bring the most elite movie-going experience to California.

George Krikorian's industry perspective is to expand their operations throughout the western United States to provide state-of-the-art movie presentation to areas, which are under-screened and areas having tired and outdated theaters. Next time you're in California be sure to check out a Krikorian theater or maybe you'll get lucky and Krikorian will build one near you.

Regal Cinemas, the world's largest cinema operator, understands exactly how important high-quality sound is to its customers. Following a comprehensive shootout, or extensive product comparison, conducted at Malco's Majestic theater in Memphis, Regal Cinemas signed an agreement with Klipsch to supply professional cinema loudspeakers for 1,500 new auditoriums across the U.S.

That was in 1998, and today there are thousands of screens nationwide that deliver KSX™ - The Klipsch Sound Experience - including auditoriums at United Artists Theaters and Edwards Theaters (now owned by Regal Cinemas), General Cinemas and its new owner AMC Theaters, as well as at Harkins Theaters and Clearview Cinemas.

And that's not all, Klipsch is also a major supplier of loudspeakers to auditoriums all over the world. In fact, Latin America's largest cinema operator, Ramirez Theaters, and another major theater chain, Cinemex, have been installing Klipsch professional cinema speakers in movie houses all over Mexico. Sydney, Australia's famous Capitol Theater uses an all-Klipsch professional speaker system, so does the AMC theater at Tokyo Disneyland. Klipsch is also making its way into theaters in Europe, specifically in Spain and the United Kingdom.

Recently, Klipsch introduced a new stage and screen loudspeaker system called the KPT-MCM-Grand-4T. Yeah, it's a long drawn out name that nobody will ever remember, or care to. But everyone will remember this … the KPT-MCM-Grand 4T is the world's first fully horn-loaded, THX®-Certified professional theater speaker system. The highs, mids, mid-bass and low-bass frequencies are all delivered by no-compromise, high efficiency horns that further lower the distortion levels and increase dialog intelligibility. As anybody who has attended a high school graduation in a gymnasium or tried to discern the words of a commentator at an outdoor football game over poorly designed PA speakers knows, dialog intelligibility is extremely important to understanding what's going on around you.

With the KPT-MCM-Grand-4T added to the list, Klipsch now offers one of the most comprehensive, and certainly the most dynamic lines of professional theater speakers available. What does this mean to the guy who just bought a Quintet Microsystem, a pair of RF-7s or a ProMedia 5.1 from our home loudspeakers or multimedia lines? Plenty. You've seen the truck commercials that tout "WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE," right? The same principle applies here. What our longtime team of engineers learns from designing no-compromise stage and screen systems is trickled down and transferred to the very products you may have in your home. When you own Klipsch, it's not just "like" the sound in the movie theaters. It "IS" the sound of a movie theater.

The film Cinema Paradiso celebrates the film-going experience. The theater depicted in the movie serves as more than just a motion-picture house - it represents the community by bringing together the town's various personalities and eccentricities.

Cinema Paradiso's heartwarming and nostalgic look at early movie-going was the inspiration for Malco Theatres' new multiplex theater - The Paradiso in Memphis, Tenn. To honor the film, Malco featured this touching 1988 motion picture directed by Giuseppe Tornatore during opening week.

Malco designed the 14-screen Paradiso with an Italian-theme. The theater's lobby features a large authentic Italian fountain and a concrete floor design borrowed from the Piazza San Marco in Venice.

Mike Thomson, Malco's vice president of operations and technology, said the company went to great lengths to capture the true essence of Italy.

The Paradiso offers virtually every amenity a guest could want. All 14 auditoriums use state-of-the-art sight and sound equipment and feature comfortable stadium rocking chair seating with lots of elbowroom. While waiting for a movie to begin, guests can enjoy wine and imported beer in the theater's Café Tuscana or visit the expansive game room with wireless Internet connections and game stations.

