Sony Launches New version of its VEGAS DVD Production Suite Software

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(April 18, 2005 NAB, Las Vegas, USA) Sony Media Software announced upgrades today to its award-winning Vegas® nonlinear video and audio editing system and DVD Architect™ authoring program. These two applications form the core of the new Vegas+DVD™ Production Suite, specifically upgraded for HDV, which also includes a Dolby Digital® AC-3 multi-channel encoder for 5.1 surround output. Both products retain the same progressive editing interfaces as their predecessors, but offer many technological advances that cater to production professionals involved with independent films, documentaries, corporate and professional event videography, as well as feature and broadcast productions.

“Vegas 6 software is a comprehensive editing platform that works in harmony with higher end systems in complex post production networks such as ours,” said Jim Logan, owner of Logan Productions who has worked on media projects for companies such American Family Insurance, John Deere, Jockey International and Kerasote Theaters. “The editing capabilities of Vegas 6 can stand on their own against any high-end system, or work equally as an adjunct to other production workflows. Now with the support of the BlackMagic DeckLink™ card, it’s easy to bring in SD or HD over SDI. This has truly improved the pro-level video handling characteristics and has moved Vegas 6 solidly into the realm of broadcast video tools. Vegas 6 is simply the best video/audio editing software investment you can make. It is a high-end professional application sold at an affordable price.”

Already an industry standard, Vegas 6 software provides comprehensive format support for DV, SD, and HDV. This application provides a future-proof migration path for production professionals who have invested in the standard definition workflows of today; ensures a seamless transition to tomorrow's HD based formats; and offers support for a vast number of delivery and output options ranging from DVD to WMV HD.

“The Vegas+DVD Production Suite supports editing and high quality video processing for DV, HDV, and SD/HD-SDI, unparalleled audio capabilities, along with professional caliber DVD authoring and mastering,” said Steve Banfield, senior vice president of media applications and platforms for Sony Pictures Digital. “Coupled with the wide variety of output and encoding options that Vegas and DVD Architect software provide, from CD to DVD to high-definition Windows Media, there’s no better solution for production and delivery than what our suite provides today. It’s truly ready when you are.”

The Vegas+DVD Production Suite is part of a full line of professional applications developed by Sony Media Software, a business unit of Sony Corporation of America.

New features in Vegas 6 software include:

• Comprehensive HDV support optimized for the new Sony HVR-Z1U and HDR-FX1 cameras and the HVR-M1OU HDV VTR deck
• SD/HD SDI capture, editing and export using Blackmagic Design DeckLink™ boards
• Enhanced multi-processor support resulting in faster renders * Superior frame rate conversions (ie. 1080i to 720-24p and 1080-24p WMV HD)
• Next-generation DVI/VGA external monitoring tools
• Project nesting
• AAF import/export
• System-wide media asset management
• VST audio effect support
• Broadcast WAV (BWF) import and arrange
• Playhead timeline scrubbing
• Editing enhancements

DVD Architect 3 software now offers:

• Support for dual-layer authoring and burning
• Mastering to DLT, DDP, CMF
• CSS and Macrovision® encryption tools
• Adobe® Photoshop® software (PSD) layer support
• Multi-angle selection
• Project playlists
• Theme export
• Jacket Picture creation
• Smart-project re-prepare
• Media FX application

Additionally, the Vegas+DVD Production Suite comes with three pieces of free bonus software: Boris® Grafitti Ltd; Boris FX Ltd. For Vegas – featuring a professional-grade chroma-keyer and motion stabilizer; and Magic Bullet Movie Looks™ HD50, an enhanced version of the Movie Looks program that previously shipped with the suite. The new version supports HD resolutions, and provides 50 different presets that mimic popular television and movie looks.

Availability and Pricing

The Sony Vegas+DVD Production Suite will be available worldwide April 18th with a suggested retail price of AUST$ $949 (inc GST). Vegas 6 will also be available separately for a suggested retail price of AUST$ $649 (inc GST). More information can be found at www.newmagic.com.au or www.sony.com/mediasoftware, including a complete list of new features, and dealer locations.

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About Sony Media Software

Sony Media Software manages the following media creation software titles: Sound Forge® software, Vegas® software, CD Architect™ software, DVD Architect™ software, ACID® PRO software, Sony Sound Series™ music and sound effects libraries, Sony Vision Series™ graphics, animations and stock footage libraries, Noise Reduction™ Plug-In, Vegas Movie Studio™ software, ACID Music Studio™ software and Sound Forge Audio Studio™ software. The team based in Madison, Wisconsin also runs the ACIDplanet™ online service (www.ACIDplanet.com), a worldwide community for progressive musicians. For additional product information, please visit www.sony.com/mediasoftware.