Videonics Introduces Tutorial and Template Software for 'PowerScript' Video Character Generators

Business Wire, Oct 19, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CAMPBELL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 2000

Speeds And Simplifies Designing, Editing Of Video Bulletin Boards;

Limited Time Offer for Free Copy

Videonics, Inc. (Nasdaq:VDNX), has introduced the PowerScript Bulletin Board Template Guide, the first instructional software package for its line of PowerScript video character generators, to simplify the creation of eye-catching video bulletin boards for use in convention halls, schools, hotels, businesses, and other venues. Featuring tutorials, sample themed templates and style keys for modifying the templates, the new software CD-ROM is available immediately. For a limited time, any customer that purchases a PowerScript 4000 Studio or Studio Component Character Generator between November 1 and December 31, 2000 will receive a free copy of the Bulletin Board Template Guide.

"This is an extremely valuable tool for PowerScript owners, and it will increase the value of PowerScript to prospective customers," said Jim Stewart, Videonics Product Marketing Manager. "The examples provided will help users to quickly create bulletin boards that are customized to their preferences and applications, therefore increasing the productivity and versatility of their PowerScript CG system."

The new easy-to-follow tutorial is based on a seven-step program that guides users through creating visually engaging billboards. Ten themed templates are provided, covering topics such as General Information, Daily Activity Calendar, Senior Activities, and Weather. A "crawl" page template, for creating a moving line of type along the bottom third of the screen, is also included. The tutorials also instruct users how to use or modify existing templates from binary files.

For a limited time, any PowerScript 4000 Studio or Studio Component CG purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2000 will include a free copy of the PowerScript Bulletin Board Template Guide. Details are provided on the Videonics website at http://www.videonics.com/products/powerscript.

About PowerScript Character Generators

PowerScript Character Generators (CGs) allow users to generate high-resolution characters and add them to existing video footage, or to create video bulletin boards from scratch for live or taped use. When used with a Windows PC and PowerScript Communicator Software, PowerScript CGs can also be used to add computer graphics created with programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop to the video. The new Bulletin Board Template software must be used in conjunction with PowerScript 4000 Software 4.0 and PowerScript Communicator Software (V2.3 or higher), which runs on computers using Windows 95, 98, NT, and 2000.

The PowerScript Bulletin Board Template Guide can be used with Videonics PowerScript 4000 Pro, PowerScript 4000 Studio and the PowerScript 4000 Studio Component Character Generators. All PowerScript models generate fully anti-aliased characters and graphics and use 10-bit 4:2:2 component digital video architecture. All are rack mountable and come standard with one PC Card (PCMCIA) which contains the operating system and enough storage for several projects.

The PowerScript Bulletin Board Template Guide has a suggested retail price of $95 (US) and is being sold through Videonics retailers, its website, and the company's worldwide distribution network.

About Videonics

On August 31, 2000, FOCUS Enhancements, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCSE) announced that the Company has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Videonics, Inc. (Nasdaq:VDNX). The agreement provides for each share of Videonics common stock to be converted into 0.87 shares of FOCUS Enhancements common stock. Completion of the merger requires, among other things, the approval of the stockholders of Videonics and FOCUS. The merger is expected to be completed in December of this year.

Videonics is a leading designer of affordable, high quality, digital-video equipment for the broadcast, cable, business, industrial, presentation, Internet, and home video production markets. Videonics products include application controllers, edit controllers, mixers, character generators, and video editing software solutions. Its stock is traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market under the symbol VDNX. More information on Videonics may be obtained from the company's SEC filings, or by visiting the Videonics home page at http://www.videonics.com.

Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements contained in this release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, continued acceptance of the companies' products, increased levels of competition for the companies; new products and technological changes, the companies' dependence upon third-party suppliers, intellectual property rights and other risks detailed from time to time in the companies' periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The companies undertake no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the successful integration of Videonics into FOCUS, fluctuations in operating results, the timely development and acceptance of new products, product availability from suppliers, the impact of competitive products and pricing, changing TV and video standards and other risks set forth under the caption "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in FOCUS and Videonics Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 and June 30, 2000 and other filings with the SEC by both FOCUS and Videonics.