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January 05, 2009
Dolby Joins 3-D Home Market
By Michelle Robart, TMCnet Editor
Dolby Laboratories, best known for providing high-quality audio and surround sound, recently revealed it is working on bringing digital 3-D entertainment to the home.
Currently, the company is in talks with content providers about encoding its digital 3-D technology into Blu-ray movies. However, Dolby would not disclose who potential partners are. The company also plans to get its technology used in 3-D video games.
Dolby will face tough competition by joining the home 3-D market. At this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES (News - Alert)) in Las Vegas, many companies will be unveiling their 3-D technology.
In the meantime, the entertainment and consumer electronics industries are trying to avoid any 3-D format war like the one that occurred between Blu-ray and HD-DVD.
Dolby is already a player in digital 3-D cinema, having introduced its technology to theaters in 2007. It is now used on more than 400 screens in 24 countries.
"Millions of people are seeing it and going home and saying they want to see it at home" said Guido Voltolino, director of business development, Dolby.
The company’s home 3-D technology was specially designed so viewers would not be required to purchase additional hardware, according to Voltolino. It will work on any 3-D enabled TV -- currently available from companies including Mitsubishi and Samsung (News - Alert) -- with a traditional Blu-ray player.
Although most 3-D entertainment requires the use of glasses, from simple polarized lens to expensive pairs with fast-moving shutters, Dolby’s technology will support whichever glasses the TV manufacturer identifies.
Today, audiences are warming up to the idea of digital 3-D technology in movie theaters. Many people now go to their local theater to see movies such as "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in 3-D. For 2009, a variety of major 3-D releases are planned for release.
However, when 3-D movies are released on DVD and Blu-ray, the only choice is to view them using older technology – such as low-tech, blue-and-red lens colored glasses.
The progress of digital home 3-D has been slowed by the lack of a unifying technology standard. Groups including the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) are currently working on ways to help standardize 3-D home entertainment.
Dolby said it showcased its technology to the SMPTE group in September and "received some very positive feedback," and is now looking to bring in "key industry stakeholders."
Dolby explained that its approach to 3-D is completely "backwards compatible," and will not disrupt any standards currently being used.
Michelle Robart is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Michelle's articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Michelle Robart
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