April 16, 2012
Dolby Digital Plus Advancements for Next-Generation Entertainment Demonstrated at NAB
New encoding and adaptive-streaming enhancements will enable more
consumers to enjoy high-quality audio on any device
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Today at NAB Show® 2012, booth SU1212, Dolby Laboratories,
Inc. (NYSE: DLB) is demonstrating key enhancements to Dolby®
Digital Plus that will bring authentic, high-quality audio within reach
of more broadcasters and online-content providers. Significant
advancements in the core encoding process enable providers to deliver
cinematic 5.1-channel surround sound at 192 kbps, half the data rate
typically used by traditional broadcast services today. Combined with
the adaptive-streaming capabilities and in-device playback optimization
of Dolby Digital Plus, these enhancements enable an authentic audio
experience for consumers to enjoy over more connections on more devices.
Dolby plans to release these enhancements for integration by
professional encoder partners this summer.
Typically, broadcasters and other service providers deliver Dolby
Digital 5.1-channel audio at an average data rate of 384 kbps. The
latest Dolby Digital Plus encoding enhancements will reduce the data
rate required by 50 percent—to 192 kbps—thanks to extensive research
into algorithm optimizations. These reductions can translate into more
space for HD channels on congested terrestrial platforms, more
opportunity to deploy added features such as 7.1-channel surround sound
and multiple languages on pay-TV services, and multiroom capability on
IPTV systems. Online-content providers can also leverage the savings to
reach more consumers with optimized audio.
"Our vision is to deliver an immersive, realistic viewing experience
that is true to the creator's vision, tailored for whatever compatible
device is used for playback. With the latest coding breakthroughs and
playback optimization in Dolby Digital Plus, we are enabling that vision
and powering a new wave of service innovation," said Jason Power, Senior
Director, Broadcast Audio Ecosystem, Dolby Laboratories.
The ability to support seamless bit-rate switching for online and
over-the-top (OTT) delivery enables service providers to deliver a
consistent, high-quality audio experience—even as available bandwidth
changes. In addition to offering greater bandwidth efficiency, Dolby
Digital Plus is the most scalable and flexible audio solution for
file-based and live streaming multiscreen delivery across a broad set of
frameworks, including MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP),
Apple® HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Microsoft®
Smooth Streaming, and DECE UltraViolet™. At NAB, Dolby will demonstrate
how Dolby Digital Plus enhances entertainment experiences across
multiple platforms and screens.
Included in more than 640 million products worldwide, Dolby Digital Plus
is widely supported for HD entertainment in the living room, shipping in
products from the top 10 TV manufacturers and in the top set-top boxes.
It is a feature of major global standards for terrestrial, cable,
satellite, and IPTV systems, including DVB®, ATSC®,
and DTMB. Dolby Digital Plus delivers an authentic experience to a wide
audience—whether it's by enabling more surround services on air,
improving consistency with integral loudness control, or widening the
audience by adding enhancements for the visually and/or hearing
impaired. OTT content providers such as Netflix® and HBO Go®
and playback devices such as Microsoft Xbox 360® and Sony®
PS3™ also leverage Dolby Digital Plus to deliver multichannel audio.
The Dolby booth at SU1212 will also feature:
-
Surround descriptive audio—Dolby Digital Plus enables
descriptive audio for the visually impaired (VI) in uncompromised full
surround sound, improving audio for those who most value it and
helping broadcasters meet mandatory requirements for VI description.
-
Integrated volume leveling—The integrated volume-leveling
option of the Dolby MS11 Multistream Decoder in Dolby Digital Plus
increases consistency for the viewer and helps providers achieve
compliance with the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation
(CALM) Act.
-
New professional infrastructure and transmission solutions—Dolby
is making it easier than ever for partners to implement comprehensive
support for Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, and Dolby E.
-
Dolby Media Emulator—This new production tool enables
broadcasters to optimize how audio mixes will sound on the final
transmission and to accurately hit the delivery specification.
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. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby
technologies, please visit www.dolby.com.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories, Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their
respective owners. S12/25558 DLB-G
Dolby Laboratories
Daniel Schneider, 415-558-0738
daniel.schneider@dolby.com
Source: Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
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