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LRSmedia Leads the Way in Jazz Releases on the Winning High Definition Format

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Celebrated TV Series Featuring Jazz Greats Was One of the First Music Releases On The Blu-ray High Definition Format

CHICAGO, IL (February 25, 2008) --Sony's Blu-ray disc has won the high definition content war. With Toshiba Corporation's recent announcement that it will no longer develop, manufacture and market HD DVD players and recorders, Blu-ray has been declared the winner in the high definition DVD format war. LRSmedia had the foresight back in October of 2006 to realize that Blu-ray would be the format favored by consumers when it released LEGENDS OF JAZZ “SHOWCASE" on Blu-ray Disc, the first jazz release in the new format.

LRSmedia realized that Blu-ray Disc was the ideal format to present the stunning performances by some of the nation's biggest names in jazz and blues, as they had been presented in the ground-breaking TV series LEGENDS OF JAZZ. The 13-week series, hosted by GRAMMY Award-winning pianist and composer Ramsey Lewis, and produced by award-winning music producer and LRSmedia co-chairman Larry Rosen debuted in 2006 and continues to air on PBS stations nationwide.

“SHOWCASE" brings to life top-name artists such as Al Jarreau, Chris Botti, David Sanborn, Chick Corea, Robert Cray, and Dave Brubeck, and features combinations of artists who in many cases have never performed together before. These once-in-a-lifetime collaborations and performances were shot in multi-camera high-definition TV with Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound to provide the highest quality viewing and listening experience.

“In the past I've had the opportunity to help launch the delivery of music from the LP to the CD, and here at LRSmedia we have taken a leadership role by being among the first to release high definition music content on Blu-ray," said Larry Rosen. “Capturing the electrifying performances by these amazing LEGENDS OF JAZZ artists on Blu-ray is a truly unique demonstration of this revolutionary format. Music consumers at home can experience what we see in the studio...it's thrilling".

LEGENDS OF JAZZ “SHOWCASE" on Blu-ray was the first high-definition DVD release to include Dolby TrueHD plus Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM Stereo audio features, as well as enhanced video for high definition. In fact, since its release, LRSmedia's “SHOWCASE" Blu-ray Disc has been used by Dolby Laboratories, Samsung and Marantz as the standard bearer of the highest quality viewing and audio that Blu-ray DVDs can achieve.

Added Lee “Rosy" Rosenberg, President and CEO of LRSmedia, “Seeing Blu-ray for the first time convinced me of the opportunity for LRSmedia to lead the way in the introduction of this terrific achievement. We, at LRSmedia, pride ourselves on offering the music enthusiast a 360 entertainment experience and LEGENDS OF JAZZ “SHOWCASE" on Blu-ray is the finest technology has to offer in audio/visual entertainment."

The 13 live performances making their high definition include “Take Five" by vocalists Al Jarreau and Kurt Elling, “My Funny Valentine" by trumpeter Chris Botti, “The Panther" by contemporary jazz greats Marcus Miller, George Duke & Lee Ritenour, “12 Year Old Boy" by contemporary blues artists Robert Cray & Keb' Mo', “Take the 'A' Train" by piano legends Dave Brubeck & Billy Taylor, and many more.

Since its release, “SHOWCASE" on Blu-ray has garnered rave reviews such as: “Without a doubt this is the best concert video I've ever seen. Nothing else even comes close." --HomeTheatreSpot.com

“Showcase is a must-see for jazz lovers . . the Blu-ray image looks superb, with vibrant hues and well-resolved details, leading to a highly dimensional image." --Widescreen Review

“The TrueHD audio is the clear winner. The warmth and richness of the entire frequency range is excellent." --HighDefDigest.com

In addition to the performances, LEGENDS OF JAZZ “SHOWCASE" on Blu-ray Disc includes bonus features including a photo gallery and artist biographies as well as seamless menu navigation so viewers can jump to and review the different features and songs without interrupting the current performance. “SHOWCASE" Blu-ray as well as other LEGENDS OF JAZZ DVD/CD products are distributed by WEA and available at music stores, online retailers and at legendsofjazz.net.

In April, LRSmedia will launch the national LEGENDS OF JAZZ tour with Ramsey Lewis, Paquito D'Rivera, Fourplay and Kurt Elling. The tour is sponsored by AARP as part of its year-long 50th anniversary celebration. Also in April, “LEGENDS OF JAZZ Presents the 2007 NEA Jazz Masters," with profiles of Phil Woods, Frank Wess, Jimmy Scott, Ramsey Lewis, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Curtis Fuller, will air nationally on BET J, in Chicago on WTTW 11, and stream on numerous jazz websites including legendsofjazz.net.

About LRSmedia, LLC
LRSmedia, LLC, founded by music-industry veterans Lee Rosenberg, Larry Rosen, and Ramsey Lewis, develops music brands and products, created in multi-camera HD TV and 5.1 Surround Sound. LRSmedia markets its product through a 360 Branded Entertainment Experience(tm) which includes television, nationally syndicated radio, CD, DVD and Blu-ray products, coffee table books, online entertainment, news and e-commerce, live events, and educational and community outreach programs. By creating music brands and leveraging interrelated programming to market artists and music under the brand umbrellas, LRSmedia reaches more consumers in a more compelling manner than traditional music companies. At present, LRSmedia brands include RECORDING: The History of Recorded Music, LEGENDS OF JAZZ, and SOUNDSTAGE: The Archives--with more in development. For more information, visit lrsmedia.net.

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