Hathway to use Dolby Digital Plus for HD set-top boxes

Multi system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable & Datacom Ltd, has selected Dolby Digital Plus as the audio codec for its HD set-top boxes.

Using Dolby Digital Plus, Hathway HD subscribers will be able to experience up to 7.1 channels of surround sound.   

Dolby Digital Plus is an audio system based on Dolby Digital. It is designed to adapt to the changing demands of future entertainment delivery while retaining compatibility with existing Dolby Digital 5.1-channel home theater systems.

Jagdish Kumar, managing director and CEO, Hathway Cable & Datacom Ltd, said, “With digitization, the broadcast industry in India is evolving at a fast pace by delivering better and more enhanced quality of services to consumers. Our association with Dolby is a great opportunity for us to combine the great visual experience with unmatched Dolby Digital Plus surround sound, delivering pulsating cinema-inspired experiences to audiences at home. The collaboration reinforces our commitment to provide the best of in-home entertainment services to Hathway subscribers across 140 cities and towns in India.”

Dolby Digital Plus has been adopted by many TV and set-top box manufacturers, as well as broadcasters and operators, to provide consumers with full digital surround sound and stereo sound in a highly bandwidth-efficient single audio stream solution. It is quickly becoming one of the leading broadcast audio standards for HDTV services across the globe.

Pankaj Kedia, country manager, Dolby Laboratories India, said, “Dolby brings superior entertainment experiences through innovative technology. Our collaboration with Hathway, is yet another exciting opportunity for Dolby to bring people a fantastic entertainment experience—their favorite sports, drama, reality TV, and movies—right in their living rooms and movies.”