Reprinted from a Bella press release:
Bella Corporation, known for its innovative and award-winning video editing keyboards, today introduced its newest product: Catapult. Catapult is the world’s first device to allow capture of video footage from DV or HDV video cameras directly to iPods or virtually any USB drive, and begin editing immediately. A battery powered device not much larger than a Blackberry, the Catapult eliminates the time consuming and tedious task of digitizing video footage.
Unlimited Storage
By offering a standard USB 2.0 connection, the Catapult has been designed to take advantage of many popular storage devices. With this in mind, the Catapult has a convenient piggy-back neoprene pouch designed to hold an iPod or even a 2 1/2″ USB drive. For those with greater storage needs, virtually any USB 2.0 drive system can be connected, including multiple terabyte systems.
Advanced Features Expand Functionality
Catapult adds exciting features to capturing digital video including time lapse and trigger-based events, as well as pre and post record functionality — all of which are impossible to achieve with standard tape-based recording methods.
Time Lapse Recording
The completely configurable Time Lapse feature allows the recording of frames of video at specific intervals. For example, recording only a few frames per minute would show a flower blooming, while a longer duration could be used to document building at a construction site.
Remote Trigger Allows More Freedom in Filming
The Catapult offers Remote Trigger Recording, which allows either a remote switch or a motion detector to trigger recording on the Catapult. This can be particularly useful in recording nature and wildlife events, and also for surveillance operations.
Pre & Post Record
Pre-record and Post-record settings are two of the most exciting features of Catapult. With the Pre-record setting, users can set Catapult to begin recording for a preset amount of time prior to actually hitting the “record” button on the camera. This is feature is great for use with live action, such as sporting events allowing you to capture that winning point every time.
The Post-record setting is useful when used in conjunction with a remote trigger, such as a motion detector. For example, to record hummingbirds visiting a feeder, the motion sensor would prompt the Catapult to begin recording, and the Post-record feature would allow recording to continue for a pre-determined amount of time.
Extended Recording Time
Utilizing built-in rechargeable batteries, the Catapult is capable of continuous recording in excess of three hours. The Catapult can also be powered with the included AC adaptor.
Easily Set Up With Presets Included
The Catapult can be configured using either a Windows or Macintosh computer. The Catapult “Configurator” allows you to save settings for up to four presets that can easily be accessed “in the field” on the Catapult.
Broad Compatibility
The Catapult is designed to work with DV and HDV format cameras that include a FireWire connection, such as those from Sony, Canon, JVC, and Panasonic.
Pricing and Availability
The Catapult will be available in the second half of 2006 and will be priced under $300.
