SmartSound Software is shipping Sonicfire Pro 5, an upgrade of its
music scoring software that sports new music timing controls and
searching feature. Coinciding with the release of six new Strata
Series multi-layer music discs, Sonicfire Pro 5 builds on its Mood
Mapping feature with new enhancements that make it possible for any
editor to match the timing of a score with events in a production.

Users can grab a beat in a piece of music and drag it to a nearby
edit point or other key event in their video without changing the
rhythm or overall length of the score. SmartSound believes this is
the first time such a capability has been available for prerecorded
music, says Kevin Klingler, president and CEO of SmartSound Software

New control over the timing of the music section changes helps
editors create dynamic music that matches the pace of their scenes,
he says. Also added to this release is the ability to adjust the
tempo of any SmartSound music track while maintaining its
customization control.

A new "Spotting" feature in Sonicfire Pro 5 increases the precision
with which musical events can match events in a video. Editors can
mark key points in the production where additional musical emphasis
is required and Sonicfire Pro 5 will recommend the best-fitting music
and provide different options and methods for achieving the best
overall fit with the key points in the visual.

This ability to include key events in a video timeline as a factor in
the music search is one critical element of the new Sensory Searching
feature in SmartSound's reconfigured Express Track search tool.
Sensory Searching uses an individual's personal musical preferences
to drill down to he right piece of music.

Sonicfire Pro 5 is available in two editions: the Express Track
Edition, which offers access to the improved music search function,
and includes basic customization options such as length, arrangement,
and overall instrument mix; while the Scoring Edition offers Express
Track plus a powerful set of Timeline editing tools, such as Mood
Mapping and the new advanced spotting and timing controls. Both
editions provide access to the Sensory Searching process. The Express
Track Edition will be free with any disc purchase from SmartSound's
Music library, or customers can upgrade to the Scoring Edition for
US$99.95. Any customer who is a registered Sonicfire Pro 4.5 owner
will receive a free upgrade to the Sonicfire Pro 5 Scoring Edition.

The six Strata Series multi-layer discs that are being released in
conjunction with Sonicfire Pro 5 are: Richard Band Vol. 7-Scoring
Suites, Adrenaline Rush, Christmas Treasures, Energy Zone, Downtown
Mix and House Call. All six will be at a special limited-time
introductory price of $49.95 each or all six for $249.

Complete details can be found at http://www.smartsound.com/sonicfire.