COCONUT CREEK,
Fla.-The Singing Machine Co. (OTC:SING), a leading manufacturer and
distributor of electronic karaoke equipment and related audio
software, announced today that it has signed a multi-year, domestic
merchandise license agreement with MTV to create the first line of
MTV Karaoke Machines and compact disks with graphics (CD+G) featuring
music for MTV's core audience.
"Singing
Machine is thrilled to partner with MTV in this exciting new project.
Teaming with a multidimensional youth brand like MTV is a terrific
opportunity for Singing Machine to capture the imagination of
music-oriented consumers and increase awareness of our karaoke
hardware and software for home use. MTV's presence provides an
enviable platform for Singing Machine to launch several very
compelling new products in the U.S. marketplace," said John
Klecha, chief operating officer of Singing Machine.
Heidi Eskenazi,
vice president, licensing and merchandising, MTV, said, "We are
very pleased to be working with Singing Machine to give our viewers a
piece of MTV right in their own homes. Our on-air show 'Say What
Karaoke' continues to be a hit with our audience, and we believe that
the MTV Karaoke Machine will be a fun and entertaining product for
our viewers."
Under the
agreement, Singing Machine will produce two MTV-branded products: a
large format karaoke machine with a built-in, fully functional
television that enables users to view song lyrics; and a smaller
karaoke system that connects to a television. Singing Machine also
will produce exclusive CD+Gs featuring music catering to MTV's core
audience that will be distributed with the MTV-branded karaoke machines.
Klecha added,
"We plan to distribute the MTV-licensed products through Singing
Machine's established distribution channels, including Best Buy,
Costco, Toys R Us, JC Penny, Sears, Mars, Musicland, and Sam's Club.
This high-profile distribution network also may be expanded to
include online-only retailers. Our alliance with MTV is a key to our
strategy to bring Singing Machine's exciting products to large new markets."
MTV will unveil
its first extensive electronic music line on Jan. 6, in Las Vegas at
the 2001 Consumer Electronics Show. MTV Karaoke Machines should be
available in stores beginning in Spring 2001.
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