GEAR Software today commenced an open public beta test for its new version of GEAR Video 9.

GEAR Video 9 beta is designed for capturing, editing, compressing, and authoring video and audio content. It enables home users to burn to DVDs, and to prepare video that can later be posted to web sites using other tools.

To Join the BETA, participants may register for a download at:

www.gearsoftware.com/support/betatesters/beta-testing-center.cfm

Upon registration, users will be emailed a link to download the GEAR Video 9 beta. Posting comments about GEAR Video 9 beta to the Beta Discussion Forum at GEAR's web site will automatically qualify participants for a prize raffle to win a HELIOS X3000 Network Media Player, or one of three Helios H4000 Upscaling DVD Players.

Highlights of the beta version of GEAR Video 9 include increased format choice and new media editing and authoring features such as:

- Choice of DVD Video and DivX Ultra format for video compression
- Custom slide shows comprised of video clips and digital stills with transition effects
- Menu, title page and thumbnails with user selects backgrounds
- Easy capture of video from camera to PC
- Powerful editor for cuts, merge and transitions