Agoura Hills, CA (January 8, 2009)--DTS, Inc. has acquired Neural Audio, an audio technology business that licenses branded intellectual property solutions for the creation, distribution and playback of music, movies, broadcast programs and video games. Additionally, DTS has announced its plans to expand its engineering and technology capabilities with the hiring of key executives and opening of an R&D facility in Silicon Valley.
The acquisition of Neural Audio, located in Kirkland, WA, will expand DTS' branded technology offerings focused on the broadcast, satellite radio, automotive and gaming markets. The acquisition brings aboard Geir Skaaden, CEO; Mark Seigle, President & COO; Jeff Thompson, Director of Engineering; and Chief Scientist James "JJ" Johnston. Mr. Johnston is a pioneer in the field of perceptual audio coding, having made contributions to the development of the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and MP3 formats, which revolutionized the encoding and delivery of digital audio.
"We believe that the acquisition of Neural Audio strengthens DTS' position in the important broadcast and automotive markets while also providing immediate access to the evolving satellite and HD radio industries," said Jon Kirchner, President and CEO of DTS. "In addition and very importantly, we are acquiring an extremely talented team of professionals who we expect will enhance our technology expertise and market knowledge, and help drive our efforts to sell value-added, branded enhancement technologies into the emerging internet, PC and mobile markets for years to come."