Optimised Nero Digital(TM) DSP hardware, VHDL core, Nero Digital(TM) Mobile, DRM base band decoder, and enhanced MPEG-4 H264/AVC and PS/HE/AAC Nero Recode and Nero ShowTime, all to be presented at IBC

Ahead Software, leaders in digital media technology, will exhibit a formidable line-up of Nero Digital(TM) technologies all taking advantage of an unrivalled quality and performance breakthrough currently changing the face of video and audio compression. Centred around MPEG-4, Nero Digital(TM) is the World’s only complete codec solution embracing MPEG-4 video, and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), LC and HE (High Efficiency) with Parametric Stereo extensions.

Recognised as one of the World’s fastest MPEG-4 encoders during independent testing, the Nero Digital(TM) video codec will soon feature cutting edge AVC/H264 encoding for the very latest in next generation MPEG-4 technology. On the audio front, Parametric Stereo extensions enable Nero Digital(TM) AAC to achieve incredibly low bit rates at little or no quality compromise. In fact, in recent 32kbps blind listening tests conducted by the respected Hydrogen Audio community, Nero Digital(TM) audio came out on top surpassing established codec’s such as mp3PRO, WMA, Real, and Vorbis.

For the first time, demonstrations will take place of dedicated Nero Digital(TM) DSP hardware boards, and VHDL core based on the Nero Digital(TM) audio decoder, including multi-channel HE AAC. On the mobile front, the fully optimised Nero Digital(TM) video and audio decoders bring unprecedented playback enhancements to a wide range of portable devices including SmartPhones and Pocket PC’s. With advancements in DRM (Digital Radio Mondial), direct radio capture from current digital AM broadcasts will be shown using a Nero Digital(TM) base band decoder.

On the application side, both Nero Recode and Nero ShowTime will be updated to include H264/AVC support. Direct encoding or transcoding from any video or DVD source to H264/AVC with full playback along with 5.1 HE AAC audio, will again present an industry first.

“It’s been extremely gratifying to see the broadening of Nero Digital(TM) into several new and exciting areas”, said Jim Corbett, Executive Director at Ahead Software AG, “Fully optimised dedicated DSP hardware, VHDL core, and support for Digital Radio Mondial are major initiatives in the widespread adoption of Nero Digital in the audio/video World. We strongly believe Nero Digital(TM) represents the best in its class, and we look forward to welcoming all visitors to the Nero booth at IBC 2004″