Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: JSD now using AC3! JS Processor has been replaced by the JSD

This is topic JSD now using AC3! JS Processor has been replaced by the JSD in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Robert Schultz (Member # 2301) on 11-09-2004, 10:10 PM:

The JS Processor came to its official end today. USL announced today that the JS will still be supported but it will no longer be sold because integrated circuits in its design can no longer be found. This processor came a long way through cinema history. It would appear that USL will replace the analog JS with a new processor...the JSD. I worked with many JS processors over the years and they have proven their value many times over!

[ 08-02-2005, 11:48 AM: Message edited by: Robert Schultz ]

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 11-09-2004, 10:58 PM:

A very long run for the series...the first one I installed in 1985 is still in service after being moved to three different locations as it was recycled through one circuit. Things don't last forever....rumour that Dolby will stop production on the CP45 soon.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 11-10-2004, 08:47 AM:

Analogue Devices is a pain to any circuit designer there VCA chips are used by both Smart and USL in the matrix, noise reduction and VCA modules and most have been discontinued with no 3rd party replacement

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 11-10-2004, 09:56 AM:

I just went to USL's website and clicked on sound processors and news. Didn't see anything about a JSD anywhere or about JS being discontinued.

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 11-10-2004, 11:41 AM:

The USL web-site is not up to date and Rob is correct, the JS-series will be supported yet we will not be able to sell any new full units. The replacement JSD-80 is being signed off by the engineers and will be in full production soon. We had hoped the JSD-80 would have been released before we had to pull the plug on the JS-series yet we are just a little behind.

Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 11-12-2004, 09:35 AM:

We are installing 7 JSD's in our new Monticello theater. After running JS-220's for many years, I'm looking forward to seeing what's USL has cooked up now.

Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 11-12-2004, 10:27 AM:

I've never seen a JSD. What does it look like? What features does it have? Can you still use the JPN Pink noise card with this unit?

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 11-12-2004, 11:02 AM:

As I do not think that I should use this forum as a sales tool I would ask that anyone wanting more information on the JSD-80 please e-mail me directly and I will relay the information. Don't want to piss off the moderators.

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 11-12-2004, 11:27 AM:

Not to usurp the moderators but I don't think a basic description or a picture if you have one would be inappropriate here. Many are or will be curious.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 11-12-2004, 11:45 AM:

I'm with Steve, and I _am_ one of the moderators.

There's no problem with a basic description of what the product does or how it works, especially if it's in response to a question or comment raised on the forum. Better yet, a basic description with a link to the (hopefully soon-to-be-updated) USL web site would give potential customers a place to go for more information.

I should also point out that the "reviews" section of this site could stand to be expanded and that if USL or any other manufacturer is interested in having its product reviewed and has a sample model available for loan, Brad or anyone else might be interested in writing a review of it.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-12-2004, 02:02 PM:

quote: Steve Scott
I'm looking forward to seeing what's USL has cooked up now.

Well, you are not far off in that statement thats for sure. We have a number of VX crossovers in use and they run hotter than blue blazes [evil]

. I believe the new processor is based on the same box/technology so be absolutely sure to install at least double space rack vent plates above and below the new JSD. The enclosure is essentially sealed and has little to no air flow though it.

FYI: We did experience an inordinate number of board failures with the VX units and kept having the board failures till we added the extra vent panels above and below each unit at all locations. I will add that the VX sounds great for a digital DSP based piece, and since adding the vents they have been totally reliable. So if the good sound quality of the VX is any indication of how the JSD will sound then bring it on.... but pleeze add a fan to the thing! I can't think of a digital cinema type piece that doesn't have a built in fan to help keep temperatures within limits.......

