Bad Credit

SMC and RealNetworks Help Digital Music Fans Go Wireless and Enjoy Rhapsody Throughout the Home

EZ-Stream Wireless Audio Adapter available now with certified support for Rhapsody Internet jukebox service -- and SMC users get a free month

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 15, 2004--

SMC Networks (www.smc.com), leading provider of networking solutions for the SMB/e, the ISP and all the way home, today announced that its EZ-Stream(TM) Wireless Audio Adapter (SMCWAA-B) is now compatible with Rhapsody(R), the award-winning Internet jukebox service from RealNetworks(R). Available now in retail stores and through select resellers at an MSRP of $129.99, the new EZ-Stream 2.4GHz 11Mbps Wireless Audio Adapter makes it easy for consumers to stream music stored on or accessible via their PC to any room in the home using their existing wireless home networks. Customers who purchase an EZ-Stream wireless audio adapter will receive a coupon for one free month of the Rhapsody service to get them started (offer available to U.S. customers only).
"We're thrilled to team with RealNetworks -- the critically acclaimed leader in digital music services -- to add even more value to the EZ-Stream Wireless Audio Adapter," said Tom Rizol, general manager, North America for SMC. "The unit's ability to effectively and efficiently receive music from Rhapsody, retaining its high audio quality and fullness, means that customers know what they're getting when they buy the EZ-Stream Wireless Audio Adapter. And, a free month of the Rhapsody service provides a perfect opportunity for them to start getting the most from their adapters."

RealNetworks' Rhapsody service is an ideal companion to the EZ-Stream Wireless Audio Adapter. The service provides unlimited access to a wide-ranging library of more than 50,000 CDs for less than $10 a month, all in pristine-quality audio that can be enjoyed through the high-fidelity speakers of consumers' home stereos. Rhapsody's library currently offers over 650,000 songs for on-demand streaming, more than 585,000 of which are available for purchase at the industry-leading price of 79 cents per track. In addition to burning full albums or custom mixing CDs, Rhapsody subscribers can also build their own custom Internet radio stations, listen to professionally programmed stations, and browse extensive music information and editorial recommendations. RealNetworks' Rhapsody and its RadioPass(TM) premium radio service together had more than 450,000 subscribers as of the end of March 2004.

The EZ-Stream 11 Mbps Wireless Audio Adapter makes it easy to distribute music -- from Rhapsody or other sources -- without wires. UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) compliant and easy to set up on an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network, the EZ-Stream Wireless Audio Adapter gives users the freedom to play any MP3, M3U or WMA music from a PC to any -- or every -- room in the house. Providing simple, secure access to premium music sources, the SMCWAA-B is the most complete wireless audio solution on the market today. Ahead of the rest in ease of use as well, the EZ-Stream Wireless Audio Adapter is simple to connect on the PC side, and its intuitive remote makes control on the receiving side simple too, via a large matrix LCD display that makes it easy to read device status, configuration information and song titles.

As easy to install as it is to use, the SMCWAA-B has a user-friendly remote control and connects to any stereo system via standard audio cables. Its support for the UPnP protocol makes it possible to set up multiple audio servers on a single network, so every room in the house can receive its own streamed music.

"Like Rhapsody, SMC's EZ-Stream Wireless Audio Adapter makes music more accessible for consumers," said Tim Bratton, Real Networks' general manager of wireless music delivery. "More importantly, it unchains digital music from the PC and gives consumers the ability to enjoy Rhapsody throughout their homes. We think this is the next step in digital music, and we're pleased to be working with SMC to make the vision of a connected home a reality."

The SMCWAA-B EZ-Stream 2.4GHz 11Mbps Wireless Audio Adapter is available now through retail stores and resellers at an MSRP of $129.99. Consumers can subscribe to the Rhapsody service online at www.real.com/rhapsody.

About SMC Networks

A leading provider of networking solutions for the SMB/e and all the way home, SMC puts its more than 30 years' experience to work for every product and solution the company produces. Leveraging strong industry relationships in combination with experienced and talented in-house design and engineering, SMC continues to bring to market a host of affordable, high-performance products. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., SMC Networks supports its worldwide market through regional offices located throughout the United States and 20 other countries. For more information about SMC Networks or its products, visit www.smc.com, or call 800-SMC-4You (800-762-4968).

About RealNetworks Inc.

RealNetworks Inc. is the leading creator of digital media services and software including the award-winning Rhapsody Internet jukebox service and RealPlayer 10. Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and download RealNetworks' consumer software at http://www.real.com. Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use RealNetworks' products and services to create and deliver digital media to PCs, mobile phones and consumer electronics devices. RealNetworks' systems and corporate information is located at http://www.realnetworks.com.

RealNetworks, RadioPass and Rhapsody are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts


NetPR
Kimberly Maxwell, 850-835-2694, ext. 301
kimberly@netpr.net
Trisha Grahn King, 850-835-2694, ext. 303
trisha@netpr.net
or
SMC Networks
Tony Stramandinoli, 949-679-8057
tony.stramandinoli@smc.com
or
RealNetworks
Matt Graves, 415-934-2159
mgraves@real.com

[ Comment, Edit or Article Submission ]