AD Sports to air UAE football in HD, surround sound

UAE Football League matches are to be broadcast live across the Gulf in high definition (HD) and Dolby 5.1 surround sound by Abu Dhabi Sports, beginning 27 April when Al Ain meet Al Jazira. "Watching a football match in Dolby surround sound really brings the thrill of the match in to your home," said Mohammed Najeeb, head of Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya Channels - Abu Dhabi Media's sports broadcasting department. "For those who are unable to join the fans in the stadium to cheer on their team, watching the game in cinematic surround sound will be closest thing to actually being there. We are pleased to be working with Dolby and live HD to deliver this amazing experience to our UAE League football fans around the world. This technology is a first for the UAE professional League, our viewers, and the entire Middle East," he added. Abu Dhabi Sports already broadcasts much of its international programming in Dolby 5.1, including English Premier League football and Formula 1 motor racing. It is also the first Middle East broadcaster to adopt the Dolby Digital Plus audio codec. Using the new technology, Abu Dhabi Sports says it will provide the same immersive surround sound experience enjoyed by its viewers on TV today, to mobiles, tablets and PCs in the future. "Live programming such as sports is a great showcase for Dolby surround sound and we are delighted to be working with such a forward-looking partner such as Abu Dhabi Sports on this landmark project," said Tarif Sayed, regional director, Dolby, Middle East & Africa. "Football fans will truly feel the difference that surround sound provides in experiencing the action and capturing the moment," he added.