Adaptec Breaks $100 Barrier With Firewire/1394-Based Video Editing Kit

Adaptec, Inc. has rolled out digital video editing kits for desktop computers, priced at under $100.

Based on FireWire/1394 technology, the offering consists of Adaptec’s AFW-4300 FireWire/1394 host adapter, MGI’s VideoWave 4 SE consumer digital video editing software for Windows, and an Adaptec-tested six- to four-pin FireWire/1394 cable. The kit is backed by a five-year Adaptec warranty and service and support, and is being offered at a retail price of $94.

“Adaptec’s FireConnect 4300 is ideal for digital video enthusiasts, home video buffs, and small businesses and organizations that want to extend the capabilities of their digital video camcorders to include robust, easy-to-use home video editing on their PC,” said Jeff Loebbaka, vice president and general manager of Adaptec’s Desktop Solutions Group. “This is the first consumer offering that bundles MGI’s industry-leading VideoWave 4 SE software with a FireWire card backed by Adaptec’s reputation for quality and compatibility.”

The kit’s MGI VideoWave 4 SE is a lite version of the consumer digital video editing application for Windows-based PCs. The application offers editing and special effects tools to capture, edit, produce and share video content. To speed up the editing process, a “scene detection” feature is available to automatically clip video into usable “takes.”

“The FireConnect 4300 kit reflects Adaptec’s continued commitment to bringing affordable and reliable connectivity solutions to desktops,” Loebbaka said. “For almost 20 years, Adaptec has made it easy for end-users to connect their PCs and Macintosh computers to peripheral devices. We are continuing to apply this philosophy to new and emerging technologies, like FireWire, where we see opportunities to help consumers improve their ability to move, manage and protect information.”