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Archive for May, 2004

Panasonic Chooses New York’s Madison Square Garden to Celebrate the 2004 Olympics and Present Their “Gold Medal” Product Lineup

Friday, May 28th, 2004


by Marshal Rosenthal

A proud sponsor of the 2004 Olympics, Panasonic expects to take home the gold this summer with their new “Gold Medal” lineup of camcorder and DVD recorders. First to perform are the PV-GS120 and PV-GS200; DVD camcorders featuring the same 3CCD imaging system for capturing color as found in professional broadcast cameras. Plus 10X optical zoom and still photo shooting capability (1.2 megapixel/PV-GS120 — 2.3 megapixel/PV-GS200). Both are smaller than previous models and add new “direct select” controls (the PV-GS200 also has MPEG-4 movie recording capabilities).

Next to take the field are new DIGA DVD recorders, highlighted by the Flagship-model DMR-E95H. Features include a hard drive with up to 284 hours of recording time (transferring to a DVD-R/RW faster than ever before), a DV input for recording from a camcorder, and SD and PCMCIA card slots for viewing still photos. Also included is the 8 day TV Guide On Screen Electronic Program guide (totally free and not requiring any phone/internet hookup). One-touch recording and an enhanced playback guide completes the package.

Ulead Adds Support for DVD+R Dual-Layer Burning

Thursday, May 27th, 2004


Reprinted from a Ulead press release:

Ulead Systems, Inc., a top developer of digital video, image, and DVD software, announced its first shipment of software to support DVD+R double-layer burning technology. Ulead’s award-winning DVD creation software suite, DVD MovieFactory 3.2 SE, will be included with the DVR-ABN8W (NEC ND-2510) double-layer DVD burner from I-O DATA Device, Inc., Japan’s leading manufacturer and provider of high-quality computer peripherals and interface products. The bundle will be available in Japan by the end of May. Ulead expects to offer double-layer DVD support for all products with DVD burning capability by the end of 2004.

As people increasingly take digital photos and video, they need better ways to store, manage, enhance, and view this media. With the advent of double-layer DVD burners, consumers can now burn digital media and data to double-layer discs, which offer twice the storage capacity (8.5 GB) of single-layer DVD discs. With DVD MovieFactory’s new support for double-layer DVD technology, using the IO Data DVR-ABN8W double-layer DVD burner, consumers can now double the size of the media they use to create DVD video and slideshow productions.

Bill Hsiun, vice president of Ulead Systems’ Global Strategic Sales Center, which specializes in Ulead’s OEM and licensing business, states, “We’re pleased to be among the first software developers to support this advanced technology so that DVD drive manufacturers can reduce their time to market and offer a product that fully meets the digital media needs of their customers. Japan is highly competitive and we are proud to have gained a high level of acceptance in such a technologically fast-paced market.”

“At Ulead we are committed to making tools that anyone can easily use in their day-to-day life to organize, enhance and share their digital photos and video,” says Way-Zen Chen, chairman & president of Ulead Systems. “To stay true to this commitment, Ulead continually leads the pack in making cutting-edge technology accessible to everyday consumers so that working with their digital media is easier and faster than ever before. We are proud to be abreast of the double-layer DVD technology curve by offering some of the first software to support double-layer DVD burners.”

Panasonic Announces 5X DVD-RAM Discs

Tuesday, May 25th, 2004


Reprinted from a Panasonic press release:

Panasonic, a leading marketer of innovative recordable DVD products, introduces its new 5x DVD-RAM discs for the next generation of faster DVD drives and recorders.

“As the industry moves to 5x DVD-RAM/DVD MULTI drives and faster home recorders, Panasonic will be there with competitively-priced discs that can handle a wide variety of PC and A/V applications,” said Marko Wityk, National Marketing Manager for Panasonic’s Mobile Accessory and Battery Division. “These new discs represent our third generation of DVD-RAM discs, as we’ve kept pace with the growth in popularity - and speed - of DVD recorders and computer drives.”

Panasonic’s new 5x DVD-RAM discs offer a significant leap in data transfer speed over current rewritable DVD-RAM discs. The new discs will be available in 4.7GB and 9.4GB capacities, in either cartridge or non-cartridge configuration.

DVD-RAM was designed to seamlessly fuse various digital media, including high-quality, full-motion video. It offers vast storage capacity, incredibly fast data transfer, random access, exceptional picture and sound quality, and writing/erasing/rewriting capability up to 100,000 times. The 4.7GB and 9.4GB discs will play in DVD-RAM drives, DVD MULTI drives, and a variety of other DVD-RAM playback-capable DVD players and recorders.

