Liftoff: Vegas 7 launch (press release)

prairiedogpics wrote on 9/7/2006, 10:28 AM
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-07-2006/0004428083&EDATE=



Sony Launches New Version Of Vegas+DVD Production Suite at IBC 2006


Upgrades and Enhancements to Top PC-Based Nonlinear Editing Software
Include Advanced HDV and XDCAM Support

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Media
Software, a leading provider of professional video and audio editing
software applications, announced today the immediate availability of the
Vegas(TM)+DVD Production Suite, a significant upgrade to its award-winning
professional video, audio, and DVD production software solution. The suite
includes Vegas 7 and DVD Architect(TM) 4 software, as well as a Dolby
Digital(R) AC-3 multi-channel encoder for 5.1 surround output.
The all-new Vegas 7 nonlinear editing software combines superior HDV
and XDCAM support with innovative workflow enhancement tools that make the
application more powerful and intuitive than ever before. Responding to
industry-wide demand for new HDV-enabled technology, Vegas 7 software
offers full frame rate playback of native HDV on the Vegas timeline and
includes improved memory for handling HDV 1080i longform projects. In
addition, Vegas 7 software provides all the tools needed to edit proxy and
full resolution HD and SD XDCAM MXF files natively without requiring
further transcoding.
"Not only does Vegas 7 respond to the current needs of content creators
and producers, it provides a comprehensive tool-set that supports the
latest formats, and future-proofs their workflows no matter how they're
currently taking advantage of the platform. Reconfigured memory handling
streamlines the editing of large HDV clips and we've also included improved
support for Blackmagic Design Decklink and AJA hardware. The new
multithreaded audio engine maximizes audio playback and performance, and
the overall enhancements to workflow give unprecedented control over
project development," said Dave Chaimson, vice president of marketing, Sony
Media Software. "Individually, each of these elements would make Vegas 7 a
compelling product, but the combination of these additions with many other
new features make Vegas 7 a must-have for professional production in the
studio or field."
New features in Vegas 7 software reinforce its position as one of the
most intuitive nonlinear editing tools for all formats. New capabilities
include improved snapping with enhanced visual clues across multiple
tracks, and flexible window docking, which provides customized layouts for
modifying the user interface preferences.
The Vegas+DVD Production Suite is also bundled with two free bonus
applications: Boris(R) Graffiti Ltd and Magic Bullet Movie Looks(TM) HD65,
an enhanced version of the Movie Looks program that shipped with earlier
versions of the suite. The new Magic Bullet Movie Looks(TM) HD65 supports
HD resolutions and provides 65 different presets that mimic popular
television and movie looks.
New features in the Vegas+DVD Production Suite include:

Vegas 7 New Video Features:

* Improved native HDV 1080i .m2t playback performance and improved
memory handling for HDV 1080i longform projects
* Comprehensive XDCAM support, including XDCAM viewer window, proxy
support, FAM (i.LINK(R)) and network support, multichannel audio I/O,
proxy conform and master to disc. All SD and HD XDCAM formats are
supported
* Improved DeckLink implementation includes support for current-
generation DeckLink PCI-e and PCI-x cards, improved batch capture,
multichannel audio I/O, insert edit to tape, mixed timecode
handling, 1080i 24p I/O support, and 720p timeline monitoring
* Support for AJA SDI cards (requires Xena LH, LHe, LS, or LSe card).
Includes support for batch capture, multichannel audio I/O, insert
edit to tape, mixed timecode handling, SD and HD I/O including 1080i
24p, and 720p timeline monitoring
* High-quality H.264 AVC/AAC import and export. Includes templates for
Sony PSP(R), Apple iPod(R), and HD (originally released with Vegas
6.0d)
* I-frames insertion at marker positions when rendering MPEG-2 (works
in conjunction with I-frame viewer in DVD Architect 4)
* Export to PSP(R) (originally released as special upgrade in
Vegas 6.0d)
* 5.1-channel audio extraction from DVD-based camcorders and home
movies on DVD
* Red-eye reduction for still images

Vegas 7 New Audio Features:

* Multithreaded audio engine maximizes real-time audio playback and
rendering performance -- more tracks and effects with lower latency
* Support for Sony Cinescore(TM) music-generation plug-in
* Multichannel audio rendering, audio import and Broadcast Wave (BWF)
audio import with arrange to timestamp
* Improved VST plug-in support
* Support for opening and rendering ATRAC3(TM), ATRAC3plus(TM), and
ATRAC Advanced Lossless(TM) files, mono, stereo, and 5.1 surround
* Gracenote(R) MusicID(TM) technology for extracted audio from CDs
* Support for the Frontier TranzPort control surface

Vegas 7 New Workflow Features:

