Following the industry-wide adoption of the Sony Blu-ray high definition DVD format, Sony Creative Software today announced upgrades to its DVD Architect and Blu-print applications for authoring Blu-ray discs. Ongoing development of Blu-ray authoring solutions reinforces Sony’s commitment to offer comprehensive production solutions, from software to hardware, at the prosumer and global production scale.

DVD Architect 5 software enables independent producers and videographers to author both a standard definition DVD or a high definition Blu-ray Disc complete with full motion buttons, motion menus, scene selection menus, subtitles and alternate video and audio tracks. The clean, drag-and-drop DVD Architect interface, powerful layout and authoring tools work seamlessly with the Sony Vegas Pro video editing and production software, making it easy to develop dynamic menu-based DVDs, movies, picture slideshows and music compilations. Shipping in mid-June, DVD Architect 5 software will be available as a free downloadable upgrade to all registered Vegas Pro 8 users, as the Vegas Pro software ships bundled with the DVD Architect application.

“With the release of DVD Architect 5, Sony Creative Software now offers a comprehensive tool for Vegas Pro users to publish their work in the Blu-ray Disc format, highlighting our position as the software foundation of the integrated Sony solution,” said Dave Chaimson, vice president of global marketing for Sony Creative Software.

Available in May, Blu-print 4.3 enterprise software helps to simplify the complexity of producing fully interactive Blu-ray discs at professional studios or authoring houses. Delivering on the partnership announcement made last month, Blu-print 4.3 now features integration with Ensequence on-Q Create for Blu-ray Java, which enables Blu-ray Disc developers to create and distribute Java based interactive experiences to viewers worldwide. Blu-print 4.3 features an intuitive user interface, as well as automation tools to simplify otherwise daunting tasks, such as creating multi-story Blu-ray discs. Blu-print 4.3 offers a full-featured high level scripting language that saves DVD authors from having to write BD assembly codes, as well as the ability to export all project objects into XML files for easy BD-Java authoring using Ensequence on-Q Create for Blu-ray Java.

“Not only does the Blu-ray format feature next-generation video quality, but it also showcases next-generation interactivity that requires incredibly powerful authoring applications,” continued Chaimson. “Blu-print 4.3 solves these challenges for enterprise-level production houses with tools that help streamline the development of interactive Blu-ray features such as Internet-connected content and multi-story discs.”

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.