Sony unveils Blu-ray authoring toolkit

Sony’s Media Software division has announced the availability of Blu-print, a complete system for use in authoring DVDs in the new Blu-ray format.

The Blu-print authoring application, developed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, runs on most high-end Windows-powered workstations and enables post-production facilities and movie production studios to utilise the advanced features of the BD-ROM format.

As well as proper encoding, users can use Blu-print to create menu navigation for their Blu-ray discs and utilise the advanced features of the format such as BDMV (Blu-ray Disc Movie) 'popup' menus and BD-J (Blu-ray Disc Java) interactivity.

"The Blu-print application effectively unlocks many of the most advanced Blu-ray functions and capabilities, providing producers of the new disc format with a comprehensive resource for developing higher quality projects than ever before," said Dave Chaimson, vice president of marketing, Sony Media Software.

"This software-based solution helps to streamline the authoring process and allows Blu-print integration within a production facility's existing workflow process."

Blu-print is now available for $50,000 per licence.