SAN FRANCISCO, Mar 28, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

New Software Offers Automated, Distributed Method for Customers Managing Multiple Volumes and Formats of Streaming Media

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), today announced that its cleaner central software is now shipping. cleaner central is for professionals who require increased streaming output and efficient distributed workflow management. Scalable for large streaming projects, cleaner central automates the process of mastering content to the Web, DVD, and other digital delivery mediums used in web based marketing, product promotions, entertainment, e-learning and corporate communications. cleaner central is now available for the suggested retail price of US $4,995.00 from Discreet's reseller channel (http://www.discreet.com/resellers/).

cleaner central operates on standard Windows-based workstations and servers to take advantage of existing infrastructure investments. Based on cleaner, Discreet's award-winning desktop encoding software -- cleaner central offers the same easy-to-use interface and supports the settings found within cleaner. It performs batch transcoding processes across multiple clients in a distributed, fail-safe configuration enabling companies an easier, efficient method to create, encode and output their digital content.

"With cleaner already recognized as an industry standard streaming solution, we are happy to introduce cleaner central to the market -- a natural step for our customers, as their need to automate their workflow in a scalable and distributed environment grows," said Paul Lypaczewski, general manager of Discreet and executive vice president Autodesk, Inc. "We expect cleaner central to increase productivity and simplify the process for customers who must encode and manage large amounts of content."

As customers face tighter deadlines, stretched resources and growing volumes of content that must be streamed, cleaner central is the versatile and cost-effective solution that leverages existing infrastructure, is easy to use, and simplifies the complexities of managing and outputting volumes of streaming media.

Discreet's cleaner product line is an industry leader in importing, authoring, encoding and delivering interactive streaming media in all popular streaming formats, including RealNetworks RealSystem, Apple QuickTime, Windows Media, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MP3. cleaner central software is a part of Discreet's overall Content Adaptation solutions which enable the "mastering" of digital media for delivery to IP based networks, devices and interactive applications.

Price and Availability

cleaner central, including the central server application and two network-enabled transcoding nodes, is now available for purchase for the suggested retail price of US$4,995 in North America. Purchases can be made in North America directly from the Discreet e-store at www.discreet.com. Local resellers can be found at www.discreet.com/resellers. For information about Discreet's streaming product line or purchase information in North America call the toll free number: 866/317-1011 or visit www.discreet.com. All Discreet product information is available at: 800/869-3504.

About Discreet

Discreet, a division of Autodesk, Inc., is a worldwide leader in digital content creation, management, and distribution tools. Discreet develops systems and software for visual effects, animation, non-linear editing, broadcast production, and integrated infrastructure and workflow solutions. Discreet serves a broad range of markets involved in content creation, delivery, and use, including film and television post-production, broadcast production, games, animation, multimedia for corporate, government, and education, and the rich media for the web.

Note to Editors: Discreet is a division of Autodesk, Inc. Discreet, cleaner and cleaner central are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc./ Autodesk Canada Inc. in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Discreet Public Relations Kevin G Clark, 415/547-2457 kevin.g.clark@autodesk.com or Access Communications Lindsay Stewart, 415/844-6217 lstewart@accesspr.com URL: http://www.businesswire.com Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page.

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