Dolby revealed that Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will encode movies and TV programs in the UltraViolet Common File Format using Dolby Digital Plus. According to Dolby, in addition to new UltraViolet releases, there are also plans to go back to offer Dolby Digital Plus with certain UltraViolet titles that have already been made available.

According to the Dolby site, the Dolby Digital Plus advanced surround sound audio codec features the following benefits:

• Up to 7.1 discrete channels of clear, high-fidelity surround sound.
• Ideal audio codec match for HD video codecs.
• Dolby cinematic audio experience for content across all media.
• Full 5.1-channel interactive experience for Blu-ray, BonusView and BD-Live.
• Full 7.1-channel support for primary Blu-ray soundtracks.
• Easily converted to Dolby Digital, enabling compatible playback through current Dolby Digital equipped systems.

Statements from the participants were released with Monday’s announcement:

“We are pleased to be partnering with Dolby to create an optimized content experience for UltraViolet consumers,” said Richard Berger, SPHE’s senior VP global digital strategy and operations. “Sony Pictures strongly believes that audio is an integral part of the entertainment experience, and as a leader in premium audio, Dolby is an ideal partner to deliver that immersive aural experience.”

“We work with partners who believe in putting audiences right in the center of the action as much as we do,” added Joseph Cates, senior VP technology for Universal. “Universal is proud to work with Dolby to deliver immersive sound wherever it matters to people.”

“We’re always exploring new ways to advance the home entertainment experience for our consumers,” explained Darcy Antonellis, president and CTO, Warner Bros. Technical Operations. “Dolby Digital Plus will deliver the audio quality they demand while providing a convenient way to enjoy content across numerous devices through UltraViolet. We’re very excited to offer this in the coming year.”

At CES, Dolby will also be demonstrating the Dolby 3D glasses-free 3D technology, which it is developing with Philips.