Not only does the Paradiso have a unique Italian flair and amiable services, it also features a 42 feet by 62 feet large format screen in one of its auditoriums that has performance capabilities unlike any other theater in the country.

"This large format auditorium has a sound system that is the strongest, most dynamic of any commercial theater venue in the world," said Thomson.

Most importantly, this theater is one of only two houses in the world that serves as a technological prototype for presenting the new 10.2 surround sound system concept developed by Tomlinson Holman and his TMH Corporation. With a distinguished career in audio, video and film that spans over 33 years, Holman is best known for his 15 years at Lucasfilm Ltd where he developed the THX® Sound System and its companions the Theater Alignment Program, Home THX®, and the THX® Digital Mastering program.

While working for Lucasfilm, Holman was inspired by George Lucas' interest in upgrading film presentation standards in the industry. Holman discovered theater audiences were not hearing what was recorded in the film studio, as many of the subtle sounds were missing. His innovative approach was to consolidate existing performance standards into a new system, which included theater acoustics as well as sound equipment. Through the creation of THX®, Holman and Lucas revolutionized the cinema experience by allowing audiences to experience films just as the director intended.

While still in experimental stages of development, the 10.2 design can be considered the most advanced, state-of-the-art surround system available today. It creates a smoother transition between channels and efficiently localizes sound. The 10.2 system represents a huge leap in technology and requires a showcase of expertise to get it working properly. With 63,000 watts of QSC power, this large format auditorium sound system can extend as low as 17Hz.

In order to achieve this phenomenal level of sound quality, Thomson chose Klipsch professional stage and screen loudspeakers.

"I prefer Klipsch because they are considerably more efficient than the competition without the sacrifice of frequency response," said Thomson.

The 10.2 system utilizes eight Klipsch KPT-MCM-4-T Grand loudspeakers, the world's first and only fully horn-loaded, THX®-Approved four-way cinema sound system, offering the ultimate in audio performance. For extended bass response and controlled coverage, the theater features 20 KPT-1201 THX®-Certified surround speakers used in an array configuration. A series of three-way KPT-250s are being utilized as point-source surrounds in the 10.2 system and provide high power handling, extreme efficiency, extended bass response and exceptional control. For overhead effects, a pair of KI-362 three-way speakers are mounted to the 50-foot ceiling and have the ability to produce 116 decibels of sound. They provide approximately 100 degrees of square dispersion and cover the entire seating area. An additional KI-362 is utilized as a point-source rear center for 10.2 presentations only. Two hybrid KPT-415-LFs, featuring KPT-402-MF horns on top, handle the theater's left and right surround content for large format and 10.2 presentations.

"The best way to describe this configuration is if you hit a ping pong ball around the room you would actually hear it bounce in every point that it could," said Thomson.

The entire speaker complement actually has 18 discrete channels and different ones are used for different sound formats. Ultimately, Mike Thomson and Tomlinson Holman plan to further the experiment and use all 18 channels as a single system for demonstration purposes. Together, they plan to prove that 10.2 is the future of cinema audio for a more realistic, dramatic sound experience.

Naturally, this theater has the ability to play eight-channel Sony SDDS, conventional DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 and 6.1. All of these formats are capable of running in EX mode, which means there is an extra channel in the back of the theater. In fact, this auditorium is the second in the world to incorporate Dolby's new ceiling array for the EX format. This new feature delivers exceptional, true-to-life sound that can trick audiences into believing a helicopter has landed in the theater or that the roof is caving in.

Guests are sure to enjoy the excitement, suspense and emotion of Hollywood inside this THX® approved auditorium that can play both 70mm film and 35mm film.

"This auditorium gives movie-goers the finest presentation in the world," said Thomson. The Paradiso's 13 other auditoriums feature a variety of Klipsch speakers to achieve the highest level of performance for the space and an ideal rotation of blockbuster films.

As with young Toto's passion for showing movies in Cinema Paradiso, Malco elicits the same type of enthusiasm with its Paradiso Theatre. The company has taken its love of film and developed a unique atmosphere with astounding cosmetics and highly developed technology for others to enjoy.

