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Synchro Arts Announces VocALign PRO Audio Alignment Software for Digidesign Pro Tools (4/9/2005)

New alignment and editing algorithms offer radical improvements to unique and popular program 1 September 2005, Epsom, UK

Synchro Arts Limited is pleased to announce it is releasing a completely new version of its unique audio alignment software, VocALign(r), which will be called VocALign PRO. VocALign is the only software that automatically edits one audio signal to match the timing patterns in another audio signal.

VocALign has been used regularly for over a decade on major feature films and TV shows and popular music recordings. Now, after several years of research and development, VocALign PRO will contain a host of new features and improvements. These include new advanced alignment and editing algorithms and audio preview controls, which will enhance the ease-of-use, accuracy and quality of this popular software and make audio alignment tasks easier and more efficient than ever before.

The new VocALign PRO will be released first as a Pro Tools(r) AudioSuite plug-in.

New features and functions in VocALign PRO

* Increased alignment accuracy:- achieved with a new and more sophisticated pattern recognition algorithm. * User settable Sync Points:- targets audio alignment at specified pairs of points in the two signals. * Protected signal blocks:- user can mark sections of the Replacement (Dub) signal to not be time-compressed or expanded during alignment. * Comprehensive audio preview options in VocALign: - allows listening to sections or the whole signal(s) before and after alignment, individually or together. * Ability to re-use an alignment path:- on another Dub signal. (Can be used for multi-track microphone recordings - e.g. simultaneous close and distant mikes) * New improved TimeMod (time compression/expansion): - optimised for single- pitch signals but maintaining the option to use an alternative TimeMod algorithm for more complex signals. * Longer maximum signal length:- Now up to 5 minutes (previously 2 minutes) * iLok authorization:- provides easy and secure license administration.

Benefits

Editors in film, TV and video post production, music and multimedia, now have more control over any required audio alignment editing. They will be able to target the alignment of the replacement signal (Dub) to the Guide where it is required, by using the new Sync Points feature and can keep sections of the Dub from being edited by specifying Protected areas. These features will be invaluable for certain types of noisy or reverberant Guide signals and especially useful for foreign dialogue replacement.

In addition, the new Preview Controls allow much more detailed examination of parts or all of the two signals, together or separately, both before or after alignment to confirm the quality of editing and alignment. The other features such as improved overall quality of automatic alignment and micro-editing will save the user even more time and frustration.

Release details

VocALign PRO is first being released end Q3 2005 as an Audio Suite Plug-in for Pro Tools versions 5 to 6.9 and runs on Apple(r) Macintosh(r) OS 9 and OS X or Microsoft(r) Windows. XP(r). VocALign PRO for Pro Tools does not require Pro Tools hardware but does require an iLok smart key.

The recommended retail price (excluding local taxes) will be $695 in North American and £395 GPB elsewhere. An upgrade option is available for existing owners of VocALign Project for Pro Tools to upgrade to VocALign PRO for approximately half of the recommended retail price for a limited time period.

www.synchroarts.com

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