Broadcom signs for CD/DVD recording engine

Broadcom has licensed Sonic's advanced DVD and CD recording and playback engine for consumer electronics devices for inclusion in its high-definition DVD and set-top box reference platforms.

Broadcom has licensed AuthorScript CE, Sonic's advanced DVD and CD recording and playback engine for consumer electronics devices, for inclusion in its high-definition DVD and set-top box reference platforms.

By licensing AuthorScript CE, Broadcom will enable its customers - consumer electronics manufacturers who market cable and satellite set-top boxes and CE devices - to easily add DVD recording and playback capabilities to their products.

With the integration of advanced electronic programme guides for time-shifting and high-definition video recording capabilities, hard drive- and DVD-based digital video recorders (DVRs) are rapidly becoming a "smarter" centrepiece of the home entertainment experience.

The integration of AuthorScript CE into the Broadcom reference design allows CE manufacturers to deliver a new generation of DVRs that contain a simple one-step solution for moving recorded shows onto standard DVD discs, freeing-up space on the DVR for additional recording.

This combination of hard drive and DVD recording in a single device eliminates the need for separate recorder/playback units, minimising the number of components and interconnects required in the living room, greatly simplifying the user experience.

"As we developed our business plan, it became clear to us that we need to work closely with a partner who is totally focused on DVD software technology", said Peter Besen, Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Broadcom.

"After carefully looking at the vendors in this market, we realised Sonic was the clear choice because of its strong expertise in DVD playback and recording technology, and its solid track record of innovation".

"We're very happy to be working with Broadcom to expand the scope of our AuthorScript technology in the CE space", said Mary Sauer, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Member of the Board Of Directors and cofounder of Sonic Solutions.

"Consumers want to create, manage, and enjoy digital media content on consumer electronics as well as PCs without worrying about the platform, while enjoying powerful feature sets and with a consistent and direct interface".

"'My media, how I want it, when I want it, and wherever I want it' describes the future state of this convergent world, and our new relationship with Broadcom moves us, and the industry, closer to this convergence ideal".

Sonic's licence agreement with Broadcom underscores Sonic's move to deploy its technology beyond the traditional PC and into consumer electronics products.

Sonic recently announced that it had entered into a new licence agreement with Microsoft in which Sonic licensed AuthorScript CD and DVD formatting and burning modules for the latest version of Microsoft Windows XP Media Centre Edition 2005, Microsoft's flagship consumer operating system.

Sonic also recently announced a development and AuthorScript licensing deal with Scientific-Atlanta, which will embed AuthorScript into its cable set-top boxes.

"We are extremely pleased to have been chosen by Broadcom as its technology partner in bringing DVD recording and playback technology to its DVD and set-top box reference platforms", said Jim Taylor, General Manager of Sonic's Advanced Technology Group.

"Based on the same technology that Sonic uses in its Hollywood-level authoring systems, AuthorScript CE has been tailored to match the DVD creation needs of consumers and to excel in the demanding set-top hardware and software environment".

"With AuthorScript CE, Broadcom has added a key element to its reference designs, enabling it to rapidly deliver innovative new products and services for the digital home".

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