Dolby Announces Next-Generation 3D Glasses at CinemaCon 2011

High-performance, stylish, reusable 3D glasses deliver cost savings to exhibitors and improved comfort to moviegoers

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: DLB) today announced the availability of its next-generation Dolby® 3D glasses. Designed with Dolby’s 3D technical know-how, the expertise of a leading eyewear design company, and 3M’s new multilayer optical film lenses, the glasses are compatible with Dolby 3D Digital Cinema systems currently installed.
Dolby’s Next Generation 3D Glasses (Photo: Business Wire)

Dolby’s Next Generation 3D Glasses (Photo: Business Wire)

“With the newly designed Dolby 3D glasses, we look to maintain the premium quality visual performance that Hollywood has come to expect from Dolby 3D, while providing a more comfortable fit for cinemagoers and a lower price point for exhibitors,” said Matt Cuson, Senior Marketing Director, Cinema, Dolby Laboratories. “The next-generation Dolby 3D glasses strike the perfect balance between style and performance and are designed to be used repeatedly, bringing per-ticket costs well below disposable single-use 3D glasses.”

The new glasses are currently available at a list price of $12.00 or lower when purchased with a Dolby 3D bundle. Dolby also plans to make children-sized glasses available next quarter.

New Technology Increases Performance

* Dolby has partnered with 3M to develop a new multilayer optical film lens that greatly reduces the weight of the glasses, increasing comfort while providing the excellent optical performance moviegoers expect from Dolby 3D.
* A more robust mechanical design, the new nylon frame features wide side temples and a shelf along the top edge of the frames, which help prevent extraneous light from entering the glasses, reducing internal lens reflections.

Style Enhances Comfort

* Updated industrial design makes both the audience member and the movie look marvelous.
* The new frames fit comfortably over 98 percent of prescription glasses and are well-suited to youth and adults.

More Robust for More Use

* The next-generation Dolby 3D glasses can withstand the rigors of many wash cycles and can be reused hundreds of times.
* The new 3M lenses are scratch resistant and include an antireflective coating.

RFID Tags Added for Tracking

* Beyond the antitheft tag included in previous generations of Dolby 3D glasses, the new Dolby 3D glasses also include individually serialized RFID tags.
* These tags can be used for inventory tracking and management.

New Lower Cost

* Dolby 3D glasses are high-performance, environmentally friendly, passive glasses that require no batteries or charging.
* Because they are reusable, the per-ticket cost of Dolby 3D glasses can be well below the cost of disposable 3D glasses.
* The new glasses are available at a list price of $12.00 or lower when purchased with a Dolby 3D bundle.

Exhibitors interested in learning more about Dolby 3D should contact their nearest Dolby reseller or Dolby sales office, or visit Dolby in booth (1600A) during CinemaCon 2011 at Caesars Palace.

About Dolby 3D Digital Cinema

Dolby 3D Digital Cinema technology, in conjunction with digital cinema projectors featuring Texas Instruments Digital Light Processing™ (DLP) technology, provides exhibitors with an efficient and flexible solution designed to deliver a superior 3D experience. Dolby’s 3D solution uses a unique full-spectrum color-filter technology that provides realistic color reproduction and extremely sharp images. Since launching in November 2007, Dolby has shipped over 7,600 Dolby 3D systems and has one of the largest global footprints with over 400 exhibitor partners in 67 countries.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, visit www.dolby.com.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. DLP Cinema is a trademark of Texas Instruments. S11/24064 DLB-G

XPAND Presents the World’s First Personalized 3D Electronic Eyewear At CES 2011

2011 International CES
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–XPAND today introduced the new YOUNIVERSAL series 3D electronic eyewear that optimizes the 3D experience by modifying the 3D parameters specifically for each user and for different 3D environments. The high-end electronic eyewear offers unprecedented personal optimization, full HD 3D performance, advanced interoperability between all 3D devices and market-leading comfort and style.

“Only active 3D glasses can provide full HD 3D experiences, but this is only the first step in 3D evolution. Our YOUNIVERSAL 3D glasses are personally optimized to the individual human visual capabilities with maximum comfort and customizability that allows them to work in all modern 3D environments.”
Using a specialized smart phone app, XPAND YOUNIVERSAL glasses can be optimized to address the fact that every human’s eyes and facial structure are unique and that each user’s viewing requirements and environment are different. Available in black, gray and red in male and female sizes, the new YOUNIVERSAL high-end glasses will begin shipping in April 2011 and will communicate with Infrared (IR), Bluetooth (BT), Radio Frequency (RF) and DLP-Link. The smart phone app will initially be available for Apple iPhone™ and Google Android™ platforms.

“The YOUNIVERSAL glasses put YOU in universal,” said Maria Costeira, CEO of XPAND. “Recognizing that no two people view 3D in the exact same way, we have designed our electronic eyewear to comprehensively address the unique differences in people’s vision, the viewing environment and selection of 3D devices. In doing so, we’re creating the ultimate 3D experience!”

Artistically designed by the acclaimed Gigodesign studio, XPAND YOUNIVERSAL electronic eyewear provides remarkable comfort and style. XPAND’s approach to the development of the YOUNIVERSAL glasses is one of no compromise. “The glasses feature the best—and only the best—innovations,” Costeira added. “Every parameter from viewer optimization, interoperability, unit weight and comfort was evaluated and XPAND made groundbreaking improvements in every category. This new high-end product starts a new era of 3D lifestyle. XPAND proves once again that 3D quality is essential. Anything short of full HD 3D performance is a weak, unacceptable compromise!”

The new YOUNIVERSAL glasses are not simply the lightest active shutter 3D glasses in the marketplace, they’re also the fastest by a significant margin. Moreover, their ability to operate across so many different communication protocols brings a new level of universality to the 3D experience. “XPAND is deeply committed to maximum 3D quality,” said Ami Dror, XPAND’s Chief Strategy Officer. “Only active 3D glasses can provide full HD 3D experiences, but this is only the first step in 3D evolution. Our YOUNIVERSAL 3D glasses are personally optimized to the individual human visual capabilities with maximum comfort and customizability that allows them to work in all modern 3D environments.”

For more information on XPAND, please visit www.xpandcinema.com.

About XPAND:

The global leader in the 3D market, XPAND Universal 3D Glasses are the only 3D glasses that work with all the 3DTV brands and models, 3D computers, 3D gaming consoles and cinema. Its 3D glasses are affordable for cinema owners and home users while providing 3D quality that was originally available only at a professional cost. XPAND has the extraordinary combination of experienced and visionary leadership, state-of-the-art technology, and economies of scale that will provide a backbone for the cinema and consumer electronics industries as they further transition into the 3D future. X6D Limited is a global company whose products and services are marketed under the XPAND brand name. XPAND was created by industry veterans in theatrical exhibition, entertainment, film production and distribution, and specialty film and digital technologies and is funded by a European investment fund. XPAND technology is used by over 3,200 3D cinemas in more than 50 countries and is the 3D solution of choice for post-production houses, educational and professional 3D applications. XPAND designs, manufactures and OEMs a range of consumer electronics 3D solutions that are driving the 3D revolution.