PianoDisc Remote is a utility app that supports the iQ system, available for purchase for $49.99 through the Apple App Store. Although piano and audio balance can be adjusted with the IQ Audio Balance Control, PianoDisc Remote permits the user to adjust the piano and audio balance wirelessly from an iPad or iTouch without leaving the couch. The app also performs other functions, such as scheduling start and stop times, creating playlists in a Music Chest, streaming PD Radio, setting presets and limits, and more.

iQ Flash, an entry-level system, is the latest addition to the PianoDisc line. Basic operation is accomplished by playing PianoDisc MP3 files from USB, SD, or MMC flash memory. All functions can be accessed either from the included remote control or via a few multi-function buttons on the face of the iQ Flash control box. As well, audio and piano balance control are easily adjusted with the wheel adjacent to the SD slot. An easy-to-read, high-contrast, backlit LCD display allows the user to view and make song selections, or to engage repeat and shuffle features. Incorporating the Studio Performance package into iQ Flash allows players to capture performances as MP3 files on their preferred media storage devices. With an additional mixer and a powered microphone, vocals can be added to the recording. The complimentary $1,000 software package is provided on a USB thumb drive.

For use with its systems, PianoDisc maintains a growing library of thousands of music titles available as digital downloads, CDs, DVDs, and high-definition Blu-ray discs. The library includes solo piano performances by famous artists, piano with instrumental accompaniment (most of it live), and vocals. Now, with the addition of iQ Flash, if a customer prefers to order a software selection rather than downloading the music via MusiConnect, he or she will receive the album on an SD card packaged in a standard jewel case. PianoDisc systems also play any standard MIDI files (types 0 and 1), and some disc formats of other systems when converted to MP3 format using MusiConnect.

MusiConnect is a free PianoDisc application for Windows or Macintosh computers that allows consumers to download music purchased from PianoDisc’s online music store. With MusiConnect, consumers can import PianoDisc album files or download purchases directly to a computer. MusiConnect also allows customers to load solo-piano or piano-with-orchestral-accompaniment MIDI files into iTunes. Once all the music is downloaded, MusiConnect gives the option of syncing a PianoDisc album or playlist with iTunes. This process creates a matching playlist in iTunes, imports each PianoDisc song, and includes album, artist, and genre information (when available). From there, the music can be loaded into an iPod or burned to a CD. MusiConnect also includes a patented technology, Always Play, that allows the user to import any MIDI file, even if the recording contains no piano part, and guarantees that it will play back on the piano. Always Play recognizes the lead instrument (guitar, organ, flute, etc.) and substitutes the piano for it.

PianoSync is a MIDI-controlled piano performance that synchronizes with a commercially available audio CD of a major recording artist. PianoSyncs are purchased from PianoDisc’s website as downloads or CD and stored using MusiConnect. The consumer also purchases the original artist’s CD and loads it into iTunes, where the two are merged. The consumer plays the merged file on the PianoDisc and hears the original CD along with its new, live piano accompaniment.

PianoVideo HD, the first high-definition video format created specifically for modern player-piano systems, combines MIDI, audio, and video. The PianoVideo HD technology gives PianoDisc owners the ultimate entertainment experience: as they watch a high-definition video, their piano will play along with it live, in sync with the pianist on the screen. PianoVideo HD performances come on standard-definition DVD or Blu-ray discs.

PianoDisc also offers a stable of complementary products such as Sync-A-Vision, which brings the element of HD video to the PianoDisc experience. Sync-A-Vision comes with a high-definition monitor built into a piano music rack, and is powered by a computer, such as Apple’s Mac mini or iMac, that comes pre-loaded with educational and entertainment programs. Included are 72 piano lessons, sing-and-play-along karaoke, cartoon and silent-film entertainment, concert performances, PianoDisc music, and PianoVideo HD performances. Most of these video performances are also available for separate purchase in either the Sync-A-Vision Educational or Entertainment bundle, which can be added to the popular iQ iPad Air system.

QuietTime MagicStar can mute an acoustic piano and let the user hear his or her performance through headphones via sampled sound. MagicStar has a control unit with 128 sampled instruments — a full General MIDI (GM) sound set — as well as 11 popular instrument presets, such as piano with strings. It also includes a built-in, adjustable metronome. A MIDI key sensor strip is installed under the keys, and a padded mute rail prevents the hammers from hitting the strings while retaining the motion and feel of the piano action. The mute rail is activated by moving a small lever under the keyboard, which also turns on the sampled sound. MagicStar comes with a control unit, power supply, MIDI cable, MIDI strip, pedal switches, headphones, and mute rail.