Following a comprehensive beta test cycle, CAST Software announces the MEMBERS ONLY limited release of Release 23, its latest update for wysiwyg and which is being heralded as a giant leap forward industry-wide.

"We don't rush Releases if the product is not ready," says Gil Densham, CEO of CAST Software, "and that includes suitable testing by CAST's QA and, more importantly, our Beta Testers who give us extremely valuable feedback. It's all about producing the best product for our wysiwyg Members. From the responses we gathered, we truly believe this is the best update ever -- some have said that the improvements of R22 + R23 combined essentially deliver a new version of wysiwyg. One said: "R22+R23 = Fabulous."

Beta testing began in December, with more than 300 wysiwyg Members applying to be in the beta testing group. Testers were asked for feedback on every new feature, from the new graphics engine to the improved designer tools. Over 600 hours of testing were reported.

wysiwyg R23 includes:

New Visualization Features

• Enhanced Beam Footprints
• Shadows and Soft Shadows
• Hot Spots
• Video Projection in Beams
• Improved Smoke Controls
• CamStudio (AVI Capturing Software)

Improved Lighting Design Tools

• Footprint Focus
• Fixture POV
• Updated Designer Tools
• Ruler Tool

Updated Library

• New Fixtures, Truss, Gobos, etc...

Enhanced Security

• New Dongle Security System

Product Changes

• Dongle-less Background Render Manager
• Updated Demo Product (Dongle-less Console Viewer)

...and much more.

CAST's objective for the Beta Testing Program is to uphold the highest level of dependability and robustness by enlisting Members to test drive Releases and sometimes specific innovations in the field under a breadth of real conditions. CAST carefully monitors the Testers and ensures a reasonable cross-section of uses in order to optimize the usefulness of the feedback.

CAST takes Beta Tester and Member feedback very seriously. "I've been hoping for such a feature [Footprint Focus] and shared that hope with some folks at CAST. I was very pleased to see it implemented. Thank you!" commented Beta Tester Nick Wisdom, Lighting and Scenic Designer for a wide variety of events including corporate, concerts, televised, and special events all across the US.

Dany Tancou, Technical Support Manager for CAST Software says, "One of my main responsibilities is helping Members solve unique challenges, which often translates into great ideas for future wysiwyg Releases. Although we get input from many sources, our Members are our greatest source of inspiration."

Another Beta Tester, Bruce Campbell, Lighting and Production Designer for live music, corporate and theatrical events summarized, "With each release this powerful tool just gains strength; I don't know how I designed without it. Keep up the good work."