David Letterman’s long tenure on NBC’s Late Night with David Letterman has turned him into one of the most well known talk show hosts in American history. Along his way to national fame, however, he also helped implement a change to media you may not have been aware of.
On this day, April 5th, in 1989, the talk show Late Night with David Letterman, introduces surround sound to network television. David Letterman, the host, ushers in a new era of television with his transition from stereo to Dolby surround sound. This surround sound system, previously used exclusively in movie theaters, created a wrap-around sound affect that enhanced the thrill and drama of his show. Implementing surround sound to Late Night with David Letterman not only enhanced the broadcast, but also eliminated possible transmission problems.