New Enhanced Features Make Nero the Ideal Choice for Casual and Advanced Users

KARLSBAD, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2001--Ahead Software, GmbH, one of the industry's leading privately held developers of software applications for CD-R/RW, DVD, and Internet Audio, Tuesday announced its latest version of the award winning, all-in-one CD recording solution, Nero 5.5.

Already a feature-rich application, Nero 5.5 adds several significant enhancements including a complete and non-destructive audio editor, the ability to create compatible MPEG data for Video CD recording, a full MPEG 1 video encoder and a VCD/SVCD menu creator.

Two additional features, available only in the Nero retail package, include a virus checker and an advanced drive image tool. When activated, the virus checker, which can be regularly updated via Internet, scans the files of the compilation before burning to CD. The drive image feature enables users to view or run the contents of an image file through Microsoft Explorer prior to burning.

To take advantage of the latest generation of higher speed drives, the application Nero CD Speed 99 has been added to greatly improve recording routines, CD Text routines, and gives users the added option to simulate the creation of the DAE Quality Test disc.

Combined with Nero's capacity to write to as many as 32 CD-R/RW drives simultaneously using an enhanced true multi-tasking CD-Recording engine, Nero 5.5 users are virtually assured of never being constrained by the demands of 16X or greater recording.

To complete the package, Nero 5.5 also includes a full-featured Cover Designer application and a Wave Editor, providing users with an unprecedented level of creative control.

"Nero 5.5 is unquestionably the most complete and comprehensive music editing and CD burning solution the market has ever seen," said Richard Lesser, president of Ahead Software.

"It's simple enough for the casual user to be able to produce creative, professional-level recordings, while providing the enhanced features necessary to meet the needs and challenges of the consummate user."

With Nero's new API (Application Program Interface), software developers can now provide added value to their own applications by adding a feature which will enable their users to take advantage of Nero's advanced CD-R/RW functionality without opening Nero, provided that Nero is installed on these computers.

The additional inclusion of an audio plug-in architecture make it possible for external audio formats to benefit from this version's CD Recording and Internet Audio capability.

Pricing and Availability

Nero 5.5 will begin shipping in the U.S. in February and has a suggested retail price of $69. An exceptional value for previous Nero owners, customers who purchased Nero 5.0 will be entitled to download an upgrade free of charge from the Ahead web-site.

For further information please visit www.nero.com. Customers can purchase Nero 5.5 direct at www.nero.com or at their local retail outlet.

About Ahead

Founded in 1995, Ahead Software, GmbH is one of the industry's leading privately held developers of 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.

Its flagship products include Nero -- Burning ROM, NeroMIX (Born2Burn), NeroMAX, InCD, and Feurio!. Ahead's specialized line of optical recording software enables individuals to personalize and store music onto recordable CDs that can be played back on any CD player, CD-R or CD-RW drive, as well as new DVD players.

In addition to a strong global retail and distribution presence Ahead maintains strong OEM relationships with major computer system and hardware manufacturers, as well as other strategic partners. Ahead Software is headquartered in Karlsbad.

Nero® is a registered trademark and InCD, NeroMIX and NeroMAX are trademarks of Ahead Software GmbH. Any other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.