Sonic introduces major product advances at NAB 2004

Sonic Solutions, the leader in DVD technology, has announced four important additions to its line of professional DVD creation systems.
The four additions – SD-series Encoder 3.0, Sonic eDVD3, DVD Producer 4.5, and DVD Producer – WMV HD Edition – are intended to increase the efficiency and capability of the DVD authoring process, while providing scalable solutions that empower Sonic users both to master the most demanding of today’s DVD-Video releases as well as to start producing titles incorporating the next generation of High Definition (HD) based formats.
“Over two billion commercially released DVDs have been created using Sonic authoring systems, and our customers rely on Sonic to deliver the most advanced technology available,” said Matt Palmer, senior product manager for Sonic’s Professional Products Group. “The product developments we are featuring at NAB significantly increase performance and expand capabilities for professional DVD authors, while providing a solid foundation for our users to build upon for the future.”
The SD-series Encoder 3.0 range brings its reputation, established on the Macintosh platform, for delivering cinematic quality MPEG video with the greatest ease and reliability, to the vastly larger user base utilising Windows PCs. The SD-2000 encoder for Windows includes Sonic's patented advanced encoding technology and simultaneous Dolby Digital audio encoding, as well as segment-based re-encoding and stream legalization analysis technologies. Currently shipping, the SD-1000 encoder is available at a suggested retail price of $11,000 and the SD-2000 encoder is available at a suggested list price of $25,000.
Sonic eDVD 3, built-on InterActual technology, the Hollywood standard web-connection platform, adds web and DVD-ROM links to DVD titles created by the majority of authoring applications available today. eDVD 3 creates cross-platform web-DVD links to online content that is playable on both the Windows and Mac OSX platforms. eDVD is expected to ship in May 2004 at a suggested list price of $899.
DVD Producer 4.5, the latest version of Sonic’s award-winning DVD authoring application for creative professionals. DVD Producer 4.5 integrates a range of new capabilities and features including dual-layer (DVD-9) title production and compatibility with the new DVD+R double-layer DVD-recordable drives. DVD Producer 4.5 is also available in new workstation configurations that include enhanced graphics hardware for dual-monitor output and connection to an external NTSC/PAL video monitor, and the option of one of Sonic’s powerful SD-series advanced MPEG encoders for the PC. DVD Producer 4.5 is expected to ship in June and has a starting retail price of $1,999.
DVD Producer – WMV HD Edition – is the world’s first authoring system for creating HD titles on DVD using WMV high-definition technology, DVD Producer WMV HD Edition allows users to build interactive titles with stunning HD video content that is playable on the Windows Media 9 Series player included with Windows XP computers. The new system is expected to ship in September 2004, and will have a target retail price of $12,999.
“Our clients range from professional video production facilities to corporate and desktop users who all want the same thing — a DVD production solution that offers the very best DVD technology, reliable support services, and the ability to grow their businesses with comprehensive upgrade programs,” said Tony Perfilio, director for Amherst Distribution Services, Sonic’s master distribution center in Merrimack, New Hampshire. “Sonic’s investment in advanced R&D is solid while their latest product offerings at NAB emphasize their strong commitment to professional DVD production.”
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