Already adopted as a mandatory codec for next generation HD-DVD and Blu-ray standards, AVC/H.264 is set to have a major impact in the future of video broadcasting and content distribution. Jointly developed by the Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the MPEG committee of ISO/IEC, AVC/H.264 has huge compression efficiency over MPEG-2, while at the same time integrating effortlessly into the existing MPEG-4 architecture of Nero Digital(TM).

Nero Digital(TM) is a complete Audio/Video codec solution, based on the MPEG-4 standard, but engineered to a level that breaks all previously seen quality and speed barriers. In keeping full compatibility with MPEG-4, Nero Digital(TM) proves that not all mp4 video codec’s and mp4/AAC codec’s are equal, going way beyond the limits of other such competitive approaches. By having both audio and video in the codec offerings, Nero Digital(TM) represents one of the very few ‘all in one’ solutions in the World of A/V compression.

Nero Recode 2.2 allows for the direct importing of most video file formats, and non-protected DVD’s for encoding or transcoding into Nero Digital(TM). A range of MPEG-4 profiles are supported, including AVC/H.264 highlights such as Cinema, Portable, Mobile, Standard, and HDTV, for the ultimate in video quality creation. New CE devices supporting these profiles are expected in mid 2005.

“By bringing AVC/H.264 encoding into applications such as Nero Recode 2.2, any user can experience the video future today”, says Jim Corbett of Ahead Software AG, “With upcoming industry support for AVC/H.264 in next generation DVD and broadcast standards, we can be sure that Nero Digital(TM) will be ideally positioned to become the World’s leading MPEG-4 solution.”

Nero Digital(TM), co-developed by Ahead and Ateme, is the first complete MPEG-4 audio and video solution for home entertainment and CE devices.