Rocket for FXDeko Debuts with NBA

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (March 2, 2000) -- Pinnacle Systems, Inc., a leader in professional and consumer video solutions, recently made basketball history by providing graphics for the debut of the innovative jump meter during the NBA.com Slam Dunk competition, part of the National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star 2000 weekend. The jump meter is a new technology that instantly measures the height each player reaches when dunking. The FXDeko displayed each player's name, team number and jump height -- all in real-time as the event took place.

The NBA.com Slam Dunk event took place on February 12, 2000, a day before the NBA All-Star 2000 Game, and was seen on Turner Network Television (TNT) and online at NBA.com.

Pinnacle Systems created the jump meter's unique graphics using the Rocket software for FXDeko character generator system. The NBA.com Slam Dunk competition marks the first time that the FXDeko system has been used for an NBA event and only the second time that Rocket for FXDeko has been used. The software was first used by the USA Network for its live telecast of "Improv-Ice" on Dec. 2, 1999.

"Pinnacle Systems continues to broaden its expertise in live sports programming, providing broadcasters with state-of-the-art on-air images that greatly enhance the viewing experience," said Mark Sanders, CEO and president of Pinnacle Systems, Inc. "We're honored to be part of the NBA All-Star 2000 weekend, and look forward to providing basketball fans with even more compelling graphics and information."

About Rocket for FXDeko

Rocket for FXDeko gives broadcasters the ability to create television graphics with 3D elements that can be easily updated from a number of external sources including ODBC databases, text files or even Microsoft Excel. The template-based approach eliminates the need for programmers or graphic artists to standby during broadcasts to feed the different screens. Templates can be created in advance for different broadcast formats like sports scores, Dow Jones activity or weather forecasts.

About FXDeko

The flagship of the Deko product line, FXDeko delivers extensive compositional power and real-time 3D effects that can be applied instantly to any text, grouped by layer, row, word or character. FXDeko is available in single or dual program output. A preview output is also available. The Deko family includes PostDeko, a software solution for graphic design and production on Windows 95/98 /NT computers and laptops.

Using the open Windows NT platform, the Deko family of resolution- independent CG solutions provides sophisticated font manipulation tools, including instantaneous creation and re-sizing of characters, instantaneous font changes and real-time effects capabilities. The family's powerful range of standard features includes real-time dissolves, wipes, pushes, rolls and crawls; downstream keyer; fit to fill; unlimited editable layers; touch-up paint capabilities; and BroadNeT connectivity with a wide range of platforms and technologies.

About Pinnacle Systems

Pinnacle Systems' broadcast, desktop, and consumer products provide video professionals and consumers cutting-edge digital video tools to create, store, distribute and view web enabled digital video easier and more affordably than ever before. Pinnacle Systems may be reached at 650-526-1600 or on the World Wide Web at www.pinnaclesys.com.

SOURCE Pinnacle Systems Inc.

CO: Pinnacle Systems Inc.