DVD Creation and Authoring Software Delivers Unmatched New Features and Usability for Creating Great Looking DVDs at Home

MADISON, Wis., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Media Software, a leading provider of professional video and audio editing software applications, announced today the availability of DVD Architect(TM) Studio, a standalone program that addresses the growing consumer demand for a single software application dedicated to DVD authoring for movies, song compilations and pictures slideshows. Previously only available bundled with Sony Vegas(R) Movie Studio+DVD, this new standalone version expands Sony's line of home studio products by offering a robust application with many important features that are critical for creating dynamic and interactive DVDs.

DVD Architect Studio software features the same look and feel of Sony's flagship products, including superior ease-of-use and a simple drag-and-drop interface for quick DVD layout; the ability to create both single and multi-movie DVDs, picture and music compilations; and support for most popular DVD burners today.

"DVD Architect Studio will appeal to creative individuals looking for a tool that is both robust and easy to use to author professional looking DVDs," said Dave Chaimson, vice president of marketing, Sony Media Software. "With its full set of features, DVD Architect Studio provides a very intuitive user interface with exclusive Show Me How tutorials for accomplishing professional quality projects at home or in the office in a timely manner."

  A complete list of features includes:

  *  Import audio, video, and stills from an extensive range of formats
  *  Easy-to-use, menu-based and drag-and-drop interface for DVD design
     and authoring
  *  DVD movie creation
  *  Create picture slide shows and music compilations
  *  Still and motion menu creation
  *  Text editing and shadow effects
  *  NTSC and PAL in standard (4:3) and widescreen (16:9) formats
  *  Add, edit, and move chapter points
  *  Adjustable project and file optimization settings
  *  Preview the final project before burning to DVD using virtual remote
  *  View safe grid areas to ensure proper image and button placement
  *  Includes 27 customizable themes
  *  Get started right away and learn as you go with interactive
     Show Me How tutorials
  *  Supports a wide variety of DVD burners

  Price and Availability

DVD Architect Studio software is now available worldwide at leading retailers and online stores for $49.95 (MSRP). For more information on DVD Architect Studio or any of Sony Media Software's leading audio or video editing solutions, please visit: http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/.

About Sony Media Software

Sony Media Software inspires creative expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, music, DVD, and audio production. Sound Forge(R), ACID(R), and Vegas(R) 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 Media Software application for every level of expertise, including a full line of consumer software based on the company's professional applications. In addition, Sony Media 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 ACIDplanet.com(R), 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(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and Sony Ericsson mobile phones. Sony Media 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.