New Version of Top-Selling 3D Titling Software Targets Needs of Video and Web Designing Professionals

TORRANCE, Calif., February 22, 2000 -- Ulead Systems, Inc., a major developer of imaging, video and Internet software, today announced the release of Ulead COOL 3D 3.0. This new version of Ulead's award-winning 3D text tool quickly creates bold, attention-getting still and animated titles for Web sites, video projects and presentations. Version 3.0 addresses the needs of video professionals and Web designers by adding more options for creating personalized animated 3D graphics and special effects.

"COOL 3D has a track record for encouraging innovation by being the only 3D titling software with an open-ended architecture and stunning animated special effect plug-ins," said Michael Downs, director of product marketing for Ulead Systems, Inc. "Version 3.0 now incorporates vector-based editing to give users the creative freedom to design and edit their own 3D objects and graphics, while maintaining Ulead's "ease-of-use" trademark. This gives everyone, experienced and not, a chance to add their own special touch and create extraordinary effects."

3D for Video Output

New features give video professionals more options and control when creating 3D titles and graphics for output to video. COOL 3D now supports both AVI and QuickTime formats with enhanced save features for video output. Users can save as frame or field based video, apply NTSC or PAL video color-safe filters, specify the compression scheme or CODEC and specify the frame rate and frame size. And, users can specify the target playback drive and preview video output before saving. Version 3.0 gives video users a list of standard video frame dimensions for templates. New support for the RealText 3D format allows users to create animations with small file sizes perfect for sharing on the Web. This file format is a new feature of the RealPlayer Plus G2, which retrieves audio, video, text, animation and other media to the desktop faster by using streaming technology.

3D for Web Design

A popular tool for Web graphics designers, the latest version of COOL 3D delivers features that make the Web animation design process easier and more efficient. Version 3.0 incorporates GIF animation optimization features to shrink file sizes for faster viewing on the Web. Users can choose the number of colors in the animation, create a global palette and remove redundant pixels. In addition, COOL 3D lists the "before" and "after" file sizes and download times as well as the option to preview the animation in a browser before saving. Version 3.0 integrates seamlessly with Ulead SmartSaver Pro for additional control over optimization. To get Web designers started quickly, COOL 3D now provides list of standard Web banner dimensions, like the popular 468x 60 ad banner size. It also includes enhanced independent key frame and timeline control with the ability to show and hide individual key frames in an animation. Finally, a new playback cache system makes animation playback smoother and faster when previewing within COOL 3D.

3D Objects and Graphics

One of the most important feature enhancements in COOL 3D 3.0 is the new 2D path editor, which allows designers to create and edit their own customized logos and objects by using shapes, bezier tools and freehand drawing. The paths can be instantly converted into 3D objects and manipulated. Users can open any image, like a company logo, then trace or convert the raster image into a vector path. The image can be edited further by adding and manipulating nodes (control points) along the path. Version 3.0 lets users import vector-based WMF graphics and Microsoft X models as well as instantly create 3D primitives like spheres, cones, cubes and other basic geometric shapes. A new object manager keeps track of all 3D objects in the workspace where they can be grouped and regrouped for manipulation.

More Special Effects

Exclusive special effects like Explosion, Fire, Bend and Twist have long been a hallmark of COOL 3D and version 3.0 is no different. Version 3.0 offers new 3D transition effects, such as Blast, which first "explodes" a piece of text or object, then transitions the pieces into a different text or object. This effect is perfect for Web banners and video-based titles. Ulead's famous EasyPalette has been reorganized to make it even easier to drag-and-drop hundreds of pre-set effects. Every EasyPalette effect comes with its own precision settings that give power users the ability to customize effects to perfection.

Pricing and Availability

Ulead COOL 3D 3.0 is scheduled to be available in retail and online stores in late-March. The estimated street price for COOL 3D 3.0 is $79.95. The online downloadable version will be available for $59.95. Owners of the current and earlier versions may upgrade to version 3.0 for $49.95 for the boxed version and $44.95 for the download version. For more information on COOL 3D and other Ulead products, visit Ulead's 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(R) PhotoImpact(R), Ulead(R) VideoStudio(TM), Ulead MediaStudio Pro(TM), Ulead Photo Express(TM), Ulead(R) COOL 3D(TM), Ulead(R) GIF Animator(TM), Ulead(R) WebRazor Pro(TM), Ulead(R) GIF-X.Plugin(TM), Ulead(R) COOL 360(TM) and Ulead FaceFactory(TM). 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 .

SOURCE Ulead Systems, Inc.

CO: Ulead Systems, Inc.