Product category:
Design and Development Software
News Release from: Sonic Solutions | Subject: AuthorScript DoD SDK
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 06 January 2006
Software secures video downloads to DVD
AuthorScript DVD on Demand is billed as the world's first software development kit for secure, managed download-and-burn of video to DVD.
New from Sonic Solutions, AuthorScript DVD on Demand (DoD) is billed as the world's first software development kit (SDK) for secure, managed download-and-burn of video to DVD Building on Sonic's years of experience as the leading provider of DVD creation technology to Hollywood studios, software vendors, and PC manufacturers, as well as the provider of download-and-burn solutions for online music vendors such as AOL, Yahoo! and MusicMatch, AuthorScript DoD enables user-friendly, provider-controlled sell-through of DVDs in industrial, retail kiosk, personal computer, and set-top box environments
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 22 Jun 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Dolby Digital encoder optimised for MIPS cores
Sonic Solutions has developed the Sonic Dolby Digital AC-3 encoder for the new MIPS Technologies Consumer Audio Platform.
Software adds DVD functionality to consumer kit
AuthorScript CE 6 is billed as a major breakthrough in bringing the power and performance of PC-based DVD and CD creation and playback technology to lower-cost consumer electronics (CE) devices.
As a new, low-cost, high-margin channel for distributing premium content, electronic sell-through of content to DVD holds tremendous promise for content owners, electronic distributors, cable and satellite operators, equipment vendors, retailers, and consumers.
For set-top box manufacturers, AuthorScript DoD makes it possible to convert downloaded video into DVDs that can be sold directly to consumers.
For PC software providers and Internet video distributors, the SDK offers a secure, reliable solution for converting Internet-delivered video into DVDs that can be burned at home and played on any standard set-top or desktop player.
Further reading
Kit brings Blu-ray recording to consumer equipment
A new software development kit enables third-party PC application and consumer electronics chip, middleware and application developers to deliver Blu-ray-based recording and playback solutions.
Kits aid HD-DVD development
AuthorScript HD-DVD Recorder and AuthorScript HD-DVD Navigator are billed as the industry's first HD-DVD software development kits.
DVD software runs on Broadcom media processor
AuthorScript CE on the Broadcom BCM7038 provides a single-chip DVD burning and playback solution for cable, satellite and stand-alone consumer electronics products.
For kiosk providers and industrial manufacturing system integrators, the AuthorScript DoD SDK makes it possible to create a virtual DVD inventory solution for retailers, enabling them to tap into an immense library of content not currently available via conventional DVD release.
"By combining the flexibility of managed, content-protected downloads with the universal playability of DVD, AuthorScript DVD on Demand promises to open vast new business opportunities for owners and distributors of video content and new enjoyment for consumers", said Richard Doherty, Research Director of the Envisioneering Group.
"The availability of a DVD-value-added, secure, low-cost electronic distribution channel positions content owners to market back-catalog material which might otherwise remain gathering dust in the vaults".
"With Sonic's new SDK, they'll be able to supplement the industry's existing hit-driven DVD business model with a 'long tail' approach in which substantial additional revenues flow from net-enriched DVDs".
Complementing existing download-to-own solutions, AuthorScript DVD on Demand frees content from the hard drive or home network, providing consumers with DVD's play-anywhere portability while maintaining content-owner control over the process.
According to a survey by Scientific-Atlanta, the ability to copy content to DVD is the feature most desired by experienced set-top DVR users, while research by Parks Associates (Global Digital Living, 2005) shows that the most powerful driver of electronic video sell-through will be the ability to own and play purchased content freely.
"Electronic DVD sell-through requires meticulous integration of Hollywood content creation, electronic distribution, and DVD burning technology, and there is no other company that can bring to bear the combination of across-the-board expertise and trusted industry relations needed to make this work", said Jim Taylor, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sonic's Advanced Technology Group.
"Today, Sonic technology powers the sector-leading DVD tools for Hollywood studios, video professionals, and consumers, delivering maximum functionality and compatibility".
"With AuthorScript DVD on Demand, we are applying our experience and innovation to expand DVD's versatility and create a profitable new channel for the industry".
Platforms now ready for AuthorScript DVD on Demand include a growing universe of DVD-enabled set-top boxes as well as over 130 million PCs equipped with DVD recorders.
Potential distribution channels range from traditional retailers to cable operators and direct broadcast satellite providers as well as Internet movie providers, online and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.
"The ability to purchase and burn content to a DVD will give consumers much more flexibility and control over how they enjoy their downloaded movies, television shows, and much more", said Kevin Corbett, Vice President of the Digital Home Group and General Manager of the Content Services Group for Intel Corporation.
"Sonic's announcement of AuthorScript DVD on Demand is aligned with Intel's digital home vision of providing consumers with flexibility and choice in enjoying their content anytime, anywhere".
The Sonic AuthorScript DVD on Demand SDK is now available on an evaluation basis.
• Sonic Solutions: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
