Is this the End of D-Box?

#1

Dear Valued Partners,

After extensive analysis, it is with regret that D-BOX has made the strategic decision to stop the commercialization of our haptic systems for the Home Theater segment effective May 1st, 2024 . While we do believe in the long-term potential of haptic immersive experiences at home, this decision was reached after a considerable review of market and sales trends.

In line with that decision, we have developed a transition plan to support our impacted partners and to make sure the transition runs smoothly. For affected end-customers, we have prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document to address their questions and will provide a comprehensive level of service during this transition. This plan ensures that end-customers will benefit from continuity for their D-BOX seats as well as have access to warranty and support services.

Last Order Date:
The last date to place orders for Home Theater products will be April 30, 2024 (the “Last Order Date”). We encourage customers and resellers to finalize any pending purchases or projects before this date.

Product Availability:
As a result of this decision, D-BOX is terminating all current and existing collaboration agreements with our resellers. Home Theater products remain available for purchase until the Last Order Date or until inventory is depleted, whichever comes first. Commencing from May 1st, 2024, orders for HaptiSync Hubs are allowed for support and replacements only and will not be accepted for new installations. End-customers can contact D-BOX directly for support and warranty inquiries. Repairs and part replacement orders must, however, be handled by a reseller.

Please confirm your consent to remain as part of D-BOX’s reseller network by sending an email to hometheater@d-box.com. Upon your confirmation, we will ensure that your company is officially listed and allowed to place/receive orders for repairs and part replacements. Your prompt response before May 1st would be appreciated.

Support and Warranty:
After May 1st, 2024, D-BOX will continue to provide support for all Home Theater products. All products will remain covered under their respective warranties. Repairs and replacements outside of the warranty period will also remain available.

Marketing:
Kindly ensure that all Home Theater products are no longer displayed in your showroom by May 1st, 2024. Additionally, make sure to conclude all marketing activities related to the Home Theater products, and remove them from any websites or brochures.

While we understand that this decision may pose challenges, we want to assure you that we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for all those affected. We appreciate your understanding during this period of change, and we are committed to providing you personalized support during the transition.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any further questions or concerns on this matter.

#2

Whattttt??? I Hope This is NOT the end. ??
:frowning:

#3

What happens to the codes when the servers are shut down at some point?
Are we as customers allowed to download these codes?

2 Likes
#4

I hope there will be a good solution for the loyal customers and you can continue to use your system

#5

This is not the end, you can still use your D-BOX at home products and access the content in our catalogue as usual and we will continue coding new content! :slight_smile:

4 Likes
#6

Sounds good, otherwise It would be good if we had the opportunity to generate the codes ourselves. A kind of software with which we can encode the films and then upload them.

#7

Hello Matthias,

The generation of code is handcrafted by professional haptique developers, it is not something everyone can do! But we have the adaptive audio available for you as always: Adaptive Audio Mode (HaptiSync Hub, D-BOX VIBE or HEMC) :slight_smile:

#8

If you listen to the d-box ceo update from a couple of days ago, it’s clear that they are pushing ahead with commercial relationships, so any home owner should still get the benefit of movie codes. Although I think you may not be able to buy a replacement d-box system, at least from April onwards.

My question is on the simulation and gaming side. If the focus is on commercial partners like the F1 experiences with 30 seats in each centre, does that mean d-box will only code the “major” branded releases going forward, like F1? Take the upcoming Assetto Corsa 2 - I doubt there will be commercial AC experiences like F1, so does that mean no motion code for AC2?

I know d-box is a public company and they have to be careful with the information they disclose on forums. But as a customer with a home sim setup this is a significant question at the moment.

I also think they should rename this thread - it’s clearly not the “end of d-box”. I think they expect quite the opposite.

Thanks

#9

It’s a shame but understandable. I’m relieved that the encoding will continue. Will we still see TV series encoded as a result?

#10

According to the FAQ:
"D-BOX will continue providing support and repairs for the next 7 years (until April 30, 2031). "

#11

Hello Simon!

There should be not impacting the availability of haptic codes for new content, either games or movies, which will continue to be made available on a regular basis as it is the case today.

1 Like
#12

Conspicuous absence of TV programmes, @frederique.

#13

That‘s no good news at all…

The community needs to grow to keep being of interest for D-Box regarding coding of content outside of cinematic releases.

What does exiting the „home theater market“ mean for the gaming segment? The technology for gaming is more or less the same as for the home theater. Will the „home gaming market“ be exited as well?

#14

From the FAQ:

“D-BOX will continue providing support and repairs for the next 7 years (until April 30, 2031)”

Will motion codes for Home Theater Users end April 30, 2031 as well?

Will we still need to purchase a subscription for the motion codes, and has that cost be affected?

If you shutdown the subscription service for home theater users, will we be able to download all the previous codes so we can keep using our products after the 7 year support cycle?

3 Likes
#15

I absolutely love my D-Box Home Theater Chair and was saving to buy more. I hope this news does not come to fruition and an alternative becomes available.

1 Like
#16

So, if the d-box doesn’t work after April 30, 2031, you won’t be able to get it repaired??
This is truly shocking news.
Does the motion code also no longer work after that date?

1 Like
#17

We still need to evaluate the technical solution to make home theater content available. We will do our utmost to make the codes available for download. This will not affect Sim Racing and Gaming products, it only affects Home theater products.

1 Like
#18

Yes, this is the beginning of the end of home theatre d-box.

For the last few months I have seen the focus on gaming simulations and announcements on partnerships. D-box have decided to abandon home theatre users in support of gamers…

I have been a loyal customer for 15 years with an srp-230 platform… I hold out little hope now of continuing codes for us. I hope someone can find a way to code movies independently without the need for a d-box supplied code. It’s 2024 surely it will be possible?

#19

Hello Paul,

At this time, we intend to continue distribution haptic codes until at least April 2034.

#20

I hope this loyal community will still have access to hapticodes and maybe even equipment going forward. Maybe everyone here could be put on a VIP list for D-Box.

1 Like