Edutain Distribution appointed as CyberLink`s SA distributor

Edutain Distribution/Alien Technologies, a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital World, today announced that it has been appointed the official distributor of CyberLink Corporation`s products in SA.

CyberLink is a leading software developer of digital video entertainment applications and e-Training solutions. The first products to be released in SA are PowerDirector 2.0 PRO and PowerDVD.

The new PowerDirector 2.0 PRO is the next evolution in CyberLink`s award-winning PowerDirector series which provides a total digital video solution to create movies on CDs and DVDs from virtually any PC or Set-Top/Home Theatre.

Demonstrating for the first time at Computer Faire, this software application marks the arrival of a complete turnkey video production application. In version 2.0, PowerDirector`s new advanced video editing engine, numerous special effects and simple to use storyboard interface will allow even the novice PC user the ability to create compelling videos quickly and easily.

"Where previously users needed advanced skills and multiple software applications, now there is a complete, simple to use solution for creating movies on CDs and DVDs," says Voula Philippides, MD of Edutain/Alien. "CyberLink has introduced PowerDirector 2.0 PRO as a means of easy creation and sharing of near-professional quality video productions by providing an all-in-one software application that handles capture, edit, author and burn functions."

With PowerDirector 2.0 PRO`s intelligent Disc Making Wizard interface, users are guided step-by-step through the process of authoring their movie productions, and then burning them onto DVD, VCD, SVCD, or MiniDVD. Authoring is easily completed by making a few selections and answering simple questions to set-up Movie Chapters, add Interactive Menus or just select from over 90 available menu templates. PowerDirector 2.0 PRO even allows users to include Photo Slideshows on the discs, with adjustable timing, auto-scaling and background audio tracks. Burning finished projects onto virtually any video disc is also a simple affair with the Disc Making Wizard.

PowerDirector 2.0 PRO supports a wide range of formats, so users can burn their movie productions onto CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+RW. PowerDirector 2.0 PRO automatically detects the recordable devices the user has installed in their PC.

A CyberLink Runtime Movie Player can be included on each disc, so any disc recipient can view the production on any PC, in addition to being able to watch it on their home consumer player.

PowerDirector 2.0 now offers two modes for DV file transfer directly into MPEG video format, without having to first transfer to AVI files and then transcoding to MPEG. Real-time conversion offers users with fast CPU speed the ability to transfer video quickly and with high quality. This saves time and valuable disk space when importing video from DV tape. Offline conversion was specially designed for users with low CPU speed, but who want to capture their video in highest possible quality.

* Enhanced SVRT: Smart Video Rendering Technology renders MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and now DV-AVI video faster than any other software on the market. PowerDirector 2.0`s newly enhanced SVRT only needs to render the portions of the video that have edits applied. This is unlike other video editing software programs that need to decode and then re-encode the entire length of video. By only rendering the specific portions of the video that`s been edited, instead of the entire length of video (as is the case with other video editing software), PowerDirector 2.0 can preserve the original, un-edited video quality.

* Advanced Scene Detection Technology: With a simple click of the mouse, PowerDirector 2.0 can take a single video file, search for scene changes in the video, and then create several individual video clips. The user can even set the scene detection sensitivity level so that PowerDirector 2.0 will either create more or less scenes, based on changes that happen in the video. This feature is very useful for users who want an easy way to break their video into scenes/chapters for authoring, and/or for making it easier to later insert transition effects between scenes.

* Video Special Effects: This new feature on PowerDirector 2.0 is perfect for allowing even the novice video editor to turn their video clips into eye-catching videos. PowerDirector 2.0 comes with over 21 unique video special effects that can be applied to each video file and even fine-tuned so that users can create the style and feel they want. Users can apply interesting effects like a Water Ripple over their video or Focus to zoom in on a section.

* Trim Mode with Split Video Function: Many times it is necessary to cut out unwanted portions of video, such as mistakes. Therefore, PowerDirector 2.0 users can take advantage of the sophisticated Trim Mode to cut out the portions of video they don`t want and retain only the portions they do want. New to PowerDirector 2.0 is the addition of a Split Video Function, which allows the user to cut their video into two pieces with a simple click of the mouse.

* Slow/Fast Motion Video Effects: PowerDirector 2.0 now comes with a feature that enables users to either increase or decrease the playback speed of a video file. With the use of a convenient slider bar, users can fine-tune the speed to create the exact effect they want. In addition to adjusting the video speed, the user can also select how they would like the associated audio track to be played back. They can either maintain the original audio speed or make it play faster or slower.

