Sonic has launched DVDit 5, a new version of their DVD authoring software. Sonic claims that the new version features a redesigned user interface, new advanced menu and navigation tools and a professional-quality video timeline. DVDit is aimed at a market somewhere between entry-level tools and true professional applications.The latest version offers the ability to create menus with motion graphics, object alignment controls, button highlight customization and text tools. New navigation controls include First Play, End Action control, button routing, and Easter Egg button creation.

A chapter editing timeline with a frame-accurate scrubbing engine is now included. The tool supports AVI, MPEG, QuickTime and Windows Media Video file formats. DVDit also has a real-time MPEG-2 encoder, featuring Variable Bit Rate control and Dolby Digital theatre-quality sound.

Sonic also claims that DVDit 5 is fully compatible with DVD+R Double Layer DVD drives and media, allowing users to burn nearly twice the amount of data on a single disc.

DVDit is compatible with Windows XP. Sonic claims that DVDit 5 will retail for around $300 in the US although it is for sale on their Web site for $249.99.