Ray Dolby

Profession: Inventor

Nationality:

Biography: Ray Dolby was an American engineer and inventor best known for his work in noise reduction and surround sound technology that transformed the audio quality of music, movies, and television.

As a teenager, Dolby got a job at Ampex working on audio tape recorders. Later, while studying at Stanford University and Cambridge University, he was involved in developing the first practical videotape recorder.

In 1965, Dolby founded Dolby Laboratories in London and invented the Dolby noise-reduction system. This technology greatly reduced the background noise in tape recordings.

Dolby sound quickly became the industry standard for music recording and movie theater sound. Major films such as "A Clockwork Orange" (1971), "Star Wars" (1977), and "Batman Returns" (1992) all used Dolby technology.

Over the years, Dolby received many honors for his work. These included several Academy Awards, Emmys, and Grammys. He was also awarded the National Medal of Technology from President Clinton.

When he died in 2013, he left $35 million to Cambridge University. This was the biggest donation ever given to a Cambridge college. In total, Dolby's family has donated over $120 million to the university.

Born: January 18, 1933
Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, USA

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: September 12, 2013 (aged 80)
Cause of Death: Leukemia