EventDV.net: The Event Videographer's Resource

At IBC 2004, Sonic Solutions announced the availability of new versions of its DVD creation systems: the SD-series Encoder 3.1, Sonic eDVD 3, and DVD Producer 4.5. The company also introduced the all-new DVD Producer HD Workstation. All of the Sonic systems use dual-layer burning technologies, aiming to increase the interactive capabilities of DVD and move DVD creation into the world of high definition, the company says.

eDVD and DVD Producer HD offering HD content holders a way to publish their projects on DVD. The SD-series Encoder 3.1 features the ability to encode from video and audio sources that cannot or need not be controlled via machine control; extend limits for VBR-style bit rate parameters; and enhance preset data displays. Currently, the SD-1000 encoder is available at a suggested retail price of $11,000 and the SD-2000 encoder is available at a suggested list price of $25,000. eDVD 3 is available now at a list price of $899, while DVD Producer 4.5 is available for a starting retail price of $1,999.

The DVD Producer HD Workstation integrates Sonic's HD-series real-time hardware encoder with DVD Producer's authoring to allow authors to build interactive titles with HD video content. WMV HD-DVD titles are playable using the Windows Media 10 Series player on Microsoft Windows XP computers. The new system is expected to ship in Q4 2004.