Contact: Andy Marken
Marken Communications, Inc.
408-986-0100
andy@markencom.com
First USB Capture Solution with Unique “Set It and Forget It” Transfer of VHS Tapes to CD/DVD
CERRITOS, CA (September 2, 2004) ADS Tech (www.adstech.com), an industry leader in developing consumer video solutions that are fast, easy-to-use and affordable, announced today that it is now shipping a new version of DVD Xpress that runs cooler and has been enhanced with new software. DVD Xpress V2.0 is a USB 2.0 external device that provides novices and experienced users with the fastest, easiest and most affordable means of bringing audio and video into a desktop or laptop PC for editing and burning to a CD or DVD. With the latest version of DVD Xpress, users now have real time, direct to VCD, SVCD or DVD disc recording capabilities a time-saving feature that no other USB video capture device offers. With this feature, ADS Tech’s DVD Xpress is also the only solution on the market that offers “Set It and Forget It” transfers of VHS tapes direct to a CD or DVD disc.
“The “Set It and Forget It” feature will appeal to the millions of people who just want to preserve the quality of their video tapes by transferring them to DVD before the tapes degrade,” explained Mike McCoy, ADS Tech President. “Users can just pop their tape in the VHS player, connect it to DVD Xpress, set it to record for an hour and 5 minutes and leave. When they come back, their DVD will be waiting for them in the tray. It’s that easy.”
Compatible with any Windows-based desktop or laptop PC, DVD Xpress will also appeal to people who want to quickly and easily get their video from the camera to a PC for immediate viewing or to disc for sharing. A complete hardware/software solution, the plug-and-play device is bundled with the latest versions of CapWiz, a consumer favorite for creating videos; and Ulead Video Studio 8 SE DVD, a simple yet powerful DVD editing and authoring application.
ADS Tech’s smart-looking device connects to a PC USB port and transfers video and audio signals from analog camcorders or VCRs and automatically converts the signals into digital files that can be stored on a PC’s hard drive. Users can even preview the video on-screen while it is being captured in real time. Video is captured in the MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 (for VCD, SVCD or DVD) formats with resolutions of up to 720 x 480 (720 x 576 PAL). With the bundled software, users can also make adjustments for brightness, contrast, chroma, saturation and hue.
To ensure the highest-quality video, DVD XPress utilizes the latest in video conversion and filtering technology to reduce noise on old VHS tapes. It also includes ADS Tech’s exclusive Audio-Lock technology to provide perfect lip synch all the way through the capture, edit and disc-burning process. By upgrading DVD Xpress to CapWiz 3.5, ADS Tech delivers a major enhancement because for the first time, people will be able to burn video directly from the source to a VCD, SVCD or DVD disc. They won’t have to wait while video files are stored on their hard drive and there are no extra files to manage or delete.
Beginners like CapWiz because they aren’t intimidated by it. The software guides them through all the video production steps from capture to burning. But CapWiz also provides powerful features for more advanced users. With the custom capture settings, they can set the video quality (video capture bit rate), use constant or variable bit rates, select audio compression formats (LPCM or MPEG-1 Layer 2) and more.
The new version of DVD Xpress also includes Video Studio 8 SE DVD which includes automated movie-making tools and the ability to add transitions, titles and narration in a single integrated DVD Authoring program. With the photo slideshow tool, users can even mix photo slides shows and videos on the family vacation DVD. Novices will find Video Studio 8 SE DVD more intuitive than a full video editing application, and more advanced users will enjoy experimenting with the motion menus and motion background capabilities.
Instant DVD Xpress is part of ADS Tech’s complete family of USB Instant DVD capture devices that incorporate the latest hardware and software technologies. With a product line that spans from the most basic video capture solution to one of the industry’s most complete consumer video production solutions, consumers have an economical and reliable growth path to the future. They can move up to Instant DVD products with expanded capabilities when they are ready.
Availability, Pricing
Slightly larger than a deck of cards, ADS Tech DVD Xpress is a compact device that can be used with any Windows 98SE, ME 2000, or XP system with a USB port. ADS Tech DVD Xpress is available through ADS Tech’s network of online and retail channels worldwide with an ESP of US$99. The device comes with audio/video and USB cables and a CD containing Capture Wizard 3.5 and Video Studio 8 SE DVD software. An updated user manual is also included.
About ADS Technologies
ADS Tech is a world leader in Universal Serial Bus and IEEE-1394/FireWire solutions. Since 1992, the company has introduced high-quality multimedia, networking and presentation products at consumer-friendly prices. The company’s award-winning USB product line includes eleven complementary peripherals and its USB Port for Desktops is the world’s best-selling USB PCI host card. PYRO 1394DV, the first consumer-priced digital video editing solution on the PC market, has been widely adopted by owners of digital video camcorders for its ease-of-use for first time DV editors, its functionality and its low cost.
ADS Tech products are distributed by Ingram Micro in the United States, Canada and Europe. ADS Tech products are available in nearly 3,000 consumer electronic and computer retail stores — including CompUSA, Circuit City, Micro Center, Fry’s Electronics, Electronics Boutique, Data Vision, IBM Home Computing, Radio Shack stores and hundreds of others — and through OEM private-label customers around the world who market ADS products under their own brand name. For more information, please visit our Web site at http://www.ADStech.com or contact phone: 800.888.5244.
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Editors Note: For more information, photos/illustrations or a review copy of the USB Instant DVD Xpress, contact andy@markencom.com.
