SONICblue Introduces Rio 900 Digital Audio Player; New Rio 900 Holds More Music than Any Other Flash Memory-Based Player on the Market

Business Wire, July 15, 2002

Business Editors/Photo Editors and High-Tech Writers

NOTE TO MEDIA: Multimedia assets available

SONICblue(TM) Incorporated (Nasdaq:SBLU), makers of the number one best-selling brand of portable MP3 players, today announced the immediate availability of Rio(R) 900 -- a pocket-sized, skip-free portable player perfect for music enthusiasts with active lifestyles. Building on SONICblue's award-winning Rio 800 design, the Rio 900 features an unmatched 192MB of memory for up six hours of music, a rechargeable battery that delivers up to 10 hours of listening time, support for MP3, WMA and Audible formats and a full accessory kit, including a Rio car cassette adapter. As with all of SONICblue's Rio players, the Rio 900 is compatible with both PC and Mac computers and ships with customized software for each platform.

"Lightweight, skip-free and ruggedly designed, the Rio 900 is the ultimate purchase for music enthusiasts seeking extreme portability and extensive music storage," said David Huffman, vice president, audio products, SONICblue.

Rio 900 Pricing, Availability and Features

The new Rio 900 ($249.99 MSRP) player is currently available on SONICblue's eStore (www.sonicblue.com) and will be available shortly in North American retail outlets. Key features of the Rio 900 include:

-- 192MB of built-in memory for up to six hours of skip-free, high-quality music on the go.

-- Support for MP3, Windows Media (WMA) and Audible formats gives users the freedom to choose music, audio books or other digital content at the quality and playtime they desire.

-- Upgradeable memory backpacks allow users to simply snap on a 32MB, 64MB or 128MB memory pack to further increase the Rio 900's storage capacity (sold separately).

-- Rechargeable NiMH battery lasts up to 10 hours. The player can also generate non-stop music using the included AC adapter.

-- Rio car cassette adapter takes the Rio 900 on the road in a convenient, hassle-free package.

-- No moving parts means the Rio 900 can't skip, making it the perfect solution for extreme listening activities.

-- Custom carrying case allows for viewing of the Rio 900's high-resolution, backlit display and accessing all of the player controls. Plus, the durable case features a belt clip.

-- Adjustable EQ, repeat and shuffle play modes and programmable playlists are just a few of the menu options expected in a top-of-the-line Rio player.

-- iTunes and RealOne software ensures that both Mac and PC users have a comprehensive solution for managing, ripping and downloading their music collection.

-- Ability to upgrade software over the life of the product ensures that the Rio 900 is always kept up to date.

About SONICblue Incorporated

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; ReplayTV(R) personal television technology and software solutions; and Go-Video(R) integrated DVD+VCRs, Dual-Deck(TM) VCRs, and digital home theater systems.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the expected availability of the Rio 900 at retail, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited the ability of the Company, its suppliers, retailers and distributors to meet scheduled release dates, retailers' product marketing decisions, the impact of competitive products and pricing and of alternative technological advances, and other risks detailed from time to time in the SEC reports of SONICblue Incorporated, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2001 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2002. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. SONICblue disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Note to Editors: SONICblue and Dual-Deck are trademarks of SONICblue Incorporated. ReplayTV, Go-Video and Rio are registered trademarks of SONICblue Incorporated. All other products and brand names as they appear in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All specifications may be changed without notice.

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