“Panasonic is committed to making DVD-RAM discs widely available and affordable, while keeping the quality high,” commented Wityk. “These industry-standard discs are optimal for an extensive range of consumer, entertainment and business applications — from data archiving to home entertainment.”

Panasonic’s Mobile Accessory and Battery Division markets a broad range of blank media, including VHS, D-VHS, VHS-C, mini-DV and 8mm videotape; microcassette audio tape; SD Memory Cards and DVD-RAM, DVD-R discs.

Adobe Ships Video Collection 2.5

Monday, May 24th, 2004


Reprinted from an Adobe press release:

Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today shipped the Adobe Video Collection 2.5 — Standard and Professional editions — featuring new versions of its award-winning digital video products. Adobe Video Collection 2.5 includes all-new versions of Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5, Adobe After Effects 6.5, Adobe Audition 1.5 and Adobe Encore DVD 1.5, products that are also available for individual purchase. With extensive cross-product integration and performance enhancements, Adobe’s upgraded video line-up introduces more than 200 innovative new features, including advanced support for high-definition (HD) video in Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5.

Enhanced integration and common interface elements make working in Adobe Video Collection 2.5 easier and more productive. For example, Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5, After Effects 6.5 and Adobe Encore DVD 1.5 integrate with the essential Adobe Photoshop CS capabilities, including nested layer sets and non-square pixel support. Users can easily work between After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 with new copy and paste functionality and features in Adobe Audition 1.5, such as Frequency Space Editing, allow customers to enhance soundtracks for professional video productions. Adobe Encore DVD users can send Photoshop menus to After Effects to create unique motion menus. Adobe Encore DVD also recognizes timeline markers created in After Effects 6.5 and Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 AVI and MPEG-2 files, giving users the option to convert markers to DVD chapter points.

The Adobe Video Collection 2.5 is available in two versions, Standard and Professional. Adobe Video Collection Standard includes Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5, After Effects 6.5 Standard, Adobe Audition 1.5, and Adobe Encore DVD 1.5. The Professional edition of Adobe Video Collection upgrades After Effects 6.5 to the Professional edition and adds Photoshop CS.

Pricing and Availability
Standard and Professional editions of the Adobe Video Collection 2.5 for Windows XP are available for the estimated street price of US$999 and US$1499, respectively. Customers who owned the previous version of Adobe Video Collection Standard or Professional editions are eligible to upgrade for US$249. Customers who own an individual point product can upgrade to Adobe Video Collection Standard for $799. Customers who own a previous version of Adobe Video Collection Standard can upgrade to the new Professional edition for US$799.

Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 for Windows XP is available for an estimated street price of US$699. Registered users of Adobe Premiere Pro can upgrade to Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 for US$99. Registered users of Adobe Premiere 6.5 or earlier can upgrade to Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 for US$199. Adobe Premiere Pro customers can now download a limited version of Red Giant Software’s Magic Bullet Movie Looks when they register a copy of Adobe Premiere Pro online. For additional information on Movie Looks, visit www.redgiantsoftware.com/movielooks.html.

After Effects 6.5 for Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Mac OS X is available for the estimated street price of US$699 for Standard edition and US$999 for Professional edition. Registered users of either version of After Effects 6.0 can upgrade to the new version for US$99. For more information on upgrades from previous After Effects versions, visit www.adobe.com/aftereffects.

Adobe Audition 1.5 for Windows 2000 and Windows XP is now available for the estimated street price of US$299. Registered users of Adobe Audition 1.0 or Cool Edit Pro 2.x can upgrade for US$69. Registered users of Cool Edit Pro 1.x or Cool Edit 2000 can upgrade to the new version for US$169.

Adobe Encore DVD 1.5 for Windows XP is now available for an estimated street price of US$549. Registered users of Adobe Encore DVD 1.0 can upgrade to the new version for US$99.

Information about new features, pricing, support policies, and other language versions is available online at www.adobe.com/motion. Available from Adobe certified resellers, as well as through licensing and education programs, customers in North America can call 1-888-724-4507 for additional product and sales information.

MainConcept Ships MPEG Encoder Mac

Monday, May 24th, 2004


Reprinted from a MainConcept press release:

MainConcept, a world leader in codec and video editing technology, today announced the immediate availability of its MPEG Encoder Mac. The new product is a QuickTime-to-MPEG converter featuring speed and quality comparable to that of MainConcept’s MPEG Encoder for Windows.

