PLDS Adopts Qflix Technology for Integration in New Optical Disc Drives
Qflix Integration Enables the CSS-Protected DVD Burning of Digitally Distributed Premium Entertainment
Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China (June 6, 2007) — Sonic Solutions® (NASDAQ: SNIC) today announced that PLDS (Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corp.) is adopting Qflix™ technology for integration into a range of optical disc drives. The new drives will facilitate the recording of movies and video programs to DVD with Content Scramble System (CSS) encryption. As the industry-approved content protection mechanism used on mass-produced discs and incorporated into all DVD players, CSS has been deemed essential by major content providers for the on-demand digital distribution of premium entertainment. The optical disc drives from PLDS form a critical piece of the electronic sell through ecosystem, and will include Qflix branding as a symbol to consumers looking for legitimate and reliable "purchase, download, and burn" home solutions. Sonic will be demonstrating its DVD On Demand™ and Qflix technologies by appointment in a private meeting room at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, Presidential Suite, 24th floor (room 2436) during Computex Taipei 2007, the international information technology show, which takes place June 5th to the 9th in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
"We are extremely pleased to extend our long-term working relationship with Sonic Solutions and participate in the creation of a new entertainment distribution model that will offer consumers a convenient and reliable way to access and enjoy premium content in the home," said Charlie Tseng, General Manager of PLDS’ Optical Disc Drive Business Unit. "Qflix brings a new twist to our successful optical disc drives and will represent not only a compelling new offering for consumers, but also for large system manufacturers looking to differentiate their solutions."
The Qflix licensing and certification program enables content owners, service providers, and manufacturers of media, PC DVD writers, network-connected DVD recorders, set-top boxes, and software to create reliable, compatible, and interoperable solutions to facilitate the electronic sell through of entertainment that can be recorded to secure DVDs. The program involves a broad set of services that includes detailed technical information, certification testing, and an intellectual property license pool formed by Sonic and its technology partners. These services will enable media and drive manufacturers to create optical discs and drives for recording CSS-encrypted video.
"The adoption of Qflix technology by such a recognized leader in optical disc drive technology reaffirms and adds momentum to the launch of the Qflix program," said Jim Taylor, senior vice president and general manager of Sonic Solutions' Advanced Technology Group. "By allowing consumers to download, purchase and burn movies to DVDs, we are combining the flexibility and convenience of Internet video distribution with the permanency and portability of the DVD video format."
Qflix implementation is made possible through Sonic's comprehensive DVD On Demand technology platform. The Sonic DVD On Demand platform provides an end-to-end solution for digital distribution, including a DRM gateway for secure export of content from approved download systems, precision video codecs that simultaneously convert Internet-delivered video into MPEG-2 video for DVD during the download process, automated DVD formatting tools for converting video into interactive DVDs, and an Extensible Media Protection Architecture (XMPA) that allows a wide variety of studio-approved copy protection mechanisms to be applied to DVDs as they are being burned.
In addition to supporting CSS encryption through Qflix technologies, the Sonic DVD On Demand platform also integrates Macrovision's RipGuard and ACP technologies, which provide a proven and comprehensive content protection solution that prevents the digital ripping and analog copying of DVDs. For technology and licensing information, please contact Qflix Licensing (licensing@qflix.com) or visit www.qflix.com.
About Sonic
Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC; http://www.sonic.com) enables the creation, management, and enjoyment of digital media content from Hollywood to home. Sonic's products range from the advanced authoring systems used to produce Hollywood DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray Disc film releases to the award-winning Roxio®-branded photo, video, music, and digital-media management applications. Sonic’s patented technologies and AuthorScript® media engine are relied upon by leading technology firms to define rich media experiences on a wide array of consumer electronics, mobile devices, set-top players, retail kiosks, and PCs.
Always an innovator, Sonic has taken a leading role in helping professional and consumer markets make the successful transition to the new high-definition media formats and, through the Sonic DVD On Demand™ platform, defining new models for the digital distribution of premium Hollywood entertainment. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations, including the distribution and market acceptance of the Qflix and Sonic DVD On Demand programs. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Sonic's annual and quarterly reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release should be read in conjunction with Sonic's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which contain a more detailed discussion of the Company's business including risks and uncertainties that may affect future results. Sonic does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.