15 million DVD equipped computers by the end of 1998..............
Sonic Debuts DVD-ROM Developer Tools; Sonic DVD Vobulator Brings
MPEG-2, Dolby Digital and Interactivity to the PC Desktop
NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--February 18, 1998--Sonic Solutions today introduced Sonic DVD Vobulator, a
professional authoring tool designed for the next generation of DVD-ROM content. Available for both Mac OS and
Windows NT, the new application enables multimedia producers to create content for DVD-ROM and digital broadcast use.
Designed to convert video, audio and still image assets into the data formats required by DVD, Sonic DVD Vobulator
includes software-based MPEG-2 variable bit rate video compression, Dolby Digital surround audio compression, and Video
Object (VOB) multiplexing and de-multiplexing.
The number of DVD-equipped computer systems is estimated to reach as many as 15 million by the end of 1998, while
revenues for DVD-ROM content are projected to be at least $567 million this year alone.(a) With critical mass of players on
the horizon, DVD-ROM is rapidly becoming the target platform for multimedia developers.
Sonic DVD Vobulator allows developers to take advantage of a rapidly growing trend, the incorporation of DVD playback
into PC platforms, by enabling them to easily and quickly create content compatible with DirectShow. At a recent conference,
Microsoft announced that Windows 98 will support playback of VOBs through DirectShow. Apple has announced plans to
integrate DVD capabilities into the Mac OS later this year.
"DVD's potential complements Apple's unique platform strengths in the areas of QuickTime and performance-leading Power
Macintosh G3 systems," said Jeff Martin, Senior Director, Worldwide Design and Publishing Markets, Apple Computer.
"Macintosh has always been the preferred solution for multimedia authoring and with DVD Vobulator on the Macintosh,
Sonic is helping to move multimedia developers onto the DVD platform just in time for DVD-ROM's major consumer
breakthrough this year."
"Sonic DVD Vobulator provides developers -- on the Macintosh or Windows 98 and NT -- the critical tool they need to
create cinematic-quality interactive content for the PC," said Mark Ely, Director of DVD Marketing at Sonic Solutions.
Using DVD Vobulator, QuickTime, AVI or Avid OMF, video files can be easily converted into MPEG-2 variable bit-rate or
constant bit-rate video. Compression parameters and GOP (group of pictures) structures can be varied, allowing the producer
to optimize the quality and performance of MPEG video streams. DVD Vobulator also converts uncompressed digital audio
files in AIFF format into Dolby Digital certified digital audio, the worldwide standard for surround audio compression for
DVD-Video and DVD-ROM.
"Macromedia Director is the world's leading authoring tool for CD-ROM and multimedia," said Steve Guttman,
Vice-president of Product Marketing for IMAT at Macromedia. "With Sonic Solutions' DVD Vobulator, our users now have
a tool that can help them move their Director Movies to DVD-ROM with the impact of full-motion MPEG-2 video and
Dolby Digital surround sound."
The core of DVD Vobulator is the Vobulator engine, a sophisticated multiplexer that combines audio, video and subpicture
assets into a VOB stream compliant with the DVD format. An intuitive interface allows DVD VOBs to be assembled with
drag-and-drop simplicity. Still images, motion video, up to eight audio streams and up to 32 subpicture streams can be
combined, chapter points edited, Cell boundaries created, and Line 21 caption data imported into the production. The final
VOB files are playable on any DVD-video enabled PC or Macintosh computer.
Sonic DVD Vobulator for the Macintosh OS is targeted to ship in March. An introductory price of $4,999 is available on
orders received before March 15, 1998. After that date it will retail for $7,999. A Windows NT version will be available later
this spring. Orders can be placed over the web at www.vobulator.com or www.sonic.com or by phone at 1-888-SONIC-4U
(U.S.) or 415-893-8000 (international).
About DVD and DVD-ROM
The DVD format was developed by a consortium of companies from the consumer electronics, computer and movie
industries, and finalized in September 1996. Although identical in size to a CD, DVD discs can store from 4.7 gigabytes on a
single layer, single sided up to 17 gigabytes on a dual layer, double sided disc.
The DVD specification includes five "books," three of which are relevant to computer-based applications:
-- DVD-ROM is the foundation of the DVD format and uses a UDF/ISO9660 file system. DVD-ROM readers are now
available for personal computers at prices that are similar to 24x CD-ROM reader. DVD-ROMs may contain any computer
application data as well as DVD-Video specific data for audio and video playback.
-- DVD-Video is the standard for set-top players and includes MPEG-2 and MPEG-1 encoded video, Dolby Digital 5.1
surround sound, PCM audio, MPEG-2 audio, and extensive interactivity. All DVD-Video discs are playable on DVD-
ROM equipped computers with DVD-Video decoding capability.
-- DVD-R recorders are similar to CD-R recorders and can be used to transfer DVD-formatted content onto recordable
DVD media, which can then be played on DVD Video and DVD-ROM players.
-- A separate DVD-Audio format is under development and is intended as a high-end replacement for audio CDs.
About Sonic
Based in Novato, California, Sonic Solutions designs and manufactures tools to assist video, audio and multimedia
professionals in preparing music, video, film, graphics and entertainment software. SonicStudio is the leading digital audio
workstation used around the world by audio professionals to prepare recorded sound for release on Digital Audio Compact
Disc, as well as to prepare sound for film and video soundtracks and for broadcast on radio and television. Sonic DVD
Creator is the leading professional system for producing content for the DVD format, and has been used to create hundreds of
DVD titles worldwide. Sonic has been a leader in advancing DVD technology and is a full voting-member of the DVD Forum
-- the standards-setting body for the DVD format.
(a) Source: Microsoft and Infotech
Sonic, Sonic Solutions, the Sonic logo, DVD Creator, DVD Production Alliance, DVD Producer, DVD PrePlay, Bit Budget
and Sonic LightSpeed are trademarks of Sonic Solutions. All other company or product names are trademarks of their
respective owners. Specifications, pricing and delivery schedules are subject to change without notice. The above paragraphs
of this press release contain forward looking statements that are based upon current expectations. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including, among
others, the timely introduction and acceptance of new products, costs associated with new product introductions, the transition
of products to new hardware configurations and platforms and other factors, 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 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.
CONTACT: Sonic Solutions
Paul Lefebvre,
415/893-8000 phone
415/893-8008 fax
paul_lefebvre@sonic.com
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