SANTA CLARA, Calif. and
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 6, 1999-- MGI Software Corp.
announced today the compatibility of its acquired SoftDVD(TM) the
industry's most widely used software-based DVD decoder, with
Panasonic's high-performance, high-capacity DVD-RAM drive. With
SoftDVD, and the removable, rewritable DVD drive, PCs can be
transformed into DVD players at an extremely low cost, since the
systems don't require dedicated MPEG-2 or Dolby Digital (AC-3)
hardware. MGI Software recently acquired SoftDVD from Zoran and
has renamed it SoftDVD MAX.
MGI's SoftDVD MAX seamlessly
supports all of the components of the DVD standard in software,
including navigation, the user interface, MPEG-2 and Dolby®
Digital (AC-3) decoding, video/audio synchronization, decryption,
and 3D audio, and more. These capabilities provide users with
smooth, laser-sharp video and crystal-clear audio without any
skips or clicks. Applications range from playback of corporate
presentations and training films, to Hollywood movies and
interactive game titles. The latest version of MGI's SoftDVD MAX
also supports Microsoft® DirectShow(TM) architecture, Windows 95,
98 and NT 4.0.
In addition to providing
high-quality video and audio playback, MGI's SoftDVD MAX and the
Panasonic DVD-RAM provide PC users with a range of other
capabilities and features. MGI's SoftDVD MAX and DVD-RAM drive
give users a choice of languages on the sound track; the ability
to play back favorite sections instantly; special-effects playback
(such as slow-motion); the choice of parental "locks" on
objectionable scenes; and in some cases, the ability to select
different camera angles.
"SoftDVD MAX's compatibility
with the standards-compliant Panasonic DVD-RAM reinforces MGI's
commitment to support industry standards and ensure that SoftDVD
MAX can be used with the leading software and hardware
solutions," said Israel Ben-Ishai, vice president engineering,
MGI Software.
MGI's SoftDVD MAX Supports
Panasonic's DVD-RAM Drive
The DVD-RAM format approved by the
Forum is now supported by nearly 200 hardware and software
manufacturers. Compliance with the DVD-RAM standards also provides
users with the assurance that the Panasonic drive can be used to
read from discs currently accepted by CD-ROM, CD Audio, CD-R,
CD-RW and video CD drives, as well as DVD-ROM, DVD video, and
DVD-R drives.
With broad media
interchangeability and a removable, rewritable storage capacity of
2.6GB on single-sided discs (5.2GB on a double-sided discs), the
Panasonic DVD-RAM provides businesses and home users with a single
solution for playback of DVD videos and reliable, high-capacity
storage for about $.008/MB.
The Panasonic drive provides
access speeds of 120ms and a data transfer rate of up to 10.5Mbps.
To further enhance performance, a 2MB buffer is included. The
drive's high capacity and performance make it ideal for storing
scanned photos, and illustrations, as well as real-time videos,
commercials, Web sites and large data files. The removable media
can also be used for low-cost distribution of large files such as
catalogs, service manuals, databases or training films.
About MGI Software
MGI Software is one of the world's
leading digital media companies. The company's early focus on
delivering digital media editing technology to the mass market has
led to leadership in the digital imaging and video editing market,
with more than 19 million units of its PhotoSuite and VideoWave
products shipped in retail and OEM channels spanning 25 countries.
MGI Software broadened its market to business and online users of
photography by acquiring the assets of Live Picture and expanded
its technological leadership to encompass all digital
entertainment media, including television, movies, and music, with
PURE DIVA and the acquisition of Zoran's SoftDVD business.
Through its ever-growing network
of partnerships with major consumer electronics manufacturers,
computer hardware and software vendors, photo retailers and the
entertainment industry, MGI Software is uniquely positioned to
take advantage of the revolution shaping our digital lifestyles.
MGI Software is headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario and has
sales offices in the US, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands,
Australia, Taiwan and Tokyo. MGI Software is publicly traded on
The Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information visit http://www.mgisoft.com.
(c) MGI Software Corp.,1999. MGI, MGI PhotoSuite, and MGI
VideoWave, PURE DIVA, SoftDVD, Live Picture are trademarks or
registered trademarks of MGI Software Corp.
Contact:
MGI Software Corporation
Josef Zankowicz, 905/707-3650
[email protected]
www.mgisoft.com
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