Version 6.0 Offers DV and MPEG-2 Capture and Edit Functionality From Affordable Hardware Systems

Torrance, CA -- (February 28, 2000)-- Ulead Systems, Inc., a leading developer of video editing, image editing and Web graphics software, announced the release of MediaStudio Pro 6.0, the latest version of their professional video editor. This new version incorporates the widest support in the industry for the latest technologies such as DV IEEE-1394 (iLink/Firewire), MPEG-2 and MP3 audio. Now the professional and enthusiast can produce the highest quality video productions for broadcast or the Internet at a fraction of the cost of other broadcast editing solutions.

Latest Technology Made Available for Low-Cost Capture Boards

MediaStudio Pro 6.0 now offers low-cost hardware manufacturers the most advanced editing capabilities in a mature editing environment. In the past, editing complex video formats, such as digital video (DV) and MPEG-2, had been reserved for expensive hardware and dedicated systems. But now, several manufacturers have brought these complex formats to cost-conscious consumers and MediaStudio Pro supports more formats than any other video editing software product on the market today.

MediaStudio Pro edits DV natively, eliminating generation loss. This means that the DV codec is maintained throughout the entire process - from capture, through editing, to output - without transcoding to another format, insuring the highest quality possible. With 1394 devices, MediaStudio Pro has now incorporated Batch Capture from multiple source tapes. Now it's possible for MediaStudio Pro to control the camcorder through a batch capture sequence or on the fly with control input from the user.

In addition, MediaStudio Pro 6.0 is the first and only professional video editing software to incorporate MPEG-2 native editing in a software solution. Now MPEG-2 files can be captured from any analogue capture board that supports RGB or YUV drivers. Once the MPEG-2 video has been captured, MediaStudio Pro continues to work with video files in native MPEG format for frame-accurate, no-generation-loss editing. This revolutionary advancement is due to the incorporation of Ligos Corporation's GoMotion technology, an MPEG-2 encoder/decoder. With GoMotion integrated into all aspects of MediaStudio Pro 6.0, users now enjoy DVD quality video on-screen or off a CD-ROM with the convenience and performance of MPEG-2's small file sizes.

For audio file support, MediaStudio Pro 6.0 now captures popular MP3 audio files to be used for background music or sound effects which allows for greater flexibility in editing and a wide selection of music to download off the web.

New Workflow Allows for Greatest Flexibility

MediaStudio Pro 6.0's user interface has been redesigned so editors can enjoy the smooth process of using independent Source and Preview windows. This development allows users to customize dimensions and window placement in their workspace, even over dual screens for maximum view space. The new Source window allows for multiple cuts to be placed on the timeline from one source clip, without dragging the same raw clip to the timeline multiple times. Once IN and OUT points are made on the clip, it can be dragged to the timeline for finer tuning.

Improved ripple editing allows users to choose between no ripple, single-track ripple and multi-track ripple editing. Once these techniques are mastered, editors can insert clips many different ways without re-configuring the sequence or layout of their project. Push-away insertion and automatic trim-to-space has also been included into the editing controls.

MediaStudio Pro's Media Library is superior to competitors with its "Windows Explorer" type model that provides every element needed for a project in one location: clips, filters, transitions, audio, audio filters, etc. Now users can choose between thumbnail, list, and description view modes to best suit their editing preferences and can even customize their own folders.

Many other improvements have been made to the video editor's work flow, such as an automatic audio cross-fade tool, an audio decibel display with fade nodes on the timeline, lock/unlock tracks, on/off tracks scissors, selection tools and access to most clip functions through right-click options. All this is enabled with drag-and-drop ease between the Source and Preview windows, timeline and Media Library.

SmartRender Technology Improved with New Features

While Ulead has incorporated these new workflow and file format improvements, vast improvements have also been made in their own SmartRender technology to increase render times and minimize re-render instances. In addition, other Smart tools have been added such as: Smart Check and Convert, which insures all files in a project conform to the project settings; Smart Relink which automatically re-links lost files; and Smart Trim which deletes trimmed video not used in the project to save disk space.

Pricing and Availability

Ulead MediaStudio Pro 6.0 will be available in retail and online stores in March 2000. The estimated street price for MediaStudio Pro 6.0 is $495. For more information on MediaStudio Pro and other Ulead products, visit Ulead's web site at http://www.ulead.com.

About Ulead Systems

Ulead Systems, Inc. develops innovative video, imaging and Web graphics applications to help users communicate their ideas effectively and creatively to audiences around the world. The company's award-winning products include Ulead® PhotoImpact®, Ulead® VideoStudio™, Ulead MediaStudio Pro™, Ulead Photo Express™, Ulead® COOL 3D™, Ulead® GIF Animator™, Ulead® WebRazor Pro™, Ulead® GIF-X.Plugin™, Ulead® COOL 360™ and Ulead FaceFactory™. Ulead also supports the burgeoning Web graphics community with a robust Web site (www.webutilities.com) and a cutting-edge line of WebUtilities software products that focus specifically on Web graphics and animation design. For more information on the company, its products and services, please visit Ulead's Web site at http://www.ulead.com.