Dolby Laboratories, Inc., just enabled the first 7.1-channel surround sound entertainment experience available to streaming media using Dolby Digital Plus audio. VUDU's video-on-demand movie service began streaming Walt Disney Pictures' Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio yesterday.

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"We're thrilled to announce that the first entertainment content for an over-the-top or broadcast environment has been released in 7.1-channel surround sound, the best possible audio experience available for this type of delivery. It's great to collaborate with a leader in HD streaming like VUDU to enable consumers to enjoy the latest 7.1 films," said John Couling, Vice President, Products and Platforms, Dolby Laboratories. "Today is just the first step. We look forward to having the opportunity to work with additional content providers to deliver premium-quality 7.1 surround sound to more consumers."

To date, more than 30 films have been mixed in 7.1 for theatrical release. Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 allows content providers to enable these amazing 7.1 surround sound mixes created for the movie theater to be experienced in the home via streamed media.

Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio is currently available on select Blu-ray Disc players. Dolby Digital Plus is a sophisticated, bandwidth-efficient audio system based on Dolby Digital that is designed to adapt to the changing demands of entertainment delivery while reportedly retaining compatibility with existing home theater systems. It has been included in more than 430 million products worldwide, including TVs, set-top boxes, Blu-ray Disc players, audio/video receivers, and mobile phones.