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Pinnacle Systems, Inc., the consumer division of Avid Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID), today announced that Pinnacle Studio"! version 12, its market-leading consumer video editing software, is the recipient of Videomaker Magazine's prestigious 2008 Product of the Year Award. Videomaker, the industry's leading publication for videographers and video enthusiasts, will feature Pinnacle Studio as "The Best Introductory Editing Software" in its February 2009 issue.

Well-known for combining power with the latest technologies and making them exceptionally easy to use, Pinnacle Studio software is number one in the consumer video editing market in the U.S. and in major European countries¹. From novices to hobbyists and advanced users, the Pinnacle Studio line offers affordably priced solutions for every budget and every level of experience. In addition to Pinnacle Studio, the basic version, the product family includes Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate software with more advanced audio and video tools, including a complete HD workflow.

Videomaker's managing editor, Jennifer O’Rourke, who was on the team of editors who chose Pinnacle Studio as "The Best Introductory Editing Software," described her selection approach. "My 'process' was going into it as if I knew nothing about non-linear editing to see how intuitive and easy it really was.” In a recent review of Pinnacle Studio Ultimate version 12, O'Rourke praised the software for "Marrying Ease and Fun Together," and added that Pinnacle Studio "has lots of features that give you a big-time editor's look and feel, using templates and presets that add filters and effects without your having to do the math - good for beginners."

“It’s an honor to have the editors of an industry-leading publication like Videomaker select Pinnacle Studio as 2008 Best Product of the Year in ‘The Best Introductory Editing Software’ category”, said Mark Overington, VP of Product Management Video, Avid. “Having Pinnacle Studio version 12 selected over its competitors validates that we are on track in taking the complexities out of the latest technologies and delivering solutions that make enjoyment part of the editing experience. At Pinnacle, we don’t believe consumers should be limited in their creativity because of a lack of experience or a tight budget.”

In addition to being recognized as Product of the Year by Videomaker, Pinnacle Studio has also received nearly forty key awards in 2007 and 2008, including PC Magazine's prestigious Editors' Choice Award for consumer video editing software and the coveted European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) Award for “European HD Video Editing 2008-2009.”

With Pinnacle Studio, the video editing experience begins with the ability to directly import digital videos, photos, and audio from a wide range of devices including DV, HDV and AVCHD camcorders, and digital still cameras. The recent release of Pinnacle Studio version 12.1 update adds support for QuickTime® .mov import and export.

In addition to including customizable tools that appeal to experienced video enthusiasts, the software offers unique, theme-based editing with Pinnacle Montage for video editing beginners and people who don’t have time to edit. This feature enables users to mix their favorite photos, video clips and music and then enjoy working with up to 18* video tracks to bring them to life. More than 80 templates are included for automatically generating multi-layered effects, animated graphics and great titles.

With the advanced, built-in disc burning capabilities included in Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, users can archive their videos on DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs or make AVCHD format discs on standard DVDs that will play on Blu-ray players and many older players. Videos can also be uploaded directly to web-sharing sites like YouTube® or loaded into Sony® PSP™, Apple® iPod®, DivX®- certified players and 3GP cell phones.

Pinnacle Studio 12 Family Pricing and Availability
Designed for Microsoft® Windows® XP and Windows Vista™ systems, the Pinnacle Studio version 12 family includes Pinnacle Studio, as well as Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate software with full HD support. SRPs are US$49.99, $99.99 and $129.99, respectively. The Pinnacle Studio version 12 family is available now at e-tail and retail stores and the Pinnacle Systems® e-store. The 12.1 update is available as a free download from the Pinnacle Systems website for Pinnacle Studio version 12 users. Upgrades from all of the previous Pinnacle Studio versions to version 12 are also be available from the Pinnacle Systems website for a fee.

For tutorials, demos, overviews and tips on all Pinnacle Systems® solutions go to www.pinnaclesys.com/pinnaclelife.

About Pinnacle Systems, Inc.
Pinnacle Systems, Inc., a part of Avid Technology, Inc. is an industry leader in providing a complete set of home video editing and TV viewing tools for the consumer market. The company’s product lines including Dazzle®, Pinnacle ShowCenter®, and its flagship Pinnacle Studio line, cover the needs and requirements of any level of video storytellers. Pinnacle Systems has received nine prestigious Emmy® Awards for its technical innovations and carries the commitment to help consumers enhance, preserve and share their memories with ease. For more information, visit www.pinnaclesys.com.

About Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid is a worldwide leader in tools for film, video, audio, and broadcast professionals – as well as for home audio and video enthusiasts. Avid professional and consumer brands include Avid®, Digidesign®, M-Audio®, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius® and Sundance Digital®. The vast majority of primetime television shows, feature films, commercials and chart-topping music hits are made using one or more Avid products. Whether used by seasoned professionals or beginning students, Avid’s products and services enable customers to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. Avid received an Oscar® statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. For more information about the company’s Oscar, Grammy® and Emmy® award-winning products and services, visit www.avid.com, del.icio.us, Flickr, twitter and YouTube; connect with Avid on Facebook or subscribe to Avid Industry Buzz.

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© 2009 Avid Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Product features, specifications, system requirements, and availability are subject to change without notice. Promotions and discounts are subject to availability and change without notice. All prices are USMSRP for U.S. and Canada only and are subject to change without notice. Contact your local reseller for prices outside the U.S. and Canada. Avid, Digidesign, Film Composer, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Sundance Digital, the Pinnacle Pinwheel logo, Dazzle, Pinnacle ShowCenter and Pinnacle Studio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Oscar is a trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emmy is a registered trademark of ATAS/NATAS. Grammy is a trademark of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Inc. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Sources:
¹ The NPD Group/Retail Tracking/Consumer Video Editing (Annual 2007) – US.
Based on consumer sales for 4 European countries (DE, FR, IT and GB cumulated) annual 2007 in the GFK Retail-Market.
*Available only in Pinnacle Studio Plus version 12 and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate version 12.