Dolby Digital-Surround EX Becomes Most SuccessfulProduct Launch in Cinema Sound History; Dolby...

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 1999--Dolby Digital-Surround EX, the latest enhancement in theatrical sound, has become the most quickly adopted product in cinema sound history.

Dolby Digital-Surround EX, co-owned and jointly developed by Dolby Laboratories and Lucasfilm THX,

Orders for the Dolby SA10 surround adapter required for Surround EX, which was first announced in October 1998, have now surpassed 2,500 units in North America. International orders are expected to reach an additional 2,500 units.

Furthermore, Dolby Laboratories continues to outpace its competition as the world's leading theatrical digital sound format. During the past year, Dolby has added 7,400 digital screens to its total, while the competition formats combined have only added 4,900 screens.

"Dolby has solidified its position as the global leader in cinema sound quality for the last 25 years," said Dolby President Bill Jasper. "Our grand total of over 20,000 Dolby Digital screens includes more screens than any other sound system in the United States and Canada, as well as almost every other country around the world."

In addition to "Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace," Dreamworks' "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Minority Report," and Buena Vista's "Toy Story 2" are among the other titles that will be released in Dolby Digital-Surround EX.

Dolby Laboratories is the world leader in both analog and digital film sound. The privately held company is based in San Francisco, with film division offices in New York and Los Angeles and European headquarters in England.