ZapMediaô, Inc. And Harman KardonÆ, Inc. Announce Agreement To Manufacture And Market New Entertainment Convergence Component

Harman Kardon DMC 100 (Digital Media Centerô) To Deliver Range Of Entertainment Options From Playing CDs/DVDs And Creating A 10,000 Song Jukebox To Accessing ZapMedia's Entertainment Portal Via The Web

2-Jan-01

ZapMedia, Inc., a leading Atlanta-based media convergence technology company, and Harman Kardon, a leader in the design, manufacture and sales of audio/video components, have announced a strategic alliance to launch the Harman Kardon DMC 100 Digital Media Centerô.  Enabled by ZapMedia's patent-pending ZapStationô hardware reference platform, the Harman Kardon DMC 100ô (Digital Media Center) marks the beginning of a new era of convergence in home entertainment by providing a range of digital entertainment options, all accessible without the need for a computer and through a consumer's TV and stereo. ""The synergy between our companies begins with our shared vision to deliver superior digital media to everyone whenever and wherever they want it,"" said Eric W. Hartz, Chief Executive Officer and President of ZapMedia. ""The legendary audio and video quality of Harman Kardon components and their elegant design are the perfect match for the innovative user interface developed by ZapMedia and the wide variety of information and services available through the ZapMedia ecosystem."" Added Ken Lipscomb, ZapMedia Chairman and founder, ""We are pleased that Harman Kardon will offer products based on our reference design platform."" Features of Harman Kardon's DMC 100 include playback of pre-recorded media (DVD and CD), and a 30GB hard drive that can store up to 10,000 songs or 30 hours of video in MP3 or Windows Media format. Access to a wide range of entertainment, information and communication is made easy through the ZapMedia entertainment portal, which can use either built-in Ethernet or a dial-up connectivity option to connect to the Internet. Navigation is made easy with a programmable remote control or wireless keyboard, both supplied as standard equipment with the DMC 100. Through the DMC 100, consumers will be able to access the ZapMedia Portal, which delivers instant access to a wide range of entertainment options through on-demand content channels. ZapMedia's complete digital entertainment solution is made possible through relationships with providers of premium content such as Gannett (USA TODAY), MP3.com and other technology and connectivity partners that include Microsoft Corporation and Earthlink. Tom McLoughlin, Harman Kardon President, pointed out, ""The introduction of the DMC 100 Digital Media Center and our partnership with ZapMedia enables us to deliver on the promise of digital convergence by combining the legendary audio/video performance of Harman Kardon components with the innovative interactive software and Internet portal developed by ZapMedia to create an all-in-one content-rich, interactive entertainment experience far beyond anything available today."" McLoughlin continued, ""Most important, the design of the DMC 100 embodies Harman Kardon's decades of experience in creating products that are elegant in appearance and easy to operate. The DMC 100, one of the most sophisticated pieces of digital electronics ever created by Harman Kardon, is the ultimate expression of our commitment to Power For The Digital Revolutionô. It is sure to create unprecedented excitement among dealers and consumers."" Additional details about the Harman Kardon DMC 100 Digital Media Center will be announced at the Harman Kardon press conference at the International Consumer Electronics Show 2001 (CES) on January 6 at 3pm in room N243, of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The DMC 100 will be showcased at CES in ZapMedia's booth #1781 and Harman Kardon's booth #331. Both areas are located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. ZapMedia representatives will also be available during CES, January 6-9 at the daily press luncheon, sponsored by ZapMedia and CES, from 11am to 2pm in the Silver Pavilion at the Las Vegas Convention Center.For more information about ZapMedia.com, Inc., visit www.zapmedia.com. For more information about Harman Kardon Inc., visit Harman International at www.harman.com. 

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http://www.harman.com
http://www.zapmedia.com