No Computer Required with Yamaha's Internet Direct Connection

BUENA PARK, CA Yamaha combines the traditional functions of a portable keyboard and the endless possibilities of the Web with its groundbreaking innovation, Internet Direct Connection. Currently available on the Yamaha PSR1500 and PSR3000, Internet Direct Connection makes it possible to download music content and new instrumental styles directly into the keyboard without the need for a computer.

A view of Internet Direct Connection

The system contains an initial library of more than 4,000 song titles (each of which can be downloaded for a nominal fee) in MIDI format, plus approximately 60 instrument styles, also available for purchase. Requirements include a high-speed Internet connection and a standard USB-Ethernet adapter, wired or wireless. Users can log onto a designated website to set up an account and begin downloading. Songs may be searched by title, artist, or even musical genre, each with a 20 second preview of each tune, complete with score. Once purchased, songs may be stored in the keyboard's Flash memory, to optional SmartMedia cards, or by connecting a thumb or hard drive to the keyboard's USB jack.

"Before, there were basically two ways to load song data into your instrument," states Jim Presley, marketing manager, Yamaha Portable Keyboards. "You could buy it at a store, which has limits on what it can stock. Or, it could be pre-loaded at the factory, but there's only so much that can be put in a keyboard, especially when there are so many styles of music to represent. With Internet Direct Connection, we're blowing away those limitations."

Yamaha PSR1500

In addition to Internet Direct Connection, the PSR1500 and PSR3000 are equipped with advanced features previously found on top-of-the-line models. The first Arranger Workstations to offer USB "To Device" connections that will allow users to connect peripheral devices to their keyboards, and broadband 10Base-T.

The PSR1500 includes 61 full-sized keys with touch response, 96 notes of polyphony, SmartMedia storage and incredibly realistic organ voices that use modeling technology. Other features include a large 320 x 240 backlit LCD, a 16-track sequencer, 793 GM/XG voices and 16 drum kits, 190 styles, stunningly realistic voices and a stereo two-way speaker system.

Yamaha PSR3000

The PSR3000 features 61 full-sized keys with touch response, a generous 128 notes of polyphony, SmartMedia storage and a selection of stunningly realistic sounds that use Yamaha's proprietary Mega Voice technology. The PSR3000 also includes a color LCD, a 16-track sequencer, 829 GM/XG voices, 240 styles, a stereo two-way speaker system and a video output to display music scores or lyrics. With the amazing Vocal Harmony feature, the instrument can turn one voice into three or transform your normal voice into something more interesting.

"USB 'To Device' connections and SmartMedia capability bring large media storage to this level of product, while Internet Direct Connection is the first feature of its kind in the industry's history," states Mark Anderson, product manager, Portable Keyboards.

Future applications for Internet Direct Connection include group teaching, live session jamming and composition sharing.

For more information on Internet Direct Connection, the Yamaha PSR1500 and PSR3000 portable keyboards, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Portable Keyboards, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.