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In the beginning, television sound was strictly mono. Then stereo took things to the next level. Today surround-sound systems have changed the user experience.
So what's next? Linear Acoustic knows, but they aren't telling.
| Tim Carroll, CEO of Lancaster-based Linear Acoustic (center, dark suit) accepts one of the company's five coveted industry awards during the NAB2005 Convention. |
The four-year old Lancaster-based company makes advanced audio-processing equipment for HDTV and HD radio that is used by networks, network affiliates and satellite broadcasters.
The company has been involved in projects with Dolby Laboratories, Sirius Satellite Radio, Microsoft, the major networks, many local stations, HBO, Viacom, Disney, Miramax, Sony Studios and more.
"Right now we're working on a new project for television surround sound that will deliver audio that's cleaner, crisper and an overall a better experience for the consumer," says Christina Carroll, director of operations for Linear Acoustic. "Because our technology is employed on the broadcasting side, as opposed to the end-user side, consumers will have a very noticeable benefit without having to change their equipment."
"The average consumers -- not just the hard-core audiophile -- have said the sound is so much better -- that they can hear the surround sound better."
| —Christina Carroll, Director of Operations, Linear Acoustic |
Welcome to Pennsylvania
Linear Acoustic relocated to Pennsylvania last year because of the welcoming environment for small startup companies.
"We heard Pennsylvania wants to be the next Silicon Valley and provides a lot of support to high-tech startups," Carroll says. "It piqued our interest, so we made the move. So far it's lived up to its promise."
Among those supporting the success of Linear Acoustic is BFTP, which recently announced an investment of $175,000, bringing the total invested in the company to $250,000. Carroll says the funds are being used to help develop the next-generation product.
Does It Get Much Better Than This?
The leap from simple stereo to surround sound was unimaginable 20 years ago. If the pedigree of the Linear Acoustic braintrust is any indication, the next advent could revolutionize television sound quality.
Company president Tim Carroll spent seven years at Dolby Laboratories before launching Linear Acoustic. While at Dolby, he helped define and develop Dolby Digital, Dolby E and Dolby Surround products for High Definition Television, DVD and Digital Cinema applications.
"Tim has the vision to see which way the industry is moving. We're always trying to be ahead," Christina Carroll says. "Right now we're ahead of the game. People are just starting to make what were making three years ago. We're that far ahead of the curve."
Look Out, Here They Come
Recently, Linear Acoustic received five coveted industry awards during the NAB2005 Convention. Several of them were "Star Awards," which celebrate the preeminent technological innovations available to the broadcast industry.
"We're extremely proud to have been recognized by the trade press for our innovative broadcast systems," says Tim Carroll. "We are relative newcomers to this industry as a new company , but at the recent NAB2005 Convention it was very heartening that our products have been independently hailed as leading the pack in terms of breakthrough technology and user features."
Still, the company is not resting on its laurels -- and they have their sights set even higher. "I'll be able to say 'we've made it' when we win that Emmy for technological achievement," Christina Carroll says. "Give us three years."
Looking for some Help
As a small startup with a great pedigree, industry accolades and endorsement from BFTP, Christina Carroll sees a very bright future, but is realistic about the hurdles that lie ahead, including adequate funding and finding the right people to hire.
"We need to be able to create faster, ship faster," she says. "Today we make one sale, build it, ship it and move on to the next job. We need to scale up the operation. We're looking for great engineering talent and hoping to be a huge success. We want everybody to know that we're here to stay in PA and that we made the right move," she says. "And BFTP is definitely helping us do that." |
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Copyright © 2006 Ben Franklin Technology Partners |
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