Sonic Solutions (Nasdaq:SNIC), the world leader in DVD and CD creation software, today announced the release of its AuthorScript(R) Photo Slideshow software development kit (SDK) for the digital photo application and devices industry.

The newest version of Sonic's industry-leading DVD and CD burn engine for the Windows and Linux platforms has been specifically designed to make it easy for developers of products such as photo kiosks, minilabs, photo software, and online photo services to add Hollywood-quality DVD photo slideshow creation to their products.

"Thousands of photos can be put on a DVD for viewing on hundreds of millions of TVs and PCs worldwide, making DVD the ideal format to store and share digital photos," said Jim Taylor, general manager of Sonic's Advanced Technology Group. "With Sonic's AuthorScript Photo Slideshow SDK, application developers can rapidly add DVD and Video-CD output to their products, giving their users the ability to create eye-catching interactive slideshows with music soundtracks, professional video transitions, and custom menus. AuthorScript can also copy the original photo files onto the disc, giving users a full-quality digital archive of their photo data along with their slideshow."

The AuthorScript Photo Slideshow SDK is an ideal way for product developers in the digital imaging business to take advantage of the booming popularity of DVD.

-- Photo Kiosks -- Photo kiosks have become an increasingly popular way for consumers to make digital prints. DVD and Video-CD (VCD) slideshow output is a compelling, high-margin addition to any photo kiosk, benefiting both the kiosk manufacturer and the stores and supermarkets that carry them. Kiosk manufacturers can include a variety of menu templates for vacations, weddings, babies, family gatherings, and more. Customers can choose a soundtrack of pre-recorded music selections or bring their favorite music from home.

-- Minilabs -- Customers enjoy the convenience of dropping off their film or digital files and letting minilabs take care of the rest. With the AuthorScript Photo Slideshow SDK incorporated into photo processing software, minilabs can expand beyond photo printing into digital archiving and photo slideshow creation, giving their customers a broader range of services to choose from while increasing their revenue per customer.

-- Photo Software -- The AuthorScript Photo Slideshow SDK makes it easy for application developers to add DVD and VCD slideshow functionality to their photo software.

-- Online Photo Services -- Just as AuthorScript Photo Slideshow SDK can be deployed on local PCs, it can also be used by online photo service providers to add value to their product offerings.

The AuthorScript Photo Slideshow SDK is OpenDVD(R) compliant, allowing end-users to make photo slideshows that can be continually updated over time. AuthorScript supports BMP, TIF, TGA, PNG, PICT, and JPEG graphics files. Audio support is included for WAV (PCM), Dolby Digital, MPEG-1 Layer II, WMA, and MP3 audio import.

AuthorScript Photo Slideshow SDK is available immediately to digital photo application and device makers looking to include slideshow creation functionality in their products. For additional information, developers can e-mail authorscript@sonic.com or call 415-893-7092.