Sonic announced today that they have signed a Qflix technology and IP
licensing agreement with PLDS (Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions). According to Sonic's press release, PLDS is currently taking orders
on a complete line of Qflix drives for both desktop and notebook computers. The company also plans to release a Qflix Blu-ray Disc Combo
drive that will offer Blu-ray Disc playback and DVD video recording.
Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), the leader in digital
media software, today announced that PLDS (Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corp.) has signed a Qflix technology and IP licensing
agreement. PLDS is integrating Qflix technology into a range of optical disc drives planned for release this year that will enable
downloaded movies and video programs to be recorded to DVD with Content Scramble System (CSS) encryption. As the industry-approved
content protection mechanism used on mass-produced discs, CSS has been deemed essential by many major content providers for the
electronic sell through of premium entertainment. The Qflix drives by PLDS are available for duplication system vendors providing custom
DVD manufacturing services to Internet retailers, as well as PC manufacturers developing consumer desktops and notebooks.
"We are
extremely pleased to partner with Sonic Solutions to create a new entertainment distribution model that will offer consumers a convenient
and reliable way to purchase and enjoy premium content in the home," said Charlie Tseng, General Manager of PLDS’ Optical Disc Drive
Business Unit. "By participating in the Qflix technology and IP licensing program, we are able to add an exciting new capability to our
comprehensive range of drives and provide our premier system manufacturers with the opportunity to differentiate their
solutions."
With big names like PLDS and Pioneer supporting Qflix, it only be a matter of time before other drive
manufacturers get on board. If you'd like to read more, Sonic's entire press release can be found here.
