Dolby License? at DVinfo.net

Kevin Spahr · November 2nd, 2011, 05:20 PM

I was just reading my deliverables requirements for the distribution of my film and there is a section asking for a copy of the applicable license from Dolby Labs.

I did not use Dolby formats in the recording of the material, but when you create a DVD Compressor's standard setting for DVD audio uses "Dolby Digital Professional 2.0". Anybody know if this needs licensing?

I'm passing on the ProRes 422 master to the distribution company and I don't think that they are using my Compressor encoded files for their DVD sales. But, it never occurred to me that I may need to obtain a license for something included a software package.

Anybody have experience at this?

Steve House · November 3rd, 2011, 03:58 AM

From what I understand the license for the Dolby processing included with most of the popular NLE and DVD creation software generally allows for its use in the preparation of sound tracks for personal and non-commercial use only.. Broadcast, theatrical performance, or commercial sale requires you obtain further licenses from Dolby labs. A perusal of their website should provide more details.

Kevin Spahr · November 3rd, 2011, 11:49 AM

I checked the Dolby site and couldn't find anything. I'll bring this up when I meet with the lawyers or else I'll bug my distributor for help. Its funny that in the paper work for having DVDs (and CDs) pressed, they never ask about a License for Dolby technologies...

I was hoping some one here might have some experience with deliverables - just trying to get as many of these issues conquered by myself.

Kevin Spahr · November 8th, 2011, 09:50 PM

I haven't had too much luck with the Dolby web site in respect to licensing "Dolby Digital Professional 2.0" that is used by Apple's Compressor for encoding audio to DVD. So I dug out that little book that comes with Final Cut Pro Studio that has all the legal information - wow that was interesting!!

Do you know that FCPS only licenses MPEG2, MPEG4, and H.264 for "personal and non-commercial uses only" and all other uses requires licenses from the respective owners.

I would bet this is the same for other NLEs too.

I'm shocked...

November 2nd, 2011, 05:20 PM	#1
Kevin Spahr Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carlisle, PA Posts: 451	Dolby License? I was just reading my deliverables requirements for the distribution of my film and there is a section asking for a copy of the applicable license from Dolby Labs. I did not use Dolby formats in the recording of the material, but when you create a DVD Compressor's standard setting for DVD audio uses "Dolby Digital Professional 2.0". Anybody know if this needs licensing? I'm passing on the ProRes 422 master to the distribution company and I don't think that they are using my Compressor encoded files for their DVD sales. But, it never occurred to me that I may need to obtain a license for something included a software package. Anybody have experience at this?

November 3rd, 2011, 03:58 AM	#2
Steve House Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,742	Re: Dolby License? From what I understand the license for the Dolby processing included with most of the popular NLE and DVD creation software generally allows for its use in the preparation of sound tracks for personal and non-commercial use only.. Broadcast, theatrical performance, or commercial sale requires you obtain further licenses from Dolby labs. A perusal of their website should provide more details. __________________ Good news, Cousins! This week's chocolate ration is 15 grams!

November 3rd, 2011, 11:49 AM	#3
Kevin Spahr Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carlisle, PA Posts: 451	Re: Dolby License? I checked the Dolby site and couldn't find anything. I'll bring this up when I meet with the lawyers or else I'll bug my distributor for help. Its funny that in the paper work for having DVDs (and CDs) pressed, they never ask about a License for Dolby technologies... I was hoping some one here might have some experience with deliverables - just trying to get as many of these issues conquered by myself.

November 8th, 2011, 09:50 PM	#4
Kevin Spahr Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carlisle, PA Posts: 451	Wow I haven't had too much luck with the Dolby web site in respect to licensing "Dolby Digital Professional 2.0" that is used by Apple's Compressor for encoding audio to DVD. So I dug out that little book that comes with Final Cut Pro Studio that has all the legal information - wow that was interesting!! Do you know that FCPS only licenses MPEG2, MPEG4, and H.264 for "personal and non-commercial uses only" and all other uses requires licenses from the respective owners. I would bet this is the same for other NLEs too. I'm shocked...