Sonic Solutions announced that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Scientific-Atlanta, to license AuthorScript(R) CE, Sonic's engine for DVD and CD formatting, recording, and playback for consumer electronics devices

which Scientific-Atlanta intends to embed in certain models of its popular Digital Video Recorder (DVR) set-top boxes.

By licensing Sonic's AuthorScript CE, Scientific-Atlanta can offer important benefits to both cable service providers and consumers. Scientific-Atlanta's DVR with DVD read/write capability, currently under development, is being designed to allow viewers to copy their favorite shows on DVDs and free-up hard disk space for recording additional programs.

"In this highly competitive environment, cable providers must consistently deliver compelling new services to their subscribers," said Jeff Seebeck, vice president of product management and development for Subscriber Networks, Scientific-Atlanta. "We chose Sonic's technology because it is a widely-deployed DVD burning engine, and it will allow us to offer the flexibility our customers need."

"As a leading cable DVR provider, Scientific-Atlanta is an ideal match for Sonic," said Jim Taylor, general manager of Sonic's Advanced Technology Group. "By combining our areas of expertise, we intend to provide cable TV viewers with the highly-desired ability to record TV shows and other programs onto DVD. By incorporating AuthorScript CE, Scientific-Atlanta plans to introduce innovative technology that can enable new business models for delivery of content to cable customers."

"Consumers have embraced the DVR as the ideal way to record, time-shift and temporarily store their favorite programming and are more interested than ever in transferring that programming to DVD," said Richard Doherty, research director for the Envisioneering Group. "Delivering AuthorScript CE to Scientific-Atlanta demonstrates that Sonic is poised to lead in licensing DVD-recording and playback technology to key DVR suppliers, helping them deliver an ideal consumer solution for personal video recording and archiving."