Want to play your videos on your new Apple TV? Roxio Crunch might be the answer. Using this new application, you can quickly and easily covert your videos for playback on the Apple TV or portable devices like the iPod or iPhone.
Roxio, a division of Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), today released Roxio Crunch, a software application for quickly and easily converting computer-based video entertainment for viewing in the living room through Apple TV. Supporting a broad range of personal video content including DVD-Video, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and DivX files, Roxio Crunch uses powerful compression technologies and straightforward settings to format video for optimal playback enjoyment. In addition to converting files for Apple TV, Roxio Crunch also enables consumers to view their favorite content on the road with predefined options for output to iPod and the soon to be released iPhone.
Roxio Crunch for Mac OS X is currently available for $39.99. A dual-platform Mac and Microsoft Windows version will be available at retail stores later this quarter. Full details can be found here. Add a comment
Good news for Windows Vista users. Roxio has announced that the core components of Easy Media Creator 9 have achieved Windows Vista Certification. Here's part of their press release:
Roxio, a division of Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), today announced that all core components of Roxio Easy Media Creator 9, the company’s comprehensive suite of music, photo, and video applications have achieved Windows Vista Certification through the premium logo program. The ideal complement and enhancement to consumers’ experience with Windows Vista, the latest version of Roxio’s retail-leading digital media suite offers extensive support for portable entertainment devices, high-definition video editing tools, and ground-breaking audio creation and enjoyment features. The Windows Vista Certified version of Easy Media Creator 9 is now shipping to major retailers and e-stores and is available direct from Roxio at www.roxio.com.. For more information on how Easy Media Creator enhances the Windows Vista experience, go to www.roxio.com/vista.
Unfortunately, Roxio doesn't mention if existing Easy Media Creator 9 owners will need an update or not. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, Roxio's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Until now, if you wanted a copy of Nero BackItUp, you had to buy the entire Nero suite. Starting in May though, you will be able to buy a stand alone version of the software through Nero's volume licensing program.
Nero, leaders in digital media technology, today announced it will release of the stand alone version of BackItUp 2, a complete data backup and disaster recovery solution. BackItUp 2 is Vista-ready and provides versatile capabilities such as highly configurable automatic backup scheduling, data encryption, virus protection, and extensive media and storage device compatibility. BackItUp 2 will be available early May in North and South America through Nero's volume licensing program.

"The BackItUp 2 application and our volume licensing program make it easy for businesses to ensure the preservation of their mission-critical data," said Udo Eberlein, Chief Operating Officer, Nero AG. "In addition to offering category-leading disaster recovery, backup scheduling and data security tools, BackItUp 2 delivers unprecedented support for media formats and devices, including a broad assortment of network storage solutions."
While Nero has not provided pricing information yet, you can bet it will be a fraction of what you'd pay for the entire Nero suite. If you'd like to read more, Nero's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Corel has announced two new versions of their Ulead VideoStudio software. According to their press release, VideoStudio 11 And VideoStudio 11 Plus offer a number of new features including support for Windows Vista, AVCHD editing capabilities and, in the case of the Plus version, the ability to create HD DVD videos.
Corel Corporation, a leading developer of graphics, productivity and digital media software, today announced the availability of Ulead VideoStudio 11 and Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus, the newest versions of its award-winning consumer video editing and DVD authoring software. Widely regarded for its powerful features and unmatched ease of use, VideoStudio now includes the industry's first AVCHD editing solution, enhanced DV-to-DVD Wizard and Movie Wizard features, more title/subtitle and overlay tools and a host of quick-fix solutions for common video problems, including automatic color/tone correction. With the new Plus version, consumers also have a complete, end-to-end solution for capturing, editing, authoring and burning HD DVD videos.

Ulead VideoStudio 11 is an all-in-one solution for producing professional-looking videos, slideshows and DVDs with Dolby Digital sound. More than just an upgrade of the previous version, the Works with Windows Vista(TM) certified software makes a quantum leap forward in delivering today's most-wanted features while maintaining the performance and ease-of-use that have made Ulead VideoStudio so popular.
While boxed versions of VideoStudio 11 won't hit store shelves until some time in May, the software can be purchased now from www.corel.com and www.ulead.com. Suggested retail pricing is $89.99 for the standard version and $129.99 for the Plus version. More information can be found here. Add a comment
Roxio sent out a press release this morning, announcing the release of their CinePlayer DVD Decoder Pack. Designed specifically for Windows Vista, the pack includes the Microsoft audio and video decoders that come standard in the Home Premium and Ultimate versions of the OS.
Roxio, a division of Sonic Solutions (NASDAQ: SNIC), the leader in digital media software, today released CinePlayer DVD Decoder Pack, an enhancement for Windows Vista that provides high-quality DVD viewing in Windows Media Player. The CinePlayer DVD Decoder provides full-screen, full-frame rate playback of DVD-Video and MPEG-2 files with amazingly sharp and detailed picture quality. The Windows Vista version of Sonic's extremely popular plug-in for Windows XP, CinePlayer DVD Decoder now also supports Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound for enhanced audio enjoyment...

...Designed specifically for optimal performance on Windows Vista, CinePlayer DVD Decoder Pack includes the Microsoft audio and video decoders that are standard in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate. With CinePlayer DVD Decoder Pack, users of other versions, including Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Business, and Windows Vista Enterprise, can enjoy high-quality DVD and MPEG-2 video playback in Windows Media Player.
Roxio's CinePlayer DVD Decoder is available now and can be purchased directly from their website for $14.99. Complete details can be found here. Add a comment