DVD NEWS-(C)1999-2004 DVD NEWS. Distributed for AM Newswire Inc via M2 Communications Ltd (www.m2.com).

Pioneer Europe has chosen to bundle five of Sonic's top software solutions for digital media with its new 4X Double Layer DVR-A08XL DVD writers. The collaboration allows Pioneer Europe to provide its users with proven, powerful CD and DVD burning technology that gives them the ability to easily create and enjoy CDs and DVDs for music, data, video, photo slideshows and backup.

"We are delighted and honored that Pioneer Europe has chosen to use our technology for their new DVR-A08XL DVD writers," said John Newman, Director of European Operations at Sonic. "Together we provide an exceptional combination of features, performance, and award-winning ease-of-use that makes it fun and simple for Pioneer customers to take advantage of the speed, recording quality and Double Layer capabilities of the DVR-A08XL."

The software to be bundled with the DVR-A08XL includes Sonic MyDVD, RecordNow, Cineplayer, Simple Backup and Drive Letter Access. MyDVD and RecordNow utilize the Sonic HyperMux-DL(TM) engine which leverages Sonic's successful history of creating multi-layer disc authoring systems for Hollywood studios by applying advanced title layout, buffer management, layer-break management, and frame selection technologies to consumer DVD creation applications for the first time.

"The DVR-A08XL leads the pack with 16X write speeds and Double Layer burning," said Chris Tampsett, Senior Manager, Pioneer Europe NV, Multimedia Division. "Sonic has been creating Double Layer DVD technology for Hollywood since 1996 and provides Pioneer with access to unmatchable experience in making Double Layer discs which perform optimally in the broadest number of consumer players."

The Pioneer DVR-A08XL DVD writer will be available from the end of August at retail outlets across Europe at the suggested retail price of EUR 179 Euro.