Sonic develops toolset to create HD-DVD content

Sonic Solutions has developed a toolset to support the advanced interactive capabilities of the HD-DVD 1.0 format.

Members of the High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA), an association of disc authoring facilities, will initially have exclusive access to the tools from Sonic.

The tools offer HDAA-member authoring facilities the ability to both create and preview material for inclusion on an Advanced Content HD-DVD title. The Sonic HD-DVD Advanced Content Multiplexer is a timeline-based utility that creates an HD-DVD compliant Advanced Content stream from video, audio, and iHD Advanced Applications that enable interactive features. The multiplexer can output a specification-compliant Enhanced VOB file, as well as additional playlist and information files used to generate an HD-DVD disc image.

Another tool, the Sonic HD-DVD Advanced Content Player, provides PC playback of HD-DVD Advanced Content titles, enabling content authors to check the appearance and performance of their material.

"Advanced interactivity will be a key driver in the adoption of new formats like HD-DVD," said Rolf Hartley, general manager of Sonic's Professional Products Group, in a statement. "By providing the first available tools to take advantage of HD-DVD's interactive potential, Sonic will jump-start title production, allowing HDAA members to begin preparing now for the upcoming HD-DVD launch."

EE Times