Dell and Sonic Solutions have partnered to release the first PC-based Qflix drives able to transform the downloading and recording of DVD movies into an easy task. Through the use of the intuitive application Roxio Venue, movie enthusiasts are able to choose from a range of major Hollywood releases available from CinemaNow, download them to a PC and put them on a DVD-format on Qflix DVD media.

“We look forward to bringing this innovative digital download technology to our customers,” said Michelle Pearcy, director, Dell’s global software marketing. “People are accessing and managing more and more digital content with their PCs, but often they are limited by where and when they can view their content. With Qflix, movie fans can now burn their movies and TV shows to DVDs that can be played on most standard DVD player, greatly enhancing the flexibility of their digital downloads.”

Most Inspiron, Studio and XPS laptops in U.S. feature the Qflix drive bundle as an option for as much as $120. Dell’s Entertainment, Software and Accessories online store have the bundle available as well, and it will soon come as an option on select consumer desktops. An external Qflix-enabled drive, able to support standard DVD read/write functions, two recordable Qflix DVD discs, Roxio Venue and CinemaNow software as well as a USB cable are included in the bundle.

“The burnable-in-the-home DVD is well-timed given the growing interest from both consumers and studios in digital distribution,” said Tom Adams, president, Adams Media Research. “Two of the key things holding consumers back in their willingness to purchase movies electronically are worries about long-term ownership and portability of the downloaded file. Providing the security of a DVD back-up and the assurance that the file will play on the majority of standard DVD players - set-top, desk-top or portable - is a key step forward.”

“The Qflix Platform is bringing the $35 billion DVD sell-through market into the age of electronic distribution,” said Mark Ely, executive vice president of Strategy, Sonic Solutions. “We’re extremely pleased to be working with Dell, Hollywood, and the media and drive suppliers to usher in the age of DVD-on-Demand.”

Qflix-ready movie selections available on CinemaNow include 100 titles at the moment, but they will be continuously expanded. You are required Special Qflix DVD media through which Hollywood approved burning of premium content to DVD is allowed, and it is available on Oflix's site.