Macromedia Readies Director Upgrade

Zardon · Nov 25, 2002, 11:39 PM

Macromedia this morning announced an upgrade of a workhorse product that helps developers build interactive content and applications once and deliver it to multiple formats including CD/DVD-ROMs, kiosks and the Web.

A spokesperson for the San Francisco firm said Director MX marks the first overhaul of the product since April 2001.

"The new version of Macromedia Director makes this powerful application even more important to businesses that need to deliver maximum interactive experiences," said Norm Meyrowitz, Macromedia's president of products.

Director MX touts the following new features: a streamlined user interface; a more efficient workflow process; the ability to create content for people with disabilities; and support for the new Apple Computer operating system, X.

Additionally, enhanced video capabilities let developers stream files trough QuickTime, RealVideo and AVI. For new users, drag and drop functions have been added, while vets can use Lingo, a scripting language similar to ActionScript, JavaScript or Visual Basic.

Beta users include sports network ESPN, childrens' programming specialist Nickelodeon Online and animation developer Black Hammer Productions.

"The message window improvements are a dream come true for experienced Director developers, and the 3D workflow is clean and easy to use," said Chris Romero, a vice president with Nickelodeon Online.

Macromedia is not up updating its Shockwave Player, which allows Web users to view rich content. Therefore, millions of Web user will be able to view work done with Director MX without downloading a new player.

Director MX is expected to ship next month. It is priced at $1,199 for new users, $399 for users upgrading from versions 8.0 or 8.5 and $499 for education users. Government and corporate volume licensing will also be available.

The offering is available for Mac OS X 10.1 or higher, and for Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, or Windows XP. Localized versions for French, German, and Japanese are in development.

The first version of Director was released almost 15 years ago.

Nov 25, 2002, 11:39 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 179	Macromedia Readies Director Upgrade Macromedia this morning announced an upgrade of a workhorse product that helps developers build interactive content and applications once and deliver it to multiple formats including CD/DVD-ROMs, kiosks and the Web. A spokesperson for the San Francisco firm said Director MX marks the first overhaul of the product since April 2001. "The new version of Macromedia Director makes this powerful application even more important to businesses that need to deliver maximum interactive experiences," said Norm Meyrowitz, Macromedia's president of products. Director MX touts the following new features: a streamlined user interface; a more efficient workflow process; the ability to create content for people with disabilities; and support for the new Apple Computer operating system, X. Additionally, enhanced video capabilities let developers stream files trough QuickTime, RealVideo and AVI. For new users, drag and drop functions have been added, while vets can use Lingo, a scripting language similar to ActionScript, JavaScript or Visual Basic. Beta users include sports network ESPN, childrens' programming specialist Nickelodeon Online and animation developer Black Hammer Productions. "The message window improvements are a dream come true for experienced Director developers, and the 3D workflow is clean and easy to use," said Chris Romero, a vice president with Nickelodeon Online. Macromedia is not up updating its Shockwave Player, which allows Web users to view rich content. Therefore, millions of Web user will be able to view work done with Director MX without downloading a new player. Director MX is expected to ship next month. It is priced at $1,199 for new users, $399 for users upgrading from versions 8.0 or 8.5 and $499 for education users. Government and corporate volume licensing will also be available. The offering is available for Mac OS X 10.1 or higher, and for Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, or Windows XP. Localized versions for French, German, and Japanese are in development. The first version of Director was released almost 15 years ago.