Business Wire
VUGO Multimedia System Gives Tweens On-The-Go Access to Digital Media - Including Video, Music And Photos
Continuing its leadership position in the tween electronics market, Hasbro Inc.'s (NYSE: HAS) Tiger Electronics today announced distribution deals with kids entertainment networks Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon to provide content for its new, portable VUGO Multimedia System. This move is consistent with the Tiger Electronics strategy to replicate today's hottest technology trends for adults and deliver consumer electronics designed specifically for tweens featuring a library of the must-have content that they demand.
"Portable digital media players are all the rage right now and by partnering with Tiger Electronics Cartoon Network can offer its most popular shows to kids in a format that is perfect for them," says John Friend, senior vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises. "The VUGO multi-media player allows us to put our content into the pockets of tweens everywhere. And, as a key content provider, Cartoon Network will provide a free Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends download that will be featured on the VUGO packaging."
"As the number-one entertainment brand for kids and the top rated television network for tweens, we're excited to bring Nickelodeon's leading properties, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Danny Phantom, and Unfabulous to the launch of VUGO, " said Stephen Youngwood, Senior Vice President Entertainment Products for Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "In addition to reaching Nick fans on-air, on-line, and through new technologies including mobile telephone content, VUGO offers us a new path to serve tweens, wherever they may go."
Available this November, the portable VUGO Multimedia System gives tech-savvy tweens access to their favorite TV shows, music and photos all in one sleek and stylish multimedia system made just for them. Blending innovative technology with the on-the-go lifestyle of today's kids, VUGO allows tweens to put their favorite shows from Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon onto the VUGO player and right into their hands whenever they want and wherever they go. Some of the hottest TV shows and premium programming will be available for purchase at www.VUGO.com, the official VUGO online media shop. Kids can also put their own content onto the VUGO player.
"We are thrilled to have alliances with both Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, as Tiger Electronics continues to deliver the kind of exciting, must-have entertainment that our tween audience loves," said Brian Goldner, President, Hasbro's U.S. Toy Segment.
Must-see Cartoon Network content available for download includes: Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends, Dexter's Laboratory, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Codename: Kids Next Door, Ed, Edd n Eddy and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.
Tween favorites from Nickelodeon available for download includes: SpongeBob SquarePants, Danny Phantom, Jimmy Neutron, Unfabulous, Romeo!, Rugrats, Rocket Power and Teenage Robot. Other Nickelodeon programming will be added to VUGO's offerings in the months ahead.
About VUGO
Each portable VUGO Multimedia System contains 128 MB of memory, enough to hold up to sixty minutes of video, six hours of music or over 1,200 digital photos! The VuGo player's internal memory can be expanded with the use of a standard universal memory card (SD) (not included). Using their computers, tweens can create and customize a line-up of their favorite television programs, music videos and digital photos for future viewing on the VUGO player anytime, anywhere!
With a built-in three-inch color screen and self-contained speakers, tweens will be able enjoy this awesome multimedia experience with their friends and family. The VUGO player also features a headphone jack (headphones not included).
With the cool, new VUGO Multimedia System tweens can download, record and organize the TV shows, music and photos that they want the most. Each VUGO Multimedia System comes complete with cables for downloading and recording content - a USB cable for downloading content (such as video files, music or digital photos) from your computer and an AV cable for recording TV shows. Easy to use, simply attach the VUGO unit to a computer or television set using the provided cable to begin transferring your media. A user-friendly software CD is included to manage your VUGO content library from any home computer. Certain TV and computer system requirements are needed to use recording/downloading features.
The VUGO Multimedia System is scheduled to be available fall 2005 for an approximate retail price of $119.99. Four AAA batteries are required but not included.
About Hasbro
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.
About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 88.5 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
About Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products
Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products manages the third largest licensing business in the world with $4.7 billion in retail sales in 2004, from such properties as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. The department handles the merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.
Nickelodeon, now in its 26th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 89 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for nine consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.
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