DOLBY - IFA BERLIN 2001

Car Audio

Dolby have presented their new programme of In-car Entertainment… In other terms, the sound processing giants have unveiled a new multi-channel sound standard, giving a more than convincing demonstration. To better understand this programme, here’s a copy of the company’s press release, as well as explanatory diagrams.

Dolby® Predicts Surround Sound Acceleration for In-Car Entertainment

Demonstration Car Shown at IFA (Berlin) Stand 30a, Hall 11.1

Berlin, 24 August 2001— Dolby Laboratories launched its new In-Car Entertainment programme today at the world's largest consumer electronics show, the IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung), held 25 August-2 September, in Berlin.

A demonstration vehicle, fitted out with the latest Dolby technologies, including Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Headphone, and Dolby Digital, to provide the ultimate in-car entertainment system, was unveiled by David Fraser, Dolby's European Marketing Manager for Consumer Electronics.

“Dolby's In-Car Entertainment programme quite simply puts surround sound in motion,” explained Mr. Fraser. "We've put surround in the cinema, we put it in the home - we even put it into planes! And now it can be enjoyed on the road. With a variety of options and solutions, Dolby's In-Car Entertainment is destined to become the hottest concept we've introduced to the car industry".

The car will remain in Hall 11.1, on stand 30a, throughout the show for members of the public to view, and listen to demonstrations of Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Headphone, and Dolby Digital.

About Dolby's Technologies for In-Car Entertainment
Most cars today already incorporate multiple loudspeakers, so the car is an ideal environment for surround sound. The natural sound of Dolby Pro Logic II, and its ease of implementation make it the perfect solution for surround sound on the move. Dolby Pro Logic II takes any stereo source (for example, radio programmes, cassettes, CDs, or MiniDiscs), and plays back five channels of surround sound.

The latest in-car audio-video systems already feature DVD players and games consoles with Dolby Digital surround sound. Dolby Headphone enables conventional stereo headphones to realistically portray the sound of a Dolby Digital five-speaker playback system. For rear-seat entertainment, Dolby Headphone therefore allows passengers to privately enjoy their entertainment in full surround sound, without disturbing the driver.

Numerous implementations for all these new technologies are already available from all the major audio IC manufacturers and have been tested for automotive applications.

About Dolby Laboratories… Dolby Laboratories is the developer of signal processing systems used world-wide in applications that include motion picture sound, consumer entertainment products and media, broadcasting, and music recording. Based in San Francisco with European headquarters in England, the privately held company also has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit www.dolby.com

Dolby and Pro Logic are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.