Yesterdays press release:
Sonic Debuts DVD-ROM Developer Tools; Sonic DVD Vobulator Brings
MPEG-2, Dolby Digital and Interactivity to the PC Desktop
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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
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS COMED
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