Mp3 portable audio cd players

SONICblue Expands Rio Digital Audio Line with Two New Portable CD/MP3 Players

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2002

The Ultra Slim SP350 Doubles The Shock Protection Of Other Players On

The Market With 32-Minute SteadyPlay Skip Protection

SP150 Offers Up To 20 Hours Of Battery Life At An Affordable Price

SONICblue(TM) Incorporated (Nasdaq:SBLU), today unveiled its new line of portable digital music CD players, the RioVolt(R) SP150 and SP350. Building on SONICblue's award-winning line of portable digital audio products, the RioVolt SP350 and SP150's distinctive new looks, features, functions and ease of use continue to exceed the demands of today's consumers and to build SONICblue's reputation as a market leader.

"The SP350 and SP150 bring Rio functionality, performance and fun to the portable CD/MP3 category." said Ed Brachocki, vice president of product marketing audio and video products, SONICblue. "The SP350 integrates full navigation and music library information in a 19mm player and the SP150 provides consumers a uniquely styled, fully featured player at a more affordable price."

The SP350 and SP150 play CD-R and CD-RW, as well as standard audio CDs and support MP3 and Windows Media (WMA) formats giving users the freedom to choose the music quality and playtime they desire. With over 24 hours of digital music on a single CD, the SP350 and SP150 allow users the ability to listen to their favorite music longer.

The RioVolt SP350 is one of the slimmest multi-function CD players with a full display screen. Just 19mm high, it includes a large integrated 3-line backlit text display screen allowing users to easily navigate the advanced features of the player, which include support for ID3 music tags that display artist and album information, and M3U playlists created with services such as Moodlogic. In addition, the player features a FM tuner, adjustable EQ, repeat and shuffle play modes, and programmable playlists that deliver features users need to play their favorite music the way they want. The SP350 also offers an impressive 32-minute SteadyPlay skip protection and a rechargeable battery that gives users up to 17 hours of uninterrupted use, making this player an excellent choice for users with an active lifestyle.

Featuring up to 20 hours of playtime on two AA batteries, the SP150 combines a bold new look and impressive list of features at a reasonable price. The SP150 features include a lighted 3-line text display, and 16-minute SteadyPlay skip protection. In addition the player also supports ID3 tags and offers adjustable EQ, repeat and shuffle play modes, and programmable playlists. Plus, the RioVolt SP150 features innovative and easy to use navigation features, that allow users to search by song and artists.

RioVolt SP150 and SP350 Pricing and Availability

The new RioVolt SP150 ($99.99 MSRP) and the SP350 players ($179.99 MSRP) are expected to be available on SONICblue's eStore (www.sonicblue.com) and in retail outlets throughout North America.

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 a focused technology portfolio that includes Rio(R) digital audio players; ReplayTV(R) personal television technology and software solutions; and Go-Video(R) Dual-Deck(TM) VCRs and integrated DVD+VCRs.

Except for the historical information contained in this press release, the matters set forth in this press release, such as, but not limited to, statements regarding the expected availability of the RioVolt SP350 and the RioVolt SP150 on SONICblue's e-store and at retail, the ability of the RioVolt SP350 and the RioVolt SP150 to meet the needs or demands of consumers and the ability of the RioVolt SP350 and the RioVolt SP150 to build SONICblue's reputation as a market leader, 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, such as, but not limited to, the ability of SONICblue, 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, SONICblue's ability to 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 September 30, 2002. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. SONICblue disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SONICblue, RioVolt and Dual-Deck are trademarks of SONICblue Incorporated. Rio, ReplayTV and Go-Video 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.