MGI Software's New SoftDVD MAX Supports Panasonic's DVD-RAM Drive to Enhance DVD
Video, Game Experience for PC Users
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA and TORONTO, ONTARIO--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(R) 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(R)
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 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.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
MGI Software Corporation
Josef Zankowicz
(905) 707-3650
josefz@mgisoft.com |
