Pinnacle announces MediaCenter launch

Pinnacle Systems has launched Pinnacle MediaCenter, a combined hardware and software solution that lets PC owners transform their existing PCs into digital entertainment centres affordably.
Pinnacle Systems is leveraging its expertise in developing consumer-friendly user interfaces and its award-winning digital media hardware to create Pinnacle MediaCenter (PMC) solutions that lets users create, manage and enjoy a full range of media on their home PCs.
The solutions include either an internal TV card (Pinnacle PCTV MediaCenter 300i) or an external USB2 product (Pinnacle PCTV MediaCenter 100e). The new Dual-TV card, PCTV MediaCenter 300i, is completely new to the market and provides the option of connecting to either Digital Antenna TV (DVB-T) or standard analogue antenna TV in high quality reception.
Pinnacle MediaCenter products include a TV tuner with a remote control as well as Pinnacle MediaManager software. PMC software lets users enjoy live television with the added ability to record, pause, and create instant replays with the touch of a button, as well as schedule their favourite programmes for recording using Internet-based programming guides. The included Pinnacle MediaManager software is a sophisticated media management tool for music, photos and video files. MediaManager integrates media import and search functions, file format conversion, DVD and CD burning, CD ripping, watched folder, playlist creation and media organisation in a single, user-friendly application.
"With the mass adoption of digital cameras, camcorders and digital music players, the home PC has become a virtual warehouse of digital media," said Ajay Chopra, Chief Operating Officer of Pinnacle Systems. "All that's missing to turn the PC into an entertainment device is the right software, a TV tuner and a remote control - and that's what we're offering with Pinnacle MediaCenter."
The Pinnacle MediaCenter user interface is designed to be viewed on either a television or PC monitor from a 'living-room' distance, allowing users to access their music, photos and videos from across the room using the included remote control.
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