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Movielink launched a new service today that will allow customers to download films with copy-protection software that can be burned to DVD. The new service is a result of a licensing agreement between Movielink and Sonic Solutions.

Per the agreement, Movielink licensed Sonic's DVD-on-Demand technology for the download offering. Also, Sonic will include the Movielink Service in its Roxio CinePlayer and other video software.

"We are anticipating an industry resolution to establish rules for converting secure Internet-delivered Movielink downloads into a secure format compatible with DVD players in the market today," said Jim Ramo, CEO, Movielink.

"This gives consumers a more flexible product while providing copyright holders with adequate protection of their content. Our relationship with Sonic is a critical advancement and will enhance the value of our service, along with the capabilities already available, by allowing customers to burn and playback movies on standard DVD players."

Though the deal, Movielink is hoping to take on not only traditional DVD sellers and offline rental establishments like Blockbuster, but is also taking aim at online rental services like NetFlix by taking out both the necessity to go to the video rental store and to await movie rentals or purchases by mail.

"By working with Movielink, the leader in broadband movie downloading, and allowing users to download, purchase and burn movies to DVDs, we are combining the flexibility and convenience of Internet video distribution with the permanency and portability of the DVD video format," said Jim Taylor, senior vice president and general manager of Sonic Solutions' Advanced Technology Group.

The companies will also cooperate on a joint marketing strategy.

Sonic has developed and licensed to Movielink a new module for AuthorScript called AuthorScript DVD on Demand, which includes digital rights management (DRM) protection to secure DVD content during the download process. Sonic uses Extensible Media Protection Architecture (XMPA) that allows studio-approved copy protection mechanisms to be applied to DVDs as they are being burned.

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Jason L. Miller is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business.