Digital entertainment giant to create 50 jobs at Limerick HQ

23 Nov 2008

Ireland has beaten off stiff competition from other European locations for the decision by entertainment technology player DTS – whose technology is used by virtually ever major movie studio and consumer electronics device maker – to locate its European headquarters in Limerick.

The new operation – DTS Licensing Limited (DLL) – will serve as DTS’ European headquarters, with responsibility for licensing, management, administration, business development, marketing, sales, finance and, potentially, R&D and engineering. DLL will also manage the DTS global client licensing programmes.

The company will establish its operations at the National Technology Park in Limerick. Recruitment has commenced and 10 positions have already been filled.

DTS first introduced its revolutionary audio technology in 1993 with the release of the blockbuster feature film Jurassic Park. Since then, many major film studios adopted the DTS format for use in cinemas around the world.

DTS followed its successful contribution to Jurassic Park by establishing a technical and marketing platform for the development of entertainment audio technology solutions for the motion picture, home theatre and other related consumer industries.

In 1996, the company entered the consumer products market and, today, almost every major consumer electronics manufacturer worldwide uses DTS technology, which through its wide adoption has become a mandatory requirement for players supporting the emerging Blu-ray disc format.

“This investment by DTS, a globally recognised and leading international technology company, is a significant win for Ireland,” Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said. “Ireland faced stiff competition from a number of European locations for this investment, and it is encouraging to see that we hold our position as a premier location for such a critical investment by a global company.

“The DTS HQ will be an important reference for IDA Ireland in its work to attract future higher technology companies to locate investments here,” Minister O’Dea said.

Dedicated to delivering the ‘Ultimate Entertainment Experience’, DTS delivers a listening experience that is bit for bit identical to the studio master, just as the artist intended. DTS continues to develop and expand its technology and services for its current industry customers, while also commencing an expansion into the broadcast area.

“Since inception, our goal has always been to deliver to consumers the highest quality entertainment experience possible, and with the global market for digital media expected to grow substantially over the coming years, DTS is well positioned to enjoy significant growth,” said Jon Kirchner, president and CEO of DTS.

“Our new European headquarters in Limerick is an integral part of our strategy in support of that growth, and also will enable us to enhance our company’s service to international customers. We appreciate the assistance of the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, and are confident that Limerick is a great location for us.”

DTS decoders are in virtually every major brand of 5.1-channel surround processor, and there are hundreds of millions of DTS-licensed consumer electronics products available worldwide. A pioneer in multi-channel audio, DTS technology is in home theatre, car audio, PC and game console products, as well as DVD-Video, Blu-ray Disc and Surround Music software.

By John Kennedy

Pictured: DTS first introduced its revolutionary audio technology in 1993 with the release of the blockbuster feature film Jurassic Park

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com