The Opportunity

At JPRO, we believe that the best way to understand premium audio is to experience it firsthand. That’s why we’ve created New Zealand’s first JBL Synthesis-Certified showroom—a purpose-built cinema space designed to demonstrate the full potential of high-performance home entertainment.

The concept for the room size was to put together an epic-sounding, small-format solution with minimal equipment that you can fit into a spare bedroom or smaller media room.

This isn’t just a demo room – it’s an acoustic showcase that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in a residential cinema environment. Our purpose-built cinema room was crafted to deliver an emotionally captivating experience that rivals some of the best commercial cinemas in the world.

Challenge

Designing a cinematic experience of this calibre in a domestic-sized room presented a number of challenges. With limited space, careful acoustic treatment and speaker positioning were critical to achieving a wide and balanced soundstage. Left untreated, room nodes could have compromised bass response and created an inconsistent experience across the seating area.

To enhance the experience, we also needed a seamless control solution that would allow visitors to easily manage lighting, audio and video at the touch of a button – creating a truly immersive experience.

The Solution

To bring our vision to life, we integrated a full JBL Synthesis system, designed specifically for the room’s dimensions and acoustic profile. The ability to recess all the speakers was a major advantage, helping us maximise floor space without compromising performance.

We engaged with THX Advanced Integrator Andy Jurgens of Beyond Audio NZ, who was instrumental in shaping the project. Using detailed room measurements, he developed an Integrated Acoustic Treatment (IAT) strategy to manage reflections, dampen external noise and create a sense of being in a larger space.

After implementing the acoustic solution, we fine-tuned the system using Dirac Live and Smaart measurement tools, resulting in precise time alignment and frequency response calibration that deliver a cinematic experience that is both sonically accurate and emotionally immersive.

System Features

• LCR Speakers: 3x JBL Synthesis SCL-7 loudspeakers with 15-degree horn angles ensured impactful, consistent sound across the room. Seating was optimised for the selected Atmos sound field and bass integration.
• Surround Speakers: Two additional SCL-7s for surround and two SCL-8s for height creating a truly immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
• Subwoofers: JBL SSW-3 (front) and SSW-4 (rear) subs were strategically positioned for the sound field and to produce smooth, high-impact bass.
• AV Processor: Processing and power come from a JBL Synthesis SDR-38 AV receiver, delivering pristine audio clarity and powerful sound.
• Additional Gear: AMX Muse Automation, AMX Varia touch panel, Crown DCi 4300N amplifier (subs), Netgear Pro AV switch, Apple 4K TV, Samsung 4K UHD Smart TV, Panasonic Blu-ray Player

The Impact

Since opening the doors, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors frequently comment on the realism of the experience, describing the system’s bass response as “felt as much as heard,” with some mistaking the power for physical seat shakers.

“We’ve had clients sit through a demo and look under their chairs, convinced there were tactile transducers installed,” said Mark Homan, JPRO’s Technical Sales Manager. “That’s the level of realism we’ve achieved.”

The system is seamlessly controlled using the AMX Muse automation control platform, paired with a Varia touch panel, providing effortless management of the cinema’s systems and allowing users to control the entire experience with ease.

Key Benefits

• Certified JBL Synthesis Showroom: Establishes a gold standard for JBL Synthesis and luxury home cinema performance in New Zealand.
• Immersive Audio Experience: Delivers lifelike, dynamic and deeply immersive audio.
• Smart Space Utilisation: Recessed speakers maximise floor space while without compromising aesthetics and performance.
• Seamless System Control: Unified audio, video and lighting management via AMX Muse and Varia.

A New Standard in Home Cinema

With this showroom, JPRO has set a new standard for high-performance home cinema in New Zealand. It’s a space where clients don’t just listen, they feel the difference. Every detail has been designed to experience the true capability of JBL Synthesis at its best in a real-world environment.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, clients leave with a completely new understanding of what’s possible in a home cinema setup,” says Mark Homan.

We invite you to experience it for yourself.

Interested in a demo? | Get in touch with the JPRO team →

INTERACTIVE AV SHOWROOM  |  HOME THEATRE SHOWROOM | DEMO FORM

Visit the interactive JPRO Showroom to experience cutting-edge audio, video and control solutions from JBL Professional, BSS Audio, AMX and more. We also feature the only JBL Synthesis-certified luxury custom cinema demo room in New Zealand, where you’ll experience sound so rich and immersive it feels as though the film is unfolding around you!