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 11-12-2004, 03:25 PM:

Okay, here we go...
In addition to all the features found on the JS-series processors the new JSD-80 series includes a host of features that support upcoming digital cinema projection. The JSD-80 supports eight channels of audio. Eight channel AES EBU input with 32K to 96KHZ sample rates on a DB25 connector. Two optional SPDIF inputs with Dolby® AC3 (pending the signing of the license agreement) or Prologic on RCA jacks for alternative content. Adjustable time delays to compensate for video projectors. Eight channel discrete analog input on a DB25 connector. Two 35MM projector inputs with A or SR noise reduction and surround decoding. Two non-sync stereo inputs with surround decoding on RCA jacks. Built in real time analyzer for A chain and B chain alignment. Built in pink noise generator. Built in EX type decoder. Individual format volume levels. Seven channels of 1/3rd octave "Constant Q" equalization. Parametric equalization on the sub-woofer channel. Integrated laptop graphical user interface for system setup. Eight outputs with active balance circuitry. State of the art 96KHZ sample rate hardware with 106 dB dynamic range. Total harmonic distortion less than 0.015%. One microphone input on a DB9 connector. Automation on a DB25 connector or via RS232. Plug compatible with existing DA20 or DTS6 players. Hearing Impaired output.

Thank you Mark for the kind words about the audio quality of the VX. This unit is based loosely on the VX yet will not have the heat problems the VX had. Once we get into full production we will submit the unit for review.

Thank you Scott for letting me get this information on the thread. By the way this is the unit you and I spoke about in the chat room a while back.

Any time that any of you want to ask me questions please feel free to e-mail or call at 805-549-0161.

Posted by Dave Cogley (Member # 2437) on 11-12-2004, 03:50 PM:

To demonstrate the capabilities of the new JSD-80 we have posted a link to the laptop interface software. This installation also contains a manual for use of the JSD-80 processor. Our website will be updated in the next couple of days to provide more information. Please feel free to provide feedback directly to me (email) or on this forum.

JSD-80 Laptop Interface Software

Thank You

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-12-2004, 04:19 PM:

quote: Clint Koch
State of the art 96KHZ sample rate hardware with 106 dB dynamic range.

That dynamic range seems a bit limited for a 96khz system? Is this a 24 bit system of is it lower than 24? If lower than 24 how come? Typically 24/96 systems exceed 120 plus db dynamic range....

Thanks!

Mark

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 11-12-2004, 04:34 PM:

Mark, the quote from me is actually from Jack Cashin. I will ask him to clarify and get back to you.

Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 11-15-2004, 06:27 PM:

During our install today, I got my first look at the JSD's.
The unit takes up less rack space than a JS, a couple notches less vertically. Small pichere. Initial reactions:
Pros: SR emulation
Soft, easy to distinguish format keys
No standby button [Big Grin]

Inside, the unit is built off three boards, the power supply seemed to be easily accessible.
My tech told me that we have prototype units, and the board running along the back of the case will be integrated into the main board in future models.
No screw-type terminal inputs on the backboard.
Well labeled and easy to hookup.

Cons: Fader knob, one unit's knob was broken internally from its pot.
Mic button on the front panel [Confused]

...this just seems like an interruption waiting to happen.

More reactions as we get up and running...

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-15-2004, 11:17 PM:

quote: Steve Scott
Cons: Fader knob, one unit's knob was broken internally from its pot.

Is it really a pot or is it an encoder?

quote: Steve Scott
Pros: SR emulation

So what did you compare it too to be able to give this aspect of it a pro rating?

Mark

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 11-16-2004, 11:19 AM:

Hello all,
It is an encoder and during shipment pressure was applied to the shaft which became separated during shipment. We are looking into why this happened and believe we have a solution for it to not happen again. We have shipped and installed approximately 25 units with this being the first to have a problem like this. The technician was able to put it back together and the unit was functioning when I spoke with him yesterday.

One specification I did not mention before is that the A and SR are done at 192K sample 24 bit so it emulates the analog processing very well.

Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 11-16-2004, 05:36 PM:

Mark,
I should have said "standard SR emulation," meaning that our previous theatres had JS/JB-120/220's and to have SR on what seems to be USL's new base model seems to be a step up from previous variations of the model.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 11-16-2004, 06:43 PM:

SR emulation should be curious. I can't say I've heard many good SR emulators, analog or digital. So far the CP650 seems to do a good job as have Pana's CM353s.

It must be annoying for the designers to have to put forth the effort to emulate "A" type when no new films are made that way and the vast majority of the JSD installations will never use the A type NR.

It was kinda like a recent installation that I did where I had to pull in and set up 35mm magnetic. In this theatre I know there are never going to use it but they insisted. In other installations, 35mm magnetic will get used due to the nature of the films they run but to pull in four sets of 35mm mag lines, preamps and tune heads and such when no product is expected to ever pass the heads seemed like a waste of time.

