Anyone have any info on who the competitors are for software only DVD?
Canadian Company Press Release
MGI 1999-02-03 (provided courtesy of Canadian Corporate News.)
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MGI Software Announces "Best-of-Class" DVD Software-Only Solution for
PC OEMs
TORONTO, ONTARIO--DVD-ROM, as a replacement of the CD-ROM, is
becoming more attractive to PC manufacturers because of
economies-of-scale. But, aside from the basic drive cost, DVD-ROM
also has required expensive and dedicated hardware to enable the
playback of DVD content, such as DVD movies, and interactive
applications. However, MGI Software Corp. (TSE:MGI), the world's
leading provider of PC photo and video software for home and
business users, today announced a Software-only DVD playback
solution, which enables PC manufacturers to cost effectively
capitalize on the explosion of DVD-ROM drives being delivered with
new multimedia PCs. MGI's Software-only DVD solution delivers the
best combination of quality, performance, platform integration,
risk reduction, Microsoft Windows compatibility, and overall
value.
In a research report published in June 1998, InfoTech, Inc.
forecast that DVD-ROM drive sales would exceed 6.5 million units
in 1998, but explode to a worldwide installed base of almost 70
million units by 2000. According to the InfoTech report: "In the
PC industry, the compatibility and performance problems that
hampered the DVD-ROM launch in 1997 have largely been addressed,
while OEM prices for a complete DVD solution are trending towards
the $100 mark. This suggests that DVD-ROM drives will be available
on a large number of mid-market PC models by year-end. With
further cost reductions in 1999, (spurred on by software-only DVD
players), DVD-ROM will begin to replace CD-ROM drives in
entry-level, sub-$1,000 systems..."
MGI's solution delivers performance that is equal to dedicated
(and expensive) hardware-based DVD playback systems, on a 300Mhz
Intel(R) Pentium(R) II multimedia computer or equivalent, with an
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) graphics controller.
MGI's Software-only DVD is a "Best-of-Class" solution that
features:
-Full Screen, Full Motion DVD (MPEG 2) and Video CD (MPEG 1)
playback at 30fps (frames per second)
-Intuitive VCR-type interface with full play-back control and DVD
navigation support (parental control, multiple viewing angle
tracks and extensive title and menu options, closed captioning)
-Dolby(R) Digital (AC-3) with surround sound audio (Dolby
Certified)
-CSS copy protection (with geographic zone support)
-Windows certification, PC98 and WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality
Lab) certification
-100 percent DirectShow implementation
-Sixteen languages supported including, English, French, Italian,
German, Spanish and Japanese
-Built-in backend Web support (for updates, customer service and
new title releases)
"Our Software-only DVD is an attractive solution for PC
manufacturers," said Anthony DeCristofaro, MGI Software, president
and CEO. "Not only do we have a quality solution for DVD
playback, but the combination of MGI's DVD solution along with our
MGI PhotoSuite II and MGI VideoWave II applications -- already the
leading brands in their respective categories - delivers a
complete, powerhouse solution for the next generation of
multimedia platforms."
Available for general distribution under OEM license, MGI's
Software-only DVD delivers the highest quality video and audio, in
an intuitive VCR-type interface, with full playback and
navigational controls. Designed to support the full range of
available DVD titles (movies, videos, interactive PC games and
educational titles), the software has been rigorously tested to
meet or exceed the technical and performance requirements of the
DVD specification, and includes Dolby certification and CSS copy
protection. In addition, MGI's solution is a 100 percent
DirectShow implementation, and includes PC 98 and WHQL
certification to assure full Windows compatibility and compliance.
Further, the software is ready for international rollout with
sixteen language editions and geographic zone support.
MGI's Software-only DVD is the first in a series of applications
designed to address broader markets -- such as the video-based
home entertainment market - slated for introduction to OEMs. PC
manufacturers interested in MGI's DVD solution, among the
company's other offerings, can contact Sean Budnik, Director OEM
Sales, MGI Software, at (905) 707-4712 or seanb@mgisoft.com for
further information. |
