Dolby aims to become game changer in Korea

By Kim Yoo-chul

The country manager of Dolby’s Korean subsidiary said the world’s leading sound technology company aims to become a game changer in the industry by pursuing innovations.

“We have strived over the years to continue that tradition of providing the technical innovations needed to transform the power of sound to the next level,” Dolby Korea country manager Jay Kim said in a recent interview.

Since the inception of Dolby, the corporation has combined research and science to enhance audio, from the soundtrack of a movie to the sound effects of video games, Kim said.

The manager said its headquarters sought to change the way people experience entertainment by helping musicians, filmmakers and other artists expand their creative possibilities.

“Dolby has changed the way sound is perceived, not simply as an accompanying channel of sound for movies and other forms of entertainment, but as a powerful artistic element perfected through science and technology,” Kim said.

Stressing the increased adoption of its patented sound technology, he continued, “The people working at Dolby are both technologists and artists seeking to preserve and present uncompromised entertainment. What we do well is stitch together all the requisite elements to deliver a seamless and exciting experience.”

Dolby was also a major contributor to what has become a global business: multi-channel surround sound systems in consumers' homes.

With the advent of high-quality TVs and projectors, and in particular, Dolby 5.1-channel audio, consumers have invested in surround sound systems, said Kim.

As the creation of an ecosystem has become a top priority that will allow companies to differentiate themselves, the company is also on track to strengthen its client base.

“This latest step in mobilizing our revolutionary audio platforms and technologies stems from the needs of consumers who increasingly demand high standards for audio quality across all of their portable devices. To further this goal, Dolby is seeking strategic partnerships to allow smartphone or tablet owners to enjoy Atmos content at home and on-the-go,” Kim said.

Specifically, it partnered with Amazon earlier this year for the release of the new Fire HDX 8.9 tablet, featuring Dolby Atmos mobile technology.

Kim remained confident to enhance its technology so long as to offer immersive cinematic experiences to filmmakers and sound engineers.

“We are proud to say that more than 900 Dolby Atmos screens have been installed or committed to in more than 40 countries with more than 250 exhibitor partners. Furthermore, more than 200 films from 17 different countries have been or are scheduled to be released with Dolby Atmos soundtracks since the first film debuted in June 2012,” he said.

Smartphone owners will soon be able to experience immersive 3D audio from any pair of headphones when viewing movies, playing games, or listening to music from their mobile devices, according to the executive.

“I am sure they can attest to the world of possibilities associated with having music, soundtracks, or sound effects enveloping you, going around you, and even over your head, all through an ordinary pair of headphones,” he said.