Steve

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-16-2004, 07:28 PM:

Clint,
I wasn't bothered that it broke... those things happen. was just hopeful that it was an encoder anad not a a pot. also what would the sampling and bit rate really have to do with the overall emulation. While thata sampling anad bit depth is nice it would seem more like the algorithms written for the emulation that would actually determine how it would sound. I hope it sounds really good as I will be pushing to replace some aging CP-50's and JS processors that are decades old once this one is through its trials and the reports are good.

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Dave Cogley (Member # 2437) on 11-16-2004, 07:34 PM:

quote: Steve Guttag
It must be annoying for the designers to have to put forth the effort to emulate "A" type when no new films are made that way and the vast majority of the JSD installations will never use the A type NR.

Unfortunatly THX certification requires Type A noise reduction so we are required to support A-type even though it is rarely used anymore.

Future versions of the processor software will allow you to configure the format buttons for your specific needs so if you don't need an A-Type noise reduction it can be configured for other uses.

Dave Cogley
Software Engineer
Ultra Stereo Labs, Inc.

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 11-16-2004, 08:21 PM:

Do you need the laptop & setup software to set pre-amp gain (Dolby level)?

Posted by Dave Cogley (Member # 2437) on 11-17-2004, 01:44 PM:

The website has been updated. For a full list of features please click here
.
Dave Cogley
Software Engineer
Ultra Stereo Labs, Inc.

[ 08-12-2005, 01:44 PM: Message edited by: Dave Cogley ]

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 11-17-2004, 04:40 PM:

Steve, the JSD-80 does have a feature that allows you set the pre-amp levels from the front panel without a laptop.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-17-2004, 09:11 PM:

Cool Clint!

So whats the list price on this going to be. I'm on a road trip right now that is full of old decrepid processors needing to be replaced and I can't wait to get rid of em!

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 11-18-2004, 07:19 AM:

According to the USL web site (go to the link above and select "features"), the list price is $3600 without SPDIF inputs or $3900 with SPDIF inputs. Sounds like a very good deal, assuming that this proves to be a good-sounding and reliable product.

As for A-type NR, I'm glad that THX continues to require it, even for the gigaplexes. Lots of these places will do a "summer movie camp" series of older childrens' films in the summer and many of these are Dolby A. Not to mention theatre rentals, etc. Academy mono is even more important as a nontrivial number of new films (though not necessarily anything likely to play in a gigaplex) have mono tracks.

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 11-18-2004, 09:33 AM:

Since it's done in software it's not like you are forcing anyone to buy unnecessary equipment and the development cost of that software across all units sold becomes less and less per unit for each one sold.

Hey where is our PerspectaSound emulation? LOL

Posted by Robert Schultz (Member # 2301) on 08-01-2005, 08:44 PM:

As always...I'm looking for the latest and greatest out there and today I found a gem. I was talking to USL and they told me that the JSD is now officially able to decode a Dolby Digital AC3 bitstream for alternative content. YES...Dolby has licensed it. This is GREAT. We can finally use a Cinema Processor (beyond a loaded CP650) to play back all sorts of alternative content (with a mainstream format) and use the full capability of our surround sound systems. I have not heard the final product yet, but I am really looking forward to playing back a series of different material to see how it sounds.

I was sad to see the analog JS series go, but the JSD seems to be quickly moving forward with great features and innovation that USL has been known for.

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 08-09-2005, 01:00 PM:

Back in May USL signed a contract to utilize Dolby Digital Decoding for alternative content only. This is not intended for 35mm releases. As of Friday the 29th of July the contract was officially approved. If anyone reading this has questions feel free to e-mail or call me. 805-549-0161

Posted by Alexander Alves (Member # 1746) on 09-19-2005, 07:58 AM:

It is a great sounding processor and we already have installed two back in India. The operating manual exists on the website and it is very informative too.

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 09-20-2005, 08:30 PM:

Hello Alexander,
Thank you for your kind words.

Please send me an e-mail at the email address in my profile (so I don't get spammed to hell and back by posting it here where the bots can get to it.)

I would like to ask you a few questions.
Thanks,
Clint

[ 09-20-2005, 08:43 PM: Message edited by: Brad Miller ]