Yamaha will unveil the breathtaking Disklavier Pro 2000, a $333,000 voice
activated player piano that features a 600 MHz Pentium III Processor, 20GB
hard drive, DVD-ROM Drive and on-screen notation.
Futuristically designed with cherry case, brushed aluminum legs and key
cover, and split-panel transparent lid, the Disklavier Pro 2000 allows the
user to enjoy original MIDI music and video performances by artists Bob
James, Joe Sample, Frederic Chiu, and Garrick Ohlsson, which are stored on
disc.
When the disc is inserted into the instrument’s built-in DVD player, the
performances are then displayed on the computer monitor or an external
source, such as a large screen TV, while the Disklavier’s keys and pedals
move up and down recreating the piano part.
The Disklavier Pro 2000 is debuting in the United States for a national tour
of music, design and science centers, and prominent museums.
Yamaha began manufacturing pianos in 1900, and introduced the traditional
Disklavier a hugely successful, high-tech player piano that has grown to
become a $100 million retail business to the United States in 1988.
But even at first glance, one can easily see why the Disklavier Pro 2000 is
special.
For starters, it’s eye-catching: the instrument features a streamlined,
elegant case design with cherry rim, brushed aluminum legs and key cover,
and a transparent lid that resembles gossamer wings.
The Disklavier Pro 2000’s startling profile is complemented by unparalleled
technological innovations, built around an Intel Pentium III computer
processor. For example, basic functions can be controlled by the user’s
voice using IBM ViaVoice speech recognition software or, alternatively, a
thin panel, touch-screen monitor next to the music rack.
Equally fascinating is a Live-action MIDI function that allows the user to
enjoy original MIDI music and video performances by artists Bob James, Joe
Sample, Frederick Chiu, and Garrick Ohlssen, which are stored on DVD. When
the disc is inserted into the Disklavier Pro 2000’s built-in DVD player, the
performances are then displayed on the computer monitor or an external
source, such as a large screen TV, while the Disklavier’s keys and pedals
move up and down recreating the piano part. According to Paul Calvin, Yamaha
digital/acoustic piano marketing manager, this experience brings the concert
hall or jazz club right into the living room for the first time.
“In designing the Disklavier Pro 2000, we started with a blank piece of
paper. We had to forget conventional ideas and think far beyond traditional
piano design to embrace the future of entertainment technology itself,” says
Calvin. “Disklavier Pro 2000 realizes our goal a beautiful blend of romance,
stunning innovation, intrigue and ultra-high technological performance. It
breaks new ground in design and function.”
Calvin notes that product innovation doesn’t stop here. With Advanced
CueTime, the performer may control a total multimedia performance via Apple
QuickTime movie and audio files, graphics, MIDI files and commands (such as
lighting cues) from the keyboard.
The Disklavier Pro 2000 also contains the latest music notation software,
including CD-pluscore and Home Concert 2000, which links musical score to
the artist’s performance, simultaneously displaying it on the computer
screen. CD-pluscore, an educational program from Deutsche Grammophone and
Schott Publishing, provides an audio and MIDI rendition as a performance
example. Home Concert 2000 provides the user with an on-screen score and
guide system using a multi-track standard MIDI file. The performance is
linked to the program, allowing tempo and accompaniment dynamics to be
controlled by the performer. Not only does the program feature automatic
page turns, but players can also jump to any point in the score, and the
digital accompaniment will follow.
