(EW)(QRS-MUSIC-TECH)(QRSM)
Entertainment, Music and Lifestyle Editors
NOTE TO MEDIA: Photo is available in a Smart News
Release(TM)
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Feb. 13,
1998--QRS Music Technologies, Inc. ("QRS") announced that the Virtuoso
Violin, the world's first computer-controlled violin, debuted last night in
Menlo Park, California.
This acoustic instrument produces sound by moving a bow
across a violin, just as a traditional instrument does but human hands never
touch either the bow or instrument; instead both are controlled completely by a
built-in micro-controller circuit.
The unique, patented technology and rich, acoustic sound
of the Virtuoso Violin make it the perfect complement to QRS's Pianomation(tm)
system, a computer-controlled "self-playing" piano featured at
Hollywood's famed Magic Castle. The Virtuoso Violin, a finely crafted instrument
capable of achieving the full range of notes produced by an acoustical violin,
can play independently or can perform duets with the piano.
"The Virtuoso Violin is the culmination of years of
research devoted to the art and science of music and sound," said Fred
Paroutaud, president of Paroutaud Music Laboratories (PML). He added, "The
result is a unique blend of the beauty of a classic acoustic instrument with the
sophistication of state-of-the-art computer technology." The Virtuoso
Violin was created by Paroutaud, a veteran composer and inventor, and former
NASA administrator and Northrop CEO, Thomas Paine. The first 10 production units
will be manufactured at QRS's Research & Development facilities in Naples,
Florida. It is expected that the Virtuoso Violin will retail for less than
$10,000.
The QRS Pianomation(tm) system can turn any piano into a
reproducing player piano. A patented hardware and software process can store and
transport Musical Instrument Digital Interface ("MIDI") information as
an analog signal. This process gives QRS the ability to store, and wirelessly
transmit, MIDI performance data in an analog format from a controller (CD,
video, cassette, DAT or Minidisc) to the receiver on the piano. This creates
numerous possibilities. For example, most off-the-shelf audio equipment has a
left and right channel available for use. State-of-the-art technology permits
QRS to store the digital signal in an analog format on the left channel of the
software which operates those players. This leaves the right channel available
for live prerecorded audio music, even vocal recordings. Pianomation(tm) blends
them together in perfect harmony and perfect synchronization. The Pianomation(tm)
MIDI System is the first product of its kind to "marry" analog and
digital technology.
Forward Looking Statements. Statements made in this news
release that relate to future plans, events or performances are forward-looking
statements. Any statements containing words, such as, "believes,"
"should," "anticipates," "plans," or
"expects" is forward-looking, and these statements involve risks and
uncertainties and are based on current expectations. Consequently, actual
results could differ materially from the expectations expressed in these
forward-looking statements.
QRS Music Technologies' World Wide Web site is http://www.QRSMusic.com.
Sample audio selections are available at the Web Site. QRS is also on America
Online (Keyword: QRS). QRS Music Technologies, Inc. stock is traded on the OTC
Bulletin Board market system under the symbol QRSM. Standard & Poor's
CORPORATIONS RECORDS provides coverage on QRS Music, Inc.
--30--MG/dx*
CONTACT: For additional information on the Virtuoso Violin:
Susan Futterman
Paroutaud Music Laboratories
Telephone: 805-482-5793
Fax: 805-482-0394
Email: Fparoutaud@aol.com
or
Chuck Campbell, (708) 798-9405
campbell@mcs.com
www.QRSMusic.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCT
PHOTO: snr2