•  TF: Prime Zombie Cliffjumper packaged in his zombie head
• TF: Fall of Cybertron Bruticus with G1 metallic colors packaged in a book style box.

I’m hoping to get a comprehensive report from Botcon, as there’s tons of news announced including a Transformers subscription service!

It’s a big weekend for Transfans!  The 18th annual Botcon convention will be held in Dallas this weekend. Botcon is the only official, Hasbro sanctioned, Transformers convention. While the exclusive toys have mostly sold out months ago, there are always limited numbers avaialble at the show – and there’s general admission tickets available at the show! Botcon’s always a fun time (I went a LONG time ago when it was in North Carolia).  After the jump, check out the full text of the press release celebrating Botcon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          
         
HASBRO BRINGS ‘MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE’ EXCITEMENT TO DALLAS WITH THE 18th ANNUAL TRANSFORMERS CONVENTION
The TRANSFORMERS Global Entertainment Phenomenon Rolls Into Texas With Special Guests, Interactive Experiences and Much More
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (April 24, 2012) – Thousands of TRANSFORMERS fans from around the world will celebrate the iconic brand from Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) in Dallas as the TRANSFORMERS fan convention known as “BOTCON” serves up a Texas-sized helping of AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS from April 27-29. Hasbro and the TRANSFORMERS Collectors’ Club, will be offering opportunities to engage in and learn about the TRANSFORMERS brand that can only be experienced at BOTCON.

In 2012, the TRANSFORMERS brand continues to deliver innovative and world class entertainment experiences based on its characters and compelling storyline.  In addition to the second season of the award winning animated series Transformers Prime, the brand welcomes Transformers Rescue Bots, an animated series for a younger audience.  Both series are produced by Hasbro Studios and currently air on The Hub television network in the U.S.  For an entirely new immersive TRANSFORMERS  experience the brand sees its colossal characters “brought to life” with the introduction of  Universal Studios Hollywood’sSM epic new thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride—3D” opening this May. Working in collaboration with Michael Bay, who served as the ride’s Creative Consultant, the visionary special effects team at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and the innovative minds at Universal Creative, Universal Studios Hollywood’s new breakthrough mega-attraction will propel guests into the action-packed robotic world of TRANSFORMERS.  As the theme park’s most ambitious ride ever built, this immersive experience is a technologically advanced motion-based, flight simulator thrill ride designed to catapult guests into an entirely new awe-inspiring 3D-HD TRANSFORMERS reality where they will be propelled along 2,000 feet of ride track and enveloped in 14 gigantic screens, many of which tower to heights of 60 feet tall.

Hasbro will also be celebrating two new major upcoming video games including the much buzzed about Transformers: Fall of Cybertron title launching August 28th from Activision and High Moon Studios with live game demos on the show floor, as well as the Transformers: Universe MMO from Jagex Studios. The brand also celebrates the continued popularity and new stories featured in TRANSFORMERS comics from the publishing team at IDW.  Attendees at this year’s BOTCON will be able to experience the wide breadth of TRANSFORMERS offerings from these licensees and Hasbro including interactive exhibits, informative panels and hands-on interaction with toy designers as well experts and creators behind video games, publishing and animation based on the brand.

Attendees will be able to preview new and yet-to-be seen TRANSFORMERS toys from Hasbro’s 2012 product line including new TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS toys, figures based on the popular Transformers Prime animated series as well as figures based on the Transformers: Fall of Cybertron videogame. Hasbro’s KRE-O building set brand will also be featured at BOTCON for attendees to see and play with.  KRE-O TRANSFORMERS products launching this fall will focus on a new theme called the QUEST FOR ENERGON, pitting the AUTOBOTS against the DECEPTICONS on a mission to keep the ultimate ENERGON weapon from falling into the wrong hands. Each new 2012 KRE-O TRANSFORMERS set is a 2-in-1 build featuring favorite TRANSFORMERS characters in vehicle and robot modes and includes several KREON figures and exclusive ENERGON bricks.  BOTCON will also feature panel discussions and interactive workshops led by TRANSFORMERS experts and fan-favorite voice actors, as well as many dealer booths where fans can purchase official TRANSFORMERS toys and merchandise.

