Discreet Logic Announces SMOKE 2.5 With New Migration Path to Support DTV.

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 1998

Version 2.5 Delivers Improved EDL, Project Management and

Transitions; New Printed Keycaps, DVE Layer Re-Entry,

3D Text and Geometry, Filters Module

Discreet Logic today announced Version 2.5 of SMOKE online, nonlinear video editing system, with a migration strategy to support the latest advances in Digital Television.

The new version delivers extensive enhancements, as well as entirely new features including, layer re-entry for its industry-leading DVE, 3D text, an improved keyboard layout with printed key caps, the ability to load and conform EDLs simultaneously, and a new optional Filters module.

Bob Turner, well known NLES expert, Videography Contributing Editor "Hands On" Reviewer and accomplished video editor, commented, "Online finishing is not just a matter of noncompressed video quality. The depth of the toolset, and the real time response makes all the difference in unleashing the creativity of an editor. Examples of the depth of the Discreet Logic toolset include: workgroup connectivity, sophisticated keying, "morphing" (without leaving the edit system software), four point tracking, complex warp effects, eight programmable lightsources, special online Retouch tools to fix negative dirt and drop-outs efficiently, and up to four DVE channels (with front video, back video and alpha tracks). The DVE also features: layer re-entry, up to four global programming levels, and camera-track viewpoint programming. Fast interactivity results in the ability to smoothly and creatively build a pace and rhythm to your work without the distracting pauses."

Turner continued, "I find it amazing that Discreet Logic can bring these qualities together in their affordable SMOKE nonlinear online edit system. Discreet Logic offers an SGI online editing product that beats most traditional linear edit bays on capabilities, speed and cost -- plus the migration strategy to DTV is icing on the cake."

DTV Migration Strategy

Discreet Logic's continued strategy of open and resolution independent architecture, 16:9 support, end-to-end facility infrastructure and connectivity technology, as well as strong third party partnerships, results in the experience required to migrate SMOKE to support DTV. In addition, full bandwidth RGB processing ensures the highest quality digital television images. SMOKE runs on the SGI OCTANE, which is both flexible and cost effective: all key elements in the transition to DTV.

Graham Sharp, vice president of sales, Discreet Logic: "We're committed to interfacing SMOKE to other devices expected to be found in a DTV suite, including high definition disk recorders and digital to analog converters, in order to provide a strong, versatile and facility-integrated DTV editing solution with SMOKE. The purchase of SMOKE is a revenue generator today, and a secure investment in the future for Discreet Logic customers."

Feature Highlights

Version 2.5 highlights include significant enhancements to SMOKE's creative effects capabilities, and editing workflow: EDL management, project management, transitions and interactivity. Editing efficiency and learning curve are improved with a revised keyboard layout and new printed key caps, designed for editors who are used to working with keyboard-driven systems. Project management improvements include the ability to create, archive and restore setup files on a project by project basis, create user-preference profiles, as well as an enhanced file browser.

SMOKE 2.5 provides the editor with the versatility to load and conform as many as 15 EDLs simultaneously, and bring a pre-timed and pre-layered multi-track assembly coming from multiple EDLs to the DVE. EDL modifications may be instantly previewed via an integrated clip viewer. The new version also includes the user requested ability to import and export other systems proprietary comments standard for clip names and audio track re-mapping.

SMOKE delivers enhanced transition capabilities, all keyframeable, including a fully customizable set of SMPTE wipes, real-time dissolves, custom transitions, and SPARKS third party plug-ins for such operations as page turns. System response time, interactivity and processing speed has been a key focus, and improvements are evident in text rendering quality and speed during rolls and crawls. SMOKE features a real-time comparison between two video tracks, ideal when comparing the offline and assembled online versions for reference. For longer form editing a similar feature is now offered to compare the assembly to an offline version on tape without even having to digitize the clip.

SMOKE's industry-leading DVE features two programmable layers over a live background, upgradeable to four, each offering independent control of key, colour correction, tracking and DVE axis attributes, as well as a new layer re-entry feature allowing the use of intermediate results as sources. Layers are manipulated within a true 3D space work environment including camera control, eight independent light sources that can be either local or global, new support of 3D text and geometry, and now also feature four global axis controls. Optional creative modules include Tracker/Stabilizer, Retouch, a new Filters module, and over 350 SPARKS third party plug-ins.

About Discreet Logic

Discreet Logic Inc. develops advanced systems and new media software that are used in the creation of digital imagery and serve three key markets: visual effects, editing and production. Artists, editors and designers use Discreet Logic's products to develop imagery for video, broadcast, HDTV, the web, new media and feature films, including the 1998 Visual Effects Academy Award winner "Titanic", and other nominees "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" and "Starship Troopers"; as well as previous Academy Award winners "Independence Day" and "Forrest Gump". For further information, visit Discreet Logic Website at www.discreet.com or e-mail [e-mail]. -0-

Editor's Note: Discreet Logic and its products are trademarks of Discreet Logic Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Discreet Logic

Emma Shield, 514/954-7151