San Francisco — Three more North American TV networks recently began broadcasting soundtracks in Dolby Digital 5.1, and at least one more will start in the fall, Dolby Labs said. The additions will bring the number of 5.1 networks to more than two dozen.
The latest are TNT HD, Encore HD and Canada’s Chum TV network, which broadcasts a terrestrial HD signal. In the fall, they will be joined by the WB Network, which will launch 5.1 over its HD channel with select theatrical movies.
TNT launched its HD channel in May with 5.1 capability from the start. All HD programs and HD commercials on the TNT HD channel are in 5.1. Starz Encore Group’s Encore HD channel went up earlier this year with 5.1 at launch, joining the group’s Starz! HD channel in 5.1. Chum TV began HD broadcasting in 2003 and recently added 5.1.
