Pinnacle Announces New ShowCenter
Reprinted from a Pinnacle press release:
Pinnacle Systems , Inc. (NASDAQ: PCLE), a leader in video editing and TV viewing solutions for consumers, today announced a new release of its ShowCenter digital media receiver. Pinnacle ShowCenter v1.7 offers an all-around enhanced user experience with online music access via RealNetworks award-winning Rhapsody Internet jukebox service, improved media management and support for wireless 802.11g networks, allowing users untethered access to their PC-based media.
Ideal for a home entertainment center, the ShowCenter v1.7 set-top box is the size of a standard DVD player and will be shown for the first time at the DigitalLife conference at the Jacob Javits Center, Booth #2053. With new internal hardware and updated software, the Pinnacle ShowCenter set-top box provides the following features:
o Rhapsody subscribers have unlimited, on-demand access to more than 775,000 songs, as well as access to nearly 60 stations of high-fidelity Internet radio and the ability to build their own, custom radio stations with music from their favorite artists (Internet connection required).
o Rhapsody also gives subscribers the ability to buy and burn individual songs on a pay-as-you-go basis to create their own compilations on CD.
o As a special incentive, Pinnacle and RealNetworks are offering ShowCenter owners a free 30-day trial of the Rhapsody service, which is normally $9.95 per month.
o Ratings - now you can rate your music and photos from zero to five stars
o Automatic playlists, including top rated and most played.
o Ability to listen to music without turning on the television. Users can now assign radio stations or playlists to individual buttons on the ShowCenter remote.
o A “now playing” feature, indicating the current, previous, and next song in a list.
“Digital media receivers such as Pinnacle ShowCenter are allowing customers to enjoy their PC-based digital music, photos and movies to the fullest extent — throughout the home,” William Chien, director of product management, digital home products, Pinnacle Systems. “Customers have tremendous flexibility with the option to browse and use the ShowCenter media manager on the PC or from the comfort of their sofa on the television monitor with a remote control.”
“Pinnacle Systems is offering Rhapsody users another great way to enjoy the service throughout their homes,” said Tim Bratton, General Manager of Wireless Music Delivery for Real Networks, Inc. “By integrating Rhapsody, which lets music lovers enjoy instant access to over 775,000 songs, with other content stored on the PC, the ShowCenter provides a seamless user experience.”
Pricing and Availability
Pinnacle ShowCenter carries a suggested retail price of $299 and is available at Circuit City or through Pinnacle’s own e-store. For more information, go to www.pinnaclesys.com.
Software Updates for Existing Users
Current ShowCenter owners who wish to download software-only features may do so via a software patch by clicking the ‘update now’ option when they connect their ShowCenter to the Internet.
Rework option
Existing ShowCenter customers who wish to add 802.11g functionality of their ShowCenter units may return their units to Pinnacle Systems for retooling. The cost for this option is $99; more information is available at www.pinnaclesys.com.