Software Focus

Head for Hollywood with MS Activemovie

Steven Spielberg wannabes can spice up content titles on multiple platforms with the help of Microsoft Activemovie.

Users benefit from state-of-the-art Mpeg playback for full-screen video, future proof architecture and Internet playback. It allows for third-party enhancements and real-time special effects.

Anne Mitchard, Microsoft personal systems division senior product manager, said: 'It will unleash a whole new generation of video-based titles with dazzling full-screen video and special effects.' The product will be integrated in the next release of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Its integration with Direct X technology means that when used with Direct 3D, promotional presentations can be video mapped to characters and company logos.

More than 20 companies have announced support for the technology, as well as groups such as the Open Mpeg consortium. Steve Kilisky, Adobe Premiere product marketing manager, said: 'With Activemovie, we expect our customers to manipulate larger, high-quality movies and achieve smooth playback.' Scheduled to ship to software developers and hardware manufacturers in June for redistribution at no charge, customers can expect titles incorporating Activemovie to be on the market this summer.

More information can be requested via email.

Contact: 01734 270001 [email protected].