The Dolby^® Digital Cinema playback system has been enhanced to support both JPEG 2000 and MPEG (MPEG-2) file formats. Dolby will begin shipping samples this quarter and will upgrade all current installations to dual-format support by the end of 2006.

The enhanced Dolby Digital Cinema system meets the requirements of Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) specifications. JPEG 2000, as specified by DCI, will be the format for future digital feature presentations. However, current digital features are encoded in MPEG. The enhanced Dolby Digital Cinema system gives exhibitors flexibility to make the transition easily, allowing playback in either format through the same system, without the need for additional resources. Additionally, the dual-format system will enable exhibitors to present alternative content, such as prerecorded concerts and sporting events, preshow advertising, and more, in the MPEG format.

The Dolby Digital Cinema system meets the key DCI recommendations, and offers a number of additional features to ensure a smooth transition to digital. Its custom-designed, modular image decoder ensures the highest picture quality and is also reprogrammable to accommodate the ongoing improvement of image quality. Built to exceptionally high standards and designed for real-world cinema installations, the Dolby Digital Cinema system is reliable and easy to use.

For more information about the Dolby Digital Cinema system, and to watch a demo, visit our website.