The JPRO Experience Centre is available by appointment only. Contact us or book your experience today!

Book Your Personalised Demo Today! | Get in touch with the JPRO team →

Book Your Personalised Demo Today! | Get in touch with the JPRO team →

The appointment by Harman Luxury Audio is with immediate effect and plans are already underway to establish a strong specialist dealer network throughout New Zealand, with opportunities for consumers to experience products before purchase.

Joni Benton, JPRO Operations Manager says: “These are exciting times for JPRO and we’re thrilled to add an established brand like JBL Synthesis to our product portfolio. JBL has a rich legacy of innovation in cinema sound and JPRO has a 35-year history with JBL Professional in New Zealand, so it is fitting that we can further expand opportunities with JBL Synthesis in the private and home theatre, corporate media room and other luxury commercial audio spaces.”

JBL Synthesis joins other Harman brands in the JPRO portfolio including complementary product solutions from JBL Professional, AMX networked video and control and other world leading brands.

JBL Synthesis is now available from JPRO effective immediately.

BECOME A SPECIALIST JBL SYNTHESIS INTEGRATOR!

JPRO offers extensive distribution support to our specialist retailer and custom integration network. If you’re interested in becoming a specialist JBL Synthesis integrator, contact us today!

JBL SYNTHESIS VIDEOS:

If you need more information on JBL Synthesis or would like to chat to a specialist about your project, contact our Team at JPRO today!

JBL even won its own Oscar®! In 2002, three JBL engineers were presented with two of the most prestigious honours that the Motion Picture Academy can give for technical achievements in loudspeaker technology – a Scientific and Engineering Award “for the concept, design and engineering of the modern constant-directivity, direct radiator style motion picture loudspeaker systems,” and a Technical Achievement Award “for the engineering and design of filtered line arrays and screen spreading compensation as applied to motion picture loudspeaker systems.”

Technology and Innovation Propel JBL’s Sonic Cinematic Future

Engineered to invoke emotion and meet the demands of the moment, whether they’re reproducing a quiet, intimate scene or an aggressively loud action sequence, JBL’s cinema sound excellence continues unabated to this day, with JBL products found in 40% of movie theatres around the world, including the majority of Dolby® equipped theaters. JBL speakers also appear in Warner Brothers, Technicolor and Dolby® screening rooms, as well as The Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

JBL is always thinking about the future of how audiences will experience Oscar®-nominated films. Engineers at JBL recently worked on developing a custom Sculpted Sound solution for Samsung’s groundbreaking new Cinema LED technology called “Onyx” that are being installed in theatres around the world.

“Today, JBL is among the most trusted names in cinema sound, as our role in the 93^rd Academy Awards demonstrates,” said Dave Rogers, President of the Lifestyle Division. “After decades of collaboration with the movie industry, JBL’s expertise has grown and evolved alongside the silver screen, ensuring that generations of movie-going audiences around the world continue to experience jaw-dropping cinema sound.”

The Opportunity

Park Road Post Production is an award-winning purpose-built facility owned by WingNut Films, the production company of Sir Peter Jackson – the critically acclaimed director of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy.

The vast facility consists of two large Dolby Premiere and THX certified mix theatres with full Dolby Atmos monitoring, a mid-sized cinema mix theatre, ADR and Foley stages with control rooms, home entertainment mix suites, a 180-seat client theatre, several edit suites, telecine and film laboratory facilities as well as client support spaces.

Park Road Post has an extensive filmography of celebrated blockbuster hits and it was essential that reference monitors with exceptional clarity and detail were installed into the post-production facilities.

The Solution

Park Road Post selected the JBL 9350 Cinema Surround speakers to replace the aging surrounds in the larger mix theatres. The 9350 enhances coverage with configurable vertical and horizontal coverage angles based on where the surround is positioned in the theatre.

In order to provide for an accurate sound reproduction with a broader sweet-spot in the smaller post-production facility, JBL’s 708P powered master reference monitors were chosen for a Left-Centre-Right arrangement.

System Features:

• JBL 708P Powered Master Reference Monitors set up in a left-centre-right configuration provide an expansive soundstage and greater accuracy.
• JBL 9350 Cinema Surround loudspeakers were selected for an immersive surround and rear audio experience. The coverage can be adjusted to fit a theatre’s unique environment.

The Impact

“JBL Professional has been in the movie business since the very beginning, providing innovation in cinematic audio. Leading production facilities around the world choose JBL and we rely on the advanced engineering, patented technologies and superior sonic character and dynamic range to create a premium cinematic sound experience,” says John Neill, Director of Engineering – Sound at Park Road Post.

