Aurora Launches Low-Cost, High-Quality, High-Definition PipeHD

For Final Cut Pro Users — A Flexible and Cost-Effective Solution for High-Definition Editing

Sterling Heights, MI — April 20, 2004 — Aurora Video Systems today announced the release of its new PipeHD video capture and editing card, a uniquely affordable solution for high-performance HD editing. This latest addition to the Aurora Pipe product family allows users to take advantage of the RT Extreme capabilities within Final Cut Pro, while providing the option to work in either high-definition or standard-definition modes. Like all Aurora products, the PipeHD is built on the company's years of experience developing technology engineered exclusively for Macintosh® systems and QuickTime® applications.

"The PipeHD opens the door to HD editing and production, offering a high-quality, 10-bit solution, with excellent performance and an exceptional price," said Aurora Video Systems CEO Darryl Hock. "As HD acquisition becomes more and more common, the ability to work in HD while still being able to support existing SD video formats becomes increasingly important — whether you are an editor working in a studio or post house, or a home-based videographer or prosumer."

Like Aurora's PipePro video capture and editing card, PipeHD connects to most audio and video devices to offer a greater level of creativity and flexibility than ever before available in this price range. Aurora's PipeHD outperforms more expensive competing devices, offering 10-bit inputs and outputs across the board that can handle both HD and SD video. The card's SDI input enables editors to connect directly to a DigiBeta deck, and two SDI outputs allow for a direct connection to an external video monitor and to a digital deck controlled via the PipeHD's RS-422 serial port. Additionally, users can monitor video via either composite, S-video, or component analog outputs, which will allow for a better workflow without the need for expensive converters. A genlock input is provided for synchronization to studio equipment, or the deck can lock onto an internal genlock signal produced by the PipeHD.

In addition to outputting two channels of 24-bit, 48-kHz analog audio for monitoring purposes, the PipeHD features four channels of high-quality 48-kHz SPDIF (AES/EBU-compatible) digital audio I/O, which offer excellent sound and compatibility while giving users the ability to work in multiple channels. PipeHD also supports up to eight channels of 48-kHz audio embedded in the SDI inputs and outputs. A second desktop feature allows editors to view and manipulate video in other applications, such as Photoshop, and then see how it will appear when output by the PipeHD card.

Aurora's family of Pipe cards (Pipe, PipePro, PipeSDI, PipeHD) is a true QuickTime solution for the Mac OS. No third-party software is necessary for previewing video in applications other than Final Cut Pro. In addition to moving data from Final Cut Pro and putting it on screen, Aurora Pipe cards provide real-time preview compatibility with programs such as Adobe's After Effects and Discreet's combustion.

For more information about Aurora products, visit www.auroravideosys.com.

About Aurora Video Systems

Aurora Video Systems builds comprehensive video editing systems for the Macintosh, leading the post-production industry in product quality, affordability, ease of use, and client support. Aurora has been recognized worldwide as an industry leader in the development and support of video editing systems since 1997. The company's industry-first achievements include development of the first true Mac-only Betacam-compatible card that works without external converters, the first true 24fps real-time capture card for Final Cut Pro, and the first true offline video capture card for OS X. The company's success and outstanding reputation is based on its proactive development approach, speed and flexibility in responding to industry change, and respect for clients and their needs.

About Audio Intervisual Design

Audio Intervisual Design builds a complete range of professional video, film and audio systems, including powerful realtime NLE systems using Aurora IgniterX and Pipe series video interfaces. Complete systems are available for demonstration by appointment at their Hollywood offices. For over 20 years, Audio Intervisual Design has been a reseller, integrator, and consultant to Production and Post-Production professionals in the Television, Motion-Picture, and Recording industies. Email us today or call (323) 845-1155 so we can discuss your questions and specific needs, arrange a demonstration, and customize a system for you.