Sonic Solutions((R)) (Nasdaq: SNIC) today announced Sonic CineVision((R)) Adaptive HD, a next-generation encoding, multiplexing, streaming and decoding system designed specifically to deliver the highest quality HD video possible to internet-connected CE devices. CineVision Adaptive HD leverages Sonic's CineVision HD encoding system, currently used for Hollywood Blu-ray title production, and Widevine's extensive expertise in adaptive streaming. The solution makes it possible for premium content, including 3D entertainment, to be encoded to Blu-ray Disc resolution at 1080p while still enabling automatic broadband scalability to ensure buffer-free playback. CineVision Adaptive HD will be deployed to bring HD content to Roxio CinemaNow((R)) and will be made available as an option for Sonic's CineVision Master Encoding system to enable high-end compression facilities to maximize the quality of their streaming video content.

"Consumers not only want instant access to new Hollywood hit movies on their connected TVs and Blu-ray players, they want it in HD," said Mark Ely, executive vice president of strategy for Sonic Solutions. "In collaboration with Widevine, we've been able to enhance our world-class CineVision encoding system to prepare content for pristine viewing on the coming wave of connected CE devices -- without requiring CE manufacturers to put costly hard drives in their products."

CineVision Adaptive HD is the world's first encoding solution to combine the compression parameters mandated by video mastering engineers with the multi-bandwidth encoding, multiplexing, and formatting required to ensure seamless delivery of HD streams to connected CE devices. With its ability to take advantage of multiple processors in multi-CPU encoding farm settings, CineVision Adaptive HD can be scaled to enable the level of high-volume content preparation required for next-day TV releases, back catalog conversion and delivering new releases on time and under budget.

"At Widevine, our approach has been twofold -- ensure content is delivered securely, and ensure that it is delivered at the highest quality," said Brian Baker, CEO at Widevine. "By taking advantage of Sonic's long history of building world-class encoding systems, we've been able to further enhance the quality of our content preparation technology. We look forward to working with Sonic to deploy the CineVision Adaptive HD technology."

About Widevine
Widevine provides digital media solutions for the delivery of digital entertainment to any device. Hundreds of service providers use Widevine's multiplatform, multiformat DRM and video optimization solutions for securing high quality video and audio. Today, millions of consumers enjoy digital entertainment secured and optimized by Widevine on retail consumer electronics devices and legacy STBs from all major consumer brands. With over 55 patents Widevine is an industry leader and innovator of content protection and video optimization technologies.

Widevine is a privately held corporation headquartered in Seattle, WA, funded by Cisco Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO), Charter Ventures, Constellation Ventures, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd (DNP), PaceSetter Capital Group, Phoenix Partners, TELUS (NYSE: TU) and VantagePoint Venture Partners.

For more information: www.widevine.com.

About Sonic Solutions
Sonic Solutions((R)) (Nasdaq: SNIC) is powering the digital media ecosystem through its complete range of Hollywood to Home(TM) applications, services, and technologies. Sonic's Roxio((R)) products enable consumers to easily manage and enjoy personal digital media content and, through Roxio CinemaNow((R)), access premium Hollywood entertainment on a broad range of connected devices. A wide array of leading technology firms, professionals, and developers rely on Sonic to bring innovative digital media functionality to next-generation devices and platforms. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California.

The Authoritative Blu-ray Disc (BD) FAQ Has Moved!

Hugh Bennett’s The Authoritative Blu-ray Disc (BD) FAQ has moved to its new home at Hugh’s News (www.hughsnews.ca).

It can now be found at: www.hughsnews.ca/faqs/authoritative-blu-ray-disc-bd-faq

Today, Tech Werks, Inc. and Microboards Technology, Inc. agreed to a national sales distribution agreement. Microboards will promote, market and sell Tech Werks EZcaster Video encoder in their national sales distribution network.

Microboards has over 2500 national accounts and over 25 National Resellers. Microboards manufactures it own CD/DVD/Blu-ray duplicators and printers while also representing other manufacturers such as Pioneer, Panasonic, Taiyo Yuden, Verbatim, Hoei Sangyo, BrighTech, and many others.

"Tech Werks, EZcaster video encoder, is a product that will easily fit into our successful product line," said Mike Laven, VP/Sales and Marketing for Microboards.

"We were looking for a partner that could take the EZcaster nationwide. After carefully reviewing several other companies’ offers, we chose Microboards who in our opinion is the perfect match," said John Bonicoro, Tech Werks, Director of Sales. "Microboards is a well respected manufacture and has proven to be a successful sales company since 1989, their core market is the perfect fit for our EZcaster."

About Tech Werks, Inc.:
Tech Werks (www.techwerks.tv) develops technology that Werks for You. This technology ranges from streaming video, to video productions, to archiving 35MM films to digital video. Tech Werks newest products and services include: The EZcaster – 7" touch screen video encoder, LIVE and On-demand streaming service, and Tech Werks exclusive "SMART" on-line management software.

About Microboards, Inc.:
Microboards, Inc. (www.microboards.com) has been growing rapidly along with CD-R technology for the past 19 years. And with the introduction and acceptance of DVD-R to the market, Microboards is in a unique position to serve the needs of various industries with CD-R, DVD-R, and Blu-ray technologies. Through its manufacturing arm, MMG, Microboards offers a full line of CD, DVD and Blu-ray copiers, and printers worldwide.