“Great films are inevitably made with the minimum of compromise,” states Peter Jackson “That same clarity of vision guided us when we put this facility together.”

WHANGAREI, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. AV and ICT integration company Skopik has selected JBL Professional Screen Array loudspeakers and Crown amplification for a private 24-person 4K cinema at The Palms Lifestyle Village.

The Opportunity

Newly built lifestyle village The Palms required a private 24-person 4K cinema that could be controlled via a user-friendly control system that staff and residents could use with ease.

AV and ICT integration company Skopik were commissioned by The Palms management after viewing and experiencing another cinema installation by Skopik. “When our team visited a previous site, we were immediately impressed by the fidelity of the technical equipment and quality of workmanship conducted by the Skopik team” comments Daniel Skelton, Manager at The Palms Lifestyle Village.

The Solution

Skopik was able to transform an empty shell, into a tiered, fully automated cinema with a JBL 11.1 channel surround sound system.

The company handled acoustic panelling, seating layout, projection calculations, lighting design and audio ease mapping to provide The Palms with a premium cinematic experience.

As a result of their expert knowledge in professional audio and video solutions in NZ, with a large inventory of industry-leading AV equipment, JBL Professional and Crown Audio distributor JPRO was chosen to partner with Skopik on the initial audio design and specification phase of the Cinema.

System Features

• JBL 708i install version of the 7 Series Master Reference Monitors were selected for the left, centre and right channels, positioned behind the 150″ acoustically transparent screen.
• 6x side surrounds and 2x rear surrounds comprise of JBL 8320 Compact Cinema Surround Speakers that were easily installed using the JBL QuickMount.
• The 11.1 suround system is powered using Crown DriveCore CDI4300BL and CDI4600BL amplifiers. The amps have built-in DSP and speaker presets for all JBL speakers, allowing for a faster set up.

The Impact

“We tried our hand at a number of products before relying on JBL Professional for our audio solutions,” says Skopik AV Manager Jeff Sundrum. “JBL’s legacy of innovation in professional and cinematic audio combined with the product offering and audio fidelity is far superior to our other first-hand experiences. We knew that this project would have a premium result.”

Auckland, New Zealand. The Stardome Observatory and Planetarium in Auckland’s One Tree Hill Domain recently upgraded its Cinema and Live Performance System with a 5.1 surround multi-purpose high-performance JBL AE Series sound system.

The new system was specified and installed by AV Integration company Avid Automation after they were called upon by the Auckland Observatory and Stardome team to provide a state-of-the-art sound system for the planetarium theatre.

Stardome opened to the public in 1967 as an observatory, while New Zealand’s largest planetarium theatre was added in 1997. The 360-degree panoramic theatre allows for a complete immersive experience with a full-dome concave screen on which 360-degree films are projected with laser projectors, IMAX model angled seating and the brand new JBL Professional AE series surround sound system.

“A system of this nature is a significant investment,” says Darian Sundar, Director at Avid Automation. “The venue is open to the public with performances 6 days a week, requiring the selected system to work day-in and day-out – so for Stardome and Avid Automation, localised support, reliability and versatility was key in our decision making.”

Leading specialists in sound system design and JBL distributor JPRO were chosen to assist with the supply and commissioning because of their product knowledge base and approach to the system design.

Darian Sundar continues “The primary use of the system would be to provide an immersive 5.1 cinema experience, but the theatre also doubles as a live performance venue for small bands and events – everything from strings to electronica. So, whilst having to offer an accurate cinematic experience the system would need to be capable of handling larger SPL to accommodate live performances.”

JPRO Sales Director Paul Edlin and his audio design team specified JBL AE Series loudspeakers for the theatre. “JBL have an extensive range of purpose-built products that are manufactured in-house. The AE series are specifically manufactured for theatrical sound design and performing arts facilities, so we knew that they would suit the scope of this project perfectly.”

To fit in with the demanding schedule of the Stardome and minimise down time, the Avid Automation team were given two days to remove the old infrastructure and install the new system. Knowing that this would not be enough time AVID implemented all the new system cable infrastructure ahead of time after evening show times.

“We needed to be ready for business as usual Tuesday morning,” says Darian. “To achieve this the entire sound and control systems were built off-site at the Avid workshop. We essentially torture tested the system through multiple configuration modes such as it would be used in real day-to-day use – this is the only way we could be confident that any programming issues where found and resolved. The ability to plot all JBL speakers in a 3D model of the Stardome gave us the confidence that we knew it would work 100 percent. The translation into a real-life installation was incredibly accurate with very little tweaking necessary, saving us heaps of time.”

