Can Dolby Digital cells be released for sigmastudio now that the patents have expired?

I hope so too that Santa delivers!!

Add me to the list too. I didn't realize the patents had expired. This would be a massively helpful addition!

The short answer is No.

Dave T

What's the slightly longer answer? Is it a technical limitation?

If I had to guess, it's because D-Digital was not merely patented, it's also trademarked. By analogy, patents on Dolby analog NR expired about the same time as did cassette decks. Thus, there's nothing to keep me from making and even selling such a system should the market exist. But I still can't call it "Dolby" without a license. To this I must, however, add the usual disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, your mileage may vary, contains extremely hot beverage, etc.