CMC Magnetics plans to produce Qflix DVD media to enable secure recording of digitally distributed content.

Sonic today that CMC Magnetics has signed a Qflix technology and IP licensing agreement. CMC is beginning production on Qflix DVDs, which enable the secure, on-demand recording of digitally distributed entertainment with the same protection as commercially mass-produced titles. CMC is currently taking orders for two versions of Qflix media expected to be in broad use next year. The first type will be employed by duplication system operators providing custom DVD publishing services to retailers. The second type is designed for use in retail movie kiosks as well as in the home, where they will enable consumers to legally record premium entertainment downloaded from the Internet.

"Along with other partners in the consumer electronics, entertainment distribution, and PC industries, CMC will help create a cost-effective way to digitally deliver content that consumers can own and view in the entertainment venue of their choice, including the living room and anywhere else they play DVDs," said Jim Taylor, senior vice president and general manager of Sonic Solutions' Advanced Technology Group.

In addition to appearing on recordable DVDs, the Qflix brand will appear on other consumer products and services including compatible drives and video download services as a symbol for consumers looking for legitimate and reliable "purchase, download, and burn" solutions.

The royalty-bearing Qflix licensing program for media and optical drive manufacturers was established by Pioneer and Sonic to facilitate the adoption of secure download and burn applications in accordance with the approved industry specifications for recording downloads set by the DVD Forum and the DVD Copy Control Association.