Key features include:

  • Easy user interface
  • Ultra-fast, professional-quality encoding - faster than realtime in many cases (depending on system capabilities)
  • Convenient presets for popular formats such as DVD, Video CD and Super Video CD
  • Two-pass encoding
  • Batch processing
  • And many more features

    “We are proud to introduce our MPEG encoder for Macintosh,” said Markus Moenig, founder and CEO of MainConcept. “The Mac platform is very popular for content creation, with a very loyal user base. We are happy to offer our high-quality encoder to the Mac market.”

    MainConcept MPEG Encoder Mac is now available for purchase and immediate download at http://www.mainconcept.com/mpeg_macencoder.shtml for US$249. A free demo version is available. The product is also available for OEM bundling.

  • Digital Juice Announces VideoTraxx

    Monday, May 24th, 2004


    Reprinted from a Digital Juice press release:

    Digital Juice, the world leader in royalty-free, network-quality content, including royalty-free, network-quality animated graphics, royalty-free, network-quality music and now royalty-free, network-quality video announces VideoTraxx, our massive stock footage library of more than 3200 clips for just $599!

    VideoTraxx is the largest single volume of royalty-free stock film and video clips available anywhere. We put thousands of clips, captured by film and video professionals from around the world, through an arduous elimination process to ensure a quality collection of only the best segments. This vast library contains over 3200 film and video clips, taken from their original color-timed masters, and separated into 35+ unique categories to help provide creative professionals with flexibility, variety and options.

  • Over 3200 original film and video clips
  • Over 35 categories of royalty-free footage
  • Incredible library of 34 DVDs
  • 220GB of stock footage
  • NTSC QuickTime MOV format (Now available for PAL!)
  • Converts to AVI, QT or image sequence formats with free Juicer 2 processing software
  • Keyword searchable index within Juicer 2 software
  • Multiple angles available for numerous scenes

    Categories: Family (48 clips), Elderly (30 clips), People (102 clips), Children (56 clips), Health (19 clips), Fitness (43 clips), Sports (162 clips), Extreme Sports (143 clips), Recreation (187 clips), Leisure (79 clips), Abstract (23 clips), Music (47 clips), Business (150 clips), Work (45 clips), Suburbia (45 clips), City Life (41 clips), Industry (81 clips), Commerce (19 clips), Urban (129 clips), Science (118 clips), Technology (97 clips), NASA (80 clips), Government (42 clips), Military (39 clips), Farming (16 clips), Agriculture (31 clips), Animals (78 clips), Food (17 clips), Travel (199 clips), International (200 clips), Sights (141 clips), Aerials (92 clips), Landscapes (182 clips), Weather (200 clips), Nature (200 clips).

    The entire library sells for just $599! To order call 800 525-2203 or visit www.digitaljuice.com. Previews are available at: http://www.digitaljuice.com/products/products.asp?cid=1&pid=38

  • Pinnacle Announces Plug-Ins for Studio 9

    Tuesday, May 18th, 2004


    Reprinted from a Pinnacle press release:

    Pinnacle Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PCLE) today announced the availability of more than 1,000 premium audio and video effects, scene transitions and DVD menus for its Pinnacle Studio 9 home movie-making software. Widely known as plug-ins, these tools add to the hundreds of standard transitions, filters and DVD menus already included with Studio 9. Available online, the new premium plug-ins can be purchased in theme packs of up to 16 plug-ins each or in larger packages such as Hollywood FX Plus and Hollywood FX Mega.

    On top of Studio 9’s robust set of features such as one-touch color correction and integrated DVD authoring, newly available Hollywood-style video effects include “Cops”-style facial blurring, atmospheric rain and digital artifact removal. With new audio tools, Studio users can alter existing voice tracks with a telephone or robotizer filter or add fun background sounds such as wailing sirens. Users may preview the new content in Studio, then simply connect to the Internet to purchase virtual keys that instantly unlock those effects, transitions, sound effects or menus that interest them.

    “Premium Hollywood-quality audio and video effects are now accessible to all Studio 9 users, giving them more creative power than ever.” noted Bill Loesch, vice president of engineering and product management of Pinnacle’s Business & Consumer division. “Pinnacle and its partners have collaborated to offer Studio 9 users unprecedented flexibility with the added bonus of instant gratification.”

