Sun, 01/06/2008

2008 Press Releases

RealNetworks and Control4 Deliver Rhapsody Music Experience to Every Corner of the Automated Home

Whole Home Automation Partnership Includes Full Integration of Rhapsody


LAS VEGAS — January 7, 2008  — RealNetworks®, Inc., (NASDAQ:  RNWK) and Control4, the leader in affordable IP-based control and entertainment systems, today announced plans to integrate Rhapsody®, the official digital music service of RealNetworks and MTV Networks, into the full line of Control4 Smart Home Automation Systems. In a first for home automation systems, Control4 customers will enjoy unlimited access to millions of songs from Rhapsody's digital music service via Control4's touch screens, keypads and any television.

During the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show, visitors to the Control4 booth (#21407) or RealNetworks booth (#36200) can preview the Control4/Rhapsody integration.

"Rhapsody gives consumers the freedom to create a truly personalized home music experience through instant access to over four and a half million songs," said Rob Williams, SVP music software, RealNetworks. "We are thrilled to be working with Control4 to, for the first time, offer consumers the Rhapsody music experience as part of a complete smart home automation system."

Control4's intuitive Navigator software extends Rhapsody's vast music selection beyond the PC and gives consumers the freedom to access their personal library of playlists and albums in any room of their home. The Rhapsody/Control4 integration also gives music fans the ability to play back music from Rhapsody's robust 4.5 million song catalog, enjoy Rhapsody's professional programmed music channels and discover new music through personalized music recommendations. The extension of Rhapsody's music experience to Control4's hardware is made possible by Rhapsody DNA, a platform of technologies that enables seamless integration of Rhapsody into a broad range of consumer electronics devices.

"Integrating Rhapsody into our system adds an important new dimension to Control4's whole-home automation and entertainment experience," said Will West, CEO at Control4. "We've been successful by meeting the growing desire of homeowners to access multiple media forms through a single simple interface. Working with RealNetworks on this first-of-its-kind, ground breaking digital home initiative has been a fantastic opportunity for our company and the entire home automation category."

As part of the launch of the Rhapsody/Control4 integration, Control4 users will have access to an automatic free 30-day trial of Rhapsody. Consumers can choose to continue their Rhapsody service beyond the trial period for $12.99 per month. Current Rhapsody subscribers can access their existing Rhapsody music libraries (including artists, albums, playlists and channels) at no extra charge.

Control4 home automation systems are available through Control4 certified dealers. To locate a dealer or for more information about the systems, visit www.control4.com.

For More Information:
Joelle A. Kenealey (for Control4)
Coltrin & Associates
(650)373-2005
Joelle_Kenealey@coltrin.com

Ronda Scott
RealNetworks
(415) 934-2016
rscott@real.com

RNWK-G

ABOUT CONTROL 4

Control4 is the first company to make whole-home automation a practical option for any residence. The company makes everyday life easier by providing one-touch control of both new and existing electronic systems in the home. By allowing different systems to work together, Control4 provides effortless entertainment, comfort, convenience and peace of mind to homeowners everywhere. Control4's affordable and easy to use products enable home theater control, multi-room music, smart lighting, temperature control and security, through a range of in-home and over-the-web remote control technology. The company delivers both wired and wireless solutions that can be installed in existing homes as well as homes under construction. Visit www.control4.com for more information.

ABOUT REALNETWORKS

RealNetworks, Inc. is the leading creator of digital media services and software including Rhapsody, RealPlayer® 10, and casual PC and mobile games. Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use RealNetworks' products and services to create and deliver digital media to PCs, mobile phones and consumer electronics devices.  Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and download RealNetworks' consumer software at www.real.com. RealNetworks' systems and corporate information is located at www.realnetworks.com.

ABOUT RHAPSODY

Rhapsody offers an integrated and immersive digital music experience accessible to consumers via their computer, portable music device and soon their mobile phone. Rhapsody is the exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks, Inc. and for MTV Networks' music and pop-culture brands in the United States. Rhapsody is a service of Rhapsody America LLC, a joint venture between MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) and RealNetworks (Nasdaq RNWK).

 

RealNetworks and Rhapsody are registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.