Additionally, Hasbro will host its third annual TRANSFORMERS Hall of Fame induction ceremony, celebrating both the humans and the characters that have helped to garner world renown for the brand. The ceremony will take place during BOTCON and will honor fan-favorite TRANSFORMERS comic book author Simon Furman and the legendary voice actor Chris Latta, the original voice of STARSCREAM, who will become the first person posthumously inducted into the TRANSFORMERS Hall of Fame. Both Furman and members of the Latta family will be on hand at the ceremony to accept the honor.

“TRANSFORMERS is one of the most iconic entertainment brands in the world”,” said Jerry Jivoin, global TRANSFORMERS brand director , Hasbro, Inc.  “We look forward to bringing a world-class celebration of the TRANSFORMERS brand to Dallas and sharing the excitement of the brand with its biggest fans. With Transformers Prime burning up the airwaves, a remarkable new thrill ride, new comics from IDW and several new videogames based on the brand, it’s a great time for TRANSFORMERS fans, both new and old.”

BOTCON is North America’s largest annual official gathering of TRANSFORMERS fans and is open to both diehard and casual fans alike, as well as families and children who enjoy the iconic “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE”. The convention travels to different cities in the U.S. each year and this year will be held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, located at 300 Reunion Boulevard in Dallas, Texas.  BOTCON will be open to the public on April 28 – 29. Special activities are planned on April 27 for attendees who purchase multi-day packages.

BOTCON general admission sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29. (On Saturday, doors are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Sunday, doors are open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Special multi-day packages and exclusive TRANSFORMERS products are available on a limited basis. General admission for adults (13 & up) is $20 and for children (12 & under) is $10. Children ages 4 and under will be admitted for free. Additional information can be found at www.BotCon.com or by calling 817-448-9863.

Fans can find the TRANSFORMERS brand on Facebook at www.Transformers.com/Facebook and on Youtube at www.Youtube.com/Transformers.

As if the exclusive toys, giant (3rd party toy free) dealer room, Transformers news, and panels weren’t enough to make Transformers fans happy at Botcon; an added perk for attendees was announced earlier in the week. As part of their involvement in Botcon, Jagex – makers of the Transformers MMO, Transformers Universe, will be giving Botcon attendees first dibs at registering their character name and affiliation. Jagex will also be hosting a panel on their MMO where new details and trailers of the game will be revealed.  Check out the full press release after the jump!

CAMBRIDGE, UK – APRIL 11, 2012 – Jagex, one of the largest independent games developers and publishers in the world, today announced their plans to attend BotCon 2012, the official Hasbro sponsored TRANSFORMERS fan convention. Members of the TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE development team will be attending the official fan convention at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Dallas, Texas, to unveil further details of the game and offer attendees the exclusive chance to reserve their TRANSFORMERS character name for the upcoming game, due for release in late 2012.

This is the first time fans will be given the chance to reserve their names and will ensure that those attending the event will be able to choose their side, pledge their allegiance, and reserve their TRANSFORMERS character name ahead of everyone else.

In addition, attendees visiting the Jagex booth will have the opportunity to meet with members of the development team, attend a behind closed doors TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE panel discussion, and preview the latest game trailer ahead of its public release.

Representatives from the TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE development, graphics and community management teams will be attending the event, including the following staff who will be taking part in the TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE panel:

Kelly Vero: Principle Writer

As Principle Writer, Kelly provides the story structure and narrative design of the main over-arching and multi-nodal stories within the TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE MMO. Kelly is responsible for evolving the TRANSFORMERS storyline and ensuring the game fits into the existing TRANSFORMERS lore.

Steve Huckle: Art Director

As Art Director, Steve is responsible for all artistic direction for the game and manages the team of graphic artists, modellers and concept artists. Steve’s primary role is to ensure that the graphics accurately portray the TRANSFORMERS world and offer users an unbeatably immersive experience.

Eddy Dew: Community Manager

As Community Manager, Eddy oversees the community engagement team behind the game, acting as the bridge between the development team and the fan base, through social media, TRANSFORMERS forums, 3rd party fansites and events.

The TRANSFORMERS BotCon convention runs from the 26th – 29th April at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Dallas, Texas. Those wishing to attend and meet the team can still purchase tickets from the official website: http://www.botcon.com/.

