MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA --(March 28, 2000)--Pinnacle Systems, Inc. announced two new products for real-time broadcasting over the Internet. Pinnacle Systems' StreamFactory Web Media Encoder targets Internet broadcasters who require real-time web encoding of live or previously produced content. Pinnacle Systems also announced a feature-enhanced version of its StreamGenie Live Webcast Production System. StreamFactory and the newly designed StreamGenie provide Internet broadcasters, businesses, and live event producers an exciting choice of powerful, reliable solutions to get you "On Web, On Time."

StreamFactory "StreamFactory raises the bar for high-quality professional Internet encoding solutions," said Pinnacle Systems CEO, Mark Sanders. "The combination of video quality, packaging density, format flexibility, and remote configuration makes StreamFactory a potent solution that is appealing to Internet broadcasters around the world."

StreamFactory accepts a choice of professional video and audio formats, including Serial Digital (SDI), composite, Y/C, YUV, as well as embedded and external AES/EBU digital audio and balanced analog stereo audio. In real time, StreamFactory converts a single video and audio source or compressed video file into a Real Networks SureStream(TM) or Microsoft Windows Media(TM) format for output to the web. Unlike home-built web encoding solutions based on consumer video capture cards and bulky PCs, Pinnacle Systems designed StreamFactory expressly for Internet broadcasters who prefer a compact, rack-mount configuration. The video and audio processing leverages Pinnacle System's most advanced digital video processing engine with custom ASIC technology and processing speed in excess of 1.5 GBytes/second.

StreamGenie "Road Warrior" In addition, Pinnacle Systems has also enhanced its StreamGenie product line with innovative features and new packaging. StreamGenie will now ship standard in an all-metal chassis, optimized for frequent mobile use and extensive travel. International keyboard kits are available for many foreign languages, including French, German, Italian, Spanish, and more. Plus, through a solutions alliance with Mackie Designs, every StreamGenie now includes a compact 12-channel audio mixer -- ideal for webcasting applications that require high-performance, low-noise microphone pre-amps and multi-band equalization. StreamGenie will also be available with Dual Encode Capability. With this option, users can simultaneously encode multiple data rates of both RealNetworks SureStream and Microsoft Windows Media Encoding formats.

"These new versions of StreamGenie were developed through close cooperation of global webcasters who demand nothing less than extreme reliability in the field," said Greg Lowitz, Director Webcasting Solutions Business for Pinnacle Systems. "And to satisfy the most demanding webcasting applications, the new Dual Encode version of StreamGenie allows customers to stream both Microsoft and Real Networks formats concurrently from one box."

Pinnacle Systems will be showing StreamFactory and its new StreamGenie during the NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 10-13. The company also plans demonstrations and webcasts in conjunction with its alliances, including the Microsoft Internet Theater, Real Networks, Post Magazine, Magic Wave Productions, and Video Networks, Inc.

Pricing
StreamGenie with the Dual Encode option carries a US list price of $23,999 while the base version carries a US list price of $19,999. StreamFactory will range in price from $9,999 to $12,999 depending on processor configuration and audio/video input options.

About Pinnacle Systems, Inc.
Pinnacle Systems' broadcast, desktop, and consumer products provide video professionals and consumers cutting-edge digital video solutions 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 http://www.pinnaclesys.com.

SOURCE Pinnacle Systems Inc.
Web Site: http://www.pinnaclesys.com

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