Hasbro Helps Ignite the Revival of the ''Singles Business'' with t

    Business Editors/Entertainment Editors

    PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2005--Music is the universal language for tweens around the world, and today the VIDEONOW COLOR brand announces the launch of VIDEONOW MUSIC, complete with a library of music video singles planned to feature artists from the Zomba Label Group including Bowling for Soup, Britney Spears, Ciara, J-Kwon and Usher, artists from the Lava Group including Simple Plan and artists from Hollywood Records including Hilary Duff, Raven Symone and Jesse McCartney. Brought to market by Hasbro, Inc.'s (NYSE: HAS) Tiger Electronics brand, the music video personal video discs (PVDs), produced for VIDEONOW COLOR, will provide tweens with the opportunity to collect many of their favorite hit songs with video in the portable, "anytime, anywhere" format. The VIDEONOW brand has resulted in the sale of 2.8 million VIDEONOW players and more than 9.9 million PVDs since its highly successful launch in 2003.
    "VIDEONOW MUSIC is a 'win-win' for the music industry, and for the kids who can enjoy their favorite music AND video through this highly innovative and proven product," said Julia Lipari, senior vice president of marketing and special projects for Jive Records and the Zomba Label Group. "VIDEONOW MUSIC opens up an entirely new platform for our artists. Everyone wins because it gives our talent the opportunity to reach existing fans through an alternative, highly popular format, as well as making a connection with a whole new audience of tweens who we believe will embrace these terrific VIDEONOW MUSIC PVDs."
    Each VIDEONOW MUSIC disc features one full-length music video and some will feature behind-the-scenes footage of the artist. The VIDEONOW MUSIC proprietary personal video discs will be available nationwide this spring for approximately $5.99 each.
    "VIDEONOW MUSIC is the natural next step for the VIDEONOW brand," said Jim Silver, publisher of Toy Wishes Magazine. "Kids want their music anytime, anywhere, and now VIDEONOW provides tweens with a great new format to enjoy their favorite artists and songs, at a price that will allow them to collect a variety of their favorite PVDs."
    The original VIDEONOW was introduced in 2003 and marked Hasbro's foray into the 'tween lifestyle market. With the launch of VIDEONOW COLOR last year, which was touted by many as one of the hot holiday toys of 2004, Hasbro builds on its leadership position in the category by continuing to deliver innovative, high quality products highlighted by unmatched content featuring some of the hottest names in music, television and extreme sports.
    "VIDEONOW MUSIC is a bulls-eye for the VIDEONOW audience," said Duncan Billing, Hasbro's Chief Marketing Officer. "Both music and video are such an important part of a tween's life, and now VIDEONOW MUSIC provides the best of both worlds in a format tweens love, anytime, anywhere."

    About VIDEONOW COLOR

    VIDEONOW COLOR, a portable, personal video player with a color LCD screen (for ages 6 years and up) is available at leading national retailers for an approximate retail price of $59.99. The line features additional software titles and a full line of VIDEONOW COLOR accessories including a VIDEONOW carrying case, Personal Video Disc Case, Headphones and Car Adaptor.
    The VIDEONOW COLOR personal video player features a self-contained speaker that delivers crystal clear sound. It also has DC power jack and headphone jack (DC adapter and headphones not included). And with just three AA batteries (not included) you can enjoy more than five hours of continuous entertainment.

    About Hasbro, Inc.

    Hasbro's Tiger Electronics brand has led the industry in delivering highly innovative, technology-driven entertainment and lifestyle products for the whole family. Some of its most well-known product lines include HITCLIPS, FURREAL FRIENDS, FURBY and GIGA PETS.
    Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

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CONTACT: Litzky Public Relations Josslynne Lingard or Marni Goldberg, 201-222-9118 jlingard@litzkypr.com or mgoldberg@litzkypr.com or The Zomba Label Group Sonia Muckle, 212-824-1370

KEYWORD: RHODE ISLAND INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS ENTERTAINMENT RETAIL MUSIC CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD SOURCE: Hasbro

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