Sony Pictures Entertainment Adopts Verance Copy Management System for Audio Visual Content

Sony Pictures Entertainment Adopts Verance Copy Management System for Audio Visual Content

Copyrighted Digital Film and Video Content to be Embedded With Breakthrough Anti-Piracy Technology

CULVER CITY, Calif., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Verance Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) announced today a multi-year licensing agreement for the protection of SPE motion pictures using the Verance Copy Management System for Audio Visual Content (VCMS/AV). The VCMS/AV watermark technology enables inaudible information to be embedded into the audio track of copyrighted film and video content prior to its distribution that identifies the content, describes its range of permitted uses, persists throughout its useful life, and can be understood by consumer and computer devices.

Verance first introduced VCMS/AV in 2003, when it was licensed to Universal Pictures. Earlier this year, Verance announced that the VCMS/AV technology was also licensed to Microsoft for use in its platforms and products.

"We are excited to have Sony Pictures Entertainment join Universal Pictures in the leadership of the motion picture industry toward broad adoption of our VCMS/AV technology," said George K. Strunk, General Manager, Verance. "This represents further validation of the role of our technology as an essential component of the secure content distribution ecosystem that is enabling exciting new ways for consumer enjoyment of entertainment content to emerge. We look forward to working closely with SPE in the deployment of this technology and its application."

"Use of the Verance audio watermark adds an additional layer of security that will enable us to offer consumers new and exciting ways to enjoy our movies and television shows," said Mitch Singer, Executive Vice President, Digital Policy Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. "As new businesses develop, we anticipate that the Verance audio watermark will be a key component in any new distribution model."

"We are pleased to be working with SPE protecting its' entertainment assets," said Steve Saslow, Chief Executive Officer, Verance. "This alliance further demonstrates that our technology is emerging as the standard in multi-platform digital content protection and management."

About Verance

Verance is the leading provider of tools and services to track, manage and enhance the use of media content globally, announced today the launch of a new product line to provide media and entertainment companies, consumer electronics companies, and computer software and hardware companies with effective and affordable solutions to protect against the unauthorized use of film and video content.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.

Source: Verance Corporation

CONTACT: Rick Heineman of BNC, +1-310-854-4812, rheineman@bncpr.com, for Verance; or Jim Kennedy of Sony Pictures Entertainment, +1-310-244-6777, jim_kennedy@spe.sony.com

Web site: http://www.bncpr.com/

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