Sonic Unveils CineVision 2.0
World-Class Cinematic Encoding System Streamlines
Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD Title Creation
April 12, 2007 — Sonic Solutions® (NASDAQ: SNIC),
the leader in digital media software, today unveiled CineVision™ 2.0,
a major upgrade to the company’s professional encoding system that
has been enhanced to tackle the complex encoding challenges of next-generation
Blu-ray Disc (BD) and HD DVD optical disc formats. The latest version
sets a new standard for control and workflow efficiency with a range
of features and enhancements including the integration of best-of-class
Digital Vision image enhancement technologies, advanced segment-based
editing functionality with multi-take capabilities, and dual-format
legalization control. CineVision 2 also further improves encoding quality
of all three next-generation HD video codecs: H.264 (AVC), VC-1, and
MPEG-2. Sonic will be demonstrating CineVision 2 at NAB (Stand SL4314),
April 16th to the 19th in Las Vegas Nevada. CineVision 2.0 will be
released in May as a full workstation featuring all codecs and tools;
single codec product configurations will also be available.
“To keep pace with the growing demands of our high-definition services,
it is critical that the tools we use are not only extremely proficient,
but also allow us to work more efficiently,” said Jeff Huang, VP of
New Media at Elektrofilm Digital Studios. “With CineVision 2.0, Sonic
is not only releasing an outstanding application, but perhaps more
importantly, they are applying their deep understanding of all aspects
of the high-definition title workflow to deliver a solution that empowers
us to increase productivity so that we may better serve our clients’
needs.”
CineVision 2 has been optimized for professionals requiring comprehensive
support for a wide range of input types, including QuickTime®, AVI,
and DPX image sequences. As part of Sonic’s collaboration with advanced
digital media application developer Digital Vision, CineVision 2.0
now also incorporates Digital Vision Optics (DVO), a collection of
resolution-independent, software-based image enhancement tools. With
the inclusion, compressionists will be able to fine-tune image quality
including reducing unwanted electronic noise and increasing picture
sharpness during the encoding process. Becoming the first application
in its class to offer a multi-take system for advanced segment editing,
CineVision enables users to save significant time by making changes
to a particular segment without having to re-encode an entire feature.
In addition, CineVision 2.0 supports full legalization of all aspects
of Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD video encoding including the ability to
encode a single file for dual-format output. CineVision 2.0 also allows
users to modify more encoding parameters including adaptive quantization,
black level normalization, and maximum quantization control.
“Encoding demands are escalating as title capacity has begun to increase
for HD DVD and BD title releases. To meet the industry demands of
quality and quantity, CineVision 2.0 is arriving at exactly the right
moment with its streamlined workflow and hyper-quality enhancements,”
said Rolf Hartley, senior vice president and general manager of Sonic’s
Professional Products Group. “CineVision is the right platform for
content creators who need the very best asset encoding and a refined
workflow to maximize their HD authoring business potential immediately.”
CineVision 2.0 is part of Sonic’s Scenarist®
Workgroup, a comprehensive collection of interoperable applications
that enable major motion picture studios and professional authoring
facilities to efficiently encode, author, proof, and release Blu-ray
Disc and HD DVD commercial titles that feature high-definition video
and rich interactivity. In addition to CineVision 2.0, the Workgroup
also features Scenarist BD Edition and Scenarist HD DVD Edition,
Sonic’s professional authoring solutions for next-generation optical
disc formats that offer maximum playback
compatibility and complete cell-level control for standard and advanced
interactive content development. The Workgroup also includes as well
Scenarist Designer PS 2.0 for
streamlined HD DVD and BD menu creation.
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® authoring and CineVision™
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 )
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 authoring systems and
interactive content delivery technologies used to produce Hollywood
DVD, HD, and Blu-ray film releases, to the award-winning Roxio®-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.
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 CineVision 2. 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, 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.
to
archive