Sakar's Dora the Explorer Talking Digital Camera Wins PTPA Award

EDISON, N.J., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Sakar International announced today that its Dora the Explorer Talking Digital Camera has earned Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Media Inc.'s Seal of Approval for excellence in parenting products. The colorful kidney-shaped camera for ages 4 and older features the face and voice of Dora the Explorer, the Latina heroine of the popular Nickelodeon animated television series, who "talks" as children take photos.

The $29.99 (MSRP) camera holds up to 120 images and comes with activities software enabling young photographers to create and decorate albums, write stories and play games using the images they capture. It was developed under a licensing agreement between Sakar and Nickelodeon Consumer Products that also includes branded cameras and accessories for iCarly and SpongeBob SquarePants.

The PTPA Media Seal of Approval (http://www.ptpamedia.com/) recognizes parenting products that provide a combination of value, functionality, quality and appeal. Products are evaluated by a panel of parent testers, including some of the top Mommy bloggers in North America, who provide detailed feedback and product ratings. Toys are also given to testers' children for hands-on evaluation.

Judges praised the Dora the Explorer Talking Digital Camera for the talking feature, ease of use, durability, and integrated software and activities making it "more than just a camera." Features singled out as being particularly appealing to child testers included the ability to edit photos, make Dora labels, and hear Dora provide verbal encouragement.

"This product is designed as a child's first camera, so it's colorful, easy to hold, identified with a TV character that children love, and has extra play value with the activities software," said Liza Abrams, Sakar Vice President of Licensing. "All of these factors, along with the ability to hear Dora's voice, help keep the child's attention, promote creativity, and ensure that the camera will be used over and over again."

It was the second PTPA award in six months for Sakar, following the same recognition for the company's Crayola Digital Camcorder. That fully functional video camera slips over the child's hand, comes with an editing CD enabling children to add credits, music and sound effects to their video, and includes storymaking, puppet show and jigsaw puzzle software.

About Sakar International

Sakar International Inc. designs and manufactures a wide range of technology, toy, and consumer electronic products. Founded in 1977, the company is the manufacturer of Vivitar camera equipment and accessories, a market leader in rechargeable batteries, and a producer of licensed products for leading consumer brands. Products range from digital cameras and camcorders with related accessories to computer, iPod, GPS and gaming accessories, binoculars, MP3 players, clock radios, gift and toy electronics. The company is privately held and headquartered in Edison, N.J. For more information, visit www.sakar.com.

About Nickelodeon Consumer Products

Nickelodeon Consumer Products manages the world's third largest licensing business, representing leading properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, and managing merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.

Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Sakar International