Top film tech firm to build HQ in Limerick

AN ENTERTAINMENT technology company which provided sound effects for block buster films such as Jurassic Park yesterday announced plans to establish its European headquarters in Limerick.

DTS Inc provides entertainment technology, products and services to the electronics and film industries.

Its new Limerick operation will be based at the National Technology Park, near the University of Limerick, creating up to 50 jobs.

Recruitment has commenced and ten positions have already been filled.

The new Limerick company — DTS Licensing Limited (DLL) — will serve as DTS’s European headquarters, with responsibility for licensing, management, administration, business development, marketing, sales, finance and, potentially, research and development and engineering.

DLL will also manage the DTS global client licensing programmes.

Announcing the new jobs, Defence Minister Willie O’Dea said: “This investment by DTS, a globally recognised and leading international technology company, is a significant win for Ireland.

“The country 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.”

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

Since then, many film studios adopted the DTS format for use in cinemas around the world.

DTS followed its Jurassic Park success with the development of technical and marketing platforms for entertainment audio-tech solutions for the motion picture, home theatre and other related consumer industries.

In 1996, the company entered the consumer products market and today most big electronics manufacturers worldwide use DTS technology, which has become a mandatory requirement for players supporting the emerging Blu-ray disc format.

DTS promises to create the “ultimate entertainment experience”, that replicates or is identical to the quality of the studio master.

DTS continues to develop and expand its technology and services for its current industry customers whilst also commencing an expansion into the broadcast area.

DTS president, Jon Kirchner said: “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.

“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,” he said.