Adaptec Brings High-Quality Video Editing to the Desktop With Firewire/1394-Based Video Editing Kit

MILPITAS, CA --(Nov. 28, 2000)-- Adaptec, Inc. unveiled a digital video editing kit for desktop computers, priced at under $100. Based on affordable FireWire/1394 technology, the solution consists of Adaptec's reliable AFW-4300 FireWire/1394 host adapter, MGI's industry-leading VideoWave 4 SE consumer digital video editing software for Windows, and an Adaptec-tested six- to four-pin FireWire/1394 cable.  The kit is backed by a five-year Adaptec warranty and Adaptec's global service and support infrastructure, and is being offered at a retail price of $94.

"Adaptec's FireConnect 4300 is ideal for digital video enthusiasts, home video buffs, and small businesses and organizations that want to extend the capabilities of their digital video camcorders to include robust, easy-to-use home video editing on their PC," said Jeff Loebbaka, vice president and general manager of Adaptec's Desktop Solutions Group.  "This is the first consumer offering that bundles MGI's industry-leading VideoWave 4 SE software with a FireWire card backed by Adaptec's reputation for quality and compatibility."

The research firm, Cahners In-Stat Group, is forecasting that by the year 2004, 76 percent of consumer desktop computers and more than 65 percent of digital video camcorders being shipped, will offer FireWire/1394 connectivity.

Fast Data Transfer Rates

One of the main benefits of FireWire/1394 is its ability to handle high-bandwidth data transfers at high speeds.  The Adaptec AFW-4300 FireWire/1394 host adapter is no exception, with data transfer rates of up to 400 Mbits/sec.  In addition to asynchronous data transfers, this OHCI-compliant, three-port card provides isochronous data transmission that guarantees bandwidth for multimedia data streams, ensuring full-frame, full-motion video and CD-quality audio.

Aside from video editing, Adaptec's AFW-4300 FireWire/1394 host adapter is ideal for providing connectivity to many other emerging digital multimedia peripherals, including multi-function printers and scanners, CD-RW drives, digital TV/cable boxes, home theatre systems, and Internet TV controllers.

World-Class Software

Adaptec's FireConnect 4300 kit features MGI VideoWave 4 SE, a lite version of the industry's most popular consumer digital video editing application for Windows-based PCs.  The application offers powerful editing and special effects tools that make it simple to capture, edit, produce and share video content.  To speed up the editing process, a "scene detection" feature is available to automatically clip video into usable "takes."  This one feature can save users hours of time in up front work, leaving them time to focus on the "real work" of editing video.  VideoWave 4 SE is the latest video editing program from MGI's award-winning VideoWave product line.

Commitment to Affordable, Reliable Desktop Connectivity

"The FireConnect 4300 kit reflects Adaptec's continued commitment to bringing affordable and reliable connectivity solutions to desktops," Loebbaka said.  "For almost 20 years, Adaptec has made it easy for end-users to connect their PCs and Macintosh computers to peripheral devices.  We are continuing to apply this philosophy to new and emerging technologies, like FireWire, where we see opportunities to help consumers improve their ability to move, manage and protect information."

The FireConnect 4300 video editing kit is available today through select retailers and Adaptec's web site at www.adaptec.com.

About Adaptec   

Adaptec, is the global leader in innovative storage solutions. Adaptec's hardware and software solutions for business and Internet applications move, manage, and protect critical data and digital content. Adaptec's storage solutions are found in high-performance networks, servers, workstations and desktops from the world's leading manufacturers, and are sold through distribution channels to ISPs, enterprises, medium and small businesses and consumers. Adaptec is an S&P 500 and a Nasdaq 100 member. More information is available at www.adaptec.com.

About MGI   

MGI (Toronto: MGI) is a leading provider of visual media software products and infrastructure that maximize the use of digital visual content by businesses and individuals. We do this by providing software and services that uniquely enhance every step of the visual media communications cycle, including capturing, creating, streaming, viewing, storing, sharing, and publishing. Using our software, businesses and individuals create rich visual content to deliver optimal Internet experiences that communicate, drive user enjoyment and customer frequency, duration, transactions and satisfaction. With headquarters in Richmond Hill, Ontario, MGI employs over 300 people with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. MGI Software is publicly traded on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MGI."

SOURCE  Adaptec, Inc.

CO:  Adaptec, Inc.; MGI Software