Sonic Delivers Phase 2 Production Tools to High Definition Authoring Alliance; Refined and Expanded Toolset Marks Second Major Milestone in Launch Preparations for Advanced HD Disc Formats

Sonic Solutions(R) (Nasdaq:SNIC), the leader in digitalmedia software, today announced the release of significantenhancements to its production toolset for new high-definition videodisc formats. The releases mark the successful completion of Phase 2of Sonic's development of encoding and authoring solutions that allowmembers of the High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA), aSonic-sponsored association of the world's top disc authoringfacilities, to prepare now for the upcoming rollouts of both HD DVDand Blu-ray Disc (BD). Covering the entire spectrum of componentsrequired for full-service HD disc creation, the tools are beingreleased from mid-August through late September and are showing now inthe Sonic booth (#7.731) at IBC.

"We pride ourselves on being leaders in DVD title development, andwith these new tools from the HDAA -- as well as the insideinformation they provide -- we'll be able to maintain our cutting-edgeposition as the market expands to include HD formats," said MichaelBecker, Managing Director of Trierweiler, Germany-based CD & DVDpremastering and duplication facility, Skywalk Mastering GmbH /Imagion AG. "The HDAA allows us to keep up with the changes as thesenew formats evolve, and to benefit from hands-on training andexperience with the tools ahead of the official adoption ofspecifications. That shortens our response time, and positions us toprofit sooner from HD title development."

The Phase 2 feature enhancements include:

-- Video and audio encoding -- the Sonic HD-series Encoder now supports additional codecs and features StreamData technology that enables unsurpassed integration with Sonic HD authoring applications via the exchange of key encoding metadata.

-- HD DVD Standard Content authoring -- Scenarist HD now supports additional audio stream types (Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD), and disc image formatting and output.

-- BD authoring -- Blu-ray Creator supports High Definition Movie Mode (HDMV), additional stream types including MPEG-2 HD and LPCM, subtitle creation, support for pop-up menus and overlay controls, and disc image formatting.

-- Advanced interactivity -- HD DVD advanced interactivity code compilations support advanced subtitles, synchronized content (e.g., storyboards and scripts), and the world's first Advanced Content in-stream multiplexing solution, as well as iHD emulation; BD-J advanced interactivity code compilations allow buttons to be overlaid on video for seamless, contextually-integrated menus.

With the rollouts of two highly complex HD formats approachingquickly, the availability of pre-release tools gives HDAA members moretime to master the challenges of working with the new formats,allowing them to get up-to-speed even as some details of thespecifications are still in flux. Sonic is working closely with theHDAA members, incorporating their feedback into go-forward softwaredesigns as the components evolve into full commercial products.

"By delivering on Phase 2 of our pre-release program for the HDAA,Sonic is helping to demonstrate that HD DVD and BD are viable formatswith real tools for content creation," said Chris Neely, vicepresident of development for Sonic's Professional Products Group."That's great news for the industry in general because it addsmomentum to the upcoming launches. And it's particularly empoweringfor HDAA members, because they can now begin working with customers toget titles into the pipeline."

About Sonic Solutions

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

Sonic products are globally available from major retailers, onlineat Sonic.com and Roxio.com, and are bundled with PCs, after-marketdrives and consumer electronic devices. Sonic's digital media creationengine is the de facto standard and has been licensed by majorsoftware and hardware manufacturers, including Adobe, Microsoft,Scientific-Atlanta, Sony, and many others. Sonic Solutions isheadquartered in Marin County, California.

Sonic, the Sonic logo, Sonic Solutions, and Roxio are trademarksor registered trademarks of Sonic Solutions or its subsidiaries in theUnited States and/or other countries. All other company or productnames 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 forwardlooking statements that are based upon current expectations. Actualresults could differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking statements as a result of various risks and uncertaintiesincluding, among others, the timely introduction and acceptance of newproducts, costs associated with new product introductions, thetransition of products to new hardware configurations and platformsand other factors, including those discussed in the Company's annualand quarterly reports on file with the Securities and ExchangeCommission. This press release should be read in conjunction with theCompany's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q andRegistration Statement on file with the Securities and ExchangeCommission, which contain a more detailed discussion of the Company'sbusiness including risks and uncertainties that may affect futureresults. The Company does not undertake to update any forward lookingstatements.