Ulead Professional Video and DVD Software to Support High Definition Video Format

Business Wire, Nov 17, 2003

Business Editors

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 2003

Ulead Systems, Inc., a leading developer of video, image, and DVD software, will equip its professional video editing and DVD authoring software to support the High Definition Video (HDV) format. The HDV format spec, which was established by Canon Inc., Sharp Corporation, Sony Corporation, and Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC), will enable consumer and professional videographers to record and playback high-definition video on standard DV and mini DV cassette tapes. The HDV format will provide far higher video recording quality than offered by current digital video camcorders. MediaStudio Pro 7, Ulead's professional video editing software, is expected to work with the HDV format by the end of 2003. Gradually, all Ulead professional video and DVD software will support HDV.

Leveraging Ulead's leading competency in real-time MPEG editing, MediaStudio Pro is an excellent first candidate to handle HDV content seamlessly. Users will get the same convenient editing experience as they do with DV media in MediaStudio Pro's flexible workflow and broad toolset, but with the higher resolution and fidelity of HD video.

"With the recent establishment of the HDV spec, digital video professionals and hobbyists can now look at HDV as a viable format for video production," says Masanori Kitami, general manager of JVC's Camcorder Category. "As people begin to transition to HDV, it's important for both hardware and software manufacturers to collaborate in developing products that support the format. We're therefore pleased that Ulead is taking some of the first steps in the software industry toward making HDV an accessible format to videographers worldwide."

"HDV is a significant next step in the development of digital video," says Way-Zen Chen, chairman of Ulead Systems. "As TV broadcasting turns to high-definition in Japan, Europe and the U.S., consumers will want to create video productions with the same vivid detail they see on TV. And now with the solidification of the HDV format spec, HDV digital camcorders will increasingly become available. As the HDV format takes hold, Ulead will be there to offer our customers straightforward, technologically-rich software to edit and author high quality, high definition video."

About Ulead Systems

Ulead Systems, Inc. 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. Headquartered in Taiwan, Ulead maintains offices worldwide in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Ulead employs over 450 people and is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. For more information on the company, its products and services, please visit Ulead's Website at www.ulead.com or call 800-85-ULEAD (800-858-5323).