Interesting interview. I love how he kept talking about the 5.1 in the car. I have been championing that for years. I could never understand how Panasonic/ELS stopped with Acura and did not move to other manufacturers. I think 5.1 audio systems should have also been available in Hondas, or Nissans, Toyotas, Fords, whatever. The more 5.1 systems on the road the bigger the marketplace is for material.
It seemed like a no-brainer to me in 2000-2005 that many new cars should have had SACD and DVD-A players available as options. Imagine that?
It's also interesting to hear that Dolby sounds like it wants in on his Acura system, but he is being hesitant. Well, the new Acura's have speakers in the roof so adding Atmos would be a natural.
The thing that's always been a variable with quad and 5.1 surround is that there is no standard in the home as to what equipment is used, where the speakers are placed, and control stuff like that. Where do the listeners sit?
But in the car, that's all under tight control. The designer knows EXACTLY where the listeners will sit, they know exactly where the speakers will be, and they know what power the amp will need and have. It's a PERFECT ENVIRONMENT FOR SURROUND - FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.
And don't tell me it's distracting. I love a sax or choir blasting out of my rear seats! Never crashed the car because of it yet!