SONICblue Expands RioVolt Product Line with Two New Players

Business Wire,  Sept 12, 2001  

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Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2001

RioVolt SP250 Updates Features of Industry's Best Selling

MP3/CD Player; RioVolt SP90 Offers Consumers Terrific Value,

A Multifunction CD Player Under $100

Responding to worldwide consumer demand for its original RioVolt MP3/CD player, SONICblue(TM) (Nasdaq:SBLU) announced today the immediate availability of two additional RioVolt models -- the flagship RioVolt SP250 CD player with 8 minute shock protection and an FM tuner and the $99 RioVolt SP90.

Taking portable CD players to new extremes, RioVolt products allow music enthusiasts to play both standard music CDs and CDs containing MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files -- making it possible to store up to 350 songs on a single CD.

"Consumers have spoken. They are interested in innovative features and the freedom to listen to music in the format and style they choose," said Janet Leising, vice president of Marketing and Business Development, SONICblue. "Our RioVolt players are reshaping the portable audio market with usability and features that are unmatched by our competitors. With the addition of the SP250 and SP90, SONICblue offers the ultimate product range for consumers ready to move beyond yesterday's portable CD player technology."

About the RioVolt SP250 and RioVolt SP90 Players

Designed for the serious music enthusiast, the new RioVolt SP250 is easily the most advanced multifunction CD player on the market. Building on the award-winning features of the original RioVolt SP100, the RioVolt SP250 adds:

-- 8 minute shock protection that stores multiple songs in memory and stops the
disc from spinning, protecting music from skipping, regardless of the
conditions.

-- An Integrated FM Tuner that allows for listening to favorite FM stations
with custom programs that make it easy to find the right station.

-- A highly customizable user interface based on the award-winning Rio 800
solid state player that gives users absolute control on how they listen to
their music.

-- Rechargeable batteries that allow for over 15 hours of music with quick
recharging capabilities. An AC adapter is also included for non-stop music.

-- Two styles of headphones -- folding headphones and earphones

-- to allow for freedom of choice and comfort.

-- A convenient on-wire remote control that allows for control of the player
while it's tucked in a backpack or briefcase. In addition, an upgraded remote
control with an LCD display is available for purchase through SONICblue's
eStore.

-- The same high-resolution backlit LCD as the award-winning Rio 800 for a
large, clear display of the SP250's many options

-- Support for firmware upgrades via downloading and burning updates onto a CD
and placing in the player, ensuring that the SP250 is always up to date.

-- An adjustable EQ, repeat and shuffle play modes and programmable playlists
that match the capabilities of any high-quality, portable CD player.

-- Simple PC and Macintosh Audio management software that allows users to
organize music and rip CD collections

-- Supports for ID3 tags and CD text title display to recognize audio and data
CDs that have built-in song titles and display them on the SP250's large LCD
for better navigation

-- A newly designed carrying case with functional access to the players
controls allows for stylized protection without missing a beat.

At $99, the RioVolt SP90 is the best multifunction CD player for the sub-$100 market. Designed around the base features of the original RioVolt SP100 player, the RioVolt SP90 is easy to use, supports MP3 and WMA file formats (as well as standard CDs), has shock protection up to 120 seconds and runs up to 15 hours on two AA batteries. The RioVolt SP90 has the same large, LCD and enhanced display and navigation features as the original RioVolt SP100.

Pricing and Availability

The new RioVolt SP250 ($179 MSRP) and RioVolt SP90 ($99 MSRP) players are currently available on SONICblue's eStore (www.sonicblue.com) and will be available shortly in North American retail outlets including Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA and Fry's Electronics. The original RioVolt SP100 will continue to available through these same channels for $149 MSRP. A variety of accessories are available for all three RioVolt players. The LCD remote for the RioVolt SP250 will be available on the eStore for $29.95 MSRP. For more information on these RioVolt accessories, as well as more detailed RioVolt product information, visit SONICblue's Rio home page (www.riohome.com).

About SONICblue Incorporated (www.SONICblue.com)

SONICblue is a leader in the converging Internet, digital media, entertainment and consumer electronics 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(R) digital audio players; ProGear(TM) Information Appliances; ReplayTV(R) personal television technology and software solutions; Go-Video(R) Dual-Deck(TM) VCRs and integrated DVD+VCRs and California Audio Labs high-end home entertainment theater components.