Worldís First Virtual DolbyÆ Digital Headphone System From Sony Offers Personal Surround Sound Experience

At the 1999 Consumer Electronics Show, Sony Electronics showcased the MDR-DS5000, the worldís first headphone to reproduce Virtual DolbyÆ Digital surround sound. The new infrared, cordless system features a Dolby Digital decoder and exclusive Logic 3D digital processor that delivers an exciting new way to experience home theatre entertainment. The lightweight headset (10 ounces), cordless, adjustable Open-Air acoustic circuit headphones enables the listener to hear sounds more naturally - in front and in the rear - covering a 90 degree, 33 foot coverage range.For added flexibility, multiple infrared headphone sets can be used with the transmitter. Listeners can enjoy surround sound from virtually anywhere in the room without disturbing those around them. ""The MDR-DS5000 allows consumers to turn any audio/video system, such as DVD-Video players, DIRECTVÆ, LaserDisc and Digital Television (DTV) into a total personal sight and sound arena,"" said Masa Yamamoto, Vice President of Accessory Marketing for Sony Electronics. ""Our new MDR-DS5000 is ideal for listeners who want to turn up the volume on their multi channel audio source without disturbing friends, family or neighbors.""""We are pleased to work with Sony to incorporate Dolby Digital playback capability into their groundbreaking new headphone system,"" said Roger Dressler, Director of Technology Strategy for Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. ""Experiencing multichannel movies and concerts over headphones is something many people will really enjoy.""The MDR-DS5000 compact infrared transmitter, measuring 7 x7 inches can easily be placed in virtually any audio/video component system. The unit features a built-in digital input for decoding any 5.1 or 2-channel Dolby Digital source material.In addition, there is a pair of analog stereo inputs, for enjoying surround sound on prerecorded videocassettes and stereo television.The MDR-DS5000 features a proprietary Logic 3D processor with 24-bit digital signal processing that operates at 44 million instructions per second. The Logic 3D processor converts Dolby Digital signals into binaural signals in order to produce a multichannel soundfield through the headphones.