News

Vertus, the graphics and imaging software division of Heligon, a technology
business specializing in image data interpretation, today announced the launch
of Fluid Mask 3 Public BETA. This latest version of Vertus' image editing
software is for rapid, powerful and intuitive masking and high-quality image
blending.



With improvements to the initial image processing time, Fluid Mask 3 users who
are operating multiple processors will realize increased speeds up to 40% faster
than the previous versions,. The result is a quicker transition from a base
image editing program, such as Adobe Photoshop, into Fluid Mask. Ultimately,
Fluid Mask significantly improves the overall efficiency of the image editing
process, from loading to the final cut-out.



With a more effective edge detection system, along with the improved "Smart
Blending" capability unique to Fluid Mask, this latest version makes separating
problem images, such as human hair and tree leaves, quick and easy. First there
is a slider, which allows the user to seamlessly switch between "Smart
Blending" and standard feather blending. Second, within focused areas,
the user may invoke special hair blending algorithms, which for the first time
automatically cuts out tricky hair such as highlights and hair with wide color
differences (e.g. black hair next to white hair against a grey background).



In addition to new blending and loading capabilities, Vertus has improved the
intuitive workflow of Fluid Mask 3 and added additional tools to the program.
These new features include:



· A new "Save Settings" option enables users to easily recall
edge detection, blending, and resolution options from previous sessions, eliminating
the need to continually reprogram these options when working with batches of
pictures;

· The "Color Work Space" palette now includes a "Color
Sampler" which enables users to select specific colors from an image and
see where else within that image the same color appears. Also available in the
"Color Work Space", the new 2-D color map enables more accurate
color selection;

· Several new brush tools and the improved "Localized Edge Detection
System" enable users to perform more detailed edge finding and more refined
blending;

· A new "Patch" system allows users to make changes affecting
a selected localized region without affecting the rest of the image.

· "Patches" can be easily selected with a highlighting brush
tool rather than relying on a standard box shaped patch. Once a "Patch"
has been selected, users can call up the most popular editing options with a
simple right click of the mouse.

· Users are now able to launch a test rendering of the localized patch,
and toggle between the working image and a rendering of the final mask;

· Improved intuitive help features such as "Best of Breed Help"
offers XML help files and direct links to Fluid Mask tutorials, enabling easy
access to hands-on demonstrations.



Fluid Mask 3 Public BETA is currently available for Windows XP & Vista;
a Mac version will follow shortly. Fluid Mask 3 will continue to function as
a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop CS2, CS3 & Elements; and for the first time
will also work in stand alone mode for image formats that accept transitions
to transparency in 8 bit RGB color -- e.g. TIFF and PNG. Users working
on tablet style computers and peripherals, such as the Wacom Tablet, should
note that Fluid Mask 3 contains a new pressure sensitivity control that can
regulate brush size.



Users can download a free 30 Day Trial of Fluid Mask 3 BETA by visiting the
Vertus website at http://www.vertustech.com.
During the BETA phase, Fluid Mask 3 will be available for $199 US.

...

REALVIZ has announced the availability of version 5.6 of Stitcher Unlimited.
Stitcher enables the creation of high-quality panoramas and 360° virtual
tours. Version 5.6, which is available from this week, introduces Mac Universal
compatibility, as well as HDR capabilities. A Japanese-language version is also
scheduled for release later this spring, in addition to the existing English
and French versions of the software.

...

Due to an overwhelming demand for Delkin Devices' patent-pending SensorScope,
Delkin is now offering the option of purchasing the multiple award winning SensorScope
separate from their cleaning system. DSLR users worldwide have enthusiastically
embraced the product, resulting in several prestigious awards like a 2007 Innovative
Digital Products Award from the Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA)
and 2007 Best Digital Accessory from the Technical Imaging Press Association
(TIPA). The SensorScope is the first and most effective device that allows you
to quickly check your sensor for dust and debris in a matter of seconds.

...

LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling has announced the LightScribe Photography
Kit, a CD and DVD labeling package created specifically for professional photographers
and photo enthusiasts. The LightScribe Photography Kit's disc labeling tips
and resources for photographers are immediately available for free download
on www.lightscribe.com.



LightScribe -- a laser disc labeling technology found in many popular brands
of disc burners, laptops and PCs -- gives people the ability to easily burn
silkscreen-quality photos, graphics, images and text directly onto LightScribe
CDs and DVDs. Disc colors include gold CDs and DVDs as well as CDs in red, orange,
yellow, blue and green.



To ensure that discs containing clients' images stand out, photographers owning
a LightScribe-enabled drive can go to the Photography Kit site (www.lightscribe.com/go/create)
and download photo label designs, mailers as well as disc sleeve designs.



With the new kit, photographers can create professional custom designs that
integrate clients' photos with text so that the discs are personalized and also
serve as advertising pieces. With LightScribe, photo archive discs can be labeled
with a telltale photo from the collection as well as client information so that
they can be found easily with a quick visual reference.



