PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- May 13, 2003 -- As the 8th annual Electronic Entertainment Exposition (E3) sets to open on May 14th, Hasbro, Inc.'s Tiger Electronics, the brand which has gained a reputation over the years for identifying and bringing to market the hottest tech toys for kids -- finalizes its promotional and sales plans for the revolutionary VIDEO NOW -- the kid friendly, portable and affordable personal video player.
With no wires to hook up and no downloads to wait for, the VideoNow system provides instant, on-the-go entertainment and embodies the most up-to-date technology in portable, personal entertainment players - just pop in a disc and go! For approximately $50, kids this fall can have their very own VideoNow personal video player to take with them anytime, anywhere.
Embraced by the entertainment industry as a radical new way for kids to experience their favorite shows and properties the VideoNow proprietary video discs - to be available for approximately $7.99 each and $14.99 for three-packs -- will offer some of the hottest names in children's entertainment. Tweens can hit the road with shows like American Idol, or take a spin with the "Day in the Life of Hilary Duff" personal video disc produced exclusively for the VideoNow format. And for the younger crowd, VideoNow offers top-rated Nickelodeon programming such as Sponge Bob Square Pants, Jimmy Neutron, Fairly Odd Parents, and more. Importantly, each VideoNow disc will play a full episode... up to 30 minutes of programming per VideoNow disc.
"One of our key objectives for the Tiger Electronics brand is creating great product that will bring tweens back to the toy aisle," said Brian Goldner, Hasbro's President, U.S. Toys. "We believe that VideoNow- both the technology and the content - will appeal to that more elusive, older range of kids, and to their younger siblings as well."
"VideoNow puts great technology and an incredibly innovative, new form of entertainment right into kids hands, whenever they want and wherever they go," said Steve Youngwood, Vice President, Media Products, Nickelodeon. "Nickelodeon is thrilled to be part of the VideoNow launch, which gives kids an exciting new way to access and interact with the Nickelodeon shows and characters that kids love."
"Tiger has a history of great products in electronic entertainment for kids," said Jim Feldt, President of Merchandising and Marketing for Toys "R" Us. "VideoNow is a first-of-its-kind for kids, the product is priced right and the content is top-notch."
About VideoNow
The VideoNow player is not only portable, it's pocket-size. Each personal video player measures approximately four by six inches, making it perfect for little hands and kids on the go. This little package packs a big punch - its black and white LCD screen features sixteen levels of greyscale, contains 80 by 80 pixels and measures 1.7 by 1.3 inches, resulting in a great, quality picture!
The VideoNow line is 100% "kid friendly." To use the VideoNow personal video player, simply pop in a VideoNow Disc and press play. Each circular, three-inch VideoNow Disc contains up to thirty minutes of uninterrupted content. VideoNow Discs feature a special proprietary format and will not fit into or play on other media players.
VideoNow Disc titles will include some of the hottest names in children's entertainment - with 24 titles scheduled to be available this Fall as VideoNow products hit the shelves. And, with up to 20 hot new titles expected to be introduced each quarter, kids should be able to collect and view many of their favorite television, sports and entertainment programs! Each VideoNow Disc will retail for approximately $7.99, VideoNow Disc Three Packs will be available for approximately $14.99.
In addition to its great visuals, the VideoNow personal video player features a self-contained speaker that delivers crystal clear sound. It also has an audio jack for headphone or speaker use (headphone not included). And with just two "AA" batteries (not included) you can enjoy more than seven hours of continuous entertainment.
The VideoNow personal video player will be available in two stylish colors: titanium and cobalt. And, each VideoNow player will come complete with a special sampler VideoNow Disc featuring over a half dozen excerpts from some of today's most popular programs.
VideoNow (for ages 6 years and up) is scheduled to be available at leading national retailers in the Fall of 2003 for an approximate retail price of $49.99. Additional software titles and a full line of VideoNow accessories including a handy carry case, snap on lamp (for late night viewing), Disc organizer, headphones and more, will also be available.
Hasbro's Tiger Electronics brand has led the industry in delivering highly innovative, technology-driven entertainment and lifestyle products for the whole family. Some of its most well-known product lines include HITCLIPS, FURREAL FRIENDS, FURBY and GIGA PETS.
Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
