Dolby Laboratories, Inc. announced at ShoWest 2010 that it is working with Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios to deliver a new audio format, Dolby Surround 7.1, slated for launch in select theatres in time for the release of Toy Story 3 in June.

The ability to compose audio with visual elements of 3D will allow content creators to immerse the audience deeper into the movie with dramatic realism, according to Dolby. “The release of Toy Story 3 in a discrete 7.1 mix will raise the bar for movie theatre owners and their patrons,” said Page Haun, senior director of marketing with the company.

Dolby Surround 7.1 provides content creators four surround zones to better orchestrate audio channels in a movie theatre environment. The zones incorporate the traditional Left Surround and Right Surround with new Back Surround Left and Back Surround Right zones, enhancing directionality in panning 360 degrees around the theatre.

The new format comprises 8 channels of audio and has the following channel layout: Left, Center, Right, Low-Frequency Effects (LFE), Left Surround, Right Surround, Back Surround Left (new), and Back Surround Right (new). In order for exhibitors to deliver the new format, Dolby will be providing Dolby Surround 7.1 playback capabilities in the Dolby CP650 and Dolby CP750 digital cinema audio processor lines.

Dolby is demonstrating to exhibitors attending ShoWest a discrete 7.1 mixed demo reel of past Pixar movies. After the show, exhibitors will be able to access the content to test and demonstrate in their theatres. Exhibitors can visit www.dolby.com for more information.