Pinnacle’s Thunder rolls to version 5.2

Thunder 5.2, a new version of the clip and still server, is now available from Pinnacle Systems Inc., a company that creates digital video solutions.

Thunder can now exchange files with Pinnacle Liquid nonlinear editing (NLE) systems, as well as most QuickTime-enabled production systems including NLEs such as Pinnacle’s CineWave and other graphics and animation workstations. A new plug-in for QuickTime enables Mac users to convert QuickTime files to TMF format, which they can then send directly to one of Thunder’s “watch” folders over the network. There they become accessible to any production system on the network, including playout servers.

Thunder’s QuickTime export capability enables Thunder to convert any Thunder Media File (TMF) to a QuickTime movie. A Thunder operator can then send the movie to any compatible NLE system over the network. The file is also accessible from any personal computer on the network with Thunder browse, enabling transfers without an operator at the Thunder.

Thunder 5.2 also provides new automated file conversion features through an enhanced “watch” folder. Pinnacle Liquid Blue, Liquid Silver and Liquid Purple users can convert their edited files to Thunder Media File (TMF) format and send them directly to Thunder using Thunder browse, according to Paul Turner, director of Product Marketing, Live to Air Products, Pinnacle Systems. And Liquid users can use Thunder browse to retrieve DV files from Thunder without a Thunder operator.