A Readerís View Of The Politics Of The Smart Devices, Panastereo, Inc, And SRS Labs, Inc Lawsuit Settlement With Dolby Laboratories, Inc.

Previously on Wednesday and Thursday, December 1 and 2, we published two stories on the Smart Devices, Panastereo, Inc., and SRS Labs, Inc. lawsuit settlement with Dolby Laboratories. Each story had a different take on the matter.According to Smart Devices, Dolby, in its press release (See December 1 Webzine), misstates and mischaracterizes the facts to their advantage. In a document from Smartís attorney to Dolbyís attorney, Smart said, ""It is surprising and unfortunate to find a company of Dolbyís stature parading the fine details of a settlement agreement publicly on their Web site. The public really only need know that Smart agreed to change from ""EX"" in return for Dolby dropping their patent claims."" Thus, the document states, ""Smart Devices and Panastereo consider the press release false and misleading.""In response, a Widescreen Review reader responded as follows:Dear Widescreen Review:I commend you for printing or allowing the printing of the news releases and comments from both Dolby and Smart Devices. I was one of those possible customers considering the purchase of one of the Smart Devicesí processors, but based on the Dolby press release, I had serious second thoughts. I was left with the impression that I might now be purchasing a product from Smart Devices, that was inferior to the product that has been touted as a ""good/excellent"" product (from Smart Devices). Also, reading the Dolby press release, and given the mention of a monetary judgement, it seemed obvious based on the settlement that Smart Devices had done something wrong.However, given the follow-ups from Smart Devices, it seems as though what transpired was a meritless case and a settlement that basically allowed Dolby to save face in an otherwise meritless case, and an end to an otherwise costly legal defense for Smart Device. I was one of those possible customers that was nearly scared away from purchasing Smart Devicesí EX product, just as Smart Devices thought would happen. If that was Dolby's intention, it nearly worked.I have not decided which way I will proceed with the ""EX"" upgrade path, whether itís the Smart Devices product, or a new upgraded surround processor with Dolby EX built-in, but this I can tell you, Smart Devices has gained my sympathy and in my opinion deserves a revised statement from Dolby. In addition, I will add, Dolby has lost a good amount of respect from me.I don't know which technology is better, and in the end I'll purchase the one that I feel is, but if I do purchase the Smart Devices product for my EX needs, one thing is for sure, I'll be sure to enclose an extra $1.00 to cover their ""monetary"" settlement.Sincerely,Fred Yasatan