Film/TV
Breaking News: Sound Pioneer Ray Dolby Dies
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Groundbreaking sound and recording pioneer Ray Dolby died Thursday at his home in San Francisco at the age of 80, Dolby Laboratories announced in a press release. He had been living with Alzheimer disease and was recently diagnosed with acute leukemia.
Dolby founded Dolby Laboratories in 1965. His work in noise reduction and surround sound led to the development of many state-of-the art technologies in movies, audio equipment and recording studios, for which he received more than 50 U.S. patents.
“Today we lost a friend, mentor and true visionary,” said Kevin Yeaman, President and CEO, Dolby Laboratories. “Ray Dolby founded the company based on a commitment to creating value through innovation and an impassioned belief that if you invested in people and gave them the tools for success they would create great things. Ray’s ideals will continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for us all.”
“My father was a thoughtful, patient and loving man, determined to always do the right thing in business, philanthropy, and as a husband and father,” said David Dolby, son and member of Dolby Laboratories’ Board of Directors. “Our family is very proud of his achievements and leadership. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy of innovation will live on.”
In the 48 years since Dr. Dolby founded Dolby Laboratories, the company has transformed the entertainment experience from the cinema to the living room to mobile entertainment. Tens of thousands of films and billions of products and devices with Dolby technologies have made their way to theaters, homes and consumers’ hands around the world. The industry has awarded Dolby Laboratories with 10 Academy Awards and 13 Emmy Awards for its groundbreaking achievements throughout the years.
