Pinnacle Systems Announces Thunder HD High Definition Broadcast Video Production Server

Pinnacle Systems Announces Thunder HD High Definition Broadcast Video Production Server

LAS VEGAS, April 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pinnacle Systems(R), Inc. (NASDAQ:PCLE), a leader in digital video solutions, today announced Thunder(R) HD, a new high-definition (HD) model of its Thunder broadcast video production server family. Thunder HD is built for a wide variety of broadcast applications, including live sports, entertainment and news production, storing and delivering full 720p and 1080i resolution video stills, video clips with audio, and animated graphics.

As part of Pinnacle's complete broadcast solutions, Thunder HD integrates with other Pinnacle high-definition products including Pinnacle Deko(R) real- time graphics systems and Pinnacle Liquid(TM) editing systems. Thunder servers support a wide variety of production workflows, typically providing a video source into a production switcher under control by automation, operator, newsroom computer MOS, or GPI. Uses include playback of animated backgrounds, news packages, over-the-shoulder stills, promo clips, sports and entertainment graphics, short video clips and branding elements.

"Thunder is one of the true workhorses in the world of live production," said Matt Danilowicz, vice president and general manager of Broadcast at Pinnacle. "With Thunder HD, broadcasters can count on the same capabilities on which they have come to rely for their live productions."

Thunder HD stores native MXF MPEG-2 I-Frame format video on internal hard disk storage, starting at 750 GB of RAID 5 storage, allowing 17 hours at 100 megabits per second (Mbps). Thunder HD can be configured as a one or two channel system, each channel delivering both video record and playback capability, including video key channel, eight audio channels and video proxy. Thunder HD also provides the same rich feature set that has made Thunder a leading choice for broadcasters, including built-in sequencer, integrated database with robust metadata search, integrated network browse and control, ThunderMOS newsroom computer system integration, and real-time 2D DVE-style transitions.

Availability

Thunder HD is expected to be available in late 2005. Enhancements are subject to change prior to release of product.

Thunder HD and the complete Pinnacle broadcast product family will be on display during the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) industry convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Pinnacle's booth #SU6341 from April 18-21, 2005.

About Pinnacle Systems, Inc.

Pinnacle Systems provides broadcasters and consumers with cutting-edge digital media creation, storage, and play-back solutions for use at Home, at Work and on the Air. Pinnacle Systems' award winning digital media solutions are in use around the world for broadcast, video editing, DVD and CDR authoring and on the Internet. A recognized industry leader, the company has received nine prestigious Emmy Awards for its technical innovations and carries this commitment throughout all of its product lines. Pinnacle Systems may be reached at 650-526-1600 or at www.pinnaclesys.com.

NOTE: Pinnacle Systems, Deko, Thunder, and Pinnacle Liquid are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pinnacle Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Pinnacle Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: media, Alissa Vasilevskis, +1-650-237-1733, or avasilevskis@pinnaclesys.com, or investors, ir@pinnaclesys.com, both of Pinnacle Systems, Inc.; or Evan Sirof of MarComm-On-Call, +1-914-993-0805, or evan@marcomm-on-call.com, for Pinnacle Systems, Inc.

Web site: http://www.pinnaclesys.com/

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