* Improved video preview -- now includes auto-fit to preview window,
simultaneous internal / external preview, additional resolution modes
and optimized scaling for previews
* Enhanced window layout management offers ability to save, recall, and
share custom window layouts
* More flexible window docking lets timeline and tabs display on top of
docked windows or below
* Improved snapping includes color-coded visual snap indicator and the
ability to snap to event edges on other tracks
* User-definable default smoothness values for Pan/Crop and Track
Motion keyframes
* Freehand envelope drawing on the timeline
* Improved project copy/trim with media includes support for
uncompressed AVI, Sony YUV AVI, and CineForm AVI files, copy/trim of
audio and video to a single .avi file, copy/trim support for media
with velocity envelopes
* Cut/copy/delete applies to grouped events
* Display option for media marker names in events
* Improved Media Manager performance
* Enhanced keyboard customization
The Vegas+DVD Production Suite also includes an updated version of DVD
Architect software, offering new capabilities in the design and production
of DVDs. New scripting tools in the software enable custom navigation and
interactivity in DVD menu design.
Additional updates available in DVD Architect 4 software include:

DVD Architect 4 New General Features:

* Scripting support offers the ability to create simple games, custom
kiosks automation, and locking passcodes
* Random playlist playback
* Parental Control
* Support for Sony Cinescore(TM) music-generation plug-in
* DVD-R DL Support

DVD Architect 4 New Editing and Layout Features

* Keyframeable transformations
* Keyframeable crop and effects
* Additional marker types
* Graphical subtitles
* Title reordering
* Snap to I-Frame -- provides precise chapter layout
* 4:3 and 16:9 preview settings
* Greater than 100% zoom

DVD Architect 4 New Audio and Video Features

* Buttons on Video
* Crop and adjust dialog
* Slideshow animations
* Picture slideshow duration
* ATRAC support

DVD Architect 4 New Testing and Burning Features

* Burn mastered folder
* 8cm to 12cm DVD copy
* Button overlap indication
There will be Vegas+DVD demonstrations at various times throughout the
IBC 2006 tradeshow, September 8-12. Visit the Sony Media Software booth
(hall 7, 7.936) or the main Sony booth (hall 9, 9.410) for times and
topics.
Price and Availability
The Vegas+DVD Production Suite provides professionals with the ultimate
platform for scalable DV, HDV and HD production. With unparalleled image
quality, robust media management and unrivaled audio support, it has become
the new standard for tape and file-based workflow editing. It is now
available from software retailers worldwide for $699 (MSRP). French,
German, and Japanese versions of the software will be available through
international retailers in October 2006. For more information on Vegas+DVD
software 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(TM), ACID(TM), and Vegas(TM) 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 http://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(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.


SOURCE Sony Media Software

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Related links:

http://www.sonymediasoftware.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Issuers of news releases and not PR Newswire are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution, apply.
Copyright © 1996-2006 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved.
A United Business Media company.


Comments

mjroddy wrote on 9/7/2006, 10:41 AM
For the first time EVER, I MAY not upgrade...
kentwolf wrote on 9/7/2006, 11:08 AM
>>...announced today the *immediate* availability of the Vegas(TM) DVD Production Suite...

Immediate? So where is it?

Do you all think that means today?
BrianStanding wrote on 9/7/2006, 11:11 AM
Improved video preview
Improved snapping
Cut/copy/delete applies to grouped events
Improved project copy/trim
Display option for media marker names in events

These workflow improvements sound pretty good. A lot of them are things I've personally been pestering Sony about for years.

Looking forward to the demo.
Jayster wrote on 9/7/2006, 11:16 AM
* User-definable default smoothness values for Pan/Crop and Track Motion keyframes

Sounds like they were reading this forum and listening...
p@mast3rs wrote on 9/7/2006, 11:16 AM
Immediate should mean available for purchase right now but apparently not immediately from Sony. Probably will be tomorrow because that is the first day they actually start showing the program.
Yoyodyne wrote on 9/7/2006, 11:20 AM
This has me really curious;

"* Multichannel audio rendering, audio import and Broadcast Wave (BWF)
audio import with arrange to timestamp"

I think this means Vegas can now handle Multi Channel Wave files? If so this would be a huge deal for me! I must give this puppy a try as soon as possible!
plasmavideo wrote on 9/7/2006, 11:24 AM
I'm anxious to see if render times have improved for DV or mpg on standard hyperthreaded P4 machines.
jwcarney wrote on 9/7/2006, 11:38 AM
I heard it still uses the old vfw interface. Crud
[r]Evolution wrote on 9/7/2006, 12:33 PM
vfw interface <-- What's that?

-I would definitely like to see a better looking Interface/GUI. Vegas6 looks like Windows2000. Very amatuer'ish... it doesn't look like it was designed by a team of 'Creatives'. It looks more so like it was designed by a team of FreeWare writers. (of course, I'm only talking about its looks. Its functionality is definitely Top-Notch)
Maestro wrote on 9/7/2006, 12:37 PM
I agree. Sounds like a point release. Several--well, okay ALL of the things I've been wanting (and also hearing other people want) weren't implemented. I'm starting to doubt they ever will be. And yes, I have submitted them in the enhancement request.
rmack350 wrote on 9/7/2006, 12:41 PM
I don't mind things looking like win2k. I turn off anything that looks like XP on every system I have a say over. Can't stand it.

