Absolute Multimedia’s Outrageous SoundMASTER MP3 is a revolutionary approach to portable MP3 players – it is the smallest and lightest unit on the market, designed to sell for the amazingly low RRP of £34.99 INC VAT (expected street price £30!).

This has been achieved by focusing the design of the player on replay quality and ease of use. It has no fixed memory, but uses the latest new format MMC removeable media. 50% smaller than competing memory card technology, MMC is roughly the size of a postage stamp. The two slots provided can each accommodate 16, 32 or 64MB media. Features of the SoundMASTER MP3 player include a built in LED status indicator, EQ settings for ‘rock’ or ‘jazz’ and a surround sound enhancement as well as start, stop and skip buttons.

The media is formatted and loaded with files by a separate writer unit that interfaces to any PC or notebook computer via the printer port. A pass through connector enables normal operation of the printer while the Soundmaster recorder is connected. MusicMatch v5.0 is included with the recorder for the preparation of MP3 files from any source, together with the Absolute installation software. MP3 files can be written to media in the recorder by copying them across in a simple Windows Explorer style menu. The writer costs only £54.99 INC VAT, including one free 16MB memory card.

Clearly any number of users can program media for their players from the same recorder – ideal in families where the low cost of the player enables everyone to have their own! An additional feature of the recorder is that it can be used to copy ANY file format onto the compact MMC media, allowing precious files to be safely stored in the user’s wallet – unlike competing forms of removeable magnetic media!

Additional memory cards are currently £29.99 for 16MB, and £54.99 for 32MB but as several leading manufacturers have committed to this technology, prices are expected to fall rapidly and higher capacities will be available soon.

Another exciting prospect for this player is that several music publishers have announced plans to release titles on ROS (read only silicon) cards in the same format as MMC by the end of the year.

For first time users, a starter pack comprising one player, the PC writer, 16MB memory card, earphones, all necessary cables and software bundle will be offered for a total price of £79.99 INC VAT. It could only be Outrageous, by Absolute Multimedia!

For further information please contact:

Louis Belcuore, Absolute Multimedia, Ayresfield Lodge, Ayres Lane, Burghclere, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9HG

Tel / Fax: 01635 278587. Email: louisb@absolutemm.com

Press contact is:

Bill Donnelly, Pathway PR, 269 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 1EG.