    The Studio 9 application was created with an open architecture that supports both VST (audio) and RTFx (video) plug-ins, allowing virtually any software developer to create custom effects and expand the creative options available to users. Developed by Steinberg, the audio group of Pinnacle Systems, VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a universally recognized standard for audio effect plug-ins. Algorythmix GmbH and NewBlue are two software developers offering VST plug-ins for Studio 9. Developers offering RTFX plug-ins include BWPLUGINS, eZedia, StageTools and Virtix.

    “With over 7 million copies of Studio products sold worldwide, this provides an exciting market for our software,” said Todor J Fay, co-founder of NewBlue, Inc. “Using the free SDK from Pinnacle, we were able to create the NewBlue Audio Essentials collections, plug-ins that offer stunning new audio capabilities to Studio users. Pinnacle’s technical support and marketing assistance have been outstanding.”

    Developers can download free SDK s (software developer kits) for Studio 9 VST or RTFX plug-ins by visiting www.pinnaclesys.com/docloaderplain.asp?doclink=/developers/s9developer.html . To date, over 805 developers have downloaded the SDKs.

    Pinnacle Studio 9 was created for camcorder owners who want to create entertaining home movies. The software includes a full range of free content with more than 200 two-dimensional and three-dimensional scene transitions, sound effects, image stabilization and movie soundtracks.

    Pricing and Availability
    Premium content for Studio 9, including video effects, audio effects and menus, are sold in “packs,” meaning users can purchase a collection, usually by type of file and/or effect. Each of the plug-in effects and menus can be previewed in the Studio 9 “edit” screen by clicking on the transitions icon, menu icon or by opening the toolbox and selecting the plug-in icon via pull-down menus. Pinnacle’s own Hollywood FX Plus and Hollywood FX Mega video effects are available for $49.00 and $99.00, respectively. Smaller theme packs tailored to weddings, babies or sports, among others, may be purchased for as little as $5.99 each when bought in bulk.

    About Pinnacle Studio 9 Software
    Pinnacle Studio 9 redefines home movie making with automatic editing capabilities, powerful tools for improving old or damaged video, and new creative options including home cinema-quality movie creation and integrated DVD authoring-all through Studio’s simple, award-winning interface.

    Studio 9 software is available for a suggested retail price of US $99.00. Pinnacle also offers a range of tightly integrated hardware/software solutions featuring Studio 9 bundled with a variety of analog and digital video capture devices, with prices ranging from $99.00 to $249.00. Pinnacle Studio products are available at retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Fry’s Electronics, and MicroCenter. For more information, go to www.pinnaclesys.com.

    Plextor Announces PX-AV100U DivX-Enabled Capture Device

    Monday, May 17th, 2004


    Reprinted from a Plextor press release:

    Plextor Corp., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media equipment, today announced the new ConvertX PX-AV100U Video Capture Device for mass consumer markets. The palm-size device makes it fast and easy to capture video by connecting virtually any video source to a personal computer. The PX-AV100U captures high-quality, full-screen video ideal for recording onto DVDs and Video CDs, and is the first entry-level consumer video capture product to include software-based conversion of video into the DivX format.

    Priced at $79.00 (MSRP), the ConvertX PX-AV100U was developed for users who want to record video to a PC for the first time. The PX-AV100U features capturing of video into the MPEG-2/DVD format or MPEG-1/VCD format via a real-time software encoder, as well as software-based conversion of video into the high-quality DivX format. This highly compressed format enables users to send video files over the Internet, archive video on CDs and DVDs, and play video on cell phones, PDAs, personal video players, or DVD players that support DivX. Analog inputs provide wide compatibility with different video sources, while a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface ensures video is captured to the PC at the highest possible quality level.

    Despite its low price, the ConvertX PX-AV100U includes high-end functions such as Direct-to-Disc, which enables one-step burning from video source to burner, and Edit-on-Disc, which allows users to edit their project off the DVD disc, changing backgrounds, titles, menus, and more. The ConvertX PX-AV100U comes bundled with InterVideo WinDVD Creator 2, the industry’s leading software package for capturing, editing, authoring, and sharing video. The package also includes a DivX software encoder licensed from DivX Networks, the developers of the DivX format.

    “We specifically designed the new ConvertX for first time buyers thinking about taking the plunge into digital video,” said Howard Wing, vice president of sales and marketing for Plextor. “The PX-AV100U gives users the ability to create Video CDs, DVDs and DivX videos without making a big commitment in terms of cost. It’s the perfect compliment for people with a CD or DVD burner on their PC.”