I'm very happy to hear that I'll be able to turn off all things Vista as well. I have too much to do to be messing around with an interface change in the OS.

Off the top of my head, the VFW interface has to do with how Vegas reads, writes, and plays video files. I think it may have some affect on whether Vegas can make use of a GPU, for one thing.

Or I may just be talking smack...

Rob Mack
rmack350 wrote on 9/7/2006, 12:45 PM
Well, I think after the dust settles in a week or two we should revisit those lists. Sounds like there'll be people screaming bloody murder that their particular feature wasn't in this release.

For the next two weeks I'm more interested in what people think of the things that are in the release.

Rob Mack
BrianStanding wrote on 9/7/2006, 1:09 PM
Another thing to wait for is to see whether or not Sony opened up more of the interface to scripting. Based on past experience, Sony probably won't release any details of scripting changes until after the release.

At least half the reason I use Vegas is because of all the free and cheap scripts available to help with all kinds of tasks. I know there's a bunch of stuff the script folks have been asking for that could open up lots of new possibilities.
dand9959 wrote on 9/7/2006, 1:23 PM
Boy, I sure wish they had fixed the capture annoyance where the capture destination directory is a global setting, rather than per vidcap project.

I'm always forgetting to go change that directory when I'm capturing unrelated assets, and ending up with new project clips in the capture directory from my previous project. What a pain.
jwcarney wrote on 9/7/2006, 1:39 PM
vfw.....Not the GUI interface but the MultiMedia Interface it uses for capturing and editing video among other things, very outdated. Most NLEs have moved to the newer DirectShow interace. LIke someone else posted, I"ll wait for a full review before I make my decision. No reason to hurry.
rmack350 wrote on 9/7/2006, 1:49 PM
Really good point!

Rob
rmack350 wrote on 9/7/2006, 1:53 PM
Yes. Vidcap isn't tied to projects. When you open it up it just opens the last capture file. Eventually these get too big and slow vidcap down.

Vidcap has always needed a complete rebuild. It's never really been up to snuff. Not ever.

Rob Mack
Paul_Holmes wrote on 9/7/2006, 2:12 PM
Sync2Rythm
Vegas6 looks like Windows2000. Very amatuer'ish...

If you're calling Vegas's interface "amateurish" you may as well call Internet Explorer's interface "amateurish," or Firefox's interface "amateurish." There's nothing amateurish about it. Things are well placed, logically laid out and functional.

Does it really matter to you if it has a "cool" skin or not, or that it gets the job done.

On the other hand, if you think eye-candy might make it more appealing to a broader range of users, maybe it's worth a shot.

I just don't think programs that are designed as tools need to set "eye-candy" appeal at the top of their priorities
jrazz wrote on 9/7/2006, 2:24 PM
If you want eye-candy, take a look at 3d-album.com. Their product looks really neat and I am sure has some neat features, but trying to figure out the UI is like trying to figure out how to set the clock on your VCR. I would rather have functionality than eye-candy anyday!

j razz
Jonathan Neal wrote on 9/7/2006, 2:43 PM
I for one would not like Vegas to look like Windows Media Center. That's for viewing, creating. Pinnacle always felt like that, and it was ICKY.

Now, where's the new V7 download? Maybe the higher ups were just waiting for the word from us to post the trial. So, here goes...

------------------------------------------------

ahem, i'm ready.
David Arbogast wrote on 9/7/2006, 2:48 PM
"Does it really matter to you if it has a "cool" skin or not, or that it gets the job done."

Absolutely aesthetics matter! :) Automobiles, for example, are machines for travel and houses are machines for living, but most people want more than a car or house that "gets the job done." I am a designer by trade, so I really dislike the notion that we can't use tools that BOTH get the job done and look really pretty doing it.

IMO Vegas is creativity software, and the user interface ought to reflect it. Shouldn't the tool we use to make eye candy also possess a little eye candy as well? Design matters!
bStro wrote on 9/7/2006, 2:53 PM
Vegas6 looks like Windows2000. Very amatuer'ish..

I'd be interested in knowing what programs you feel do not have an "amateurish" look before I pass judgement on your peculiar comments. ;-)

And just out of curiousity, do you have Windows themes enabled in Vegas (Options -> Preferences, seventh from the bottom)?

Rob
Stuart Robinson wrote on 9/7/2006, 2:57 PM
Disappointing to find no mention of MPEG-2 re-encoding, having to re-encode the entire timeline for the sake of one or two edits is a real pain.

Having said that, being able to insert I-Frame points is a big plus, now we have a frame-accurate method of controlling DVD chapters and branching points.
wafalcon wrote on 9/7/2006, 3:02 PM
BrianStanding:

Wow the workflow does sound better.

You are ahead of me, because I been only personally pestering Sony for about one year, for the same things, so Hopefully they took our and other's workflow ideas!

Good luck!