On and off topic-- MGI digital VCR releases -
MGI Software made two announcements this morning (see full text releases
below).
Compaq is going to begin bundling VideoWave II on all systems that include a 1394 FireWire card. This is a significant move, signaling the emergence of PC video into the mainstream PC market.
The second release talks more about VideoWave from the end user's
perspective;
enlightening stuff, especially the comments from the 11 year old kid.
Our key points for these releases are that:
MGI is uniquely positioned with applications (photo, video, DVD, TV-DVCR) to capitalize with OEMs (in this case Compaq) in the emerging "entertainment" PC market.
VideoWave II is the most popular product with more that 50% market share. VideoWave is #1 in retail (source: PC Data in North America) and now in OEM.
VideoWave's unique StoryLine is extremely easy to learn; it makes editing video as easy as editing text in a word processor. VideoWave has the most sophisticated features in its class and is continuously adding more.
==== Full Text Release =====
MGI Software's VideoWave II Included in Compaq Presario PCs
Agreement Indicative of New Digital "Entertainment PC" Era
TORONTO, ONT - June 16, 1999 - MGI Software Corp. today announced an
agreement with Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) for MGI VideoWave II. Effective immediately, MGI VideoWave II, MGI's award-winning, easy PC video editing software for home and business users, will now be bundled with select models of the Compaq Presario line
and all Presario build-to-order systems that include an IEEE1394 (FireWire) option.
The agreement is indicative of a new era in systems aimed at consumers - the emergence of the digital "Entertainment PC", which hungers for new applications.
"The evolution of computer technology is branching off into a variety of interesting directions, but one thing is for sure, the PC is becoming much more than a work tool. No where is this more evident than in the home," said Kathleen Maher,an analyst with Jon Peddie and Associates (JPA) of Tiburon, California. In its recent Digital Entertainment Box Study, JPA identifies such hardware as 1394, DVD drives
and TV/Digital VCR as enablers that will drive the development of the digital entertainment PC. "The key is component technologies that enable OEMs to take advantage of the system's power to offer consumers applications they didn't dream possible even a few months ago. For example, MGI's VideoWave II takes advantage of
new capabilities such as digital video and IEEE1394 to give consumers a very economical option for working with and enjoying video on their computers," said Maher. By 2001, JPA predicts that digital Entertainment PCs will grow to an installed base of 149.9 million units.
"This agreement with Compaq -- the largest PC manufacturer in the world --marks the emergence of PC video on mainstream systems," said Anthony DeCristofaro, MGI Software president and CEO. "Making movies with MGI VideoWave II is an easy, fun and rewarding experience, and users have made it the most popular choice in PC video. This popularity is now expanding in to OEM opportunities, and MGI is uniquely positioned to offer a suite of applications that enhance the new technologies
defining the digital entertainment PC."
MGI VideoWave II enables a user to edit DV (digital video) shot from a
digital camcorder (VideoWave also edits analog video, which can be captured from a traditional camcorder through a video capture board or TV tuner card). The standard connection or interface that allows a user to transfer the digital video content from a DV camcorder into the computer for editing is IEEE1394. Though 1394 enables
DV capture, it is a high-speed bus connection that can be used to connect many different peripheral devices to a PC. The consumer electronics market is incorporating 1394 on nearly every digital audio/visual consumer electronics device and the bus has already become a standard feature in the digital camcordermarket
that is doubling each year. Recently, Apple, Philips, Matsushita, Sony,
Toshiba and Compaq formed a patent pool and will create a licensing program to promote the use of 1394, ensuring its widespread adoption on the PC platform.
About MGI VideoWave II
MGI VideoWave II gives users the power to create wonder. Its revolutionary StoryLine makes PC video editing easy, letting users intuitively combine video clips, animation, graphics, photos, sound, music and narration to easily "tell a story" in video. MGI VideoWave II is packed with powerful features that allows
users to easily create business presentations, training materials, content for the Web or spice up home movies. The software, which sells for about US$99 in stores, is the # 1 selling consumer PC video editing software for Windows with more than 50% retail market share.
About MGI Software
MGI Software is one of the world's leading digital media companies. The company's early focus on delivering digital media editing technology to the mass market has led to leadership in the PC photo and video editing market, with more than 19 million units of its PhotoSuite and VideoWave products shipped in retail and OEM channels spanning 25 countries. The company has recently expanded itstechnological
leadership to encompass all digital entertainment media, including
television, movies, and music, with its DVD MAX, and PURE DIVA products. Through its ever growing network of partnerships with major consumer electronics manufacturers, computer hardware and software vendors, photo retailers and the entertainment industry, MGI is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the revolutionshaping our
digital lifestyles.
MGI Software shares trade on The Toronto Stock Exchange (Symbol: MGI). For more
information visit mgisoft.com.
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Paul |
