Rectron will distribute the Pinnacle Studio range of video-editing software and related hardware components, while Pinnacle Systems will continue to sell its professional solutions through the Pinnacle Partner Channel.

"Pinnacle Studio Products has built on this expertise in the professional field to develop a range of market leader for the home and video markets," says Rui Pereira, General Manager, Rectron.

"The Studio range is a welcome addition to the portfolio of brand-leaders we represent and will open doors for Rectron in one of the fastest-growing market segments."

Pereira sees strong growth for video-editing solutions in the home sector with users wanting to edit their amateur holiday and special occasion videos into more professional presentations.

He also sees growing interest for in-house video-editing facilities in businesses, which are beginning to look for a lower cost solution for developing internal and marketing communications.

Jaco Laubscher, managing director of Pinnacle Systems SA, agrees, adding that with the power available on most home PCs today, video-editing was moving out of its niche area to become a mainstream product.

"In the last nine months have seen sales of our consumer range increase to the point where they now exceed R1 million a month," he says.

"We're confident that Rectron will continue to expand this market, which now represents more than 60% of our business in SA."

One of the drivers of such growth is Pinnacle's recently introduced Studio 8 software, which features functions normally found only in professional editing solutions. It is priced affordably for the more sophisticated home and business markets and features integrated DVD authoring.

Pinnacle is retaining its entry-level Studio 7 SE solution that is targeted at the "video-editing beginner" within its consumer portfolio. It is proposed in bundle Studio 7 SE with Studio DV Clip.

"In appointing a new distributor, we looked for a company with financial and logistics strength. Rectron came out tops. We liked the way they distribute products, they bring them in efficiently and they get them out efficiently," says Laubscher.

In addition to distributing Studio through its traditional IT dealer and retail channels, Rectron is planning to broaden its distribution base to include specialist photographic and video equipment outlets.