CNN Selects Pinnacle Systems Vortex News Solution

Pinnacle Systems, Inc. and CNN, a division of Turner BroadcastingSystems, Inc., announced that they have signed a Master Agreement forCNN's purchase, license and installation of Pinnacle products,including the Vortex News solutions. While the Master Agreement doesnot currently include any firm purchase orders, the companies are indiscussions refining system configurations to provide Vortex NewsSystems to meet the quality and speed needed by CNN for its "Feeds& Edit" project at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia as well asthe CNN News Bureau in New York City.

"The Vortex News system was selected to replace all tape-based dailyproduction for CNN in Atlanta and New York," said Gordon Castle, SeniorVice President of Technology at CNN. "When fully implemented, thesystem will utilize Long Group of Pictures MPEG and integrate using MXFto our Playback servers, Digital Archive and .com production systemscreating a complete digital production environment."

"We are delighted to be working with CNN. This is a major milestoneand shows the impact this next-generation Vortex News Systems is havingon news production workflow," said Bob Wilson, president Professional& Broadcast Solutions Division at Pinnacle Systems.

Vortex is a comprehensive solution that integrates all aspects ofnews ingest, editing, and playback of video into a single, seamlessenvironment built on Pinnacle Systems Emmy Award-winning media servertechnology. Within seconds of ingesting material from a source, Vortexenables everyone involved in the production of a story to beginworking. Editing can take place from virtually any PC on the network.Comprehensive management capabilities ensure elements come together tocreate ready-for-air stories and maintain access to the originalelements for archival and repurposing applications.

The Palladium Architecture and Vortex News Systems demonstratePinnacle's commitment to open systems. Pinnacle's file system and fileformats will comply with industry standards and be open for use byother application providers.