StorDigital has introduced DupaLIVE – a new modular recording, duplication & data extraction system for Blu-Ray, DVD, CD and USB.

DupaLIVE is a network-ready, multiple target duplicator range that supports the live recording and printing of DVD, CD & Blu-Ray discs. DupaLIVE features an embedded PC that supports and controls a host of advanced functions not available on a standard duplication tower.

Supporting live audio recording, audio editing, and multi target disc duplication as standard, StorDigital DupaLIVE ships with a powerful application suite providing live event organizers, concert promoters and churches with all the tools necessary to ensure professional and speedy disc distribution. Optional enhanced functions include onboard LightScribe label design and disc printing, USB duplication, Blu-Ray duplication, automated disc printing and automated MP3 extraction.

This new concept in duplication from StorDigital represents a turning point in duplication technology. Perfect for digital facilities, production houses, media agencies, AV installers, churches and live event organizers, the DupaLIVE system is a flexible workhorse that can adapt to your needs and grow with your business.

StorDigital founder Nic Ranshaw said, "As a company we strive to keep in tune with our customers needs. DupaLIVE is a response to an emerging trend for ‘Just in Time’ duplication, whereby the value of the content is determined by the speed that it gets into the customers hands. By enabling the DupaLIVE to operate as a live recording device, editing platform, and tower duplicator we have developed a genuinely unique product. So many of our customers come to us and say, "Can I record on the duplicator?". Now thanks to StorDigital DupaLIVE the answer is a firm "Yes!".

The DupaLIVE range brings further advantages to consumers. Many duplication professionals offer live duplication, conference recording or sermon recording services. Live events require speed and efficiency in order to get the product into people’s hands in the fastest possible time. DupaLIVE offers the user the chance to do real time digital recording, mastering and duplication via one self contained unit. No more is there a requirement for an additional disc or hard disk recorder. DupaLIVE operators have an all-in-one, easy to use solution in a single box.

Nic Ranshaw added, "The development of DupaLIVE is a reaction to feedback we have received from our customers. They love the quality and function of the standard StorDigital duplication towers, but digital media is changing. To get a competitive edge duplication houses need to look at how they can diversify and differentiate their services. DupaLIVE opens the doors to new business opportunities, whether it’s live event duplication, live audio editing, or MP3 ripping. What’s more the modular nature of the solution means that you can expand your solution component by component as and when you need it. The standard base unit can later be upgraded with further peripherals that will increase power and enhance functionality. DupaLIVE is more than a duplicator - it’s a concept that represents the coming together of the entire StorDigital product range."

DupaLIVE is a powerful PC workstation, pre-installed with Windows XP and hosting a suite of applications. Included software supports the recording, editing, and mastering of CD/DVD discs and label designing software for both inkjet and LightScribe printable discs.

The StorDigital DupaLIVE system will be available from StorDigital direct and their resellers from August 2009. Configuration subject to change without notice. To arrange a demo call StorDigital on 020 8293 0777.

Retail customers can get more information and buy online at www.cd-writer.com/dupalive.html.  

Words: 556

Editor's note: If you want to stay constantly up to date on the latest news from CD-Writer.com, paste the following link into your RSS reader, http://blog.stordigital.com/feed

For further information contact: Nic Ranshaw

StorDigital Systems, 15 Greenwich Center Business Park,
53 Norman Road, London, SE10 9QF
Telephone: +44 (0)208 293 0777
Fax: +44 (0)208 293 0666
e-mail: nicr@stordigital.com
www: www.stordigital.com

About StorDigital Systems: StorDigital Systems was founded by CD-writer.com Ltd in 2002. They are now a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of specialist DVD, CD, Blu-Ray and USB duplication solutions. The range includes tower copiers, robotic duplicators and automated printers for DVD, CD, Blu-Ray and flash media. You can contact StorDigital Systems online at www.stordigital.com or by calling +44 208 293 0777.

Onkyo has introduced a new, state-of-the-art, BD-Live interactive Blu-ray Disc Player, model DV-BD507. This full-featured player delivers outstanding high definition 1080p video playback and high resolution multichannel audio over a HDMI 1.3a. It has all the capabilities once could expect from a Blu-ray player, plus the high performance and build-quality consumers have come to expect from Onkyo products.

The Onkyo DV-BD507 plays Blu-ray discs with their full high definition 1080p resolution, including compatibility with the Deep Color and x.v. Color specifications of HDMI 1.3a. It is also capable of playing standard DVD's and CD's, with internal scaling of all video sources to 1080p. It can also process AVCHD video clips stored on a SD or SDHC card or DVD-R/RW.

The Onkyo DV-BD507 also features BD-Live (Profile 2.0) for enhanced interactivity through the internet, making additional and updated content available instantly. When used with an optional 1 GB (or greater) SD/SDHC card, the player includes BonusView features to allow for picture-in-picture capabilities while viewing the main feature.

The Onkyo DV-BD507 is currently available at a suggested retail price of $449.

Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning product that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.