Phoenix Software has announced the local availability of Pinnacle Video Transfer, an innovative device that records analogue video onto any USB 2.0 storage device without using a PC.
At the touch of a button, users with little or no technical expertise can immediately begin recording from a TV, DVD player, PVR, camcorder or set-top box directly to their Apple iPod Video, iPod nano (third generation), iPod classic, Sony PSP, Sony PSP slim, USB flash drive or USB hard drive. For each connected device, the user can select three different levels, depending on their preferences for video quality or the actual size of the video files.
"Today's more mobile consumers have created an insatiable demand for a solution that lets them take their content with them wherever they go," said Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research (JPR), a leading market research firm based in Tiburon, California. "With the ability to transfer video without having to use a PC, Pinnacle's new pocket-sized device takes video transfer to a whole new level."
Offering anytime, anywhere entertainment convenience, Pinnacle Video Transfer hardware is ideal for people who want to enjoy TV shows and personal videos on their iPod Video, PSP or just want to store them on a USB drive to archive or watch later. With PC-less recording, the compact device will also appeal to people who want a simple way to offload footage from their camera to a portable USB device when away from home. For consumers with personal videos on VHS, Hi8 or VHS-C tape, Pinnacle Video Transfer can be used to make a digital copy on a USB 2.0 hard drive for safe keeping-without having to deal with complicated PC-based software. Pinnacle Video Transfer also offers a very easy way for gamers to capture their preferred session in digital format that can be edited on a PC at later time.
"With Pinnacle Video Transfer, video capture and direct transfer has never been easier," said Jason Phillips, Sales Director, Phoenix Software. "Being able to transfer videos to an iPod, PSP or USB device without having to copy the files to your PC is an added bonus because it saves both valuable time and hard drive space. PC-less recording and the device's small, compact size also makes it a convenient solution for people who are on the go."
Videos are captured in the H.264 format, the high-compression multimedia technology supported by iPods and PSPs. This eliminates the need for time-consuming conversion. Also known as the Advanced Video Codec (AVC) specification or MPEG 4-Part 10, Pinnacle's H.264 encoding delivers high-quality videos with two to three times the compression efficiency of solutions such as the MPEG-2 standard, which is used in DVD video. With the press of a button, users can easily select the quality for each recording (Good, Better or Best). When Best recording is selected, videos can be captured at up to 720x480/576 (NTSC/PAL/SECAM) resolution.
Measuring only 12.3cm x 6.7cm x 2.3cm, the device supports multiple inputs including S-Video, composite video and stereo audio analogue. By purchasing additional cables, Pinnacle Video Transfer can also be used to recharge an iPod or PSP battery during video transfer.
Pricing and availability
Pinnacle Video Transfer is available from retail stores country wide with a SRP of R1 999.95. In addition to the Pinnacle Video Transfer device, the complete package includes three RCA audio/video cables, a SCART adapter, an 110v-230v power supply and a Quick Start Guide.
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Phoenix Software is a software republishing business. Founded in September 1999, PS supplies a wide range of software products to distribution and retail partners. The company focuses on niche software that is aimed at vertical markets and has an ongoing mission to bring leading-edge products to the marketplace in a timely and professional manner, while offering excellent price/performance ratios. The company's product range includes titles from leading vendors such as Ability Office, Adobe, Aspyr Media, BitDefender, BluBox, Britannica, BulkSMS, Corel, Cosmi Corporation, CyberLink, Feral Interactive, Individual Software, InterVideo, Iolo, ISL Light, Lavasoft Ad-Aware, Nero, Nova, O & O Software, Onspeed, Paragon Software, Parallels, PC Tools, Pinnacle Systems, Punch Software, Roxio, Sony Creative Software, Steganos, TonerSaver, Transparent Language, Ulead, Webroot, WinZip and X-oom. For additional information, please visit www.phoenixsoftware.co.za.
Pinnacle Systems
Pinnacle Systems, Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avid Technology, Inc, is an industry leader in video editing solutions, TV tuners for the PC and digital media adapters for the consumer market. The company's product lines include Pinnacle PCTV, Dazzle, Pinnacle ShowCenter, Pinnacle Mobile Media and its flagship Pinnacle Studio line. Pinnacle Systems has received nine prestigious Emmy Awards for its technical innovations and carries the commitment to help consumers enhance, preserve and share their memories with easy. For more information, visit www.pinnaclesys.com.
Avid Technology
Avid is a worldwide leader in tools for film, video, audio, 3D animation, gaming and broadcast professionals - as well as for home audio and video enthusiasts. Avid professional and consumer brands include Avid, Digidesign, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Softimage and Sundance Digital. The vast majority of primetime television shows, feature films, commercials and chart-topping music hits are made using one or more Avid brands. Whether used by seasoned professionals or beginning students, Avid's products and services enable customers to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. For more information about the company's Oscar, Grammy and Emmy award-winning products and services, visit www.avid.com.
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