    ConvertX Video Capture Devices
    ConvertX video capture devices allow users to capture video to their computer for editing, storing, and sharing. Users simply connect a video source-such as a camcorder, DVD player, VCR, or television-to one of ConvertX’s AV connections, which include RCA Composite Audio/Video Input and S-Video Input. ConvertX automatically converts the analog video into a digital format for editing, authoring, and recording on media. The ConvertX product family includes the high-end Plextor PX-M402U with real-time hardware encoding of MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and DivX.

    InterVideo Software Bundle
    ConvertX software is based on InterVideo’s popular WinDVD Creator 2. WinDVD Creator 2 lets users capture and edit video; add titles, transitions, effects, music, and menus; and create a DVD (or VCD), mini-DVD, AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, WMV, or DivX movie.

    Recommended System
    Personal computer system with a 1.6 GHz or faster processor, 256 MB RAM, 10 GB hard drive; Microsoft Windows XP Pro/Home/2000 operating system; Windows compatible AGP or PCI graphic card; Windows compatible sound card with support for 48-KHz playback (PCI recommended); and USB 2.0 port. A CD-R/RW or RDVD disk drive is required for CD or DVD creation.

    Pricing and Availability
    The Plextor ConvertX PX-AV100U is scheduled for shipment to distributors and resellers in North and South America immediately. The PX-AV100U has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $79.00 USD. All retail packages include unlimited toll-free technical support and one-year full warranty.

    Iomega Announces 160GB External Hard Drive

    Monday, May 17th, 2004


    Reprinted from an Iomega press release:

    Iomega Corporation (NYSE: IOM), a global leader in data storage, today announced that its new Iomega HDD 160GB USB 2.0 Desktop Hard Drive is now shipping. Designed for the desktop with fast 7200 RPM performance and “touch-free” backup software, the new external HDD 160GB* Desktop Hard Drive gives users a simple and complete solution for managing music, photos, video and other data files.

    Iomega will be showing the new Iomega HDD 160GB USB 2.0 Desktop Hard Drive at next week’s CeBIT America tradeshow in New York City, May 25-27, 2004.

    “Digital photography, downloadable music, and digital video camcorders, as well as an endless variety of data files, continue to create increased demand for desktop storage,” said Jennifer Burl, senior product manager, Iomega Corporation. “The new HDD 160GB Desktop Hard Drive not only gives users what they want–more space–but also what they need–more security. Automatic backup of all their important files is the safety net that can protect them from data disasters.”

    Touch-Free Backups
    Iomega’s latest external USB 2.0 drive comes in a slim new enclosure (7.25 x 4.5 x 1.25 inches) and includes a full version of the award-winning Iomega Automatic Backup software for advanced real-time backup. With Iomega Automatic Backup software, backups are automatic and “touch-free”–users do not have to count on remembering to push a button or run a program. They simply select the files and folders to protect, set the backup schedule, and let Iomega Automatic Backup software do the rest. And restoring data is easy–just drag and drop.

    Iomega Automatic Backup software includes these advanced features:

  • Enables touch-free backups whenever a file changes
  • Allows personalized backup schedules
  • Supports multiple backup locations
  • Saves multiple file revisions (user selectable)
  • Supports DVD, CD, hard drives, network drives, and solid-state memory cards
  • Caches backup data when backup media is unavailable
  • Simplifies file restoration with drag and drop convenience

    Also included is a full version of Symantec Norton Ghost disaster recovery software ($70 retail value), which creates a comprehensive disk image of the hard drive. If the system crashes, or gets a virus, or the drive ever needs to be replaced, the user can easily restore all software and settings from the disk image, without the need to reinstall the operating system or individual programs.

    Key Hardware Features

  • Fast 7200 RPM drive
  • USB 2.0 interface (compatible with USB 1.1)
  • 25 MB/sec. transfer rate (USB 2.0)
  • 9 ms. average seek time
  • Hot plug & play (can connect to a running computer)

    Availability and Requirements
    The Iomega HDD 160GB Desktop Drive is shipping now for availability at retail, catalog, and online at www.iomega.com, for $199.95 (U.S. suggested retail). Iomega Automatic Backup software is compatible with Mac OS 8.6 or above and Microsoft Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, Me and XP. Symantec Norton Ghost is compatible with Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, Me, and XP.

  • Xformx Announces ShareGear

    Thursday, May 13th, 2004


    Reprinted from an Xformx press release:

    The new Internet-enabled, desktop-to-desktop digital media file sharing software product, called ShareGear 2004, provides digital camera owners with a fast and easy way to share digital photographs and full resolution video clips of any length right from their pc.

