CMC Magnetics Signs Qflix Technology Licensing Agreement with Sonic
Producing Qflix DVD Media to Enable Secure Recording of Digitally Distributed Entertainment
Novato, CA (December 19,
2007) — Sonic Solutions® (NASDAQ: SNIC), the leader in digital
media software, announced today that CMC Magnetics Corporation (TSEC:
CMC), a leading optical storage manufacturer, has signed a Qflix™ technology
and IP licensing agreement. CMC is beginning production on Qflix
DVDs, which enable the secure, on-demand recording of digitally distributed
entertainment with the same protection as commercially mass-produced
titles. CMC is currently taking orders for two versions of Qflix
media expected to be in broad use next year. The first type will
be employed by duplication system operators providing custom DVD
publishing services to retailers. The second type is designed for
use in retail movie kiosks as well as in the home, where they will
enable consumers to legally record premium entertainment downloaded
from the Internet.
“CMC is a key partner helping to deliver a critical component of the
Qflix ecosystem,” said Jim Taylor, senior vice president and general
manager of Sonic Solutions' Advanced Technology Group. “Along with
other partners in the consumer electronics, entertainment distribution,
and PC industries, CMC will help create a cost-effective way to digitally
deliver content that consumers can own and view in the entertainment
venue of their choice, including the living room and anywhere else
they play DVDs.”
In addition to appearing on recordable DVDs, the Qflix brand will
appear on other consumer products and services including compatible
drives and video download services as a symbol for consumers looking
for legitimate and reliable "purchase, download, and burn" solutions.
Qflix is also the brand for the technology and licensing program that
includes product and component certification to enable content owners,
service providers, and manufacturers of recordable media, PC DVD writers,
network-connected DVD recorders, set-top boxes, and software to create
compatible and interoperable solutions.
The royalty-bearing Qflix licensing program for media and optical
drive manufacturers was established by Pioneer and Sonic to facilitate
the adoption of secure download and burn applications in accordance
with the approved industry specifications for recording downloads set
by the DVD Forum and the DVD Copy Control Association.
About
Qflix
The Qflix program offers a new means for content owners
to release titles for custom production and sale over the Internet
while maintaining the same level of copy protection used on commercially
mass-produced DVDs. Sonic's Qflix program provides essential technology
and IP for both the professional and consumer market. For professional
and enterprise manufacturing of DVDs "on demand," the Qflix
program allows production facilities to reduce the cost of carrying
physical inventory while simultaneously offering extensive catalogs
of content. The program also enables retailers to broaden the number
of movies by augmenting physical product with on-demand DVD creation
kiosks in their stores. For consumers, the Qflix program provides a
long-awaited downloading and burning solution for movies and premium
video content in computers and consumer electronic devices such as
set-top boxes, networked DVD recorders, and DVRs.
For more information regarding the Qflix technology licensing program,
please contact Qflix Licensing (licensing@qflix.com) or visit (www.qflix.com).
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™ 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®-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 DVD On Demand™ and
Qflix™ 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 distribution
and market acceptance of the Qflix program. 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, Hollywood to
Home, Sonic DVD On Demand, Qflix, and Roxio are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Sonic Solutions 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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