G-VOX Begins Shipping Passport Designs' ProductsMusic Software Returns to Retail As a Result of Recent Acquisition October 16, 1998
G-VOX Interactive Music announced today that the company has begun shipping a tightly focused stream-lined selection of Passport Designs' most popular desktop music publishing software products to music instrument, consumer electronics, education, and mass market retail outlets. The announcement was made by Nathaniel Weiss, Chairman and CEO of G-VOX.
Mr. Weiss also announced that G-VOX has initiated direct mail and online retail programs for Passport software - allowing consumers to purchase product directly from G-VOX or through other online music software retailers. As part of G-VOX's e-commerce program, online retailers of Passport products can connect directly to the Passport/G-VOX website and receive a click through fee for each sale that is fulfilled by G-VOX. The release of select Passport product to these channels results from G-VOX's recent acquisition of Passport Designs, Inc.
The reintroduction of Passport product to the marketplace via retail distribution, direct mail, and online retailing constitutes the first of many steps that G-VOX plans to take to rebuild Passport's product flow to retailers and consumers following the interruption in product availability created by Passport's recent bankruptcy proceedings. Beginning Q4 '98, G-VOX will begin phasing in new packaging in order to enhance and compliment line extensions with G-VOX, capitalize on inherent compatibility and bundling opportunities for the two brands, and to create a more cohesive look for Passport products. G-VOX acquired Passport in July, 1998 against a rival bid submitted by Coda Music Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: COMT).
Passport product shipping to retail during Q4 1998 includes:
Encore - The standard in professional notation software, Encore is fast, accurate, and above all, simple to use. Encore features powerful transcribing and editing capabilities, converting MIDI music interface device signals into scored sheet music notes, and yields professional quality results with ease. Available for Windows and MAC platforms through musical instrument and educational retail channels. (MSRP $599.00)
MusicTime Deluxe - One of the best selling music programs of all time, MusicTime Deluxe gives users the power to create and print music with lyrics, text, and guitar chords on up to 16 staves. Geared toward the aspiring composer, MusicTime Deluxe's ultra user-friendly notation software will help beginners create beautiful, publisher-quality sheet music in minutes. Available for Windows through consumer electronics and mass market retail channels. Also available for MAC under the title MusicTime. (MSRP $59.99)
Master Tracks Pro - Featuring a simple graphic interface for enhanced control and visualization, Master Tracks Pro sequencing software offers users the ability to arrange, record, edit, and playback musical compositions - for multiple instrument - with exceptional ease and accuracy. Available for both Mac and Windows platforms through music instrument, consumer electronics, mass market, and education channels. (MSRP $49.99)
Master Tracks Pro Audio - Available for Windows only, Master Tracks Pro Audio adds multitrack Digital Audio recording via S.A.W. SE Digital Audio, from IQS. This technology is based on a highly-acclaimed program that Electronic Musician Magazine called "...the best digital audio (technology) available for under $1,000." Master Tracks Pro Audio replaces the need for thousands of dollars of recording and processing hardware, and gives you the best performance for your money. (MSRP $69.99)
At retail, G-VOX plans to co-market Passport products alongside its existing G-VOX line and capitalize on its combined sales and marketing strength to expand distribution of both brands. Both Passport and G-VOX products are sold in music instrument chains such as Guitar Center (NASDAQ: GTRC) and mass market retailers such as CompUSA (NYSE: CPU).
G-VOX's growing line of products includes the $99 suggested retail G-VOX Guitar; with G-VOX Bass and G-VOX Keyboard scheduled for release in 1999. These products are supported by a line of software titles including G-VOX Songbooks featuring songs made famous by Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and The Police, and the instructional title Guitar 101: The Fender MethodTM with techniques made famous by Jack Cecchini, Carl Verheyen and Steve Morse. G-VOX products are the only products available that connect musical instruments directly to computers and the Internet. For more information, visit their web site at www.gvox.com. | 