    Unlike email and other photo sharing products that push large files from the sender’s computer to the recipient, ShareGear 2004 takes the opposite approach. ShareGear 2004 enables photo enthusiasts to send a secure, private invitation link that allows recipients to selectively view or download shared photos, videos, and other digital media files — directly from the sender’s computer.

    ShareGear 2004 is the first software product to focus on the person who receives shared content, not just on the sender. Invited recipients need only a web browser to access these files; to view slideshows with soundtracks; to watch home or office movies; to listen to music; or, to selectively download the files they want. Recipients do not need to use special software or join a file sharing service.

    With ShareGear 2004, any digital media file can be easily shared with friends, family, and business associates. And, since only invited recipients can access the files a sender chooses to share, digital media files are securely protected from unauthorized access.

    Good News For Digital Camera Owners
    Today’s high resolution, multi-mega pixel digital cameras and camcorders produce large files. Thus, there are enormous obstacles to share photos, slideshows, and videos with friends, family, and business colleagues. With ShareGear 2004, there are no file size limitations as with email attachments, no hassles with uploading files to online file sharing services, and no expensive and time consuming CD or DVD burning.

    Traditionally, digital camera owners have tried to send their photos and videos as an email, but have found that attachments are typically limited to a maximum size of 5MB, which is too small for most digital media. And, recipients are increasingly reluctant to open email attachments for fear of viruses and for clogging their email systems.

    Digital camera owners have also tried online file sharing services. However, these services are limited by the amount of storage for which users are willing to pay; by the extensive time that is required for uploading photos and videos; and, by the lack of security for sensitive digital media.

    ShareGear 2004 is the perfect solution for sharing any type or size of digital media with anyone, anywhere in the world. Only ShareGear 2004 avoids the traditional file sharing problems that have plagued sending email attachments, using online file sharing services, and burning CDs or DVDs.

    Share Photos and Video Clips in a Flash
    ShareGear 2004 has an intuitive and highly automated “Get, Create, Share,” method for easily capturing stills and videos, and then making them immediately available to family, friends, and business colleagues over the Internet. Built-in import wizards automatically transfer the digital camera’s photos and videos into ShareGear 2004, without having to use any intermediate photo editing software.

    And, when sharing photos, ShareGear 2004 provides an easy-to-use photo album creation tool to caption pictures and to create slideshows, complete with a narration or music soundtrack, if desired.

    ShareGear 2004 also gives users full control over how their photos and video clips are shared. For each photo in a photo album, users can specify whether or not the original high-resolution photo can be downloaded. Similarly, for each video clip in a video playlist, users can permit or deny downloading of the original video file.

    Control What You Share
    To share their creativity, users simply select the digital media they want to share and with whom they want to share it. ShareGear 2004 takes care of the rest by automatically creating a specially encrypted private invitation link that users deliver by email or instant message. The private link determines exactly what files the invited recipient is allowed to see.

    With ShareGear 2004, users are in complete control of their shared files. Invitations can be monitored, so users know when shared files are accessed. And, invitations can be expired, so access is no longer allowed. In addition, files can be selectively added or removed from share invitation access, even after invitations have been sent. And, ShareGear 2004 automatically makes the latest version of the file available to your invited recipients, eliminating the need to send multiple emails out with the latest updates.

    Great for Home Videos
    ShareGear 2004 provides the home video enthusiast a time- and cost-saving breakthrough for sharing videos of virtually any length with family and friends. Instead of spending time and money burning and mailing DVDs, ShareGear 2004 can be used to quickly, easily, and inexpensively show their videos over the Internet.

    As with digital photos, videos can be imported directly from a camcorder into ShearGear 2004. To assure an enjoyable viewing experience with minimal playback delay, ShareGear 2004 automatically re-samples videos to establish the best balance between image quality and transmission speed.

    System Requirements
    ShareGear 2004 software runs on PCs with a minimum of a 300 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, and 100 MB free disk space. The operating system software must be Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 SP2 or higher. A high-speed cable or DSL internet connection is required.

    How to Get ShareGear 2004
    ShareGear 2004 can be downloaded and purchased directly from the company’s website at www.sharegear.com. A full-featured evaluation copy of the product can be downloaded for a 10-day free trial. ShareGear 2004 can then be purchased for a special introductory price of $49.95 through May 31, 2004, and $69.95 thereafter. In addition to an unlimited-use license, the purchase price also includes free product updates downloadable from the company’s website, and use of a personalized Internet locator. ShareGear 2004 is a product of XFormx, Inc. in Needham, MA.