Sonic Introduces Dolby Digital AC-3 Encoder for MIPS Processors

– Sonic Solutions (Nasdaq: SNIC) today introduced the Sonic Dolby Digital AC-3 Encoder for MIPS Technologies’ (Nasdaq: MIPS) new Consumer Audio Platform.   The first software component designed specifically for microprocessors based on the industry-standard MIPS32® architecture, Sonic’s AC-3 Encoder dramatically cuts chip design cycles by providing MIPS® licensees with a high-quality Dolby Digital stereo encoder that can be quickly and easily integrated into microprocessors for consumer electronics products.  

“We chose to work with Sonic because of their solid reputation for providing key audio and video technology components to a wide variety of consumer applications,” said Russ Bell, vice president of marketing at MIPS Technologies, Inc.  “The Sonic Dolby Digital AC-3 Encoder for our MIPS Consumer Audio Platform is a powerful audio encoding implementation, and by collaborating with Sonic, our licensees are able to quickly obtain DVD-ready audio encoding with the performance our customers expect.”

The Sonic Dolby Digital AC-3 Encoder is an ideal solution for ASIC and SoC (System-on-a-Chip) developers looking for a plug-in consumer audio encoder solution. Optimized for the MIPS32 4Kc™ processor core, Sonic’s proven encoder implementation has a small footprint and minimal bandwidth requirements for use in cost-effective microprocessor designs for consumer electronics products. The encoder directly supports the Linux operating system, can be ported to other operating systems, and can work in highly embedded systems with no operating system at all, thereby enabling it to be integrated into a wide range of consumer devices.  By porting the AC-3 Encoder to the MIPS architecture, Sonic can save chip makers up to 12 weeks or more of design and testing time.

“Sonic sees significant potential for MIPS Technologies’ single architecture approach to audio design,” said Jim Taylor, general manager of Sonic's Advanced Technology Group. “And as the leader in DVD/CD creation, we have the engineering expertise to provide an AC-3 encoder optimized for the MIPS Consumer Audio Platform, ready to be integrated into almost any system to provide high-quality, DVD-ready audio.”

The Sonic Dolby AC-3 Encoder for the MIPS Consumer Audio Platform converts raw audio PCM streams to an AC-3 elementary stream. Stereo, mono, and dual-mono outputs are supported with bit rates from 64 kbps to 448 kbps. The encoder, targeted to work on consumer devices, uses a small memory footprint and low processing resources.

Key features of the Sonic Dolby Digital AC-3 Encoder include:

• Simple API for easy integration
• Supports bit rates of 16 kbps  to 488 kbps
• Supports sample rates of 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz, and 32 kHz
• No floating point hardware required; no floating point emulation needed
• Typical CPU utilization: <100MHz

The MIPS Consumer Audio Platform offering optimized Sonic Solutions technology is available today for licensing by semiconductor companies worldwide.  Please contact Sonic Solutions or MIPS Technologies for more information.

About MIPS Technologies
MIPS Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of industry-standard processor architectures and cores for digital consumer and business applications. The company drives the broadest architectural alliance that is delivering 32- and 64-bit embedded RISC solutions. The company licenses its intellectual property to semiconductor companies, ASIC developers and system OEMs. MIPS Technologies and its licensees offer the widest range of robust, scalable processors in standard, custom, semi-custom and application-specific products. The company is based in Mountain View, California, and can be reached at +1 (650) 567-5000 or www.mips.com.

About Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC)
Based in Marin County, California, Sonic Solutions (Nasdaq: SNIC) (http://www.sonic.com/) is the world’s leading supplier of DVD creation software for professional, industrial and consumer applications. The majority of major film releases on DVD have been produced on Sonic’s professional DVD authoring systems in studios around the world. Sonic’s MyDVD® and DVDit® are the most widely used DVD creation applications by consumers and video enthusiasts and are the solutions of choice among the key PC and after-market drive suppliers. Sonic’s RecordNow!™ is a leading solution for audio and data mastering.  InterActual, a subsidiary of Sonic Solutions, is the leading provider of software and services that enable cutting-edge DVD interactivity in computers and next-generation home entertainment platforms. Sonic’s AuthorScript®, the DVD and CD formatting and burning engine that underlies Sonic’s applications, is the most widely deployed DVD software engine and has been licensed by Adobe, Microsoft, Sony and many others.

Sonic, the Sonic logo, AuthorScript, Backup MyPC, CinePlayer, DVD Producer, Edit-on-DVD, HyperMux DL, NoNOISE, Sonic PrimeTime, RecordNow!  Simple Backup, Sonic JumpSafe and Sonic SmartBalance are trademarks of Sonic Solutions. AutoDVD, DVDit, DVD Fusion, MyDVD, OpenDVD, PrePlay, ReelDVD, Scenarist, Sonic DVD Creator and Sonic Solutions are registered trademarks of Sonic Solutions. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective owners and, in some cases, are used by Sonic under license. Specifications, pricing and delivery schedules are subject to change without notice.