LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2000--Since its conception, Nero has evolved into a complete solution to all your CD-Recording needs, and is now the premier CD-R/RW software in the Windows environment. Already famed for heralding many recording firsts, Nero 5.5 adds several significant enhancements to an already feature-rich application.

Recognising the increasing usage of audio for CD Recording, a complete and non-destructive audio editor is now included in Nero 5.5. Likewise for the creation of compatible MPEG data for Video CD recording, a full MPEG 1 video encoder is incorporated, along with a VCD/SVCD menu creator. An advanced cover editor now gives a level of editable control, until now absent from integrated software packages.

For the first time, applications can now be modified or developed, to take advantage of the Nero 5.5 API. Consequently CD-R/RW functionality can be realised by any such congruent software without the necessity of opening Nero.

Amongst other new features, the inclusion of an audio plug-in architecture now makes it possible for external audio formats to benefit from the CD Recording and Internet Audio capability of Nero 5.5.

Nero's true multi-tasking CD-Recording engine has been enhanced even further to take advantage of the new generation of higher speed drives. With Nero capable of the simultaneous writing of up to 32 CD-R/RW drives, you won't be waiting around for safe and reliable burning. The demands of 16X Recording and beyond will constrain many a CD Recording software, but never Nero.

Nero 5.5 is set to become available in early December. Customers who purchased Nero 5.0 will receive an upgrade free of charge from the Ahead web-site. For further information please visit our web site at www.nero.com, or contact Jenny Menhart at [email protected]

About Ahead: Ahead Software GmbH develops software applications for CD-R/RW, DVD, and Internet Audio. The company's software products are part of the fastest growing segment in the IT industry. Ahead's product line includes Nero - Burning ROM, NeroMIX (Born2Burn), NeroMAX, InCD, and Feurio. Ahead Software, founded in 1995, is headquartered in Karlsbad, Germany.