CORRECTING and REPLACING Sony Announces Availability of Multi-Codec Video Encoder...

CORRECTING and REPLACING Sony Announces Availability of Multi-Codec Video Encoder for Professional Blu-ray Disc Authoring

New Encoding Tool from Sony Creative Software Supports All Blu-ray
Formats, Offers Customization and 30 Percent Faster Delivery Over
Previous Sony Encoder at a Competitive Price
MADISON, Wis.--(Business Wire)--
First sentence of release dated July 22, 2008, should read: xxx in
conjunction with Sony Electronics and Sony Pictures Entertainment
(sted in conjunction with Sony Electronics and Sony Pictures
Imageworks).

The corrected release reads:

SONY ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF MULTI-CODEC VIDEO ENCODER FOR
PROFESSIONAL BLU-RAY DISC AUTHORING

New Encoding Tool from Sony Creative Software Supports All Blu-ray
Formats, Offers Customization and 30 Percent Faster Delivery Over
Previous Sony Encoder at a Competitive Price

Sony Creative Software, a leading worldwide provider of
professional video and audio production applications, today announced
the availability of Sony's new multi-codec video encoder for Blu-ray
Disc authoring developed in conjunction with Sony Electronics and Sony
Pictures Entertainment. Originally announced by Sony Electronics at
NAB 2008, the BAE-VX1000 encoder is priced to bring high-speed,
high-quality Blu-ray Disc authoring within reach of smaller studios.

"As Blu-ray Discs become consumers' high-definition format of
choice, industry demand for affordable and powerful studio encoding
tools is rapidly expanding," said Dave Chaimson, Sony Creative
Software vice president of global marketing. "The BAE-VX1000 encoder
was designed to meet the changing needs of the growing professional
encoder market. It can decrease total encoding time by up to 30
percent over the previous Sony BAE-VA700 solution through enhancements
such as parallel capturing and pre-processing and increased encoding
algorithm efficiency."

Multiple Format Compatibility

A multi-codec design enables BAE-VX1000 encoder compatibility with
most common Blu-ray authoring applications, such as Sony Creative
Software's Blu-print. It offers the option of using H.264 AVC or
MPEG-2 technology to give production professionals more flexibility,
depending on their project deadlines, client preferences or individual
workflow requirements. MPEG-2 encoding for traditional DVD authoring
is also available in the BAE-VX1000 encoder.

Auto Customize Function

To shorten recording times, the BAE-VX1000 offers an Auto
Customize function. This can automatically detect parts of the picture
that are difficult to encode, then perform multiple encoding using up
to five possible bit rates set up in advance. When two-pass encoding
of the entire title is finished, users can review these multiple
versions and select the most suitable one based on its picture quality
and disc size.

Frame-by-Frame Customization

Each encoding parameter can be customized frame-by-frame for best
picture quality. The graphical user interface shifts to another color
to indicate where the parameters have changed. After customization,
segment encoding allows users to input the smallest range required for
re-encoding. This delivers optimum picture quality in the shortest
time by avoiding the need to re-encode the entire title.

Scalable Three-speed Configuration

Engineered to suit individual production needs, the BAE-VX1000
offers multiple settings to give Blu-ray Disc producers the most
flexibility, while not compromising picture quality. An "Express" mode
supports AVC real-time encoding with one PC, when encoding speed is
the top priority. When using additional networked processors, "Fast"
and "Quality" modes are also available to meet higher performance and
quality requirements. The BAE-VX1000 also offers a built in real-time
AVC elementary stream decoder that improves the efficiency of quality
checking procedures.

Supports Single and Multiple PC Networks for Optimum Studio
Flexibility

The BAE-VX1000 encoder can support a simple and affordable single
PC configuration that can accomplish AVC encoding in real-time, which
is ideal for smaller production houses. The encoder can also be easily
expanded to a networked distributed processing configuration, offering
large-scale studio encoding studios a new and affordable tool for
greater operational flexibility.

Pricing and Availability

The BAE-VX1000 encoder is offered as a turn-key system priced at
$55,000 U.S. The system is compatible with 64-bit operating systems on
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, XP and Vista. For more information,
please visit:
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/products/bluprint.asp?page=other
encoders (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted
into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if
one exists.)

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. As a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the
company also develops applications that enhance the experience for
users of Sony hardware devices. Sony Creative Software customers span
the globe and include seasoned professionals in the film, television,
video game, and recording industries, as well as students, educators,
hobbyists, and enthusiasts. For more information, visit
www.sonycreativesoftware.com.

Blu-print is a trademarks or registered trademark of Sony Creative
Software Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other
brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective
holders.

Bender/Helper Impact
Shannon McPhee, 310-473-4147
shannon_mcphee@bhimpact.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008