For more information about the game and to register your interest, simply visit: www.transformersuniverse.com.

LOS ANGELES–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Hasbro Studios, the Los Angeles-based television production and distribution division of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), today announced a multi-year deal with Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX). Ten highly popular franchises, including new and catalog seasons of famed Hasbro content, will be available to instantly watch on Netflix.

“We are making our content easy to access, anytime, anywhere and on all platforms where audiences are consuming content and this is a big step forward with our all screen strategy.”

Transformers Prime, My Little Pony, Pound Puppies, G.I. Joe: Renegades and The Adventures of Chuck & Friends are now available to instantly watch on Netflix. JEM & The Holograms, Transformers: Generation 1, G.I. Joe: Real American Heroes, Transformers: Beast Wars and Transformers: Rescue Bots will follow later in 2012.

The Hasbro content will be available on Netflix and included in the Netflix “Just For Kids” section. Netflix “Just For Kids” is a collection of TV shows and movies that is specifically selected for children 12 and under, making it easier and more fun for kids and families to browse and instantly watch a large selection of kid-friendly TV shows and movies within Netflix.

“We are very excited to be working with Hasbro Studios,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Content Acquisition at Netflix. “This deal allows us to offer even more great kids’ programming to our members, both adults and kids alike, including new seasons of My Little Pony, Transformers Prime, and Pound Puppies after the season finale airs on The Hub.”

“We are pleased that consumers will now be able to watch our award-winning programming on Netflix, the leading internet subscription service,” Hasbro Studios President Stephen Davis said. “We are making our content easy to access, anytime, anywhere and on all platforms where audiences are consuming content and this is a big step forward with our all screen strategy.”

TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS
Collect ‘em all, Crash ‘em all!  Introducing TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS, a whole new way to play out TRANSFORMERS battles. Available in favorite characters, fans can choose their power, crash into battle and defeat their opponent. TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS automatically convert when you crash ‘em!

TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS Singles Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $3.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2012)
Collect ‘em all, Crash ‘em all! Introducing TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS, a whole new way to battle with Transformers. Available in your favorite characters like OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE, STARSCREAM, BARRICADE and SENTINEL PRIME, fans can choose their power, crash into battle and defeat their opponent. TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS automatically convert when you crash. Search for the Super Bot Chase figures that have higher powers and a cool clear look. Sold one per pack, fans can collect all 24 BOT SHOTS in this assortment and 44 across the BOT SHOTS product line.

TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS 3-Pack Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $9.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2012)
The TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS 3-PACK allows fans to build out their collection for even more collect ‘em and crash ‘em fun. TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS is a whole new way to battle with the TRANSFORMERS brand. Choose your power, crash into battle and beat your opponent with your favorite TRANSFORMERS characters. The TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS 3-Pack Assortment contains 3 characters for battle.

TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS Launcher Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $7.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2012)
The TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS Launcher Assortment comes with one TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOT and one launcher to launch your favorite character into battle. The ultimate in collect ‘em and crash ‘em fun, TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS allows fans to choose their power, crash into battle, and beat their opponent. Each character in the launcher assortment boasts a unique deco from the single assortment. Each sold separately.

TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS ULTIMATE BATTLE SET
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Fall 2012)
For the most extreme crash-activated battles, we introduce the TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS ULTIMATE BATTLE SET. This set comes with two BOT SHOT single figures (BUMBLEBEE and STARCREAM) and two Launchers and figures (OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON). Unique deco different from other packs.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME ROBOTS IN DISGUISE TOYS & ACTION FIGURES

TRANSFORMERS PRIME R/C Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Fall 2012)
Introducing the TRANSFORMERS PRIME RC Assortment, the remote control TRANSFORMERS figure/vehicle that allows kids to control the conversion from robot to vehicle and back again by remote. With three exciting channels, fans can battle their friends as their favorite TRANSFORMERS characters go head-to-head in battle. Each TRANSFORMERS PRIME RC is sold separately (one figure and one controller) including BUMBLEBEE, OPTIMUS PRIME and KNOCKOUT.  Batteries not included.

