SONICblue's RioVolt Dominates Sales of MP3-Enabled Players in Japan
TIGARD, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 20, 2001--Rio(R), a division of SONICblue(TM) Incorporated (Nasdaq: SBLU), today announced that its innovative RioVolt(TM) CD/MP3 player, has outsold all other portable MP3-enabled audio players in Japanese retail since its introduction in March, 2001, according to market research from Business Computer News (BCN). Tracking sales at 535 stores within 13 retail chains from March through June, 2001, BCN's research shows that weekly sales of the RioVolt are more than double that of competing products from Sony, Aiwa, Creative, Kenwood and others. BCN's research for the same period also shows that Rio has maintained a greater than 40% market share for all MP3-enabled audio players sold in Japanese retailers when RioVolt sales are combined with continued strong sales of the Rio 600, Rio 800 and Nike psa play products.
"Our success in the Japanese retail market is a great indicator that Rio continues to design and develop innovative products that mirror the way people desire to listen to music," said Tomoko Hanada, managing director of Rio Japan. "Offering multiple storage mediums, a selection of sleek form factors and a wide range of functionality and price points, Rio delivers a product line that is as unique and flexible as the consumers themselves."
About RioVolt
The first portable CD player in the Rio product family, the RioVolt plays standard music CDs and recordable CDs containing MP3 and WMA files -- making it possible to store and play more than 250 songs on a single CD. The RioVolt also enables users to view track number, song and artist names, as well as the ability to quickly and simply navigate through the songs on the CD. Additional features include a user interface that is as simple to use as a CD player, skip-free listening and the ability to play up to 15 hours of music on two AA batteries. The RioVolt is currently available at riohome.com and in major retail outlets for a suggested price of $169.95.
About Rio
Rio, a division of SONICblue, is a pioneer and acknowledged leader in digital audio. Focused on delivering a family of digital audio products designed for various lifestyles, Rio is dedicated to engineering superior portable, home and car digital audio products for consumers.
About SONICblue Incorporated (www.SONICblue.com)
SONICblue is a leader in the converging Internet, digital media and consumer device markets. Working with partners that include some of the biggest brands in consumer electronics, SONICblue creates and markets products that let consumers enjoy all the benefits of a digital home and connected lifestyle. SONICblue holds significant financial assets, global marketing capabilities and a focused technology portfolio, that includes Rio digital audio players, HomeFree(TM) home networking solutions, Diamond(TM) Internet access products and frontpath(TM) Information Appliances.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements as to the availability, features and benefits of the Rio players, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, manufacturing difficulties, possible delays in the release of other products, the impact of competitive products and pricing and of alternative technological advances, and other risks detailed from time to time in SONICblue's SEC reports, including its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2001. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. SONICblue and Rio disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: SONICblue, HomeFree, Diamond and frontpath are trademarks of SONICblue. Rio is a registered trademark of RioPort, Inc. and is used by SONICblue under license from RioPort, Inc. Other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
In the product name Nike psa play noted in this news release, there is an open bracket between psa and play.
CONTACT: SONICblue
Tracy L. Perry, 408/588-8086 (Investors)
ir@sonicblue.com
or
Rio
Paul Crossley, 408/588-8664 (Editorial)
pcross@sonicblue.com |