Due to the shape of the venue, all brackets and flyware were custom-built and physically attached to the exterior of the Stardome structure.  The surround system comprises of 2x JBL AM7215-95 High Power 2-Way Loudspeakers for Left and Right, while a JBL AM7215-26 with a 120° x 60° rotatable waveguide provide accurate audio for the critical centre channel.

JBL AC18/95 compact 2-way loudspeakers were selected for the surround channels as their enclosure design allows for installation very close to the ceiling, providing a smooth, natural immersive audio experience throughout the intended listening area.

Three JBL VTX-B18 single 18″ high performance subwoofers provide a solid bass foundation for a ground-shaking experience.

“The cardioid sub array configuration is simply magic and is an integral part of the system design,” enthuses Darian. “It allows the performance volume of the bass to be focused into the room without sub-bass spill into the foyer and office areas.”

Amplification and system management is achieved with two Crown DriveCore CDI41200BL power amplifiers. “That allowed for an impressive mix of high-performance and ease of use. Taking full advantage of the preloaded JBL Speaker tunings allowed us to get the best performance not only out of the speakers but the amplifiers as well.

Additional audio system processing, including Dante distribution and interfacing with the venues fire evacuation system was achieved with a BSS BLU-806 signal processor.

The Stardome system is used on heavy rotation daily by various Stardome operators, including volunteers. It was essential that a user-friendly operating system was implemented that could be understood and operated by all. Avid Automation designed a custom touch panel interface known as ‘TP Mode’ that could be used to operate the system via the touch panel or switch the system over to ‘Console Mode’ where the Soundcraft Si Performer digital mixer with Dante card and MSB16 stage box was the main controller for live performance events.

The interface was designed in collaboration with the client to ensure it was easy and intuitive to use. Specific ‘dark mode’ colour palates were chosen to not only minimise light pollution within the observatory during shows but to also tie in with the Soundcraft Fader Glow colour coded layers of the Si Performer for continuity.

Darian Sundar concludes: “The HARMAN Professional range of products and JPRO were the only choice for us and our client to achieve all the objectives with minimal downtime. It is not only about the product; it is also about the knowledge pool that you tap into and the service you get and with this in mind everyone one benefitted.”

JBL Professional have announced new JBL DSi 2.0 Series cinema amplifiers, offering class-leading power output, state-of-the-art DSP and advanced networking capabilities for the entire range of JBL cinema loudspeakers

The DSi 2.0 amplifier family, JBL’s first line of dedicated cinema amplifiers, builds on Crown’s DSI Digital Screen Array amplifier technology and integrates best-in-class CDi DriveCore DSP to deliver potent, cost-effective amplification and audio networking capabilities for JBL’s entire range of cinema loudspeakers. Choose from three power configurations, available in analogue and analogue-plus-digital “D” versions featuring Dante/AES67 connectivity. The “D” models allow direct and simple interface with Dolby ATMOS Connect and AES67 / Dante compatible devices without the need for additional processors.

With class-leading 96 kHz/32-bit floating-point DSP, DSi 2.0 Series amplifiers offer an array of versatile signal processors, including parametric EQ, FIR processing, LevelMAX™ limiting and more. Crown’s proprietary DriveCore technology eliminates hundreds of components within each DSi Series amplifier, reducing the variability of component values to deliver greater efficiency, reliability and performance. Built-in presets for JBL cinema speaker tunings manage voltage levels, crossover settings and more, maximising system efficiency and optimising audio fidelity.

Analogue-plus-digital DSi 2.0 Series amplifiers offer AES67 connectivity, which enables networked audio distribution from any AES67 or DANTE-compatible device and direct interfacing with Dolby ATMOS Connect without the need for additional processing hardware, further simplifying system configuration while also presenting significant cost efficiencies.

Dual network audio ports allow for primary and secondary networks configured as switched (daisy chain) or redundant (star) topologies. Analogue-plus-digital DSi 2.0 Series amps also feature SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) connectivity for interfacing with third-party theatre-management systems and Cinema Control (NOC) systems for remote status and fault monitoring. A HiQnet port provides access to HARMAN Audio Architect software, for controlling, configuring and monitoring amplifier operation through a standard TCP/IQ network.

