Sonic Unveils
World's First Solution for Creation of HD DVD Advanced Content
Multiplexing and Playback Modules Allow HDAA Members to Begin Work on
Advanced Interactive Titles in Preparation for Upcoming HD DVD
Launch
IBC 2005, Amsterdam (Sept 9, 2005) '“ Sonic Solutions®
(NASDAQ: SNIC), the leader in digital media software, today
introduced the world's first toolset to support the advanced interactive
capabilities of the HD DVD 1.0 format. The delivery of HD DVD Advanced Content
multiplexing and playback components marks a major milestone in the advent of
next-generation, HD-enabled set-top formats, allowing the creation of titles
that include movie-synchronized bonus features, pop-up interactive menus, and
Internet connectivity. Members of the High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA),
a Sonic-founded association of the world's top disc authoring facilities, will
initially have exclusive access to the new tools, which are being demonstrated
in the Sonic booth (#7.731) at IBC.
'Sonic's new Advanced Content tools will make it possible for HDAA members to
get started right away making HD DVD titles that give motion picture studio
customers the full-featured interactivity they want," said Lubomér Celar,
Managing Director of Prague-based DVD production house, Digital Media Production
(DMP). 'Release of the tools now helps us gain invaluable experience that will
give us an important competitive advantage as the format takes off, which is one
reason we joined the HDAA. It's also great to know that Sonic is turning to us
as they refine the tools, working with us to be sure we get exactly what we need
to make our production process as creative and efficient as possible."
The new tools, scheduled for shipment in September, offer HDAA-member
authoring facilities the ability to both create and preview material for
inclusion on an Advanced Content HD DVD title. The Sonic HD DVD Advanced Content
Multiplexer is a timeline-based utility that creates an HD DVD-compliant
Advanced Content stream from video, audio, and iHD Advanced Applications that
enable interactive features. The Multiplexer is the first software able to
output a specification-compliant Enhanced VOB file, as well as additional
playlist and information files used to generate an HD DVD disc image.
The Sonic HD DVD Advanced Content Player, meanwhile, provides PC playback of
HD DVD Advanced Content titles, allowing content authors to check the appearance
and performance of their material. Combined with Sonic's encoding and authoring
tools for Standard Content HD DVD (also shown at IBC), the two new Advanced
Content tools represent the first production platform capable of producing
fully-interactive HD DVD 1.0 titles.
'Advanced interactivity will be a key
driver in the adoption of new formats like HD DVD," said Rolf Hartley, general
manager of Sonic's Professional Products Group. 'By providing the first
available tools to take advantage of HD DVD's interactive potential, Sonic will
help jump-start title production, allowing HDAA members to begin preparing now
for the upcoming HD DVD launch. We'll also be actively soliciting feedback on
the tools, giving HDAA members the opportunity to shape further development of
comprehensive solutions for HD DVD title development."
About Sonic Solutions
Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC; http://www.sonic.com) is the leader in digital
media software, providing a broad range of interoperable, platform-independent
software tools and applications for creative professionals, business and home
users, and technology partners. Sonic's products range from advanced DVD
authoring systems and interactive content delivery technologies used to produce
the majority of Hollywood DVD film releases, to the award-winning Roxio®- and
Sonic-branded CD and DVD creation, playback and backup solutions that have
become the premier choice for consumers, prosumers and business users worldwide.
Sonic products are globally available from major retailers, online at
Sonic.com and Roxio.com, and are bundled with PCs, after-market drives and
consumer electronic devices. Sonic's digital media creation engine is the de
facto standard and has been licensed by major software and hardware
manufacturers, including Adobe, Microsoft, Scientific-Atlanta, Sony, and many
others. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California.
Sonic, the Sonic logo, Sonic Solutions, and Roxio are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Sonic Solutions or its subsidiaries in the United
States and/or other countries. All other company or product names are trademarks
of their respective owners and, in some cases, are used by Sonic Solutions under
license.
Source: Sonic