PowerDVD is the flagship of CyberLink`s complete range of video and audio software products. It features unrivalled functions allowing users to view high quality video and media-rich DVD contents on the personal computer. PowerDVD is based on the proprietary MPEG-2 video decoding engine that supports full 720 x 480 resolution for NTSC video playback and 720 x 576 for PAL.

The audio decoding engine of PowerDVD is certified by Dolby to meet its high quality audio requirements. The 5.1-channel or 2-channel Dolby Digital streams are sent through S/PDIF to the external Dolby Digital decoder for high fidelity decoding and playback. The current PowerDVD 2.55 version is loaded with new features such as the i-Power service, multiple skin selections, bookmark functions, and screen capture functions.

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PowerDVD 3.0, which allows for personal viewing of media-rich DVD content, is greatly enhanced by its impeccable video and audio performance and new easy to use features. Through the use of an enhanced, state-of-the-art MPEG 1& 2 video decoding engine, users get a true to life, sharper video image. Plus, the new Dolby Digital ProLogic decoder delivers the benefits of Dolby Surround technology for those with multi-channel sound cards. Together with its robust hardware integration and compatibility, as well as low CPU consumption, PowerDVD 3.0 delivers video playback performance that rivals any hardware DVD player. Inspired by the unparalleled popularity of its previous versions, PowerDVD 3.0 is engineered with many quality enhancements not available with other DVD software solutions. With DVD titles offering a multitude of media-rich content and interactive options, viewers have access to a personalised cinematic experience. By offering unique features such as Scene Bookmarking, Screen Snapshot and Dynamic Skin Technology, which allows the user to choose from a variety of graphical interfaces, PowerDVD has solidified its position as one of the most versatile programs in its genre.

"The most advanced digital video and audio technology is put in the hands of the user thus allowing for more enjoyable and interactive viewing of DVD titles," says Voula Philippides, MD of Edutain/Alien.

A short synopsis of many exciting enhancements to PowerDVD`s already long list of features:

* Enhanced MPEG-1 & 2 Video Decoder: CyberLink`s proprietary video decoder has been enhanced. Prepare to be dazzled with picture quality that is stronger, more vivid and sharper.

* Dolby Digital Certified Audio Decoder: CyberLink`s Dolby Certified Decoder produces revolutionary audio playback for 2/4/6 channels and offers a number of audio output selections for maximum DVD enjoyment. PowerDVD has also added a Dolby Prologic Decoder for Dolby Surround titles on multi-channel sound cards.

* Dolby Headphone Technology: This latest innovation from Dolby Laboratories allows users to get five-speaker surround playback with any pair of standard stereo headphones. Manipulates direct and reflected audio effects for a more natural sound in all three modes, as well as preventing listener fatigue during lengthy viewing.

* Digital Zoom: Video can be zoomed at 4x or 9x the normal screen ratio while playback continues smoothly. Once the user is zoomed in they can manual scan across the screen with the simple use of a mouse.

* Screen Snapshot: With just one click, users can capture the image on the screen to save to a file or desktop. Great for creating wallpaper or building a collection of images.

* AB Repeat Mode: The unique AB Repeat mode replays a section of the DVD title that the user selects by choosing a primary point (A) and a secondary point (B), whereby PowerDVD will continuously replay from point A to B.

* Dual Subtitle Effect: This feature provides two subtitles in different languages for DVD titles that support multiple languages. Plus, with the AB Repeat, language learners can go over the dialogue in both the languages displayed.

* Tool Bar Navigation: Can drop down from the top of the screen and give the user a conveniently located navigation toolbar.

* Bookmark Thumbnails: Easily jump to previously bookmarked scenes with a variety of selection modes, including a user-friendly viewer mode.

* Closed Caption Decoder: Enhances DVD viewing, in any region, for those who are hearing impaired.

* i-Power Web Enabler: With one click the embedded web browser connects users to the PowerDVD Desktop Portal Page. The new format of i-power provides links to up-to-date news, databases and other DVD related sites. DVD and the Web, a revolution in interactive entertainment.

Edutain Distribution/Alien Technologies, local distributor of video technologies and streaming video peripherals, offers a wide range of extremely affordable, innovative, sought-after products of the highest international calibre and quality in terms of graphics and multimedia presentation to the reseller channel. For more information, please visit www.edutain.co.za.