IndependentFilm.com

MADISON, WI — Sony Creative Software, a leading provider of professional video and audio editing applications, today announced Vegas Pro 8 software, the newest version of its award-winning nonlinear editing (NLE) software. Vegas Pro 8 provides professional editors with precise control over complex DV, HDV and XDCAM projects through powerful tools for editing material shot in multi-camera environments. Vegas Pro 8 will be available September 10, 2007.

"Vegas Pro 8 solves many of the technical challenges creative professionals are currently facing as they are tasked with producing content for platforms as varied as the mobile screen to high definition, broadcast-quality video," said Dave Chaimson, vice president of marketing for Sony Creative Software. "Equipped with a new 32-bit floating point video engine, Vegas Pro 8 delivers increased quality and accuracy of final output while handling a 10-bit serial digital interface (SDI) at full capacity, which is used for transmission of uncompressed, unencrypted digital video signals."

Now fully Microsoft Vista-compatible, Vegas Pro 8 software expertly delivers broadcast-ready, high definition content through its flexible user interface and extensive professional toolset. Vegas Pro 8 now features a ProType titler for superior vector-based title generation and automation. New specialized template support for developing digital signage provides tools and features for portrait style video authoring required for enhancing visual displays at retail shops, tradeshows and other events requiring compelling imagery at the 9:16 resolution.

The software also offers enhanced scripting capabilities for automating complex workflows in addition to providing new capabilities for editing and delivering Sony AVCHD content. Sony Vegas Pro 8 also introduces a new channel-based mixing console and other audio enhancements, continuing its legacy as the most optimized solution for integrating audio within the video production environment. Also included with Vegas Pro 8 is DVD Architect 4.5, which has been updated with a total of 44 professional design themes.

"The Vegas Pro 8 designers seemed to have heeded well the wish-lists of both professional and amateur videographers alike in crafting this generation of the software," said Richard Doherty, research director and co-founder of digital media analyst firm the Envisioneering Group. No other standalone video editing suite delivers both the power and flexibility demanded by professionals along with an ease of use and enthusiast-friendly learning curve which makes amateurs feel professional - fast!"

Sony Creative Software is also introducing interactive tutorials with the release of the Vegas Pro 8 application. These tutorials allow users to learn more effectively by taking an active role in training, while actually accomplishing the task at hand as they complete the lesson. The interactive tutorials provide an easy transition for users adapting from a more traditional nonlinear editing system to the new and progressive workflow of Vegas Pro 8.

Vegas Pro 8 New Video Features:

ProType titler
Multicamera Workflow
32-Bit Floating Point Video Processing
Digital Signage and Portrait style video editing
Thought Equity™ Motion Footage Search – An exclusive, integrated plug-in designed to streamline the acquisition of stock footage. Includes content from Sony Pictures, National Geographic, HBO and more with a special section provided for registered Vegas Pro 8 users

Vegas Pro 8 New Audio Features:

Audio Mixing Console
Audio Routing Enhancements
Tempo-based audio effects
Support for opening and rendering FLAC files

Vegas Pro 8 New Format Features:

No recompression when rendering long-GOP video formats
Sony AVCHD Read and write Support
Burn timeline to Blu-ray discs
XDCAM FAM mode trimmed conform

Vegas 8 Pro New General Features:

Single-monitor full screen video preview
Extensive Scripting Extensions programming API
Interactive tutorials
Vegas Pro 8 software will be demonstrated at the Sony Creative Software booth #9-131 at the IBC 2007 tradeshow, September 7-11. Visit the Sony Creative Software booth for a complete schedule and session overviews.

Price and Availability

Vegas Pro 8 professional software will be available on September 10 from the Company's extensive worldwide network of retail and academic dealers, as well as from the Sony Creative Software website: www.sonycreativesoftware.com. Localized versions in German, French, Spanish and Japanese will be available in November 2007. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the software is U.S. $699.95. Upgrade pricing is available for current Vegas users.

About Sony Creative Software

Sony Creative Software inspires artistic expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, music, DVD, and audio production. Sound Forge, ACID, and Vegas software have defined digital content creation for a generation of creative professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts. These signature product lines continue to advance the art of providing powerful, accessible tools to unleash the imagination. Today, there is a Sony Creative Software application for every level of expertise, including a full line of consumer software based on the company's professional applications. In addition, Sony Creative Software produces the extensive Sony® Sound Series collection of royalty-free loops and production music, Sony Pictures Sound Effects Series exclusive sound effects, Vision Series video creation assets, as well as www.ACIDplanet.com, the internet's premier site for independent music and video artists. As a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the company also develops applications that enhance the experience for users of Sony hardware devices including the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and Sony Ericsson mobile phones. Sony Creative Software customers span the globe and include seasoned professionals in the film, television, video game, and recording industries, students and educators, hobbyists and enthusiasts, and young children exploring music creation.