Sony Creative Software has announced the availability of Vegas Pro 9 Academic Edition. The latest version of Sony's video editing software for educators provides students and educators with an efficient and intuitive environment for video and audio production, as well as DVD and Blu-ray Disc authoring. Comprised of Vegas Pro 9 software, DVD Architect Pro 5 software and a Dolby Digital Professional AC3 encoder, this collection supports nearly all video formats including popular HDV and AVCHD devices. In addition, the new Academic Edition includes user-friendly video tutorials to help quickly learn the software and an electronic Curriculum Guide with lessons, tests and sample media for easy integration into any classroom setting.

During a recent special ceremony at the National Educational Computing Conference, Sony announced the winners of its national student film contest, Tech in Motion. Winning schools will receive Sony software and hardware prizes to support ongoing training for students.

• Grand Prize: Full Circle (Pacific Coast High School in Tustin, California)
• Second Place: The Future (Lomas High School in Walnut Creek, California)
• Third Place: 2048: A Rock Opera (Red Bank Middle School in Red Bank, New Jersey)

Clips can be viewed here.

"Sony Creative Software is pleased to support this second national Technology in Motion competition. The program provides students and teachers with the latest software tools for video storytelling projects and effectively invigorates video education curriculums," said Dave Chaimson, vice president of worldwide marketing for Sony Creative Software. "We are proud to support educational initiatives, such as Technology in Motion, year round and congratulate all the students and faculty for their hard work and production achievements."

The prize packages awarded to grand, second and third place winning schools include over $400,000 in retail value of Sony hardware and software products including, Vegas Pro 8 Promotional Edition software, Sound Forge 9 software and site licenses, ACID Pro 7 software and site licenses, Cinescore software, Sony Handycam Camcorders and accessories. Twenty-five fourth place winners' prize packages include Vegas Pro 8 Promotional Edition software and Sony Handycam camcorders. Twenty-five fourth places winners were also identified and awarded prize packages.