Reprinted from a Gateway press release:
Gateway today builds on its industry-acclaimed line of digital still cameras with a new entry in the digital camcorder market. The Gateway DV-S20 Pocket Multi-Cam combines MPEG4 video and 2-megapixel still photography into one low-cost device at just $199.99 — half the price of competitive cameras and a quarter of the price of a miniDV camcorder using traditional DV tapes.
Measuring only 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.2 inches and weighing only 4.3 ounces, the new Gateway DV-S20 Pocket Multi-Cam captures memorable moments — moving or still — in a case small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. With its low price, Gateway’s digital multi-cam makes it fun and easy for teens, college students or families to capture life’s unexpected moments on the fly.
“People everywhere want to record memories of special events, or just have fun and make amateur films,” said Matt Milne, vice president and general manager, digital solutions group, Gateway, Inc. “Gateway is raising the bar on convenience in this arena with a digital multi-cam that makes it easy to capture and share digital video and photography. Better yet, it’s at a price even students can afford and in the new MPEG4 format that eliminates tapes altogether.”
According to the Consumer Electronics Association, digital camcorder sales are projected to grow by 28 percent this year and approach close to 5 million units by the year 2007. Gateway’s entry into this fast-growing market is yet another milestone in its transition from a traditional PC company to a branded integrator — a marketer of digital gear that works together. The company’s move into another consumer electronics segment is part of its unprecedented initiative to introduce 50 new Gateway-branded products in 15 categories this year.
Tiny But Mighty Device Captures Video and Photos
The Gateway multi-cam’s all-digital format means there is no need for tape. Rather, the Gateway DV-S20 Pocket Multi-Cam records on 64MB internal memory that can hold up to 18 minutes of MPEG4 video or a SD card can be added for up to 144 minutes. The memory acts as digital film, letting customers preserve videos and transfer them to a PC or watch them on TV. The camcorder is so versatile that it can also perform as a digital camera storing as many as 730 digital photos with the internal memory.
The multi-cam combines an impressive feature set in a small package. Its 2.5x digital zoom results in close-up shots, while the flip-out-reversible, color LCD screen is ideal for previewing films. Gateway’s multi-cam produces movies at 25 frames per second in 320 x 240 resolution and still images in 1600 x 1200 resolution. Users can shoot with one hand and choose from three recording modes — super fine, fine and normal — depending on the video or still image quality desired.
It can be connected to a TV for watching recorded movies and photo slide shows or hooked to a VCR for recording on tape. Maximizing creative options, Gateway’s camcorder comes with Pinnacle Studio 8 SE+ and Roxio PhotoSuite 4 software, making it fun and easy to edit videos and photos as well as produce VideoCDs or DVDs.
The ultra-portable multi-cam connects directly to computers via a built-in USB port. Uploading MPEG4 videos and sharing digital photos takes only seconds, while watching videos on a PC is made possible by Microsoft’s Media Player 9.0. It uses two readily available AA batteries or optional rechargeable batteries for power.
Gateway’s new branded multi-cam is the perfect complement to its complete line of digital video solutions. The company gained attention from video production enthusiasts earlier this year with its Digital Film Maker PCs that were optimized for digital video editing and digital movie production. Gateway already offers PCs, video solution bundles, training and other digital video and digital camcorder accessories to consumers. Plus, knowledgeable Gateway sales professionals at Gateway stores can help customers find digital video products that seamlessly work together.
Free Online Service Makes Sharing Videos Easy
With the purchase of the Gateway DV-S20 Pocket Multi-Cam, the customer gains free access to an online video sharing service from Pinnacle, which serves as a storage back-up method. Users can email links to these videos to keep family and friends abreast of their latest adventures without slowing cable lines or using hard drive space.
Pricing, Availability and Upgrades
The Gateway DV-S20 Pocket Multi-Cam will be available in-stock at Gateway stores nationwide on Oct. 2, 2003. It’s priced at only $199.99 and is backed by Gateway’s one-year limited warranty. An extended warranty is also available. For additional storage space, Gateway offers a memory card reader and SD memory cards in 128MB (extra 36 minutes) for $59.99 and 256MB (extra 72 minutes) for $99.99 after rebate. Customers can also buy an accessory kit, including rechargeable batteries, a charger, AC adapter, pouch and table tripod for $39.99.
