YAMAHA PIANOSMART TECHNOLOGY LETS DISKLAVIER PLAY ALONG WITH STANDARD AUDIO CDS

—MIDI Files or Self-Recorded Performances Automatically Synchronize With Audio Tracks—

ANAHEIM, CA—Owners of the Yamaha Disklavier have always dreamed of having their pianos play along with their favorite commercial audio CDs. Now that dream is a reality with the introduction of PianoSmart technology for the Mark III Disklavier. PianoSmart automatically synchronizes the playback of standard audio CDs with the MIDI files containing the piano part—whether purchased from Yamaha or recorded by customers on their own pianos.

The system will be added to all Mark III Disklaviers in 2002, and can be added to existing Mark III models through an upgrade available on floppy disk. To make use of PianoSmart technology, Yamaha will add a new category of these smart MIDI files to its library of PianoSoft Solo, PianoSoft Plus and PianoSoft Plus Audio musical offerings.

"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 Paul Calvin, piano 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," Calvin 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."

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.

PianoSmart technology will be available in May 2002.

For more information about Yamaha pianos, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2002, in the Marquis Ballroom at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel; 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.