VIZIO and Sony Visual Products adopt Dolby AC-4

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB), the developer of the AC-4 standard, today announced partnerships with VIZIO and Sony Visual Products to drive the adoption of Dolby AC-4 in televisions for next-generation broadcast systems and streaming Internet content.

A powerful new audio format in the Dolby Audio family, Dolby AC-4 enables the most efficient delivery of premium consumer experiences to TVs and other consumer devices. Its practical, scalable, and flexible tools are built on state-of-the-art technology and Dolby's decades of proven know-how in the broadcast industry. Dolby AC-4 is available now for product development and is targeted for availability in consumer TVs starting in 2017.

Dolby will work closely with these leading companies, broadcasters, and streaming services to advance the industry's experience with next-generation audio. Together, they will bring new products and services to market, and drive consumer awareness of next-generation audio entertainment experiences delivered in Dolby AC-4.

"At VIZIO, we are committed to delivering on the full potential of IP delivery of premium entertainment, and the rapid pace of innovation Dolby AC-4 makes possible," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The opportunity to innovate with Dolby in both audio and video makes the adoption of Dolby AC-4 a compelling opportunity with extraordinary consumer value."

"We have a long history of working closely with Dolby to bring new technologies to market," said Toshi Suzuki, General Manager of Partner Strategy, Sony Visual Products. "We are pleased to continue this collaboration with the new Dolby AC-4 technology that will both bring innovative experiences to consumers and power televisions that better meet the needs of all audiences."

Dolby AC-4 provides new solutions for the current challenges broadcasters face-such as more-efficient delivery of high-quality experiences, alternate language versions, and services for hearing-impaired and visually impaired audiences - while providing a platform for new experiences from broadcast and Internet OTT services. As television evolves from 5.1-channel audio to new paradigms that include more personal and immersive experiences, the object-based audio capabilities of Dolby AC-4 will be essential to realising this next generation of television entertainment.

"We are pleased to be working with Sony Visual Products and VIZIO to bring products with Dolby AC-4 technology to market, and are proud to count them among a growing list of CE manufacturers, SOC providers, and professional partners who support Dolby AC-4," said Giles Baker, Senior Vice President, Broadcast Business Group, Dolby. "Dolby AC-4 has already been standardised by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute and DVB. And now, as a candidate for ATSC, Dolby AC-4 is made more powerful by the addition of these global leaders in consumer displays."