RioPort Signs Agreement to Be Premier Provider of Digital Audio Download Solutions for House of Blues Digital

Business Wire, March 2, 2000

Business & Entertainment Editors/Multimedia Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 2000

RioPort Platform to Power Downloads of HOB's Live Concerts

and Programmed Performances for HOB.com

Furthering its position as the digital technology powerhouse behind the hottest brands in the music business, RioPort Inc., a pioneer in the digital audio download market, today announced that it has signed an agreement with House of Blues Digital Inc. (HOB.com), the digital media arm of the world-famous House of Blues nightclub and music entertainment company, to be the premier provider of digital audio download solutions.

Under the agreement, RioPort will provide digital download service and technology solutions for House of Blues Digital and will allow consumers to access HOB-licensed music tracks through RioPort's extensive network of distribution partners, including MTV.com, VH1.com, SonicNet.com, Ministry of Sound, iCAST and gURL.com.

RioPort will implement a secure Internet infrastructure needed to offer HOB-licensed content to consumers, including live concert recordings, cybercasts and other programming performed and/or produced at HOB offline venues, via digital download. RioPort services will include encoding, packaging, clearinghouse services, customer support, hosting, reporting and more.

House of Blues Digital sites will also carry a HOB-branded version of RioPort's Audio Manager, a popular digital audio jukebox software application, enabling sitegoers to easily access, download, manage and play back content from a PC or portable player.

Through the RioPort partnership, HOB.com will also be able to offer its consumers access to tracks from RioPort's partners, including popular music downloads and digital audio offerings from spoken-word providers.

"RioPort is thrilled to welcome House of Blues Digital as our newest digital audio platform partner," said J.D. Heilprin, executive vice president and general manager of RioPort.

"Since the first club opened doors in 1992, House of Blues has gained well-earned fame among music fans and industry insiders as the place to go for the best in live concert entertainment. HOB.com is now the No. 1 provider of live music content on the Web, and through this partnership we'll greatly expand HOB's downloadable offerings.

"RioPort's digital audio technology will play a pivotal role in HOB's continual growth, and we're very excited to offer their tremendous content to our network of distribution partners."

"House of Blues Digital has been at the forefront of using the Internet as a means to spread accessibility for legendary artist performances to fans across the globe," said Stephen L. Felisan, vice president, technology and development, for House of Blues Digital.

"In our decision to expand HOB digital services with content downloads, we looked for a partner that offered not only the most advanced digital audio technologies available, but one that would design a customized solution that met the needs of our featured artists. RioPort has more than met this criteria, and we look forward to building a long, successful relationship."

To grow awareness for House of Blues' digital download service among music fans, both companies will participate in various co-marketing activities, including advertising in House of Blues venues and site banner ads.

About RioPort

RioPort is redefining digital audio by delivering an integrated, secure platform for acquiring, managing and experiencing music and spoken audio programming from the Internet.

A pioneer in the digital audio market, RioPort partners with companies to provide them with an easy-to-use platform that includes access to a wide range of digital audio content, customizable software solutions and device design services.

For consumers, RioPort provides easy access to a variety of popular and innovative music and word programming through its RioPort.com digital audio site.

In addition, RioPort markets the RioPort Audio Manager, an easy-to-use jukebox application for the acquisition, management and playback of digital audio content from the desktop or RioPort- compatible portable appliances, which the company licenses to third parties.

RioPort also provides content companies with production services, including encoding and secure packaging, allowing them to easily get their content into the hands of digital-audio enthusiasts.

RioPort's investment partners include Vulcan Ventures, Oak Investment Partners, MTV iGroup and S3 Inc. RioPort's Web site is www.rioport.com.

About House of Blues Digital

House of Blues Digital is a division of HOB Entertainment Inc. and is committed to the production, capture, promotion and digital distribution of live music content taking place at House of Blues venues, HOB Concert amphitheaters and arenas, and other select premier venues worldwide.

House of Blues Digital has the ability to broadcast digital content through various media, including the Internet, broadband cable, HDTV, satellite, DVD and traditional media. House of Blues Digital's expertise in promotions and programming supports artists and labels through the entire online marketing medium.