Sonic Solutions has introduced at the CES show in las Vegas AuthorScript DVD on Demand, the world’s first for secure, managed download-and-burn of video to DVD. The company says AuthorScript DoD enables user-friendly, provider-controlled sell-through of DVDs in industrial, retail kiosk, personal computer, and set-top box environments.

"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," Sonic says.

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 software development kit 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.

For kiosk providers and industrial manufacturing system integrators, the AuthorScript DoD 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.

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.

Sonic quotes a survey by Scientific-Atlanta, indicating that 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.

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 Sonic AuthorScript DVD on Demand SDK is now available on an evaluation basis. For further information on licensing, contact Sonic at authorscript@sonic.com.

Story filed 08.01.06