Sonic Unveils Industry's First HD-DVD Application Development Tools

Sonic Solutions today unveiled AuthorScript® HD-DVD Recorder and AuthorScript HD-DVD Navigator, the industry's first HD-DVD software development kits (SDKs). These two new AuthorScript SDKs enable PC application developers and consumer electronics chip, middleware, and system developers to rapidly integrate and deploy HD-DVD recording and playback functionality in their high-definition video products.

"Sonic's AuthorScript HD DVD SDKs will allow developers to take full advantage of the new format, including its robust interactive capabilities," said Hisashi Yamada, Chief Fellow of Toshiba Corporation's Digital Media Network Company. "Sonic has extensive experience in delivering advanced DVD development tools, and is once again taking a leadership role in helping developers bring new products to market. I expect AuthorScript HD DVD will help broaden the market for the HD DVD format, speed delivery of new HD DVD titles, and stimulate adoption of the format by content holders and consumers alike."
AuthorScript HD-DVD Recorder and AuthorScript HD-DVD Navigator offer a complete recording and playback solution for PC and CE system and software developers looking to add HD-DVD capabilities to their products. AuthorScript HD-DVD Navigator supports all playback functions for HD-DVD titles, including trick modes such as fast forward, reverse and chapter selection. In addition, AuthorScript HD- DVD Navigator supports iHD, HD-DVD's advanced interactivity technology, giving developers the ability to deploy next-generation HD-DVD PC and CE players that enable consumers to view and interact with innovative HD-DVD titles.
AuthorScript HD-DVD Recorder supports data recording to HD-DVD media, allowing storage of up to 30GB on a single disc. It also enables recording of digital video and HDTV content to HD-DVD media.
"Sonic is committed to helping developers make the jump to HD- DVD technology as easily and quickly as possible by giving them early access to the industry's best tools and technology," said Jim Taylor, general manager of Sonic's Advanced Technology Group. "AuthorScript sets the standard for DVD recording and playback technology, and we look forward to advancing the high-definition market by providing the essential components that our PC and consumer electronics partners need to create a broad spectrum of advanced HD-DVD products."
With the announcement of the HD DVD enhancements to its AuthorScript product lines, Sonic continues in its industry-leading role developing technology solutions for disc-based delivery and storage of digital media. Developers interested in receiving the new AuthorScript HD DVD SDKs should contact Sonic at authorscript@sonic.com.