Sonic Debuts Next-Generation Encoder for HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc Titles

New Sonic HD-series Encoder Supports VC-1 Encoding and Introduces StreamData Technology for Enhanced Workgroup Integration

IBC 2005, Amsterdam (September 9, 2005) – Sonic Solutions® (NASDAQ: SNIC), the leader in digital media software, today unveiled the next generation of its Sonic HD-series Encoder, which now supports VC-1 encoding and includes new StreamData™ technology that enables the exchange of key encoding metadata for unsurpassed integration with Sonic HD authoring applications. Part of a suite of HD title preparation tools for new high-definition optical disc formats, the HD-series Encoder works with Scenarist® HD and Blu-ray Creator™ to provide professional authoring facilities with highly-integrated encoding of superior quality VC-1 and H.264/AVC streams for incorporation into titles in the HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc (BD) formats.

The Sonic HD-series Encoder takes full advantage of the VC-1 codec, based on Windows Media Video 9, to deliver great-looking high-definition video streams with efficient compression for playback on today's personal computers and next-generation set-top players. Also new for the HD-series Encoder is Sonic's exclusive StreamData technology, which provides unparalleled workgroup integration via a unique link between the video compression engine and Sonic’s HD authoring systems. StreamData enables the exchange of encoding parameters, chapter-point names and placement information, controls for setting custom GOP structures, and reference frame data. Additional HD-series Encoder features include support for a wide range of input formats, customized batch-encoding modes, detailed parameter controls, and extensive stream analysis for both HD DVD and BD legalization. The result is an encoder that delivers unmatched quality and maximum efficiency and compatibility across the encoding/authoring workflow.

“The first wave of high-def DVD titles will deliver amazing video quality, but they will also require both compliance and compatibility across several new platforms,” said Steve Allen, digital media facility manager at Egmont Nordisk Film, a leading electronic media production and distribution group based in Valby, Denmark. “That’s a challenging requirement, but Sonic has been involved with the DVD-Video format since the beginning, playing a crucial role in the development of title creation tools and delivering industry-leading encoding and authoring solutions. No other company can draw on that depth of experience, which is why we view Sonic as an invaluable resource for tools and information as we prepare for the creation of titles in HD formats.”

The HD-series Encoder is one of several HD development components that Sonic is delivering in pre-release versions to members of the High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA), the first and only worldwide association dedicated to preparing top authoring facilities for the launch of HD disc formats. With its newly enhanced capabilities, the HD-series encoder will allow HDAA members to encode master-quality video that integrates seamlessly with Sonic’s HD authoring tools.

Sonic HD-series Encoder features include:

• Bit rate-controlled CBR/VBR and quantization-controlled VBR encoding modes.
• Complete access to the advanced encoding parameters of the VC-1 codec.
• Extensive stream legalization analysis to assure HD DVD- and Blu-ray-compliant encoding.
• Support for a wide range of uncompressed and compressed source material, including Avid’s DNxHD format, AVI, QuickTime, MPEG, and WMV, as well as image sequence files.
• StreamData technology for maximum encode-to-authoring efficiency and revisioning.
• Unique batch mode segment-re-encoding for fine-tuning bit rates and image quality.
• Telecine frame rate conversion.

“Whether they’re working with VC-1 or H.264/AVC, encoding professionals need full access to the advanced encoding parameters of the codec to achieve the pristine image quality required for high-definition titles,” said Sam Orton-Jay, HD-series product manager for Sonic’s Professional Products Group. “Sonic’s HD-series Encoder not only offers discrete control over encoding parameters, but also ensures that the resulting streams are compliant with the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats.”

Sonic is demonstrating the HD-series Encoder at IBC booth (#7.731).

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, Roxio, Blu-ray Creator, and StreamData 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.