SONICblue Introduces The First Broadband Digital Video Recorder, The ReplayTV 4000

New Home Media Server Stores Up To 320 Hours, Allows Users To Share Content Within The Home And With Friends

7-Sep-01

ReplayTV changed home entertainment forever with the introduction of the first digital video recorder (DVR) in 1998, allowing consumers to pause live television. Now, SONICblueÆ (NASDAQ: SBLU) is giving consumers even more control. The company is launching the first home-networked DVR, a revolutionary product with broadband connectivity that lets consumers store up to 320 hours of television or other media, share video clips between rooms in the home or with friends outside the home, as well as play back recorded programs without commercials. The world's first networked DVR, the ReplayTV 4000 video server can also be used to store photos and home movies. SONICblue's new ReplayTV 4000 models connect to a cable modem or DSL for fast and easy transferring of video over broadband, and can share video throughout the house via a home network. ""Families can now create their own video library, collecting their favorite movies and programs along with family videos and photos that can be easily retrieved for viewing at anytime, without commercial interruption,"" Ken Potashner, CEO and Chairman, SONICblue, explained. ""These products are just the tip of the iceberg, in terms of what's coming from SONICblue. We plan to introduce a series of exciting products and services for the connected, digital home that will bring enjoyment to the consumer."" SONICblue, a leader in the converging Internet, digital media, entertainment and consumer electronics markets, acquired ReplayTV just weeks ago in a move designed to further advance its lead in the digital entertainment market. ""ReplayTV has been a great innovator in digital video, and we believe that the launch of the ReplayTV 4000 bolsters SONICblue's leadership position in the digital video space,"" Potashner said. ""This product is yet another offering from SONICblue that changes the way people think about entertainment and productivity.""SONICblue's new ReplayTV series is available in four models: ReplayTV 4040 with up to 40 hours of storage for $699, ReplayTV 4080 with up to 80 hours of storage for $999, ReplayTV 4160 with up to 160 hours of storage for $1,499 and the ReplayTV 4320 with up to 320 hours of storage for $1,999.Other features include:Broadband Connectivity -- Allows owners to access new and unique content via the Internet and share programs with others who own a ReplayTV 4000.Video Sharing -- Lets users trade movies, favorite TV programs or any video from one ReplayTV 4000 to another. Feature can be used between DVRs within the home or to send a program to another ReplayTV owner.AutoSkipô -- Gives viewers the power to eliminate unwanted commercials with the touch of a button. Allows ReplayTV 4000 users to playback recorded programming while automatically bypassing all commercials. Its commercial-free television.Photos -- Lets ReplayTV 4000 users view favorite digital photos on the television. ReplayTV 4000 easily connects to a personal computer for downloads and transfers.All models come with the ReplayTV brand guarantee of no monthly service fees.The ReplayTV 4040, 4080, 4160 and 4320 can be ordered from www.sonicblue.com or www.replaytv.com, or by phoning 877 REPLAYTV. ReplayTV 4000 Series models are expected to begin shipping in November and to be available through online retailers in time for the holiday selling season. For more information about SONICblue, visit www.SONICblue.com.

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