JBL DSi 2.0 Series Cinema Amplifiers complements the range of JBL Professional cinema solutions available including the new JBL CPi2000 Cinema Processor and JBL 200 Series Compact Cinema Loudspeakers.

Models

The DSi 2.0 Series consists of six amplifier models, ideal for cinemas, theatres and premium large-format rooms.

• DSI2-LA4: 1,200 Watts at 8 Ohms
• DSI2-LA4-D: 1,200 Watts at 8 Ohms, Dante/AES67, Dolby ATMOS Compatible
• DSI2-MA4: 700 Watts at 8 Ohms
• DSI2-MA4-D: 700 Watts at 8 Ohms, Dante/AES67, Dolby ATMOS Compatible
• DSI2-SA4: 350 Watts at 8 Ohms
• DSI2-SA4-D: 350 Watts at 8 Ohms, Dante/AES67, Dolby ATMOS Compatible

All models are optimised for 4 ohm and 2 ohm loads both in stereo and bridged modes.

Availability

JBL Professional Cinema products are supported and distributed in NZ by JPRO.

JBL DSi 2.0 Series cinema amplifiers are now available through special order. Should you require any assistance and design support regarding your cinema project, please make use of the contact button below.

Established in the 1920’s, The Lido started as a single screen arthouse cinema. Patrons travel from across Auckland to enjoy a true cinematic outing with various recent art house releases and films aligned toward an older audience, all while taking in the venues Art Deco design, a lounge featuring a fireplace and wine bar for before-and-after-drinks.

A second screen, known as The Lounge, with 44-seat capacity, was added in 2005, shortly after managing director Richard Dalton took ownership of the facility. “It’s always been a bit of a troublesome venue for speaker placement due to the rear projection screen,” he says, “you can’t really place large speakers behind the screen, so you’re stuck with little speakers all around it.”

“The Lounge initially required a centre-channel replacement,” continues Richard Dalton. “However, after being given the opportunity to hear a L-C-R comparison with the JBL’s, the difference was literally night and day. We have had about 3 sound systems in there since it opened and none of them have been particularly good. The idea of working with the AV Integrator and JBL to create a dream soundscape was rather exciting.”

The high technology requirement meant partnering with experts in audio and visual system integration.

AV Integration company Avid Automation and JBL distributor JPRO were called upon to assist with the installation, audio design and commissioning of the system.

“The Lido is an institution for dedicated movie-goers, and we were excited to be associated with this project,” says Darian Sundar from Avid Automation. “JBL has a rich history of innovation in professional and cinematic audio and we were keen to provide a solution that would befit the venue.”

After the initial consultation and a dramatic improvement to the front soundscape, it was then decided to upgrade the facility from 5.1 to 7.1

“Due to the layout requirement of the venue and the rear projection screen, I quickly realised that the image control waveguide of the JBL 7 Series Master Reference Monitor would be a perfect solution for the cinema,” says JPRO AVC designer and Sales Director Paul Edlin. “The waveguide allows for a much wider sweet spot and greater accuracy in the audio spectrum for room-to-room consistency, especially in the critical dialogue range. It would also allow us to provide a unique solution within budget.”

JBL’s installation version of the 7 Series Master Reference Monitors were chosen, with the JBL 708i selected for the left, centre and right channels and run in bi-amplified configuration, maximising on the superb audio capability of the 7 Series. The smaller JBL 705i Master Reference Monitors were selected for an all-encompassing surround and rear audio experience. Custom JBL subwoofers deliver a smooth, solid low-end for sound effects and dramatic soundscapes.

“The JBL 7 Series were easy to install as they are equipped with rear, top and bottom mounting points,” adds Darian Sundar from Avid Automation. “We made use of Crown DriveCore amplifiers to power the loudspeakers and thanks to the onboard DSP and speaker presets, the install process was simplified. We were able to really unleash the full potential of the 708i’s in bi-amped mode. The audio quality, detailed imaging and expansive dynamic range from the entire system is pristine. I am happy to be part of this innovative solution.”

Audio amplification is achieved with three of Crown’s newest DriveCore series amplifiers, the CDi4300 4-channel installed audio amplifier, with the L-C-R channels run in bi-amplified mode. Loudspeaker management and signal processing is simplified with the on-board Digital Signal Processor of the CDi4300. The cinema re-deployed a Datasat AP20 digital audio processor for content management and playback.

An enthusiastic Richard Dalton concludes, “The amazing work in the little cinema has exceeded my expectations with a premium audio result – I love it. The team at Avid Automation and JPRO have done a great job – I look forward to doing more screens with them.”