2007 May 03 « Point & Shoot Camcorder Reviews

Archive for May 3rd, 2007

Pure Digital Technologies Unveils Flip Video

Ultra-convenient line of camcorders designed to shoot anything and share everything

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1 /PRNewswire/ — Pure Digital Technologies today introduced Flip Video(TM), a new line of digital camcorders designed to revolutionize how everyday consumers shoot and share video. These remarkably simple and affordable devices feature a major advance in video sharing technology combined with an ultra-portable design and easy video capture and editing. Developed with Internet video sharing software integrated into the device, Flip Video (http://www.theflip.com) is the first camcorder to seamlessly upload directly to YouTube and other online video sharing sites. Available today at major retailers nationwide — in time for giving gifts to moms, dads and grads — Flip Video camcorders capture life’s spontaneous moments, no matter where or when they occur. The camcorder retails at $119.99 for the 30-minute model and $149.99 for the 60-minute model.

“With Flip Video, Pure Digital has created a brand new category of camcorder that puts the power to instantly capture, edit, and share video in the pocket of everyday consumers,” said Jonathan Kaplan, Chairperson and CEO of Pure Digital Technologies. “Flip Video has the potential to forever change the way people use this increasingly popular medium.”

Flip Video’s built-in software allows people to share videos as easily as they would digital photos. In addition to instant emailing, the program allows videos to be uploaded directly to popular Internet video sharing sites, including YouTube. Creative users can also edit their clips, make custom movie mixes, add their own music, capture still photos from video, and even design video greeting cards.

“Flip Video is a new breed of camcorder that recognizes and leverages the tremendous demand for video sharing.” said Kelly Liang, Business Development, YouTube. “Not only does Flip Video make it easy to capture video, it also makes it simple to instantly share it with friends, family or the world via YouTube.”

From the makers of the successful and critically acclaimed Pure Digital Point & Shoot Camcorder, Flip Video is the only camcorder that gives consumers the convenient option of bringing the camcorder to a local photo lab for one-hour DVD processing. There are more than 9,400 Pure Digital-certified retail locations nationwide, including CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid, Wolf Camera Centers, Longs Drugs, and Duane Reade.

Additional Flip Video Features and Availability

One-touch recording with 2x digital zoom

1.5 inch color playback screen

Instant playback, review and delete features

Play videos directly from the camcorder to any TV

Uses AA batteries

Built-in software for instant viewing, editing, and sharing

One-click emailing
Integrated video uploading to YouTube and other online video sharing sites
Capture still frames from video
Make custom-edited movie mixes with music
Create and organize your personal video library

One-hour DVD processing through one of more than 9,400 Pure Digital-certified U.S. retail locations

Add comment May 3, 2007

Pure Digital Technologies Completes $40 Million Funding

Mezzanine round provides capital to launch the world’s first line of simple, pocket-sized camcorders designed to change the way people capture and share video

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1 /PRNewswire/ — Pure Digital Technologies, Inc., maker and marketer of next-generation digital video products and one-time-use digital cameras, today announced the completion of a $40 million round of equity funding co-led by AllianceBernstein L.P. and Morgan Stanley Principal Investments (MSPI). Heights Capital Management, Inc. and existing Pure Digital investors Sequoia Capital, Benchmark Capital, Focus Ventures, Crescendo Ventures, Steamboat Ventures, VantagePoint Venture Partners, and Samsung Ventures also participated in the round. San Francisco-based investment bank Savvian represented Pure Digital in the transaction.

The funding coincides with today’s introduction of Flip Video(TM), Pure Digital’s breakthrough line of simple, pocket-sized digital camcorders, as well as the launch of the company’s national television and on-line branding campaign created by DDB Worldwide, a four-time winner of the Clio Agency Network of the Year award.

Flip Video is an ultra-convenient line of pocket-sized, affordable camcorders featuring built-in software that makes it easy for everyday consumers to instantly capture, edit, and share video. Available today at retailers nationwide – in time for giving gifts to moms, dads and grads – Flip Video is specifically made for capturing life’s spontaneous moments, no matter where and when they happen. Developed with Internet video sharing integrated into the device itself, Flip Video is also the first and only camcorder to upload directly to online video sharing sites, including YouTube.

“Our view is that Pure Digital has strong financials, a smart and viable business model and tremendous demand for its products from retail giants like Target, Best Buy, Costco, CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid, and Amazon.com,” said Jamie Kiggen, Senior Vice President, AllianceBernstein. “We believe that Pure Digital has a unique position in the digital imaging market and welcome the opportunity to be a part of their promising future.”

“We are excited to participate in this investment in Pure Digital,” said Michael Petrick, Global Head of MSPI. “Pure Digital is a strong company with an excellent management team and great growth potential. The company’s Flip Video is well positioned to allow consumers to capture and share video as part of their everyday lives.”

About Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.

Pure Digital Technologies is a pioneer in developing simple, affordable digital imaging solutions for the mass market. Its award-winning product portfolio includes the world’s only one-time-use digital cameras and camcorders as well as the first Point & Shoot Camcorder which has been among the bestselling camcorders at many top retailers. To complement its next generation of simple and affordable consumer devices, the company partners with leading retailers to distribute its processing technology. The Pure Digital Imaging Platform is installed in over 9,400 one-hour processing locations nationwide, including CVS/pharmacy, RiteAid Pharmacy, Ritz/Wolf Camera Centers, Duane Reade, and Longs Drugs.

About AllianceBernstein

AllianceBernstein L.P. (“AllianceBernstein”) is a leading global investment management firm providing investment management services for many of the largest U.S. public and private employee benefit plans, foundations, public employee retirement funds, pension funds, endowments, banks, insurance companies and high-net-worth individuals worldwide. AllianceBernstein is also one of the largest mutual fund sponsors, with a diverse family of globally distributed mutual fund portfolios. Through its subsidiary, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC, AllianceBernstein provides in-depth research, portfolio strategy and trade execution to the institutional investment community.

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management, wealth management and credit services. The Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 600 offices in 31 countries. Morgan Stanley Principal Investments (“MSPI”) invests Morgan Stanley’s capital in attractive return investments that leverage Morgan Stanley’s proprietary relationship network. Recent MSPI investments include Moelnlycke Care Group AB, Grifols S.A. and U.S. Oncology. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit http://www.morganstanley.com/.

  Media Contacts:
  Wynne Ahern
  CommStrat
  wynne@commstrat.net
  510-658-8870

  John Meyers
  AllianceBernstein
  John.meyers@alliancebernstein.com
  212-969-2301

  Jennifer Sala
  Morgan Stanley
  Jennifer.Sala@morganstanley.com
  212-762-6885

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