Santa
Clara, Calif., – (August 3, 1999) – CrystalGraphics,
Inc., the leading e-commerce supplier of multimedia plug-ins for Microsoft
Office and a leading developer and publisher of 3D graphics software,
today announced the release of PowerPlugs: PhotoActive FX II, its
latest plug-in for Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) PowerPoint 97 and 2000.
Developed by JVC and published by CrystalGraphics, PhotoActive FX
II includes an all-new collection of over 140 effects plus a new software
engine. PhotoActive FX II enables users to add dazzling still and
animated effects to the photos and images included within their PowerPoint
presentations with point-and-click simplicity. It does this without
forcing PowerPoint users to learn a new user interface, or even having
to exit PowerPoint. PhotoActive FX II, along with a demonstration
set of still and animated photo effects, can be download for free
at www.powerplugs.com.
Quotes:
"The PowerPlugs family of products are incredibly powerful and incredibly
easy to use", says Rob Courtney, President and CEO of CrystalGraphics.
"PowerPlugs: PhotoActive FX II continues this ground-breaking tradition
with an all new set of television-quality photo effects, many of which
are not available anywhere else at any price. "
About
PowerPlugs: PhotoActive FXŌ
II PowerPlugs:
PhotoActive FX II includes two basic components: (1) a collection
of unique effects and (2) the software engine that presents, edits
and renders those effects. Still photo-effects include Kaleidoscope,
Beveled Screen, Metallic, Clipboard effect, Soft Star, Double Effect,
and Coffee Mug. PhotoActive FX's most unique feature is its ability
to animate photos inside of PowerPoint. Animated photo effects include
Hourglass, Perspective, Text Shatter, Unzip, and Bulldozer to name
a few. Examples of these unique and flexible effects can be viewed
on the World Wide Web at: www.crystalgraphics.com/products.powerplugs.photoactivefx2.effects.html.
The new, improved software engine renders animations at twice the
speed of the previous engine, has improved background matching and
transparency usage, and improved International PowerPoint integration
for non-English versions.
Ease-of-use
Enables Maximum Results
PhotoActive FX II was designed by PowerPoint users, for PowerPoint
users ¾ and it shows. It is easy to install. Once installed, it provides
PowerPoint users with two easy-to-use toolbar commands: "Still Photo
Effects" and "Animated Photo Effects". These commands are automatically
inserted into PowerPoint's Format menu as well as into their own floating
palette. Users can select any picture or image from a PowerPoint presentation
to enhance. Once a picture has been selected, any of the many effects
can be applied with just a couple of clicks of the mouse. If the user
chooses, he or she can also click on an Advanced… button that will
open up a world of powerful customization controls. Once the user
chooses OK, PhotoActive FX II automatically places the newly modified
photo right inside PowerPoint's own presentation file, making the
effects easy to transport for on-the-road meetings.
The
Technology
PhotoActive FX II requires at least a Pentium 166 with 32-MB RAM and
80-MB available hard disk space, running PowerPoint 97 or PowerPoint
2000 and either Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0 operating systems. PhotoActive
FX II requires no special graphics hardware. It is fully compatible
with Microsoft Office 97 and 2000.
Pricing and Availability
The PhotoActive FX software, along with demo versions of all the PhotoActive
FX II effects can be downloaded for FREE at www.powerplugs.com . "PhotoActive
FX II" has an average street price of $79. PhotoActive FX I is currently
available in the following retail stores: Office Max, CompUSA, Micro
Center and Staples. PhotoActive FX I and II can now be purchased together
at www.powerplugs.com for just $99.
About
CrystalGraphics
CrystalGraphics is the leading e-commerce provider of multimedia software
for Microsoft Office and the Web. As an early pioneer in the 3D Web
and videographics industries, CrystalGraphics develops and markets
several award-winning products, including Crystal 3D VORTEX, Crystal
3D IMPACT! Pro, PowerPlugs: Transitions, and PowerPlugs: PhotoActive
FX. More information about CrystalGraphics' products can be found
on the World Wide Web at www.powerplugs.com or by calling 1-800-394-0700.
About
JVC
JVC has been a long-time leader of hardware and software developer
in the audio visual field as well as digital video and personal multimedia
systems. More information about JVC products can be found on the World
Wide Web at www.jvc.com, or by calling 1-800-252-5722.
# # #
CrystalGraphics, PowerPlugs, Transitions
and PhotoActive FX are trademarks of CrystalGraphics, Inc.
All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective
owners.
