Focus announces FS-5 direct capture device

Reprinted from a Focus Enhancements press release:

Focus Enhancements Inc (NASDAQ: FCSE), a worldwide leader in media management and ultra wideband (UWB) wireless technology, today announced that it will showcase its soon-to-be released, ultra-portable FS-5 Direct To Edit (DTE) recorder at NAB 2008 from April 14-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth SL2605.

Designed for use with popular DV and HDV cameras, FS-5 introduces a groundbreaking and unique new technology for tapeless acquisition. FS-5 advanced features provide users with the ability to quickly and efficiently log custom metadata wirelessly via a laptop, smartphone or other WiFi capable device while recording media. Users will be able to select metadata formats that are compatible with different nonlinear editing (NLE) systems as well as media asset management systems such as Focus Enhancements’ award-winning ProxSys solution.

“With Direct To Edit Technology, we revolutionized the acquisition process by making it possible to record in a number of different native NLE file formats that can be used directly in popular NLE systems,” said Matt McEwen, director of product alliances for Focus Enhancements. “Now that tapeless workflow is becoming the media acquisition standard, users are seeking a flexible means of easily adding metadata, that is compatible with their editing and asset management systems, to their content. We believe our FS-5 addresses those needs by merging content creation and content management in a new way to allow for easy media identification making the end-to-end workflow seamless for broadcast and video production groups.”

In addition to unprecedented metadata capabilities, new features and capabilities include:

— Increased Direct To Edit file format support with the addition of MXF HDV 720p30 and 1080i 50/60 support for Avid NLE systems
— 50% weight reduction and a 60% reduction in size when compared to the entry level FS-4 model
— New rugged and lightweight 1.8″ disk drive technology utilizes the UDF file format
— New low-power and fan-less design utilizes a 3-hour (record time) removable Li-Ion battery pack
— Newly designed user interface and menu system feature an easy to navigate scroll wheel and 320 x 240 color backlit LCD display for menu and status viewing
— USB 2.0 interface for fast computer mounting and connection of accessories
— Wired or optional Wireless network capabilities

The FS-5 will complement the Focus Enhancements family of video production products that enable video pros to go from acquisition to editing with unparalleled speed, efficiency, and reliability. Compatible with most HDV and DV camcorders and editing software, the company’s Direct To Edit video recording technology converts the output from camcorders or VTRs to a NLE format and records to disk via FireWire.

By combining DTE Technology with advanced caching and disk recording, camcorders paired with Focus Enhancements DTE recorders ensure that shots are never missed and critical footage is always ready to edit instantly.

Pricing and Availability

A 100GB version of FS-5 is expected to be available in Summer 2008 for a suggested price of $2,195 (US). For more information, please visit www.focusinfo.com.

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