news release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
January 5, 2006 Paul Lefebvre, Sonic Solutions
415.893.8000 phone • 415.893.8008 fax
NASDAQ:SNIC paul_lefebvre@sonic.com email
Sonic BD-J Solution Licensed by Broadcom for High Definition Reference Platform
Sonic’s AuthorScript BD Navigator Paired with Broadcom’s HD Hardware to Yield First Integrated Solution for Set-top Playback of Advanced Interactive Blu-ray Discs
Las Vegas, Nevada — CES (January 5, 2006) — Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), the leader in digital media software, today announced an agreement to license the AuthorScript BD Navigator Software Development Kit (SDK) to Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global leader in wired and wireless broadband communications semiconductors . Broadcom will incorporate AuthorScript BD Navigator, which enables playback of the advanced interactive features of the Blu-ray Disc (BD) specification, into its BCM97438 high definition media player reference platform, creating a comprehensive, full-featured solution allowing Broadcom customers in consumer electronics markets, as well as the cable and satellite sectors, to rapidly enter the market for high definition multi-function set-top boxes and standalone devices.
“Consumer adoption of HDTV is now in full swing, and the stage is set for the successful introduction of new disc formats that combine the convenience of DVD, HD’s stunning visuals, and advanced connectivity and interactivity,” said Don Shulsinger, vice president, business development, in Broadcom’s Broadband Communications Group. “With AuthorScript BD Navigator running on Broadcom hardware, our customers will be able to quickly develop reliable, specification-compliant playback systems allowing their end-users to fully enjoy BD’s advanced interactive features. Sonic’s leadership in all aspects of DVD, as well as its proactive involvement in the Blu-ray and HD-DVD formats, makes it the ideal source for this crucial element of our high definition reference platform.”
The AuthorScript BD Navigator SDK delivers BD playback support that includes not only HDMV (“movie mode”) but also BD-J, which allows content providers to enhance their BD titles with interactive bonus features that are synchronized directly to the main feature, contextually-integrated menus that offer an uninterrupted movie-viewing experience, and content updating via Internet connectivity. Sonic also offers a companion SDK called AuthorScript BD Recorder, which supports recording to BD-RE of both data and digital video (BDAV format). Both SDKs are designed for fast integration into a broad range of CE devices.
Sonic’s BD SDKs are part of an overall HD strategy that also includes professional solutions available to members of the High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA), the first and only worldwide association dedicated to preparing high-end production facilities and major motion picture studios for the launch of new high definition optical disc formats. BD-related professional products include the HD-series Encoder for BD and HD DVD video, Scenarist BD, the world’s first publicly-available authoring system for commercial HDMV titles, and a set of BD-J Compilations for authoring advanced interactivity.
“We are aggressively pursuing the high definition market on all fronts, which is why partnering with the leading provider of CE set-top solutions is such a win-win situation,” said Jim Taylor, general manager of Sonic’s Advanced Technology Group. “This agreement allows Broadcom to easily incorporate functionality that is critical to staying at the top of the market as consumers demand advanced capabilities from new formats and devices. It also underscores the real-world value of Sonic technology in a market sector that is poised for its next big expansion, and uniquely positions Sonic to address the needs of customers in that space.”
Sonic will be demonstrating AuthorScript BD Navigator on the Broadcom BCM97438 reference platform by invitation in its suite at the Hilton Hotel — Gold Coast Suite, 29th Floor, North Tower during the 2006 International CES Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. For further information on AuthorScript set-top DVD solutions, please contact Sonic at authorscript@sonic.com.
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, and AuthorScript 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.
Broadcom, the pulse logo, Connecting everything, and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States certain other countries and/or the EU.
