OPTICAL SOUNDTRACK NEGATIVES
Left: NT Audio's Proprietary Quad Format Camera. Right: Dolby® SRD Digital Data
Improved Dolby® SRD performance
NT engineers have developed a new 3rd generation optical soundtrack camera that improves Dolby® Digital (SRD) performance.
Our new proprietary camera exposes the Dolby® SRD digital data with a process that is more precise. This procedure increases the Dolby® DQI score during soundtrack playback resulting in fewer drop outs and reversions to the analog track.
Cost saving benefits
Higher DQI scores can help extended a release print's life by avoiding replacement due to read errors.
Optical Transfer
We record 35mm Optical Soundtrack Negatives (OSTN) on our proprietary Laser System Cameras. This produces Dolby® SR analog tracks that are closer to the master than any other known process. NT creates 35mm Quad Format Negatives (SDDS®, Dolby® SRD, and DTS digital sound and Dolby® SR analog) and 16mm (35/32) Mono soundtrack Negatives in A Wind or B Wind formats.
In-House Developing
One factor contributing to the quality of our work is that we develop all our negatives in-house. With the camera and processor under the same roof, we precisely control the relationship of all digital and analog track densities.
Optical Soundtrack Negative Inspection
NT Audio inspects all developed optical soundtrack negatives prior to shipment. Our Quality Control Department performs a detailed physical inspection on every reel. Each reel is then run on one of our proprietary QC machines checking and insuring the integrity of the digital data. These additional steps potentially save you both time and print screening costs.
Accepted Transfer Formats
- Pro Tools® - All Versions
- Dolby® Digital SRD - AC3 Encoded MO Disks (Motion Picture Format Only)
- AIFF & WAV Audio Files
- Akai DD8
- MMR8
- DA98 24Bit HR
- DA88 16Bit
- Timecode DAT
- 35mm Fullcoat Mag
- 16mm Fullcoat Mag
- 24 Track 2" Audio Tape
If a format you require is not listed, please inquire with your NT Audio salesperson.
Dolby Digital
AC3 Encoded MO Disks (Motion Picture Format Only)
To create a Feature OSTN with Dolby® Digital requires a Dolby® Encoded Magneto Optical Disk (MO). Only representatives from Dolby® Laboratories have the equipment necessary to record audio to the MO Disk. Optical transfer facilities such as NT Audio only have the ability to playback the MO Disk for the purpose of creating the Optical Negative. To encode your film with Dolby® Digital please contact Dolby® directly and ask for the licensing department or reach them on the internet at www.dolby.com.
DTS
To encode DTS™ on an OSTN also requires contacting DTS™ directly to arrange a License agreement. Once the licensing details are finalized, DTS™ will contact NT Audio with the unique DTS™ Serial Number for your project. During the creation of the OSTN, we place the DTS™ timecode encoded with your Serial Number on the negative. The Discrete 5.1 audio is encoded on the CD's by DTS™ directly.
SDDS
The SDDS® format requires a discrete 5.1 or 7.1 printmaster to create the optical soundtrack negative. The SDDS® format also requires a license fee that must be arranged with SONY® prior to shooting the optical negative. We accept the following audio formats to create the OSTN -
- *Pro Tools® - All Versions
- 35mm 6 Track MAG SR Encoded
- DA88 16Bit or 24Bit HR
- 3324 DASH
- *MMR8 Compatible Session
- *AKAI DD8 Compatible Session
*Digital Dubbers accept Hard Drives in Kingston Wide or Narrow Carriers as well as 5.2GB MO Disks
Please note: The SDDS® format is native 16Bit - 44.1kHz - referenced to film speed of 24.0 frames / sec. Any variation from this specification will involve digital rate conversion or A/D conversion of the material to resolve the mismatch.