- What is Pinnacle doing now to ensure its products will support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system requirements?
With the general availability of Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system right around the corner, we are absolutely committed to completing compatibility requirements for Windows Vista by the time it is commercially available in 2007. Our updates will, therefore, be made available in the first quarter of 2007.
- What are Pinnacle's plans?
Pinnacle is planning on releasing patches for its software products and updated drivers for its hardware products. These patches will ensure compatibility with the new operating system. Updates will be available at no additional charge from the Pinnacle website and incorporated into products as they become available.
- What does this really mean for consumers?
When the most widely used operating system is essentially overhauled, it has a significant effect on the entire computer industry. Consumers may need to upgrade their PCs and much of the software they use. Pinnacle wants to make this transition as seamless as possible for our customers so they won't have to question whether or not our products will work with either the new Windows Vista OS or their previous operating system.
- What exactly is the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system and why is it important?
The Microsoft Windows Vista operating system will enable a new generation of applications and solutions that deliver greater security, enable richer and more immersive user experiences- particularly in the area of digital media and entertainment - and offer a new communications and connectivity infrastructure.
Video Editing
- What impact will Windows Vista have on Pinnacle Studio™?
Pinnacle Studio is the Company's flagship video editing product and we are working hard to ensure complete compatibility with Windows Vista's requirements. We are planning on delivering an update at no additional charge at the time Windows Vista ships, so consumers can have peace of mind when purchasing any Pinnacle product today.
- How do I upgrade my Pinnacle Studio products to those that are Windows Vista compatible?
Once Windows Vista is available, simply install your current software, launch the application and the Pinnacle Smart Messaging system will pop up the option to download a patch from our website.
- Will Pinnacle Studio hardware drivers work on Windows Vista?
The PCI products in the Pinnacle Studio hardware line are working well on 32bit pre-release Windows Vista systems. We anticipate no problems with compatibility once Windows Vista is commercially available in 2007.
The USB products also have functioning 32bit drivers. All Windows Vista-qualified drivers will be made available on the Pinnacle website for free download.
- I have an older version of Studio. Do I have to buy an entirely new product that is compatible?
Any product within the current Pinnacle Studio v.10 family of products will be eligible for the Windows Vista update for no additional charge. Older versions of Pinnacle Studio will need to be upgraded to Studio 10.
- Will Pinnacle Studio function differently because of Windows Vista? I am used to the interface and don't want to change my ways.
Pinnacle Studio v.10 will function the same on the Windows Vista operating system as it does today on XP. However, it is likely that future versions of Pinnacle Studio may offer enhancements that take advantage of new Windows Vista features.
TV Viewing
- Are Pinnacle PCTV™ products already on track with Windows Vista compatibility?
Among Pinnacle PCTV products, most of the boards are compatible with Windows Vista (see: https://winqual.microsoft.com/HCL/ProductList.aspx?cid=&sv=pinnacle%20pctv). Pinnacle redesigned and enhanced the TVCenter software architecture in the Windows Vista compatible new versions starting with version 4.6, available as free downloads. Please find more detailed information regarding the upcoming releases on our website.
- Does Pinnacle anticipate any problems as it develops compatibility with Windows Vista?
There are no key technical restrictions that would hinder PCTV and the current hardware products to successfully support Windows Vista once it is commercially available in 2007.
- What accomplishments has Pinnacle made to date in getting ready for Windows Vista?
Pinnacle has already made great strides regarding drivers that are steadily moving toward Windows Vista compatibility. Our goal is to have Windows Vista inbox driver support for the majority, if not all, of our products. We are confident that all of our MCE products will include inbox support.
- What does "inbox support" mean?
Inbox support means that the required driver will be on the Windows Vista DVDs. When upgrading to Windows Vista, the right drivers for the Pinnacle PCTV products will be automatically identified and installed during the installation process. Performance and robustness of the drivers has already been tested and approved by Microsoft. If any newer and better drivers should be available by the time of the Windows Vista upgrade, the known Windows Update procedure will make sure that these newer drivers will be selected and properly installed.
- What impact will Windows Vista have on my PCTV product? Will it function differently?
For users of Pinnacle MediaCenter, there will be a software update available that updates their software to Pinnacle TVCenter Pro. TVCenter Pro includes all the great TV and PVR features you know from Pinnacle MediaCenter, and many performance and usability improvements. The media playback features (e.g. for slideshows or audio file playback) are no longer supported.
For users of Pinnacle TVCenter, beside general performance and usability improvements, there will be no major changes with the update for Windows Vista.
- What is Windows Media Center? Can I use my PCTV with it?
In Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate, Microsoft included a great application called Vista Media Center that offers comfortable access to virtually all your PC based media files. With PCTV, as soon as Vista compatible drivers are installed, Vista Media Center can also be used for watching and recording TV. Check on the product page to see when your PCTV will be compatible with Windows Vista. Please note that if you want to use Vista Media Center with remote control, you will need a specific Media Center remote control solution.
- I have an older PCTV product. Do I have to buy an entirely new product that is compatible?
Pinnacle provides Windows Vista compatible drivers and software updates for as many legacy products as possible. Please check the product page to see if and when your PCTV will be supported.
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