Contour Design ShuttlePRO
by Rick Smith (November 30, 2001)
Video editing can be produced with good software and a fast PC. Unfortunately no matter how well this editing software simulates an analog edit console, clicking and dragging a mouse is not as fluid as using a real console. Contour Design has solved this dilemma with the ShuttlePRO, a USB peripheral, that gives you the "hardware feel" of an editing suite console for only $125.
The ShuttlePRO multimedia controller includes:
"Shuttle Knob" - easy fast forward and fast rewind access
"Jog Wheel" - precise frame-by-frame control
13 "buttons" - fully programmable to any keyboard shortcut
The ergonomic positioning of the buttons, jog and shuttle controls allow easy one-handed access to a multitude of functions and operational shortcuts. The rubberized spring-loaded shuttle knob is comfortable and easy to grip. The ShuttlePRO's clear button caps are removable and can be labelled.
Contour Design supplies special software to help customize the ShuttlePRO for different audio, video and multimedia software applications. Some of these are:
Adobe Premiere & After Effects
Apple iMovie, Final Cut Pro & QuickTime
Artel Boris RED
MGI VideoWave
Steinberg Cubase
TDM Systems ProTools
ULead MediaStudio Pro & VideoStudio
Commonly used commands such as mark in, mark out, frame advance, scroll or any other keyboard shortcut can be easily defined. Games such as UnReal Tournament or Quake can be made easier but you can also realize enhanced productivity with any software package using the ShuttlePRO's programmable controls.
Angled image showing programmable button layout
ShuttlePRO side angle showing thickness of jog wheel
Unfortunately, for Windows users, the ShuttlePRO only supports Windows 2000, with an XP version coming soon. (Mac users will need OS 8.6 or later, with Mac OS X drivers upcoming.)
The ShuttlePRO is 7 3/4" (L) x 4 1/4" (W) x 1 1/4" (H) and weighs under one pound. It is currently shipping.
Copyright
© 2006 Rick Smith All rights reserved.
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