CYPRESS, Calif. – (March 12, 2015) – Christie^®, a world leader in entertainment solutions, announced that TOHO Cinemas, a subsidiary of TOHO, Asia’s leading film, theater production and distribution company, is poised to launch a new revolution in cinema sound throughout Japan with the installation of Christie Vive Audio^™ surround sound solutions, powered by Dolby Atmos^® sound technology. Installed by Xebex, a subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., the initial rollout of Christie Vive Audio will include installations at TOHO Cinemas Roppongi, the flagship and crown jewel of the organization, as well as Fujimi, Oita, and Shinjuku.

TOHO Cinemas is one of the largest cinema chains in Japan, and among the most recognized brands throughout Asia. It operates more than 595 screens in 64 cinemas including five jointly operated cinemas with 56 screens. The addition of Christie Vive Audio and Dolby Atmos will create the world’s most advanced cinema sound experience for TOHO’s enthusiastic audiences.

“Japanese audiences are one of the most technically savvy in the industry. They expect the best in sight and sound at TOHO Cinemas. We believe that we can meet this high expectation by using Christie Vive speakers and Dolby Atmos in our TOHO Cinemas Extra Large Screen (TCX) premium screen theaters,” said Shunichi Kobayashi Development & Construction Director, TOHO Cinemas Ltd. “Christie Vive Audio, and Dolby Atmos, will continue to ensure that our audiences enjoy the ultimate movie-viewing experience throughout Japan.”

Christie Vive Audio brings immersive cinema sound to any auditorium. It is among the leading choices for today’s large-capacity, premium cinema venues. Each TOHO Cinemas auditorium, specially configured to meet Dolby Atmos specifications, will be upgraded with varying combinations of Christie Vive Audio LA3 or LA4 Series line array screen channel speakers, and LA4S and LA4C Series parabolic line array wall and ceiling surrounds.

“Japan is always on the cutting-edge of new technology in cinema,” notes Akikazu Dempoya president, Xebex Inc., Japan. “The combination of Christie Vive and Dolby Atmos heralds a new era in superior cinema sound that will give TOHO Cinemas a true competitive edge in the market.”

“Dolby is honored that TOHO Cinemas has chosen Dolby Atmos sound technology as its preferred immersive sound system. With Dolby Atmos, the audience is no longer just watching a movie, they are experiencing it,” said Doug Darrow, Senior Vice President, Cinema, Dolby Laboratories. “We are confident that moviegoers will go back again and again for the extraordinary experience that only Dolby Atmos can deliver.”

“Christie Vive Audio represents the next evolution in cinema sound. After just over a year on the market, it is already a major force in new-build premium auditoriums around the world, attesting to its superiority over legacy sound systems,” said Patrick Artiaga, director, Business Development, Audio, Christie Digital. “With its adoption by TOHO Cinemas in Japan, Christie Vive Audio continues to make its mark as a dominant player in cinema sound technology worldwide.”

The complete Christie Vive Audio solution includes the cinema industry’s first line array designs for ceiling surrounds, wall surrounds and screen channel speakers, integrated with unique subwoofers, and powered by Class D amplifiers. For more information, visit http://www.viveaudio.com/.