Corel announced its latest Xpack decoder plug-ins (Ultimate Xpack $29.95, DVD + AVCHD Xpack $24.95, DVD Xpack $14.95) for Windows Media Player.

For more information visit: www.corel.com

Unedited press release follows:

Corel® Xpacks Extend the Power of Windows Media® Player

New Plug-ins Enable Windows Users to Enjoy High-Definition DVD Playback

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Dec. 6, 2010) –

Today, Corel announced the release of its latest Xpack decoder plug-ins that extend the power of Windows Media® Player to offer superior playback of DVDs and other video formats. Corel’s Xpack plug-ins add superb picture clarity, vivid color and enhanced sound to provide DVD watchers with the ultimate home theater experience on the PC.

“Building on our leadership in high-definition playback, Corel is offering Windows users an inexpensive way to completely transform their PC entertainment experience,” said Shawn Cadeau, SVP, Global Marketing at Corel. “With the Corel Xpacks, Windows Media Player users can enjoy a DVD and video player that is optimized for theater-like sound and picture quality to deliver enhanced digital entertainment.”

Get the Most Out of Windows Media Player

Choose the Corel Xpack that best meets your needs:

*    New! Corel® Ultimate Xpack™: With this decoder, instantly watch your standard-definition DVDs and AVCHD files in high-definition using Windows Media Player. Complete with Corel® PureHD™ video enhancement technology, this is Corel’s most powerful Xpack plug-in, providing outstanding home theater picture and audio quality for your PC. Corel Ultimate Xpack includes Corel DVD Xpack, Corel AVCHD Xpack and Corel PureHD technology.

*    New! Corel® DVD + AVCHD Xpack™: Add this decoder to Windows Media Player to play DVDs and AVCHD files. With this two-in-one plug-in, your PC will be equipped to play your home videos and favorite movies displaying the crisp picture and audio quality they deserve.

*    Enhanced! Corel® DVD Xpack™: Use this plug-in to instantly turn Windows Media Player into a full DVD Player with enhanced Dolby Digital® audio output.

North America Availability and Pricing
The new Corel Xpacks are offered at the suggested retail prices (SRP) of $29.95 for Corel Ultimate Xpack, $24.95 for Corel DVD + AVCHD Xpack, and $14.95 for Corel DVD Xpack in the US and Canada. To purchase or to learn more, please visit www.corel.com/xpack.

About Corel
Corel is one of the world’s top software companies with more than 100 million active users in over 75 countries. We develop software that helps people express their ideas and share their stories in more exciting, creative and persuasive ways. Through the years, we’ve built a reputation for delivering innovative, trusted products that are easy to learn and use, helping people achieve new levels of productivity. The industry has responded with hundreds of awards for software innovation, design and value.

Our award winning product portfolio includes some of the world’s most widely recognized and popular software brands, including CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite, Corel® Painter™, Corel DESIGNER® Technical Suite, Corel® PaintShop Photo®, Corel® VideoStudio®, Corel® WinDVD®, Corel® WordPerfect® Office, WinZip® and Corel® Digital Studio™.