Ray Dolby obit

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Audio Pioneer Ray Dolby Dies at 80

Ray Dolby, founder of Dolby Laboratories, has died at the age of 80 at his home in San Francisco. He has suffered from from Alzheimer's disease over the last several years and was diagnosed with leukemia two months ago.

 
Dolby is best known for founding Dolby Laboratories in 1965, a company that specialized in audio noise reduction and audio compression. He realized the imperfections in film at the time and took matters into his own hands, helping to develop tools like the Dolby noise-reduction system to reduce unwanted noise from films. The first film with Dolby sound was Stanley Kubrick's legendary movie A Clockwork Orange in 1971.


Dolby's innovations had such a strong impact on cinema that "Dolby" became synonymous for noise-free stereo and surround sound. He held more than 50 U.S. patents. 

"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," said Kevin Yeaman, president and CEO of Dolby Laboratories, in a statement. "Ray's ideals will continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for us all."