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Pioneer Electronics Chooses Sonic Solutions to Power World's First Commercially Available Blu-Ray Disc Drive; Sonic's Roxio Software Bundled With Pioneer BDR-101A Blu-Ray Disc Writer

Posted on: Wednesday, 17 May 2006, 06:07 CDT

Sonic Solutions(R) (NASDAQ:SNIC), the leader in digital media software, broke new ground today shipping its Roxio(R) BD software with the first commercially available Blu-ray Disc drive from Pioneer Electronics. The release ushers in a new era in optical disc recording, making possible for the first time the backup of up to 25GB of data on a single layer BD-R (recordable) or BD-RE (rewritable) disc, as well as image-to-disc recording and the archive and playback of hours of high-definition video content. The software and hardware combination will enable a range of applications including professional pre-mastering, high-definition authoring and high-capacity storage.

"We are pleased to partner with Sonic as we continue our tradition of delivering breakthrough technologies in the optical disc market, from our introduction of LaserDisc products more than 25 years ago to today's introduction of the first Blu-ray Disc Drive," said Andy Parsons, senior vice president at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Sonic's software has helped establish and grow the market for CD and DVD creation and has made them the clear leader in their field. Given the depth and breadth of our joint experience, this effort by our two companies bodes well for the future success of this exciting next-generation optical format."

Initially targeted to professional users, the Pioneer BDR-101A will allow authoring facilities to perform testing and evaluation of commercial Blu-ray Disc releases in preparation for replication. Roxio digital media software for Blu-ray Disc will also enable image-to-disc recording, saving of BD disc images, and data transfer for file backup on BD. The drive may also be used by enthusiasts to store DV camcorder video and to record high-definition television shows on a properly equipped personal computer. The BDR-101A is also capable of BD-ROM movie and DVD playback and recording.

"Given Pioneer's contributions to the development of optical media, their choice of Roxio is a gratifying validation of our high-definition authoring leadership," said Stan Wong, general manager, Roxio division of Sonic Solutions. "Sonic is firmly committed to encouraging the success of the next-generation high- definition formats like BD at all levels, and enabling data and video recording for the world's first shipping BD drive is a significant achievement for us and a major milestone in the launch of this powerful new format."

The release of BD-enabled Roxio software adds another first to Sonic's 15-year history of delivering optical-format innovations, including the delivery of the first commercial CD mastering system in 1989, the first professional DVD production system in 1996, and the first consumer DVD authoring application in 1999. Sonic's efforts on high-definition began over two years ago. Through its High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA), Sonic has been helping Hollywood and their authoring facility partners prepare for the successful launch of the next-generation optical format. Sonic's technologies and guidance have been essential in the creation of the first replicated discs using advanced interactive modes of both BD and HD DVD. In addition, Sonic has also licensed BD technology to leading consumer electronics (CE) manufacturers, such as Broadcom, for incorporation into high-definition set-top players.

About Pioneer

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, California, and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM) and components.

About Sonic Solutions

Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ:SNIC)(http://www.sonic.com) is the leader in digital media software, providing a broad range of interoperable, platform-independent software tools and applications for creative professionals, business and home users, and technology partners. Sonic's products range from advanced DVD authoring systems and interactive content delivery technologies used to produce the majority of Hollywood DVD film releases, to the award-winning Roxio(R)-branded CD and DVD creation, playback and backup solutions that have become the premier choice for consumers, prosumers and business users worldwide.

Sonic products are globally available from major retailers, online at Sonic.com and Roxio.com, and are bundled with PCs, after-market drives and consumer electronic devices. Sonic's digital media creation engine is the de facto standard and has been licensed by major software and hardware manufacturers, including Adobe, Microsoft, Scientific-Atlanta, Sony, and many others. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California.

Forward Looking Statements

The above paragraphs of this press release may contain forward looking statements that are based upon current expectations. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including, among others, the timely introduction and acceptance of new products, costs associated with new product introductions, the transition of products to new hardware configurations and platforms and other factors, including those discussed in the Company's annual and quarterly reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Registration Statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which contain a more detailed discussion of the Company's business including risks and uncertainties that may affect future results. The Company does not undertake to update any forward looking statements.

Sonic, the Sonic logo, Sonic Solutions, and Roxio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sonic Solutions or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective owners and, in some cases, are used by Sonic Solutions under license.

Source: Business Wire

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