IDB-1394 Becomes First Digital Automotive Network Approved to Carry ``Localized'' DVD Video

WASHINGTON--Jan. 6, 2005--The IDB Forum announced today that IDB-1394 is the first automotive networking technology to be approved by the DVD Copy Control Association (DVD-CCA) to distribute CSS copy protected digital video content on a "localized" digital network. The decision represents a major step forward in bringing high quality all-digital DVD content to vehicles, clearing the way for IDB-1394 technology to be used in end-to-end digital video applications.

IDB-1394 (Intelligent transportation systems Data Bus using IEEE1394 technology) is a digital network that runs at speeds of up to 400Mbps carrying high quality video, multi-channel sound and high speed data for vehicle applications. Designed for entertainment and communication applications, IDB-1394 enables devices to operate digitally carrying multiple programs of up to High Definition video along with multi-channel audio between devices on a vehicle. IDB-1394 exceeds the bandwidth requirement to carry video up to most rigorous HDTV quality standards along with un-compressed video for use in blind spot detection and other real-time Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) applications. The network also enables consumers to connect portable 1394 devices like an Apple iPod via an integrated "consumer convenience port" for an integrated, easy- to-use digital network.

The DVD-CCA approved the use of IDB-1394 with DTCP/IDB-1394 (Digital Transport Content Protection over IDB-1394), which was developed by the Digital Transmission Licensing Administration (DTLA) to transfer CSS protected content coming from a DVD player in automotive environments. DTCP/IBD-1394 uses a concept called "localization," which is designed to assure that content remains protected on the consumer's personal entertainment network. Until this approval, IDB-1394 has been used primarily for navigation map data and multi-channel audio applications including high definition Super Audio CD. Localization assures that content will not be sent without authorization from a vehicle network and is envisioned for all future content protected applications, but up until now has not been approved for other automotive network.

With the approval process complete and a new version of the CSS procedural specification (available from the DVD-CCA at www.dvdcca.org/), vehicle manufacturers and consumer electronics companies can now move forward quickly to introduce the best in high-quality, secure digital video entertainment.

"The IDB Forum has worked together with the motion picture studios, consumer electronics, automotive and computer industry to achieve this significant approval," said Arlan Stehney, IDB Forum Executive Director. "Leaders in content and automotive came together to enable a technology that can provide an incredible entertainment experience for consumers while ensuring vehicle and data integrity over the network."

"Warner Bros. is pleased to have supported the initiative to get IDB-1394 approved as a protected DVD digital output technology," said Spencer Stephens, Vice President -- Technology, Warner Bros. Technical Operations. He added, "As an industry leader and major content provider, this furthers our goals for content protection, expands DVD, and ushers in a new era of portable video and audio device use in the automotive market."

"We are excited to have IDB-1394 approved and believe that it will mark a significant new era in automotive digital networks," said Brad Little, IDB Forum President. "Consumers will now be able to enjoy the highest quality of all-digital DVD content in their vehicles as they see at home on their high definition large screen displays."

"Video has grown to be an integral part of automotive entertainment and telematics," according to Dr. Francine Jeremie, IDB Forum representative from Renault. "The automotive industry is excited to have a specification that is secure enough to gain the acceptance of the movie studios to carry localized digital video. Renault has played a major role in advancing the IDB 1394 specification during 2004. Consumers will enjoy high quality digital video in vehicles that use IDB-1394 as automakers and consumer electronics companies develop cost-effective digital video solutions today and in the future."

"The DTLA congratulates the IDB Forum on the recent approval by the DVD CCA, and looks forward to seeing the use of DTCP over IDB-1394 in automotive environments," said Michael Ayers, DTLA President. He added, "There is a widespread benefit to the market for entertainment when high value content, such as DVD movies, is made available in ways which protect the rights of the copyright owner, but also provide much-desired flexibility in the viewing of that content by consumers."

About the IDB Forum

The IDB Forum is an international association of carmakers and consumer electronics manufacturers based in Washington DC. The IDB Forum brings together all vehicle applications for IDB-1394 technology and has worked together with the 1394 Trade Association for over five years to develop 1394 technology into a vehicle application. For more information on IDB-1394 technology and about the IDB Forum please visit www.idbforum.org.