Ulead Introduces PhotoImpact 12
New release simplifies photo editing for users new to digital imaging


Taipei, Taiwan - September 19, 2006 - Ulead Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of InterVideo Inc. 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 & DVD oriented tasks. In addition to step-by-step instructions, links in the SmartGuide help text automatically select 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 analyses 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 provides customizable templates for adding photos to greeting cards and CD & DVD labels. The new Share menu also includes options for sharing photos in Calendars, Web Albums, Web Slideshows and on Mobile Devices.

Web, DVD & 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 1,398 royalty-free images, 2,221 Web elements, 1,088 objects and 3,270 customizable effects to serve as a starting point for creative projects.

Pricing and Availability
Box and electronic download versions of PhotoImpact 12 will be available in October at $89.99. Upgrades for registered PhotoImpact users will be available for $49.99.

For more information on the company, its products and services, please visit Ulead's Web site at www.ulead.com.