Ulead Introduces PhotoImpact 12 - the
Latest Version of Acclaimed Image Editing Software
New Release Simplifies Photo
Editing for Users New to Digital Imaging
Taipei, Taiwan - September 22, 2006
'” Ulead® Systems, Inc. (TSE:2487), a subsidiary of InterVideo® Inc.
(NASDAQ: IVII), 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 does so many
things in such an uncomplicated way, once users get started, they never want to
go back," said Steve Ro, Ulead chairman and president of InterVideo. "What we've
done with this new version is open the door wider to enter the exciting world of
digital imaging. We think users will find ExpressFix mode and the new photo
projects invaluable additions to this award-winning product."
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 color, 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 and video and DVD-oriented tasks. In addition to step-by-step instructions,
links in the SmartGuide, help text automatically selects 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 color depth now includes support for selection tools and
objects. 16-bit color 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 analyzes
photo colors 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
stand-alone 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 favorite among creative
enthusiasts.
New in version 12 is a three-step Photo Project wizard which
provides customizable templates for adding photos to greeting cards and CD or
DVD labels. The new Share menu also includes options for sharing photos in
calendars, Web albums, Web slideshows and on mobile devices.
Web, DVD
and 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 and 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 customizable effects to serve as a starting point for
creative projects.
Pricing and Availability
Box and
electronic download versions and upgrades of PhotoImpact 12 will be available in
October starting at $49.99 US.
About 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 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.
About InterVideo, Inc.
InterVideo
is a leading provider of integrated digital and high-definition multimedia and
audio/video content solutions in the PC, CE and wireless industries. The
company's broad suite of integrated multimedia software products are designed to
enhance the consumer's entertainment experience, whether the content is
delivered to a home system, HDTV set, wireless system, mobile or personal
multimedia device. InterVideo's unique iMobi™ multimedia codec technologies are
widely used by Smartphones, GPS units and portable entertainment device OEMs and
ODMs to enhance music and video enjoyment…anyplace, anytime. The firm's
worldwide headquarters is at 46430 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA, 510-651-0888,
InterVideo also has major offices in Taiwan, Japan, Mainland China and around
the globe. For more information, visit www.intervideo.com.
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Source: Ulead