In today's ever-changing, high-tech world, it seems we are constantly doing things differently. The ways we talk on the phone, send mail and watch television have significantly advanced over the last decade. However, when it comes to a movie, concert or theatrical experience nothing seems dramatically different. That is until now.

Possibly one of North America's most advanced entertainment venues, The Centre for Performing Arts in Vancouver has revolutionized the way we experience cinema and live performances. This 81,000 square-foot auditorium uses high-performance audio and digital cinema products to create what the facility's designers call the most unique, realistic surround sound experience for both film and live performances.

By featuring dual 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound systems powered by Klipsch cinema and stage loudspeakers, high-definition digital imaging and projection equipment and laser lights, The Centre allows audiences to experience the true vitality, intensity and passion of their favorite movies and plays.

This cutting-edge AV system makes The Centre the only digital theater and cinema environment capable of easily switching between live performance and video presentations.

In order to fill this 1,843-seat, three-level auditorium with dynamic and lifelike sound, Philip Cacayorin, directing producer of digital media for Dog House Media, Ltd. - the company that produces The Centre's audiovisual needs - chose Klipsch to be the facility's exclusive loudspeaker provider.

"I have been a Klipsch fan forever and truly believe in their design philosophies," said Cacayorin. "Klipsch's ability to reproduce and deliver higher frequencies accurately to a large audience is essential for our type of dimensional sound environment."

A multitude of Klipsch cinema and stage loudspeakers deliver The Centre's vibrant and crystal-clear sound. Cacayorin developed the dual 5.1-channel systems using three THX -approved KPT-535 behind-the-screen systems, three THX-approved KPT-535-4-T behind-the-screen systems, six THX-approved KPT-684 subwoofers, six KPT-484 subwoofers, 14 KPT-250 surrounds and three customized Klipsch products designed to meet specialized needs.

"Audiences who have never experienced Klipsch will be amazed by our dynamic range and realistic reproduction of sound," said Lance Jones, senior vice president of corporate development for Klipsch.

In addition to building The Centre's sound system, Cacayorin has designed innovative products that completely immerse guests into live theater. His virtual reality microphones connect to a Dolby Digital encoder where the performance is converted and played back in Dolby Digital 5.1 as the show progresses.

"The Centre is among the first in North America to feature highly advanced digital cinema technologies in a theatrical environment," said Cacayorin. "With its impressive and revolutionary sound system, every seat in the house becomes the ideal listening environment."

The Centre primarily offers theater, dance and music, but has the ability to host high-definition movie premieres, the production of digital content for future distribution, live digital satellite concert broadcasting and high-profile television and sporting events.

According to Cacayorin, The Centre is trying to establish a new relationship with the entertainment industry by developing cost-effective digital entertainment methodologies. By having the ability to produce, shoot and transmit its own live digital productions, The Centre can deliver alternative forms of entertainment to cinemas with digital capabilities.

Not only does The Centre have state-of-the-art sight and sound equipment, it is also flawlessly constructed using the highest quality staging, seating, fixtures and furnishings available. All four levels of the building offer washroom facilities and full bar and food service.

With a lobby that features striking marble floors and a magnificent curving staircase, The Centre is definitely a sight to behold. There are also two awe-inspiring foyers with expansive arched ceilings.

Built in 1995 by internationally acclaimed architect, Moshe Safdie, the facility originally opened as The Ford Centre for Performing Arts. In 2001, it was purchased by Four Brothers Entertainment Co. and re-opened as The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts in May 2002.

"Vancouver is a vibrant Pacific Rim city, deserving of a world-class theater that offers not only performing arts, but also provides a stage for a variety of other ventures, including high tech activities, concerts and conferences," said Dennis Law of Four Brothers Entertainment.

With all its versatility, technology and high-performance Klipsch sound, The Centre certainly proves the future of entertainment lies in the Northern Hemisphere.