DTS exits cinema biz, focusing on consumer market
In its latest financial results, DTS announced that it has completed the sale of its Digital Cinema business to Beaufort California, Inc. The move netted what to us seems like a small sum for such a well-known brand: $3.3 million, with a potential of $11.7 million more over the next few years. Taken together with the sale of its Digital Images business (image enhancement and restoration) to Reliance Big Entertainment last month, the company is dedicating itself to its consumer lines. The company CEO noted the growth potential in optical media for both standalone players and gaming consoles, and this move is pretty telling of how conventional movie houses are faring with respect to home theaters in the marketplace. Obviously, the DTS moniker will not disappear from cinemas. Our home audio has never been envious of the local cineplex setup, so we're looking forward to hearing whatever audio wizardry the brains at DTS cook up for our home rigs![Via Audioholics]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mcrexx @ May 15th 2008 6:37PM
My home setup IMO is far superior to the trash at my local multiplex. I avoid going as much as I can (but sometimes there are movies I MUST SEE) prefering to rent or download movies instead.
DTS has always been my favourite audio codec on DVD's and so far has sounded great on BD's as DTS-HD MA, so I can't wait to see what they plan to enhance on the home theatre front!
dj496 @ May 15th 2008 6:58PM
DTS, the underdog, has always been my favorite.
But Steve, you say "the DTS moniker will not disappear from cinemas". Apart from wondering what moniker means, ;) does this mean that DTS technology will still be used in cinemas, or just the name?
And yeah, I agree, home is far more exciting than what I'll experience 10 mins down the road.
Steven Kim @ May 15th 2008 7:01PM
I'd venture to guess that Beaufort California, Inc. will continue to deploy the technology to cinema use. Unfortunately, I didn't get details on whether they are free to use the DTS name as well, but I know it has a lot of value to cinema-goers. Honestly, I'd be surprised if the DTS badge disappeared from movies using the tech -- there's real value in that name recognition.
dj496 @ May 15th 2008 7:03PM
thanks
GhostDoggy @ May 15th 2008 8:19PM
I really do not know how many people I know with home theaters that actually still go to the public theaters, let alone take note and consciously respond to any noted vestige of the DTS moniker in a public theater where sight and sound in presentation come last to pop-corn sales and cell phone conversations.
Now, introducing DTS into video games (anyone hear about GTA4 with $500 Million in 1st week sales?) and one has to wonder if the move was correct.