Dolby Debuts Audio Description Services for HDTV at IBC 2010

At IBC 2010, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) will give the first demonstration of full HDTV-compatible audio description services enabled via Dolby® Digital Plus. The Dolby solution allows visually-impaired viewers to enjoy HDTV surround sound programming complete with optional audio descriptive tracks, an improvement on the current solutions that are limited to stereo-only provision.

Utilizing STMicroelectronics’s advanced STi7108 single chip set-top box solution, the demonstration will show how Dolby Digital Plus can enable both the main surround soundtrack plus an additional commentary track to be carried together as a single, bandwidth-efficient bitstream. In receivers where audio description is required, these tracks can be mixed to create an uncompromised surround soundtrack for visually-impaired viewers. Demonstrations are available at the Dolby booth at IBC 2010, Amsterdam RAI, Hall 2, stand B28.

The demonstration will showcase the capabilities of the latest-generation Dolby Multistream Decoder implementation for broadcast receivers and other media devices. The latest Dolby Multistream Decoder includes Dolby Volume—ensuring delivery of consistent volume levels across all content and input sources in the home playback environment—along with a full suite of postprocessing features to maximize the quality of audio reproduction from any playback device.

“Our first multistream decoder has proved to be a great success and is being incorporated into HDTVs from many of the world’s leading manufacturers, including Philips, LG, Samsung, and Sony,” said Jason Power, Senior Director, Broadcast, Dolby Laboratories.

“As our IBC 2010 demonstration with STMicroelectronics will show, the new Dolby Multistream Decoder with Dolby Volume provides even greater benefits, with seamless multichannel mixing and complete 5.1 volume levelling, making it the most comprehensive audio platform for DTVs and set-top boxes.”

The Dolby Multistream Decoder provides HDTV, set-top box, and digital media player manufacturers with a single solution for decoding premium broadcast audio formats, including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pulse, Dolby Digital, HE AAC, HE AAC v.2, and all AAC bitstreams. It allows for compatibility with the worldwide installed base of home theater systems, digital broadcast audio standards, and emerging broadband-based content delivery.

“We have worked extensively with Dolby to incorporate the Dolby MS10 Multistream Decoder into our STi7105 solution,” said Laurent Remont, Director, Architecture Systems and Strategy, Consumer Group, STMicroelectronics. “We were keen to continue this strong working relationship to enable this latest demonstration at IBC 2010 using our new STi7108. High-definition audio is a vital element of the digital TV experience and as this demonstration shows, with Dolby Digital Plus and the latest Dolby Multistream Decoder, there is no need to compromise on the main or associated audio when delivering important services like audio description.”

Key benefits of the new Dolby Multistream Decoder with Dolby Volume include:

• Extensive codec support with Dolby Home Theater® compatibility
• Volume leveling with Dolby Volume
• A full suite of postprocessing features to maximize the quality of audio reproduction
• Full compatibility with Dolby metadata and consumers' existing DVD-based home cinema systems with all transmission formats
• Support for audio description services delivered “receiver-mix” style using two simultaneous instances of Dolby Pulse, Dolby Digital, or Dolby Digital Plus decoders, respectively—all for the price of a single decoder instance
• Full multichannel support (transcoder) for Dolby Pulse in addition to Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus decoding and conversion
• One Dolby Digital output for all input formats

The Dolby Multistream Decoder with Dolby Volume implementation and system kits are available starting September 23, 2010.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. Visit www.dolby.com for more information.

Dolby, Dolby Home Theater, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. S010/24778 DLB-G