2008-08-21 14:39:04 -
www.disklavier.com - Yamaha Corporation of America Bill Brandom, 714-522-9011 bbrandom@yamaha.com or Giles Communications Lisa Cesarano, 914-798-7134 lcesarano@giles.com The Apple iPhone isn't the only revolutionary music-playing device that's generating buzz this summer. Yamaha Corporation of America is now shipping the long-awaited Yamaha Disklavier Mark IV Version 3.0 upgrade, cementing the award-winning instrument's position
as the most technologically advanced piano ever crafted.
The Disklavier is a world-class instrument that offers countless live performances at the touch of a button, and appeals largely to the music-loving non-musician. For seven consecutive years, it has taken top honors as "Product of the Year" in the Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) "Dealer's Choice" Awards.
With the new Version 3.0 Update, The Yamaha Disklavier Mark IV is given several exciting new features that take the listening and performance experience to an entirely new level.
For the first time, the Disklavier can now capture audio recordings of the user's own piano performances, along with vocals and other musical instruments. Simply plug in a microphone, record a song, and immediately play it back on the instrument in high fidelity. Taking things further, the user can easily transfer their song from the Disklavier's hard drive to a PC or Mac, share it as an MP3 file with friends and family via email, or burn their album onto a CD. For those who seek whole house automation, users can now select favorite piano and ensemble performances--music by the likes of Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Alicia Keys, The Beatles, Tony Bennett, Norah Jones, Michael Buble, Broadway favorites and countless other tunes--from any room in the house, using a PC or Mac.
Additionally, the software update enhances DisklavierRadio, Yamaha's breakthrough subscription service that allows users to enjoy a host of music channels featuring magnificent PianoSoft performances streaming directly from the Internet to the Disklavier, 24/7. With Version 3.0, users listening to a particular DisklavierRadio channel can now purchase and download favorite songs on the fly, to play them over and over to their heart's content.
With these upgrades, the Disklavier's value as part of a home entertainment system is significantly increased," states Bill Brandom, Disklavier marketing manager. "The instrument is effectively blurring the line between home theater and live entertainment."
Acting as a networked digital media receiver that easily connects to any home theater system - it can even synchronize to special video files - Disklavier Mark IV Version 3.0 has been earning rave reviews from the high tech and mainstream media:
"When a piano comes with a hard drive, Ethernet jack, video output, stereo speakers, audio/microphone input, CD and floppy drives, U.S.B. jacks and an open-source Linux operating system, all kinds of new tricks are possible." -David Pogue, New York Times, April 17, 2008
"This Yamaha Disklavier Piano could be the most advanced piano we've ever seen, and we've seen several. Not only does it have Wi-Fi to download MIDI files onto itself so it can play back songs, you can record performances--with vocals and other instruments--as well." -Jason Chen, Gizmodo, May 28, 2008
"If a computer could morph into a piano, or vice-versa, it might well resemble a Yamaha like this one." -Mike Yamamoto, Cnet Crave, May 29, 2008
The 3.0 upgrade comes standard with all new Mark IV Disklaviers sold. Current Disklavier Mark IV owners may upgrade for free after completing a simple, online survey or by visiting their local Disklavier dealer. Otherwise, they may purchase the upgrade for $89.95.
For more information on the new Disklavier Mark IV Version 3.0, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail
infostation@yamaha.com.
Disklavier PianoSoft and DisklavierRadio are registered trademarks of Yamaha Corporation Japan. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.
About Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of musical instruments and audio/visual products to the U.S. market. Products include: acoustic and digital pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio products, and innovative technology products targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, and installation markets.
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