Phoenix Software, a leading republisher of software, is delighted to announce the rights to distribute PhotoImpact 12 into the South African marketplace.
Ulead Systems, Inc, a 16-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software, today announced the release of Ulead PhotoImpact 12, Ulead`s flagship image-editing software.
The latest version adds innovative features that allow beginners to immediately enjoy success in editing their digital photos and sharing images in creative projects.
"PhotoImpact is so easy to use and it allows the user to do so many things in an uncomplicated way - once users get started in image editing they never want to go back," said Simon Campbell-Young, Managing Director of Phoenix Global Software. "With sales of digital cameras in South Africa growing, this new version of Ulead PhotoImpact opens the door wider to the exciting world of digital imaging."
Making everyday photo tasks easier
ExpressFix mode and the SmartGuide task-oriented help system are two high-visibility enhancements designed to help introduce users to digital photography.
ExpressFix mode is a simplified interface providing commonly-used photo features as guided and fully automatic tools. Featuring a large preview screen with before and after views, users can adjust colour, exposure and focus using intelligent one-click presets. Noise reduction and PhotoImpact`s unique SmartCurves tone adjustment are available as fully-automated one-step processes.
For photo portraits, users can remove red-eye effects and enhance the complexion of subjects with a Beautify Skin option. ExpressFix mode also provides direct links to PhotoImpact 12`s enhanced White Balance correction feature as well as options to rotate, print, and e-mail photos.
"New ExpressFix mode isn`t just for first-time users. It`s also great for anyone for making everyday photo edits quickly and easily," said Mike Addicott, founder of Digital Diversity in Australia. "The SmartGuide is useful for users of all levels, providing step-by-step directions on-screen for various digital imaging, Web page, and video and DVD menu creation tasks."
Task-oriented help system
PhotoImpact 12 now adds a SmartGuide "How-to" help panel to assist users in completing a range of photo, Web, video and DVD oriented tasks. In addition to step-by-step instructions, links in the SmartGuide help text automatically select the correct tools to perform the action described.
Powerful, high-end image editing
PhotoImpact 12 features significant enhancements to meet the needs of high-end users. RAW file format has been extended to cover more camera models. Editing at high colour depth now includes support for selection tools and objects. 16-bit colour depth objects can now be saved in PhotoImpact`s native UFO file format.
A new White Balance correction tool employing advanced perceptual technology makes photos look more natural, even in mixed lighting situations. To speed workflow, the White Balance tool automatically analyses photo colours and suggests appropriate correction settings which users can accept or refine as desired.
An enhanced Reduce Noise feature, based on new anisotropic diffusion algorithms, is more powerful and much faster. Noise reduction is provided as an automatic feature in ExpressFix mode and as a standalone function with adjustable settings for advanced users.
Creative photo projects
PhotoImpact`s comprehensive set of montage, painting, graphics, text and tools, along with an extensive collection of filters and effects, have long made it a favourite among creative enthusiasts.
New in version 12 is a three-step Photo Project wizard provides customisable templates for adding photos to greeting cards and CD & DVD labels. The new Share menu also includes options for sharing photos in Calendars, Web Albums, Web Slideshows and on Mobile Devices.
Web, DVD, video graphics
The PhotoImpact Component Designer now includes video title graphics and DVD navigation buttons in addition to Web page graphics. Also new in PhotoImpact 12 are templates for Web blogs and DVD menus compatible with Ulead`s latest video editing and DVD authoring packages.
Unmatched value, versatility
Packing 5 complete applications and ready-to-use content, PhotoImpact 12 offers users the most value and versatility of any image editor in its class. In addition to the main editor, the package includes Ulead Photo Explorer 8.6 for managing and browsing photos, video and other digital media; Ulead PhotoImpact Album 12, a database-driven photo management tool; Ulead COOL 360 for composing panoramic images; and Ulead GIF Animator 5.05, a widely acclaimed GIF animation tool. In addition, creative tools, PhotoImpact 12 provides a rich library of over 1 300 royalty-free images, 2 200 Web elements, 1 000 objects and 3 250 customisable effects to serve as a starting point for creative projects.
Pricing and availability
Ulead PhotoImpact 12 will be available from 9 October at R499 (VAT inclusive) from www.computrolley.co.za, www.digitalplanet.co.za, www.telkomsa.net, www.aardvark.co.za and www.kalahari.net.
Retail boxes will be available from retail stores country-wide from Incredible Connection, Hi-Fi Corporation, Game, Dion, Budget Computers, CNA and Makro.
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Phoenix Software is a software republishing business. Founded in September 1999, PG supplies a wide range of software products to distribution and retail partners. The company focuses on niche software that is aimed at vertical markets and has an ongoing mission to bring leading-edge products to the marketplace in a timely and professional manner, while offering excellent price/performance ratios. The company`s product range includes titles from leading vendors such as Nero, Acronis, Namo, Ulead, Intervideo, Software Imaging, Ink Saver, Webroot, TonerSaver, ThinkFree, X-00M, Zgroup, Onspeed, Onspeed Mobile and G Data Internet Security and Anti Virus. For additional information, please visit www.phoenixsoftware.co.za.
Ulead Systems
Ulead Systems, Inc (TSE:2487), a subsidiary of InterVideo, Inc (NASDAQ: IVII) is a 17-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software. As more people use digital technologies at home, school and the workplace, Ulead software empowers users of all levels with the tools to easily and affordably personalise, manage and share digital content. Ulead is a member of the DVD Forum, participates in DVD Forum Working Groups and is a general member of the HD-DVD promotion group. Ulead is also a Contributor member of the Blu-ray Disc Association and serves on the BDA TEG. For more information on the company, its products and services, please visit Ulead`s Web site at www.ulead.co.uk.
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