Sonic Releases Scenarist HD DVD Software Version 4.5

Sonic Releases Scenarist HD DVD Software Version 4.5

Latest Version Boosts HD DVD Advanced Content Authoring Capabilities for Hollywood

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBC -- Sonic Solutions(R) (NASDAQ:SNIC) , the leader in digital media software, today introduced Scenarist(R) Advanced Content Authoring Software Version 4.5, the latest version of Sonic's industry-standard professional HD DVD authoring system. Used for the production of highly interactive blockbuster titles at top authoring facilities worldwide, Scenarist Advanced Content Authoring further streamlines the creation of complex titles with support for Multiple Playlists, Secondary EVOBs, Chapter Point File Import, Scheduled Events and much more. As well as new features, Scenarist Advanced Content Authoring now includes Sonic's popular Scenarist Designer(TM) and new Scenarist Formatter. The new software applications are a strong complement to Scenarist Advanced Content Authoring, providing a highly optimized workflow from graphics and HDi preparation through HD DVD pre-mastering and burning.

"With Scenarist Advanced Content Authoring, we are providing the authoring community the most complete solution for the creation of Hollywood's most intricate and detailed interactive HD DVD titles," said Matt Palmer, Director of Product Management at Sonic. "Based on over a year of development and extensive feedback from members of Sonic's High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA), Scenarist Advanced Content Authoring redefines workflow efficiency and delivers the playback compatibility and reliability that high-end production facilities have come to expect from the Scenarist brand."

Scenarist Advanced Content Authoring allows for the inclusion of on-disc content that can be updated via the Internet. This content provides studios the opportunity to refresh and add value to their titles even after they have been released into the market. Also included in the range of new capabilities offered in Scenarist Advanced Content Authoring are comprehensive multi-language functions for the International movie market, the ability to separate Title and EVOB constructs, and trimming of Dolby(R) Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD audio assets.

   Additional Product Highlights:   -- Import of Chapter Point Metadata Files   -- Direct Import of Pre-encoded Subpicture Data   -- Emulation of HD DVD Volumes Prepared for AACS   -- Enhanced Parameter Control   -- Fast Import and Parsing of AVC and VC1 Video Streams   -- Real time Playback of AVC 1920x1080 on Quad Core Xeon Processors   -- Updated UI   -- Updated Documentation and Tutorials    

With the inclusion of Scenarist Designer and Scenarist Formatter, Scenarist Advanced Content Authoring now provides a highly optimized workflow for complete HD production. Scenarist Designer is a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop that streamlines the process of creating Advanced Applications by automatically generating HDi Markup and compliant graphic files. Scenarist Formatter allows users to pre-master HD DVD volumes to recordable media and DDP 3.0/CMF 2.0 file sets for replication.

"Scenarist Advanced Content has evolved into a mature platform for HD DVD production, with all of the features we need for even the most demanding authoring projects," said Richard Osborn, Producer at Abbey Road Interactive. "With the addition of both Designer and Formatter, this new version offers major workflow advantages that will enable us to complete projects faster and more efficiently than ever before."

Scenarist Advanced Content Version 4.5 is being demonstrated at IBC (Stand 7.730), September 7-11, in Amsterdam, and will be available later this month through Sonic's reseller channels worldwide. The new version will be provided as a free upgrade to existing customers. Scenarist Advanced Content is also available as part of the Scenarist High-Definition Workgroup, which includes Scenarist BD Edition and CineVision(TM), for high-definition video compression.

For more information on Scenarist Advanced Content Version 4.5, please visit http://www.sonic.com/scenarist.

About Sonic's Professional Products Group

Sonic's Professional Products Group (PPG) develops authoring and encoding systems used in the release of a wide variety of video entertainment, including major motion pictures on DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, HD DVD and Blu-ray disc. Sonic's world-renowned Scenarist(R) authoring and CineVision(TM) video and audio encoding systems are intended for highly skilled professional content creation facilities including high-end authoring and design houses, major motion picture studios, and disc replicators. Sonic's Professional Products Group is actively involved in the development and implementation of new entertainment standards and formats.

About Sonic Solutions

Sonic Solutions (Nasdaq: SNIC; http://www.sonic.com/) enables the creation, management, and enjoyment of digital media content through its Hollywood to Home(TM) products, services, and technologies. 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(R)-branded photo, video, music, and digital-media management applications. Sonic's patented technologies and AuthorScript(R) 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 DVD On Demand(TM) and Qflix(TM) platforms, Sonic is 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 launch, distribution, and market acceptance of Scenarist. 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 the Company's annual and quarterly reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company'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. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.

Sonic, the Sonic logo, Sonic Solutions, AuthorScript, Sonic DVD On Demand, Qflix, Hollywood to Home, Scenarist, CineVision, 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.

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Source: Sonic Solutions

CONTACT: Chris Taylor of Sonic Solutions, +1-408-367-5231,
chris_taylor@sonic.com

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

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Profile: International Entertainment