Deluxe Film Laboratories Taps AudioTrack Secure Audio Watermarks to Protect Major Motion Pictures; Initiative Aims to Prevent Motion Picture Piracy Via the Internet

Business Wire, July 12, 1999

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 12, 1999--

Recognizing the need to address the threat of online piracy to the motion picture industry, Deluxe Film Laboratories, the world leader in motion picture film processing, and AudioTrack, a leading provider of audio watermarking technology, today announced an alliance aimed at adapting AudioTrack Secure Watermark technology for use on theatrical release prints of major motion pictures. The initiative is the first of its kind to address the heightened concern for motion picture security in cyberspace.

Deluxe plans to offer AudioTrack Secure Watermarks as a service to its customers. The technology provides the means of detecting and preventing illegal distribution of pirated films over the Internet. AudioTrack Secure Watermarks are embedded into the audio portion of any program material and survive all forms of duplication, conversion, transmission and attempted erasure, yet are completely inaudible and have no effect on the fidelity or quality of the original sound.

"As the Internet and new technologies continue to revolutionize the entertainment industry, it is essential that we embrace reliable, cost-effective techniques for curbing digital piracy and preserving creative initiative," said Cyril Drabinsky, president, Deluxe Film Laboratories, North America. "Our alliance with Deluxe is the first step in developing a complete and effective system whereby motion pictures will be protected from the economic and artistic threat posed by all forms of piracy. Once an AudioTrack Secure Watermark has been embedded in a motion picture soundtrack, it will provide protection forever, regardless of subsequent use or misuse." said Stuart Rosove, CEO of AudioTrack.

About Deluxe

Deluxe Film Laboratories of Hollywood, CA, is the longest continuously operating film processing laboratory in the history of motion pictures. Deluxe first began processing film in 1915 in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Deluxe technicians and post-production engineers have consistently pioneered, commercialized and refined the high standards for processing and printing film that audiences everywhere have come to expect from the finest motion pictures in release today.

About AudioTrack

AudioTrack Watermark Solutions Corp. is a technology development and marketing company with offices in Seattle and Toronto, that helps owners and stakeholders manage and protect music, movies and other audio-inclusive content in the digital age. AudioTrack's patented watermarking technology provides the foundation for true copyright protection and asset management for all intellectual property with an audio component. The technology can serve as the essential security foundation for any copyright protection and e-commerce solution, and has been successfully tested and implemented in major recording and post-production studios in the United States, Europe and Canada. AudioTrack is also an active member of the Secure Digital Music Initiative.