Canon USA to Distribute FireStore FS-4 DV Disk Recorder from FOCUS Enhancements for Mini-DV Camcorders

LAKE SUCCESS, NY -- Feb. 1, 2005 -- Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced another solution for filmmakers, documentarians and videographers by becoming a distributor of the FireStore FS-4 DTE digital video-disk recorder from FOCUS Enhancements. The FireStore FS-4 and accessories will be sold through Canon U.S.A. Authorized video dealers beginning in February.

A companion for Canon prosumer camcorders, the FS-4 recorder enables DV streams to be recorded to the unit with or without a MiniDV tape inserted. Footage is recorded as edit ready files that can be imported and used immediately by most DV based non-linear editing systems, saving time, and providing a backup. The FS-4 recorder will be available in a 40GB (approximately 3 hours) model, While the FS-4 Pro recorder, which offers more advanced features will be available in 40GB and 80GB (approximately 6 hours) configurations.

“One of our main objectives for users of Canon’s prosumer camcorders such as the XL2 and GL2 has always been to expand the creative visions of filmmakers,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manger, consumer imaging group, Canon U.S.A., Inc, a subsidiary of Canon, Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “The DTE technology in the FS-4 recorder meets the very stringent requirements set by our consumers, which is why we chose to work with Focus Enhancements.”

“Canon selecting FireStore Direct To Edit Technology for their disk recording needs is an important alliance for FOCUS Enhancements,” said David O’Kelly, vice president of business development for FOCUS Enhancements. “ We are excited that we will be further extending our acquisition solutions to Canon’s broad base of creative professionals, and we look forward to a successful alliance.”

The FS-4 Pro recorder adds support for the Avid OMF and Pinnacle AVI formats, and retro record modes for backup. Other features include a user definable time lapse, loop playback, scene marking, and multiple file capabilities.

The new FireStore FS-4 recorder will be available in February for the manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $799* for the standard 40GB model, while the FS-4 Pro model will be available for an MSRP of $1,195* for the 40GB model, and $1,695* MSRP for the 80GB model.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is rated #35 on the BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2004, with global revenues of $33.3 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.

About FOCUS Enhancements, Inc.

FOCUS Enhancements, Inc. (NASDAQ SC: FCSE) is a leading designer of world-class solutions in advanced, proprietary video technology. Headquartered in Campbell, CA, FOCUS Enhancements designs, develops, and markets video solutions in two distinct markets: advanced, proprietary video conversion ICs (Integrated Circuits) and affordable, high quality, digital-video conversion and video production equipment. Semiconductor products (ICs) include designs for PCs, Game Cards, Internet TV, set-top boxes, Internet appliances, and interactive TV applications, and they are sold directly to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). FOCUS’ complete line of video presentation and video production devices are sold globally through resellers and distributors to the video production and Home Theater markets. More information on FOCUS Enhancements may be obtained from the company’s SEC filings, or by visiting the FOCUS Enhancements home page at FOCUSinfo.com.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications are subject to change with notice.

Canon products must be purchased separately.

*All prices are set by the individual dealer and may vary.

Contact Information

Deborah Szajngarten

Editorial

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Contact via E-mail