PIANOSMART TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE AVAILABLE FOR MARK III

BUENA PARK, CA (January 10, 2003)—PianoSmart technology, introduced in 2002, realized the dream of having Mark III Disklavier pianos play along with standard commercial audio CDs. Now, owners of Mark III models that pre-dated PianoSmart’s debut can enjoy the same amazing functionality with an upgrade disk available from Yamaha.

With a free update disk from Yamaha, all Mark III Disklavier owners can enjoy the remarkable PianoSmart technology that is included on current models.

The free disk, which Mark III owners can pick up at their authorized Yamaha retailers, updates the Disklavier’s Flash ROM in a simple, one-time operation that takes only a few moments. Once the update is complete, owners will be able to use the broad and expanding library of Yamaha Smart PianoSoft disks, which include titles like Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, U2, Miles Davis, Led Zeppelin and more. The Disklavier will play the vocals and instrumentals through its on-board audio system, while the instrument recreates the piano part in a perfectly synchronized "live" performance.

The update software can be downloaded directly from Yamaha if users prefer.

"Having the Disklavier play along with the real performances of your favorite artists has always been at the heart of this instrument’s appeal," says Cameron Shearer, Disklavier marketing manager, Yamaha Corporation of America.

"Now, instead of producing disks with complex, pre-orchestrated arrangements, the Disklavier can play along with the beautiful orchestra and vocals already on the CD," Shearer says. "This will allow Yamaha to greatly expand its production of Disklavier software, and allow Disklavier owners to get even more enjoyment out of their pianos. It’s a great leap forward for our research and development team, and it distinguishes the Disklavier even further from other reproducing systems."

Disklavier owners can also use PianoSmart technology to match their own piano play to their favorite CDs, in addition to using the pre-recorded piano parts available on disk from Yamaha. To create a piano accompaniment at home, a Disklavier Mark III owner can simply record his or her performance on the Disklavier while the audio CD plays. PianoSmart will match the two together on playback.

For more information about Yamaha pianos, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600; email infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.yamaha.com or telephone (714) 522-9011.