Conventional Memories

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Fact Sheet

Noteworthy Portable Digital Video (PDV) (1405)

Digital video is having a major impact on the ability to transmit a greater amount of information at a lower cost. Video requires 40% less time to convey your message than traditional methods; increases retention of that information, and is much more informative, stimulating, and entertaining. Portable computer users today need a more cost effective way to send information from remote locations. Portable Digital Video (PDV) is now available to address the emerging potential of the interactive multimedia marketplace. In application specific environments, PDV will change the way the mobile computer user communicates with key resources.

Noteworthys Portable Digital Video card transforms an active matrix color notebook into a powerful multimedia platform, capable of recording, displaying, and transmitting real time full- motion video delivering a new level of multimedia functionality for color notebooks. The new PCMCIA Type II card is a real time, Video Display / Capture board that displays NTSC video signals in 320 x 240 Multi Task mode at 27-30 frames per second. This display size provides for multitasking between digital video and other Windows based programs. Also provided is a 640 x 480 or Full Screen display without a reduction in frame rates. The Noteworthy PDV card is PAL compatible as well, with frame rates ranging from 22-25 FPS, depending on video image complexity.

The PDV card provides the user with a live video image on the notebook screen in 256 natural colors. Still Image and Full Motion Video Capture to system RAM or directly to the hard disk is performed by selecting options from the PDV software interface. Full motion video is saved in 8 bit resolution. Still images may be saved in 16 bit high resolution to the hard disk where they may then be compressed and sent by e-mail. Audio is handled by the card as a pass through analog signal and is not captured with the video clips.

Additional functionality is available by connection to an external TV Tuner or Video Camera module; both of which are under development. Stereo audio output is supported using a standard mini phone jack cable connection and the cable comes complete with Audio Left, Audio Right, and Video In RCA jacks. The Noteworthy PDV card accepts Video Camera, Laser Disk, and VCR input via connection to the interface cable. The product will play stereo audio when the TV Tuner, Video Camera, VCR, or Laser Disk is connected. The PDV software interface is compatible with DOS versions 3.3 and higher, Microsoft Windows version 3.1 and Microsoft Video for Windows.

Several new applications are now possible for the first time using portable computers. For example, an insurance agent who visits the site of an accident may shoot video of the scene, and then send the video clip or selected frames via e-mail or other means to the home office to expedite claim processing. Real estate agents can similarly easily and inexpensively make clips of available properties for display to potential customers.

PDV users will be able to shoot a still video frame of business cards, presentation materials, or the white board at meetings. It is said that 30 seconds of video can convey the contents of a 30 minute speech. PDV will eliminate or dramatically reduce meeting times as well as improve communication between portable and desktop computer users. Interactive multimedia product presentations, training, and digital video reference tools are all part of what PDV technology promises for the future.

Additionally, PDV enables the ability to multi-task, on the road, between Windows based applications and the evening news. With the TV Tuner connected and the PDV card set to full screen mode, your notebook becomes a television set, with audio coming through stereo headphones (or external speakers). Since you must carry a notebook with you to conduct business, why not have it double as a consumer entertainment device as well?

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