Ulead
Introduces New Version of PhotoImpact Image Editing Software
PhotoImpact 11 answers the needs of professional photographers
while providing new interface modes that make it simple for
beginners
Taipei, Taiwan '” October 20, 2005 '”
Ulead® Systems, Inc., a 16-year industry leader in video, image and DVD
software, today announced the release of Ulead PhotoImpact® 11, Ulead's flagship
PC image-editing software with easy-to-use tools for a wide range of personal
and professional image and photo-editing needs. The latest version introduces an
all-new interface system providing distinct modes for beginners and advanced
users along with 16-bit editing/RAW support and next-generation tools for
high-end digital photography and creative design.
"People getting started with digital photography don't
want a complex solution. At the same time, experienced users look for
flexibility and control," said Eldon C.M. Liu, president of Ulead. "With
PhotoImpact 11's new 'My Workspace' modes and customizable interface, users of
all levels will find the perfect set of tools for their needs and experience. We
hope people will find PhotoImpact 11's Basic Photo Mode akin to a welcome mat at
the doorstep of digital photography."
"PhotoImpact lets me be creative," said MaryLou White,
PhotoImpact Resource Center (PIRC) founder and long-time user. "I love
experimenting and finding new ways to express my artistic side. There's simply
nothing else like it."
Flexible Interface System
The "My Workspace"
interface system offers a set of five pre-defined modes, along with the ability
to customize and save personal workspace layouts. Basic Photo Mode is the
simplest of the ready-to-use modes; providing large, easy-to-identify icons with
direct access to the most commonly used tools for acquiring, browsing, enhancing
and sharing images. Specially-configured menus, toolbars and fewer option panels
simplify the user interface for new and casual users. They can choose between
Basic Photo Mode, Standard Photo Mode, Graphics Mode, Web Mode and Advanced
Mode.
My Workspace customization options allow users to
configure the interface to their individual needs. Menus and toolbars can be
re-organized with drag-and-drop ease. All panels may by docked or float freely
for comfortable use across dual monitors. Shortcut keys and Menu and Command
names are also fully customizable.
Unique High-end Digital Photography
Tools
PhotoImpact 11 offers photography enthusiasts features that make
the camera just the beginning for high-end digital photography. New RAW/DNG
support allows users to capture full camera-image quality. Ulead® Photo Explorer
8.6, included with PhotoImpact 11, provides intuitive browsing and batch
conversion of RAW files. Enhanced 16-bit editing allows for a range of automatic
and manual processing tools to adjust color and correct images in high-quality
48-bit color depth.
Powerful new SmartCurves dramatically simplifies
photo-tone enhancement with automatic correction of camera response curve
anomalies. Based on Ulead's advanced HDR imaging technology, SmartCurves gives
users high-quality tonal correction tailored for their camera.
For perfect photo compositions, revolutionary new
SmartRemove Scene Compositor lets users selectively paint out moving elements
from multiple shots of the same scene to compose an image with just the elements
they want. In addition to removing unwanted elements, SmartRemove also makes it
possible to create dramatic original photos by combining shots with people or
objects appearing in different poses or locations.
PhotoImpact 11's new high-end photography tools include
White Balance adjustment and Chromatic Aberration correction. The High Dynamic
Range (HDR) and Color Cast tools have also been improved.
Enhanced Creative Options
New to PhotoImpact 11
are non-destructive Layer Masks, editable alpha-channel masks for objects. Layer
Masks allow users to blend images and objects in creative compositions with even
greater flexibility.
With more and more users creating video projects and
authoring DVDs for personal, business or education applications, PhotoImpact now
incorporates features specifically designed for video productions. The Web
Component Designer, first introduced in PhotoImpact 5, now includes a range of
customizable lower-third graphics that make creating compelling overlay graphics
simple and fast. A new 'Save for Video" option simplifies the process of saving
graphics for video projects.
The EasyPalette™ library of ready-to-use content now
includes a range of DVD menu templates that can be customized and saved for use
in Ulead® DVD MovieFactory® or Ulead® DVD Workshop®. Both products allow users
to import menus using PhotoImpact's native UFO file format. Ulead's high-end
video-editing suite, MediaStudio® Pro 8, supports UFO files directly on the
timeline.
PhotoImpact 11 also includes a "Save for Mobile" option to
enable users to easily create graphics for display on mobile phones, PDAs, the
Sony® PSP and other mobile devices. Save for Mobile incorporates a range of
intelligent templates to automatically format images to the correct size, color
depth, file format and file size for a chosen device.
Pricing and Availability
Box and electronic
download versions of PhotoImpact 11 will be available in October for $89.99
through Ulead Web sites. Upgrades for registered PhotoImpact users will be
available for $49.99.
About Ulead Systems
Ulead Systems,
Inc. (TSE:2487) is a leading developer of innovative video, imaging and DVD
authoring software for desktop, server, mobile and Internet platforms. 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
personalize, 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.com.
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Source: Ulead
