From what I've seen the Holophone is a great solution for ambient sounds at live events. A couple of years ago they did surround at the Grammys and planned to use about a zillion mics spread throughout the audience. They ended up with phasing problems that were untenable. The Holophone came to the rescue. They used that for the crowd, and then mixed it with the various stage mics, and were very happy with the results and simplicity.

So, for sporting events, crowds and other venues where the ambience is important, the holophone would be a great tool - especially if it's a live or documentary production. For narrative work, however, one doesn't need to be concerned with "the truth". Just record the dialog in mono, mix in the soundtrack and ambience/foley from a sound effects library and be done with it!

My understanding of the Holophone is that it would
normally be used suspended from the ceiling or
placed on a very tall mic stand.

Anyone know which model consumer cam they are
advertising as capturing in 5.1?

Dave- I don't remember which model, but it is one of Sony's ne handycams. The commercial where the little girl is an aardvark in the play, and Dad makes her the star with his 5.1 handycam.

What's your undertstanding? Is there some
type of wireless mic used with this cam?

I believe the way they said it on the commercial, "With the optional BluTooth enabled mic, you can capture stunning 5.1 surround sound...".


You ain't really goin to make me turn on the TV and watch it again, are ya?

There's a couple of mics listed for surround. The wireless Bluetooth is the "ECM-HW1 Wireless Microphone" and there's another on-camera mic listed to add rear channels "on compatible camcorders" is the "ECM-HQP1 Surround Sound Microphone."

Hey, maybe we're all missing out on the good stuff.

LOL - I doubt it!!

No, I've seen the commercial a few times but
never really paid it any attention. Next time
I will.