Super surround sound is now available on some films on long-haul flights
Advances in technology mean anyone flying in any cabin, using either their own headphones or those provided by BA can hear the new 3D surround sound.
The first movies to use the high-tech audio tracks on the airline’s flights are Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E..
Richard D’Cruze, IFE Manager said: “Surround sound adds a whole new dimension to watching your favourite movie, giving greater depth which really immerses customers in the action and unfolding drama.
“We’re always looking for new ways to make flying even better so when we heard about 3-D sound, we were determined to bring this latest innovation to our customers.”
If your BA device is not YouTube blocked, you can hear the difference between standard sound and new 3-D surround sound by comparing these two clips of Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, on the airline’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YAygk2IbD-A
Jason Haney, brand account manager at Spafax, the team behind bringing the new sound technology to airlines, said: “It’s brilliant that British Airways customers can have access to this latest hi-tech development on flights around the world.
“Spafax has entered into an exclusive deal with Dysonics, the California-based company who spent 10 years developing this new breakthrough technology, to provide the best sound available to companies like British Airways, in the travel industry.”
3-D audio is achieved by taking the original 5.1 surround sound mix and creating a stereo encode which can be used on any in-flight entertainment system. Using any pair of headphones it gives customers an immersive audio experience where the action appears to sound as though it’s happening all around them.
While not every movie will be adapted to the new technology, British Airways plans to add more films with 3-D sound to flights over the coming months.
British Airways has also started to roll out a new range of headphones for customers in every cabin offering better sound reproduction and greater reliability.
Those travelling in First, Club World and World Traveller Plus will be able to listen to movies, TV shows and audio tracks through headphones with improved noise cancelling technology, while those flying in World Traveller can use new silicone tipped earbuds offering greater noise isolation and comfort, which they can take home with them.
Other great films on board British Airways flights with exceptional sound design, recommended by the airline’s in-flight entertainment manager, Richard D’Cruze, include:
1. Pitch Perfect 2 – There isn’t a better way to hear all the stunning melodies and harmonies from the beloved Bellas
2. Jurassic World – Feeling every thunderous step of the dinosaur hybrid will make viewing on board an unforgettable experience
3. Terminator Genisys – Arnie’s back, and this time with a superior sound mix which elevates this futuristic action blockbuster to a new level
4. Straight Outta Compton – The origins of famed hip hop group NWA are chronicled in this critically-acclaimed film and the thumping beats of classic hip hop sound are made to sound fresh all over again
5. Bridge of Spies – Academy-award winning sound supervisor Richard Hymns has created a sound mix full of suspense for Spielberg’s latest cold-war thriller
6. Furious 7 – One of the year’s biggest films has an equally powerful soundtrack which will have you on the edge of your seat
7. Mad Max: Fury Road – An action road movie with a gritty, dynamic sound mix capturing all the thrills and ruthlessness of this brilliant reboot
8. Inside Out – Pixar captures hearts and minds alike with this surreal tale of emotions within the mind of a young girl, enhanced by the sound design which will pull you in before you know it
9. Far From The Madding Crowd – The sweeping classic soundtrack pulls all the right heartstrings in Thomas Hardy’s romantic tale
10. Ricki and The Flash – Yes, really. Meryl Streep, singing and playing the guitar as a rock star; now that’s music to your ears.