Bella Corporation Introduces Catapult

LAS VEGAS, NAB 2006, April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Bella Corporation, known for its innovative and award-winning video editing keyboards, today introduced its newest product: Catapult. Catapult is the world's first device to allow capture of video footage from DV or HDV video cameras directly to iPods or virtually any USB drive, and begin editing immediately. A battery powered device not much larger than a Blackberry, the Catapult eliminates the time consuming and tedious task of digitizing video footage.

Unlimited Storage

By offering a standard USB 2.0 connection, the Catapult has been designed to take advantage of many popular storage devices. With this in mind, the Catapult has a convenient piggy-back neoprene pouch designed to hold an iPod or even a 2 1/2" USB drive. For those with greater storage needs, virtually any USB 2.0 drive system can be connected, including multiple terabyte systems.

Advanced Features Expand Functionality

Catapult adds exciting features to capturing digital video including time lapse and trigger-based events, as well as pre and post record functionality -- all of which are impossible to achieve with standard tape-based recording methods.

      Time Lapse Recording
      The completely configurable Time Lapse feature allows the recording of
      frames of video at specific intervals.  For example, recording only a
      few frames per minute would show a flower blooming, while a longer
      duration could be used to document building at a construction site.

      Remote Trigger Allows More Freedom in Filming
      The Catapult offers Remote Trigger Recording, which allows either a
      remote switch or a motion detector to trigger recording on the
      Catapult.  This can be particularly useful in recording nature and
      wildlife events, and also for surveillance operations.

      Pre & Post Record
      Pre-record and Post-record settings are two of the most exciting
      features of Catapult.  With the Pre-record setting, users can set
      Catapult to begin recording for a preset amount of time prior to
      actually hitting the "record" button on the camera.  This is feature
      is great for use with live action, such as sporting events allowing
      you to capture that winning point every time.

      The Post-record setting is useful when used in conjunction with a
      remote trigger, such as a motion detector.  For example, to record
      hummingbirds visiting a feeder, the motion sensor would prompt the
      Catapult to begin recording, and the Post-record feature would allow
      recording to continue for a pre-determined amount of time.

      Extended Recording Time
      Utilizing built-in rechargeable batteries, the Catapult is capable of
      continuous recording in excess of three hours.  The Catapult can also
      be powered with the included AC adaptor.

      Easily Set Up With Presets Included
      The Catapult can be configured using either a Windows or Macintosh
      computer.  The Catapult "Configurator" allows you to save settings for
      up to four presets that can easily be accessed "in the field" on the
      Catapult.

      Broad Compatibility
      The Catapult is designed to work with DV and HDV format cameras that
      include a FireWire connection, such as those from Sony, Canon, JVC,
      and Panasonic.

      Pricing and Availability
      The Catapult will be available in the second half of 2006 and will be
      priced under $300.

  About Bella Corporation

Bella Corporation is focused on designing and producing innovative products for the consumer and broadcast video markets. The company is headquartered in Burbank, California. For more information about Bella Corporation, please visit http://www.bella-usa.com/.