PRISMIQ and Real Ready MediaPlayer for Rhapsody
Reprinted from a PRISMIQ press release:
PRISMIQ, Inc. (www.PRISMIQ.com), a leader in networked entertainment devices and software, today announced it has joined together with RealNetworks, Inc. ( http://www.real.com/ ), the leading creator of digital media services and software, to enable its customers to listen to RealNetworks’ award-winning Rhapsody Internet jukebox service on their home stereo via a wireless or wired home network.
PRISMIQ’s award-winning entertainment gateway product line, the PRISMIQ MediaPlayer and the PRISMIQ MediaPlayer/Recorder, are next generation entertainment gateways that sit on or near the home theater system and connect to the home network to access PC Media and Internet services. RealNetworks’ Rhapsody is the #1 Internet jukebox service, offering unlimited access to more than 30,000 CDs of music for just $9.95 per month. By working together, the companies will enable consumers to enjoy Rhapsody’s wide-ranging library of music and the service’s high-fidelity Internet radio on their home entertainment systems.
PRISMIQ and RealNetworks both embrace the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) standard to communicate and share information and media across consumers’ home networks. PRISMIQ recently completed integration of RealNetworks’ Rhapsody SDK, which ensures that consumers enjoy unlimited remote access to their entire Rhapsody library while still honoring copyrights. Only networked home audio components that are certified to be compliant with RealNetworks’ security enhancements can bring the Rhapsody experience to the digital home. The next public release of PRISMIQ software, currently scheduled for early February, will contain code that enables existing and future customers to enjoy Rhapsody.
“We’re pleased to be working with PRISMIQ to enable consumers to control and listen to Rhapsody in their living room and throughout their homes,” said Tim Bratton, general manager of wireless music delivery, RealNetworks. “Pairing our service with PRISMIQ’s line of entertainment gateways will change the way consumers interact with and consume digital music.”
PRISMIQ’s Internet set-top box capabilities, home networking technology, and ability to play content stored on home PCs mean users will soon be able to access the playlists, albums, artists and Internet radio stations in their Rhapsody library through the PRISMIQ MediaPlayer.
“Extending music subscription services beyond the PC will increase adoption of these services by making them more valuable and compelling for consumers,” said Brad Kayton, vice president of marketing and business development, PRISMIQ. “RealNetworks has done a great job establishing themselves as a leader in this market space with Rhapsody, and we look forward to working together. Our collaboration will be a boon for audiophiles and a win for service providers who offer PRISMIQ products to consumers.”
Rhapsody offers unlimited access to a vast library of major and independent label music, with more than 450,000 songs available for on-demand streaming and more than 380,000 songs available for purchase at the industry- leading price of 79¢ for any track. In addition to burning full albums or custom mix CDs, Rhapsody subscribers can build their own custom Internet radio stations, listen to professionally programmed stations, and browse extensive music information and editorial recommendations. In 2003, Rhapsody was honored with PC Magazine’s Editors’ Choice Award and a PC World Best Buy Award. Rhapsody and RealNetworks’ RadioPass service together had more than 350,000 subscribers as of the end of December 2003.
The PRISMIQ MediaPlayer and its integration with the Rhapsody service will be shown at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, January 8-11, at the TechHome TechZone in booth #17695 in South Hall 2 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition it will also be shown at the RealNetworks booth, #22611 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
In addition, RealNetworks, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNWK) , yesterday unveiled Real 10, a revolutionary new platform for creating, protecting and playing digital audio and video on PCs, consumer electronics devices, and mobile devices. Recognizing the power, scope and high-quality of the Real 10 platform for the secure creation, transfer and playback of audio and video files, PRIMSIQ will be adopting Real 10 for the company’s entire line of award-winning, networked entertainment products.