Installation manual

DTS 70mm Operation and Installation

DTS-6 and DTS-6D

How Does DTS 35mm work?

Using DTS timecode printed on the motion picture film, the DTS-6 system (with matching

movie discs loaded) reads the timecode and plays the correct sound for each frame of film

projected. The projectionist inserts the movie disc(s) into the DTS-6 and threads the film though

the DTS timecode reader head. Once the film is started, the DTS system checks a keyed serial

number in the timecode and on the movie disc(s) to assure the correct sound is being played with

the movie being shown. Films released in the DTS 35mm digital sound format also contain a

traditional analog (optical) sound track that serves as a back-up sound source.

How Does DTS 70mm work?

The DTS 70mm digital sound format basically functions the same as the DTS 35mm, but with

some important differences. Films released in the DTS 70mm format do not have the standard

(analog 6-track sound) magnetic striping. The DTS timecode is written outside the sprocket

holes where the 70mm track-two magnetic stripping normally resides. This allows the useable

picture area to be increased to fill the space used by the inner magnetic stripes. The size of the

timecode on a DTS 70mm print is huge. At 30 mils wide, it is easily visible to the naked eye.

Damage by small, normal scratches does not effect the reader’s ability to scan timecode.

Since the magnetic striping is removed, DTS 70mm prints cannot use analog sound for backup.

Instead, installing a second DTS player is recommended to ensure 100% fail-safe operation. If a

malfunction occurs, the main DTS player uses its built-in default circuitry to automatically

switch to the second unit. Special failsafe adapters link the two players together.

For theaters already equipped with DTS 35mm system and setup for 70mm projection, the

purchase of a DTS 70mm reader and bracket is required. The 70mm reader can be mounted onto

the projector next to the DTS 35mm reader, or, if space is not available, an optional breakaway

bracket and spacer can be used so either size reader can mount (one at a time) to the same

bracket. Thumbscrews on the panels allow for easy change between DTS 35 / 70 mm readers.

Parts Required

Besides the cables and accessories that come with a standard 35mm DTS-6 /-6D system, the

following parts are added for DTS 70mm:

• 70mm installation manual

NOTE: There are separate manuals for the DTS-6 and the DTS-6D

• 70mm Timecode Reader(s)

• 70mm Reader Mounting Bracket, as needed for your projector

• 35mm/70mm Reader Spacer Plate(s), as needed for your projector

• 70mm offset measurement film

• 70mm failsafe kit

For a DTS-6 (2-drives), use part number E165

For DTS-6D (3-drives), use part number E169

• A second DTS player, same model as the main player