Digital Cinema Applications (21DC)

Dave Schnuelle represents Dolby Laboratories as senior director, image technology, and is responsible for guidance in Dolby's efforts in the television, cinema, and consumer imaging areas. He began his career as an engineer on television outside broadcasts while attending Purdue University. Schnuelle later held positions as chief engineer at various post-production facilities such as Editel and Modern VideoFilm in Los Angeles. Schnuelle worked with Lucasfilm's THX Division, beginning in 1991, where he was responsible for founding the THX Digital Mastering Program for quality-assurance of home video masters and duplicated software. As director of technology for THX, he directed research efforts into new technology for cinemas. During that period, he directly supervised the international digital cinema exhibition of the new Star Wars movies—Episode 1 1999 and Episode 2 2002. Schnuelle holds four patents on imaging and audio technology and has been deeply involved with film and television standards activities for 30 years. Schnuelle is a SMPTE Fellow and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.