Sonic to Equip Studios with HD DVD Authoring Systems to Enable Title Production for HD DVD Launch; Joins HD DVD Forum Promotion Group to Help Bring HD DVD to Market

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This newspost is a full press release and has not been modified by our team of editors.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2005--Sonic Solutions(R) (Nasdaq:SNIC) the leader in DVD creation software, announced today that it will deliver systems for professional HD DVD production in the summer of 2005; this will enable the studios to have movies and video content available with the expected release of HD DVD players in late 2005. The next generation format from the DVD Forum, HD DVD combines high-definition video and audio content with advanced interactivity and internet connectivity. In addition to providing professional HD DVD authoring systems, Sonic plans to add HD DVD support to its Sonic- and Roxio-branded desktop and consumer software applications as HD DVD-ROM readers and HD DVD burners become available.

"Having compelling content available is critical for the success of any format," said Warren N. Lieberfarb, president of WNL Associates and former president of Warner Home Video and the acknowledged "father of DVD." "By providing the first commercial DVD-Video authoring systems and enabling thousands of professional production houses to create content for DVD, Sonic played an instrumental role in the success of DVD. With HD DVD on the horizon, Sonic is the company that is best positioned to deliver the technologies that allow the studios to rapidly develop and release titles on this new format."

"For nearly ten years, our post production studios have relied on the quality and efficiency of Sonic's DVD authoring systems," said Leon Silverman, executive vice president of LaserPacific and director of Strategic Business Development for Kodak's Entertainment Imaging Services. "Sonic's support for HD DVD will make our transition to the new format much easier and will allow us to exploit the rich features of HD DVD."

In conjunction with its support for the HD DVD format, Sonic has joined the DVD Forum's HD DVD Promotion Group. Recently unveiled by a consortium of companies within the DVD Forum, the Promotion Group will promote the use of the new format and help establish the market for HD DVD software and products.

"HD DVD is an exciting new format and the logical extension of the highly successful DVD-Video format," said Mark Ely, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Sonic Solutions. "Sonic is dedicated to delivering the tools and technologies that our customers require to bring HD DVD to market, and our participation with the HD DVD Promotion Group is a natural fit with these efforts. With our vast authoring experience and studio relationships, Sonic will be a strong contributor to the Promotion Group's activities and events."

In conjunction with the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Sonic will be demonstrating CinePlayer(TM) HD, its next generation HD media player, with HD content playback and interactivity, by appointment, at the Sonic Solutions demo suite (#205 in the Riviera Convention Center).

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- and Sonic-branded CD and DVD creation, playback and backup solutions that have become the premiere 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.

Sonic, the Sonic logo, Sonic Solutions, CinePlayer, 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.

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.