LightScribe, the only widely available embedded disc labeling technology, is
licensed to over 75 optical drive and media manufacturers, software developers,
media and computer brands worldwide. LightScribe-enabled CDs, DVDs, software,
desktops, notebooks, aftermarket optical disc drives and duplicator systems
are available at major retailers worldwide, as well as through most leading
brands online.



www.lightscribe.com.

...

The new PT-E03 housing is made specifically for Olympus' EVOLT E-410 D-SLR
camera. The E-410's housing is compatible with many of the Olympus Zuiko
Digital-Specific lenses and their respective underwater lens ports.



The new PPO-E05 underwater lens port is designed for the lightweight 14-42mm Zuiko
Digital-Specific lens, which is the perfect complement to the portable E-410 and
its underwater housing when diving. The versatile 14-42mm lens offers the most
common focal lengths, including wide angle and close focusing, making it an essential
tool for those recreational divers who want to capture images of their explorations.
Additionally, all other Olympus PPO Series underwater lens ports (including macro)
are compatible with Olympus' E-Series underwater housings.



New underwater housings have been created specifically for Olympus' recently
announced point-and-shoot cameras, including the SP-550 UZ, Stylus 770 SW, Stylus
760 and FE-230. These cameras also offer underwater scene modes.



For the first time, Olympus is offering an underwater flash (UFL-1) for use with
all new SP and Stylus camera housings introduced in 2007 as well as a majority
of its pre-existing digital compact camera housings. The new slave flash requires
no cables.



Other underwater accessories include an adjustable float strap, created specifically
for the Stylus SW Series, which enables the camera to float at the water's
surface and provides surfers, kayakers and other active swimmers with the ability
to strap the camera to their arm, freeing their hands when not taking photos.
The float strap boasts a vibrant red color for high visibility.



New silicone skins are also available for the Stylus 770 SW. While the camera
can reach depths of 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) without a skin or housing,
the silicone skin provides a variety of stylish looks, offers improved handling
in the water and is perfect for avoiding scratches on the camera's body
from rocks or other rough surfaces. The new skins are available in three trendy
colors: orange, blue and clear.



The new Olympus underwater housings and accessories will be available at retailers
in June 2007. The new housings -- both compact and D-SLRs -- are for
use in depths down to 40 meters (approximately 133 feet). Comprehensive information
on the complete family of Olympus' underwater housings and accessories is
available at www.olympusamerica.com/underwater.

Extensis has announced Portfolio Server 8.5, a significant upgrade in its Portfolio
Server digital asset management (DAM) product. The Portfolio Server upgrade provides
industrial-strength workflow features to organize and exchange digital files utilizing
visual catalogs and embedded metadata. Portfolio Server is a multi-channel system
that makes it fast and easy to find and share valuable creative assets within
the creative workgroup, across the organization and externally with global partners.
The Portfolio 8.5 product family includes Portfolio Server, Portfolio Client,
Portfolio Express, Portfolio NetPublish and SQL Connect modules, as well as a
Single-User version of Portfolio.



Portfolio Server 8.5 includes new features to automate metadata-driven organization,
tracking, and distribution of digital assets. Additionally, this release includes
Portfolio Project Sync, designed to allow creative users a seamless interface
with familiar Adobe Creative Suite applications. Creative users simultaneously
benefit from Portfolio Server's ability to provide access to other users through
the Portfolio Client, Portfolio Express and websites created with Portfolio NetPublish,
Portfolio Server 8.5 provides unique access points for both internal and external
users.



Portfolio Server 8.5 comes with Project Sync and includes several enhancements,
including improved XMP and file format support, greater performance and stability,
as well as additional features that help automate management of complex metadata.
Portfolio NetPublish 8.5 also includes a number of new features, including advanced
logging for reporting user traffic as well as visual watermarking functionality,
for images, to prevent unauthorized use.



Pricing and Availability

Portfolio Server 8.5 for workgroups will be available for download and purchase
in Summer 2007. Portfolio Server 8.5 and all client components will be available
free of charge for existing customers with Annual Service Agreements (ASA). Pricing
for all other versions, including upgrades, will be announced prior to product
availability in summer 2007.



French, German and Japanese language versions of Portfolio will also be available
in summer, 2007.



For information on where to purchase the Portfolio family of products visit http://www.extensis.com/portfolio.




System Requirements

Portfolio 8.5 will support Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 or Vista, Pentium class processor
at 1GHz or faster, 512MB RAM, 500 MB Hard Drive space, Network Interface for server
connection, Apple QuickTime version 7 or higher. Portfolio 8.5 will also support
Mac OS X 10.4.4 or higher, G4, G5 or Intel Core Processor at 1GHz, 512 MB RAM,
500MB Hard Drive space, Network Interface for server connection, Apple QuickTime
version 7 or higher.