Nero 6, World's First Double Layer DVD Recording Software, Bundled with Sony's New 710 Series DVD+R Dl Capable DVD Recorders

Business Wire, Sept 7, 2004

GLENDALE, Calif. -- Yet another SONY platform supported by Nero's DL Capable Software Suite

Ahead Software, leaders in digital media technology, announced today that Nero 6, the world's first all-in-one DVD R Double Layer (DL) software suite, is now bundled with Sony's 710 Series of DL-Capable DVD Recorders. Sony had previously chosen Nero 6 for their first ever DL-Capable DVD Recorders when releasing their 700 Series in April 2004. All of Nero's applications in this enhanced version of its OEM digital media suite fully support DVD R DL drives, allowing 8.5GB DVD writing, authoring, backup and direct-to-disc video recoding for the first time ever.

"Ahead Software has proudly set the standard for functionality and reliability in a new era of Double Layer DVD recording," said Udo Eberlein, President, Ahead Software Inc. "We are honored to be continually selected by Sony as their software of choice for their double-layer series of DVD recorders."

Ahead's advanced CD/ DVD burning and backup suite, Nero, was the perfect complement to Sony's groundbreaking 700 Series and now continuing the support to Sony's 710 series. This will double the storage capacity of current DVD recordable discs and usher in the next big wave of DVD recording technology. Nero Vision Express 2 will allow users to edit, author and record up to four hours of high-quality MPEG-2 video. Nero Express 6 and Nero Burning ROM 6 SE can be used to record up to 8.5 GB of data, music and photos on compatible DVD R DL media.

The internal DRU-710A is currently shipping to retailers while the external DRX-710UL is expected to ship in October. Shipping with the award winning Nero applications, consumers will be able to enjoy all forms of CD-R/RW recording, single layer DVD /-RW recording formats, and the brand new DVD R Double Layer recording technology.

"The features and flexibility of the Nero software are a great fit for Sony's award winning DVD and CD burners" said Robert DeMoulin, Marketing Manager for Branded Storage Products in Sony Electronics' IT Products Division. "Nero software is now bundled with virtually every Sony branded DVD and CD recorder sold at retail in the US."

The comprehensive software suite features a full range of digital media applications. NeroVision Express 2 takes video capturing, editing, photo slideshows and animated menu creation to the next level with its support of full DVD-Video authoring on DVD R DL, doubling the capacity to four hours of standard DVD quality video. Nero BackItUp takes full advantage of the increased capacity of a DVD R DL disc, allowing users to run scheduled backups, password-protect their data and choose from various backup modes such as full or incremental. With Nero Express 6, consumers can burn up to 8.5 GB of data, digital audio and photos. Also included are the most powerful DVD and digital video playback application Nero ShowTime, the essential drive testing utility Nero Toolkit, the packet writing application InCD 4, the label creator Nero Cover Designer, and the digital audio jukebox Nero Media Player.

Sony's double-layer, dual-format drives bundled with Nero's enhanced OEM suite will provide both consumers and businesses with a complete, cost-effective, high-speed burning solution with an abundance of storage space that can house more than 2,000 songs on a single DL R DVD. To speed up and simplify the recording process, Nero StartSmart, a unique application launcher, serves as the user's one-click portal to all programs and features in Nero's ultimate optical recording suite.

For addition information on all Nero applications, please visit www.nero.com.

About Ahead

Ahead Software provides the most reliable CD/DVD software applications available to serve digital media markets worldwide. Since its inception in 1995, Ahead's leading application, Nero, has built a loyal customer base of more than 140 million users world-wide.

Ahead's award-winning flagship product Nero 6 provides an all-in-one comprehensive digital media solution. Ahead's product line also includes Nero Digital(TM) - audio/video technology, Nero PhotoShow Elite - the easy and complete photo experience, SIPPS - VoIP, and across - professional computer aided translation software. Ahead distributes its products globally through world's leading drive manufacturers and PC makers, as well as leading worldwide retailers, online partners, and also directly to consumers at www.nero.com. Ahead Software AG is headquartered in Karlsbad, Germany, with its subsidiaries Ahead Software Inc. located in Glendale, California USA and Ahead Software K.K. located in Yokohama, Japan.