Dolby Digital Accepted For DTV Worldwide

Thanks to a recent decision by the DVB Project, Dolby Digital is now accepted as the universal multichannel audio format for digital TV. Already the standard for ATSC DTV broadcasts in the U.S., Canada, Taiwan, South Korea, and other countries, now DVB broadcasters anywhere in the world can also broadcast Dolby Digital audio. This enables viewers equipped with Dolby Digital decoders to experience the same thrilling 5.1-channel surround sound from DVB broadcasts they already enjoy from other Dolby Digital formats, such as DVD-Video discs. In Europe, where DVB broadcasting with two-channel MPEG audio has already begun, broadcasters can now simulcast multichannel Dolby Digital audio, and compliant receivers can include Dolby Digital decoding as an option. Where DVB broadcasting has yet to begin, Dolby Digital audio may be broadcast exclusively, as it will be in Australia and Singapore.German DVB Broadcaster First With Dolby DigitalGerman free-to-air satellite broadcaster ProSieben Media AG began transmitting feature films with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel soundtracks September 18th. ProSieben is also transmitting a continuous test program with Dolby Digital sound on the satellite Astra transponder 116, allowing set-top box manufacturers and the retail trade to demonstrate their new models. Lemon, Panasonic, and Radix, as well as Canal+ and Sony, all had Dolby Digital-ready set-top boxes for IFA, the giant international consumer electronics show in Berlin. ProSieben is also providing hardware setup information on Teletext and via the Internet at www.homeentertainment.de. Erich Merkle, Technical Director of ProSieben Media AG commented, ""Dolby Digital multichannel surround sound brings genuine extra value to digital television and is an improvement that is clearly recognized by our audience.""