DIRECTV Increases Number of Channels Offering Dolby Digital

28-Jun-02

DIRECTVÆ, the nation's leading satellite television service provider, announced that it now offers more than 20 channels in DolbyÆ Digital 5.1. Recently adding Dolby Digital 5.1 to standard-definition and high-definition premium movie channels, DIRECTV presents ten pay-per-view movie channels and a special event channel, with Dolby Digital scheduled on an ad-hoc basis. ""By expanding our Dolby Digital-enabled channels, we continue to raise the bar in technological advancements that make DIRECTV the clear choice for consumers seeking a digital-quality programming experience,"" said Dave Baylor, Executive Vice President, DIRECTV, Inc. ""Dolby Digital enables our customers to experience a true theatre-like atmosphere without leaving the comfort of their own homes."" The 11 premium channels that DIRECTV offers in Dolby Digital are Starz! East, Starz! West, SHOWTIME East, SHOWTIME West, SHOWTIME 2 East, SHOWTIME Showcase, SHOWTIME Extreme, SHOWTIME HDTV, HBO East, HBO West, and HBO HDTV. For each of these channels, DIRECTV delivers a Dolby Digital multichannel audio feed, in addition to an MPEG two-channel (stereo) audio feed. HDNet, a sports and entertainment high-definition channel, provides a portion of its programming in Dolby Digital. ""As the number of Dolby Digital 5.1 home theatre receivers in American homes continues to rapidly increase, viewer demand has made Dolby Digital 5.1 broadcasting capability a standard feature for high quality multichannel television services,"" said Tom Daily, Marketing Director, Professional Audio, Dolby Laboratories. ""DIRECTV brings its customers the same quality audio that DVD provides to meet the demands of discerning viewers."" Daily adds, ""Being the first multichannel television service to offer Dolby Digital 5.1 and now boasting a tally of more than 20 Dolby Digital 5.1 audio-capable channels, DIRECTV has emerged as the multichannel audio leader for satellite television providers."" To receive DIRECTV programming in Dolby Digital, customers must purchase a Dolby Digital-enabled DIRECTV Receiver, which is available from authorized DIRECTV retailers nationwide. More than ten million U.S. households are equipped with Dolby Digital 5.1 home receivers and an estimated 3.8 million satellite set-top boxes are able to deliver a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio stream. As the number of Dolby 5.1-channel devices continues to rise, more networks are broadcasting in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.For a listing of programs broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, visit www.dolby.com/tvaudio. For more information about DIRECTV, visit www.directv.com.

For a listing of programs broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, visit www.dolby.com/tvaudio. For more information about DIRECTV, visit www.directv.com.

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http://www.dolby.com/tvaudio
http://www.directv.com