Phoenix Global Software introduces VideoStudio 9 into SA

Novices can make movies instantly with automated DV-to-DVD Wizard while hobbyists have complete creative control with powerful features such as Chroma Keying and Flash Animation Overlays.

London May 23rd 2005. Phoenix Global Software, a leading re-publisher of software, is delighted to announce the rights to distribute Ulead VideoStudio 9 into the South African marketplace.

As more and more consumers use digital camcorders, cameras and camera phones to take videos and photos, all too often these digital memories never reach their intended audience.

To help consumers begin sharing these memories as fun-to-watch DVD movies and slideshows, Ulead Systems, Inc, a 15-year developer of digital media software, debuts VideoStudio 9, the newest version of its easy-to-use and powerful video editing software. Ulead designed VideoStudio 9 to make it scalable, with three different video editing modes, to meet the skill level and various project demands of both novices and hobbyists.

Building on the success of the multiple award-winning version 8, VideoStudio 9 takes automated video editing to the next level. Novices can start with the new DV-to-DVD Wizard, which, in two steps, automatically takes video straight off a DV camcorder and turns it into an edited DVD production. For both automation and control, the enhanced Movie Wizard lets users choose a stylish movie template like Sports, Holiday, Vacation and even Drive-in Movie Theatre, and edits the video with text, music, transitions and a DVD menu - all of which can be customised. For complete control, the full Video Editor provides a set of easy-to-use yet powerful video editing tools including Chroma Keying, Flash Animation overlays, Pan and Zoom on video and a variety of video and audio filters.

"This is powerful video editing made easy," stated Simon Campbel-Young, Phoenix Global Software. "VideoStudio 9 caters for both the beginner and the more advanced user with either its two-step DV to DVD Wizard or its powerful video editor. I am sure that this will be another award-winner from Ulead and Phoenix Global are excited to be able to launch this title into the South African market," he continued.

Fast movie making: The new DV Quick Scan feature lets consumers save time by quickly scanning video clips on the DV tape and selecting only the clips they want to capture. Once the clips are selected, the new DV-to-DVD Wizard automatically turns videos into edited DVDs with a DVD menu, titles, transitions and music. The Movie Wizard now offers over 20 movie templates to choose from. At the same time, it includes smart pan and zoom, which automatically detects flesh tones on photos.

Powerful video editing tools made easy: For complete control, users can go into the full Video Editor. Its complete seven-step workflow guides them through the movie-making process. Chroma Keying lets users add different video backgrounds to their productions. This is perfect for making a person appear like they`re somewhere else - eg, travelling through Paris, flying through space, or in a newsroom - any video will work. It`s now possible to combine flash animation with video to add artistic flair and sophistication to video productions. Users can choose from a variety of Flash animations provided or create their own. With new ripple editing, it`s possible to trim, rearrange or remove unwanted scenes and VideoStudio 9 will automatically shift video clips, music, titles and overlays so that they are in-sync.

Unique in the market, users can now distort or reshape video and images so that they appear at an angle. New mask effects create optical transitions to create a fluid-like effect. At the same time, new video filters include particle effects like clouds and rain. Enhanced titling lets users place multiple titles on the same video frame and animate each title separately.

More ways to share: Once a movie is finished, VideoStudio 9 can transfer to tape, DVD, CD and the Web. Users can create Hollywood-like DVDs with theme-based menu templates that include motion backgrounds and buttons. Not only is it possible to edit 16:9 videos, but also users can create a home theatre-like experience by creating 16:9 DVD menus. The new Movie Screensaver creates a Windows screensaver from a favourite slideshow or video clip complete with music. VideoStudio 9 can edit and output files from MPEG-4 devices, 3GPP mobile camera phones, and provides unique support for WMV HD files as well as WMV files for Smart Phones and Pocket PCs. Within VideoStudio 9 users can effortlessly encode and upload videos to share via Neptune.com MediaShare, a pioneering Web site for sharing videos over the Web.

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VideoStudio 9 will be available immediately at SRP of R699 from www.computrolley.co.za.

Retail boxes will be available from retail stores countrywide from mid-June.