Ulead VideoStudio 9 Supports Sony Handycam HDR-HC1 Camcorder With Native HDV Editing; Consumer Video Editing Software Adds Wide-Ranging Support for High-Definition Video Editing

TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2005--Ulead Systems, Inc. (TSE:2487), a 16-year industry leader in video, image and DVD software, today announced that Ulead(R) VideoStudio(TM) 9, Ulead's consumer video editing software, will add support for the Sony(R) HandyCam(R) HDR-HC1 camcorder, the first consumer HDV 1080i camcorder. The Ulead HDV Plug-in for Ulead VideoStudio 9 provides Sony HDR-HC1 users a cost-effective solution to capture, edit, and output high-resolution HDV 1080i video.

"The Sony HDR-HC1 puts high-definition video squarely within the reach of the home video consumer," said Lewis Liaw, president of Ulead. "Easy-to-use HDV editing software adds to the richness of that experience. We are excited to offer Sony HDR-HC1 customers the power of Ulead VideoStudio for creating personal content in high-definition."

HDV represents a new generation of video quality with 16:9 aspect ratio and higher resolution for greater detail and more vivid colors. The Ulead HDV Plug-in for Ulead VideoStudio 9 enables users to incorporate HDV fully in their video projects, from capture through output.

Novice users can take advantage of the VideoStudio 9 Movie Wizard for automated HDV movie making. The Movie Wizard lets users capture HDV and then create a finished movie by choosing from over 20 stylish movie templates with titles, music, transitions and a DVD menu -- all of which can be customized.

In the full Video Editor, users can capture video and audio in native HDV format. Projects can be edited in widescreen 16:9 format. HDV clips can be incorporated in the overlay track for picture-in-picture, chroma key and video overlay effects. Advanced features such as video distortion, video pan-and-zoom and artistic filters are all available for HDV projects. Ripple editing, multi-trim editing and time-saving SmartRender options are also fully enabled. Users can combine HDV clips with clips in DV or other formats in a single project for greater creative freedom. VideoStudio is also compatible with the Sony HDR-HC1 when used in DV mode or when using the camera to downsample video from HDV to DV format. For output options VideoStudio lets users save projects in native HDV format, encode to WMV-HD, QuickTime or a wide range of other supported formats, downsample to DV or output to DVD.

The HDV format was established by Canon Inc., Sharp Corporation, Sony Corporation, and Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC) in September 2003. It was designed to give consumers an affordable way to record and playback high-quality, high-definition video to standard DV and mini DV cassette tapes. A leader in real-time MPEG editing technology, in March 2004 Ulead was the first company to offer native HDV editing support for video editing software with the release of the Ulead HD Plug-in for MediaStudio Pro 7. The Ulead HD Plug-in 2.0 for MediaStudio Pro 7 also supports the Sony HDR-HC1 camcorder.

Pricing and Availability

The Ulead HDV Plug-in for VideoStudio 9 is available for download from the Ulead Mall for US $49.99.

About Ulead Systems

Ulead Systems, Inc. (TSE:2487) 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. Ulead is a principal 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 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.