December 6, 2000----Taipei, Taiwan----CyberLink, a leading developer of digital video & streaming multimedia software applications, proudly introduces a new, revolutionary software program called TalkingShow. This program will allow Web Designers/ Developers to take a 2D character image and create a 3D animated character, with synchronized voice over. TalkingShow is a sophisticated, yet straightforward authoring tool for creating virtual Talking Characters that use streaming animation, in addition to streaming video, to provide superior image quality and fast download times. With TalkingShow, Web Developers/ Designers will have a revolutionary type of Internet software for creating streaming animated 3D Talking Characters, which will provide the ultimate tool for delivering captivating Web content.

TalkingShow utilizes advanced MPEG-4 facial animation technology to create 3D animated characters, from standard 2D images. With its state-of-the-art speech recognition engine, TalkingShow can analyze any recorded speech content and synchronize it with various visemes (mouth shapes). The program can then synthesize the corresponding lip actions to the recognized visemes to give the animated character a realistic appearance. The final touches of life can be added with the insertion of facial expressions, head motion, background image, and so on.

This comprehensive program is an excellent addition to any Web site, but is especially beneficial to E-Commerce, E-Learning, E-Marketing, E-Entertainment, and E-News sites. TalkingShow characters can be outputted either as a streamable model based animation format (.TSF), which offers high viewing quality and requires low bandwidth, or in Windows standard video format (.WMV). Plus, when importing TalkingShow Characters into a Web site design, they can be given an extra touch of flair by being synchronized with Rich-Media contents (such as DHTML generated by PowerPointTM).

The TalkingShow software package comes with two character-authoring tools: TalkingShow Studio and TalkingShow StageManager. TalkingShow Studio offers numerous design features and tools to make the process of creating Talking Characters as straightforward and efficient as possible. StageManager allows the Designer/ Developer the ability to manage files, and to mix'n match various character creations. Thus, making it easy to continually adapt and create new Talking Characters.

"The launch of TalkingShow is a significant achievement in the realm of Internet software, as it gives Web Designers/ Developers a professional, yet user friendly design tool to develop interactive and sticky Web content", says Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink Corporation. "Whatever the Web site, 3D TalkingShow Characters can add truly captivating content that will ensure repeat visitors".

If you are interested to see samples of TalkingShow Character creations, please visit: TalkingShow Product Page

About CyberLink Corp.

Founded in 1995, CyberLink Corporation develops award winning software solutions utilizing digital video and audio kernel technology. The company believes digital video and audio technologies can be used creatively in building innovative software tools like digital video recording, multimedia slide shows, DVD playback, and video communication tools. Its multimedia and Web software solutions enable customers to fully utilize the PC's audio and video capabilities, while also supporting real-time Internet services and communication. As a result of the company's solid growth and profitability CyberLink went IPO in October of 2000 and is listed on the Taiwan OTC (Over The Counter) Exchange. For more information on CyberLink and its award winning software products, please visit: http://www.goCyberlink.com/

CyberLink programs are available for press evaluation. Please send requests to: press@gocyberlink.com or contact us by phone at: +886-2-8667-1298.