TRANFORMERS PRIME WEAPONIZERS Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $29.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Fall 2012)
The TRANSFORMERS PRIME WEAPONIZERS Assortment contains all new TRANSFORMERS PRIME-styled figures from Hasbro Studio’s hit TV Series in a larger scale. With a huge weapon reveal in both robot and vehicle mode as well as lights, TRANSFORMERS PRIME WEAPONIZERS is the ultimate Prime figure.  four modes including robot, vehicle, robot with pop-up weapons and vehicle with pop-up weapons, TRANSFORMERS PRIME WEAPONIZERS are the ultimate in TRANSFORMERS conversions. Complete with lights, each action figure, including BUMBLEBEE and OPTIMUS PRIME, is sold separately.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME DELUXE Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $11.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2012)
The TRANSFORMERS PRIME DELUXE Assortment contains all new TRANSFORMERS PRIME-styled figures from Hasbro Studio’s hit TV Series. Featuring an intuitive conversion experience, there are 14 characters in the assortment including BUMBLEBEE, WHEELJACK, and ARCEE. Each figure is sold separately and comes with a signature weapon.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME VOYAGER CLASS Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2012)
The TRANSFORMERS PRIME VOYAGER Assortment features characters from Hasbro Studios’ hit animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME and boasts a power-up feature that simulates Engeron from within the figure. This assortment includes key characters such as OPTIMUS PRIME, BULKHEAD, and MEGATRON in all new prime style. Each sold separately.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME ROBOTS IN DISGUISE Roleplay

TRANSFORMERS PRIME ENGERGON HELMET
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2012)
The new TRANSFORMERS PRIME ENERGON HELMET allows kids to become like OPTIMUS PRIME from Hasbro Studio’s hit TV Series! Complete with the characters phrases, conversion sounds and light-up eyes, the TRANSFORMERS PRIME ENERGON HELMET features the ultimate way to become like OPTIMUS PRIME.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE Line

The TRANSFORMERS CYBERVERSE action figure expression, introduced for the first time in 2011, is created in a collectable small scale and features easier robot-to-vehicle conversion than its larger counterparts in the ROBOTS IN DISGUISE line.  In 2012, the CYBERVERSE line will be available in the style of the hit animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME from Hasbro Studios.  The easier conversion and smaller scale allows kids to change the toys from robot to vehicle and play out the TRANSFORMERS fantasy!

TRANSFORMERS CYBERVERSE OPTIMUS MAXIMUS
(Approximate retail price: $34.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Fall 2012)
TRANSFORMERS CYBERVERSE OPTIMUS MAXIMUS converts from giant robot mech suit to battle station and back again. Each mode features lights, sounds and firing projectiles, enhancing the play experience. Equipped to hold six CYBERVERSE LEGION (sold separately) and three CYBERVERSE COMMANDER figures (sold separately), this figure is a must have for Fall 2012.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE LEGION CLASS Action Figure Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $4.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2012)
TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE LEGION CLASS assortment of action figures offers fans the characters from Hasbro Studios’ hit animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME in two collectible, easy to convert scales. The smallest scale offered within the TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE assortment, the TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE LEGION CLASS ACTION FIGURES come with a clear weapon to showcase the light of ENERGON when plugged into CYBERVERSE vehicles and battle stations (sold separately). Characters include BUMBLEBEE, ARCEE, and RATCHET. Each figure sold separately.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE COMMANDER CLASS Action Figure Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $7.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2012)
TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE LEGION CLASS assortment of action figures offers fans the characters from Hasbro Studios’ hit animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME in two collectible, easy to convert scales. The largest scale offered within the TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE assortment, the TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE COMMANDER CLASS ACTION FIGURES each feature clear parts and come with clear weapons to showcase the light of ENERGON when plugged into CYBERVERSE vehicles and battle stations (sold separately). Characters include MEGATRON, OPTIMUS PRIME, BULKHEAD and STARSCREAM. Each figure sold separately.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE Vehicle Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Spring 2012)
Straight from the hit Hasbro Studios animated program TRANSFORMERS PRIME, each TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE VEHICLE includes an exclusive TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE LEGION CLASS ACTION FIGURE. This assortment is the capstone to the Cyberverse world with a light up feature to bring the glow of ENERGON to LEGION and COMANDER figures and weapons. Changes into battle mode with the push of a button and includes firing missile! Plus, each vehicle is compatible with every TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE LEGION CLASS and COMMANDER CLASS ACTION FIGURE. Available in STAR HAMMER with WHEELJACK and ENERGON DRILLER  with KNOCKOUT. Each sold separately.

TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS Action Figures 2012 PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS DELUXE Assortment Wave One
(Approximate retail price: $11.99 each; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Fall 2012)
The TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS DELUXE Assortment features Transformers characters and designs from throughout the history of the TRANSFORMERS brand.  Wave one of the 2012 TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS DELUXE assortment includes action figures in the ‘CYBERTRONIAN’ style as seen in the eagerly anticipated video game TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON from Activision.  Wave one includes OPTIMUS PRIME, JAZZ and SHOCKWAVE characters.  Each sold separately.

TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS DELUXE Assortment Wave Two
(Approximate retail price: $11.99 each; Ages: 5 & up; Available: Fall 2012)
The TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS DELUXE Assortment features Transformers characters and designs from throughout the history of the TRANSFORMERS brand.  Wave two of the TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS DELUXE assortment includes action figures in the ‘CYBERTRONIAN’ style as seen in the eagerly anticipated video game TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON from Activision.  Wave two includes BLAST OFF, VORTEX, DECEPTICON BRAWL, SWINDLE, and ONSLAUGHT characters that can combine into one fearsome DECEPTICON, BRUTICUS, just as they do in the game!  Each figure within the assortment has three modes: robot, vehicle and a third ‘combiner’ mode to link together and form the imposing BRUTICUS figure. Each sold separately.

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TF: the Ride 3D

• Singapore Opened in December
• TF: the Ride Merch.: Legion and Deluxe EVAC (introduced at SDCC), Legion Bumblebee, Deluxe Optimus,    Voyager Prime and Megatron

Transformers: Universe MMO

• Lauches Fall 2012 from Jagex Studios
• Free to play MMO with micro-transactions/subscriptions

Rescue Bots

• Mobile HQ new for Fall 2012
• Show kicks off Feb 18th after a preview in Dec

KRE-O

• The Quest for Energon – 7 new KRE-O sets features the Quest for Energon Story
• KREO Devastor – with individual Constructicons
• 29 new KREONS to collect

TF: Prime

• March 6 – BLURAY and DVD of Season 1 – 26 episodes
• Enhanced E-books launcing in April 2012 for iPad and iPhone
• Prime First Edition Update :Not avilabile to US. Will try to bring in 2012 – Deluxe Wave 2, Voyage Wave 1 and Entertainment Pack.  Issue tied to a Hasbro distribution issue
• Movie Trilogy Set will be asia only:Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Ratched and Soundwave
• Movie Trilogy Optimus Prime with Trailer will be in US
• Robots in Disguise: March 1st
• Deluxe Wave 1- Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Cliff Jumper, Soundwave – all new molds
• Deluxe Wave 2 – Ratchet and Arcee
• Deluxe Wave 3 – Knockout, Hot Shot, Vehicon
• Voyage Wave 1- Optimus Prime, Megatron
• Voyager Wave 2 – Starscream, Bulkhead
• RiD Weaponizers: Optimus Prime – both vehicle and robot has weaponizing action
• RiD Weaponizer: Bumblebee
• Prime Entertainment Pack (Canada and Asia) – Bumblebee, Starscream 2 humans
• RC controlled Transformers: Bumblebee and Knockout in Fall 2012
• Battle Masks and Mission Helmets continue

Cyberverse

• Wave 1 – Vehicon, Ratchet, Cliff Jumper, Arcess, Bumblebee
• Wave 2 – Breakdown, Soundwave, Mirage, Evac
• Commander Wave 1 – Optimus, Bulkhead, Star Scream, Megatron
• Wave 2 – Ironhide, TBD
• Cyberverse Vehicles Wave 1 – Star Hammer w/ Wheeljack. Has light up action which interacts with Commander figures
• Energon Driller w/ Knockout
• New Size Scale – Maximus — Optimus Maximus coming in Fall 2012; holds 9 Cyberverse figures. has a Mech Mode and a Battle Station mode

BotShots

• March 1 – online game launch. Player vs. Player with Codes in pack
• 44 bots to collect, each features a crash activated transformation
• Singles Wave 1 Optimus, Starscream, Bumblebee, Barracade and Clear Sentinel Prime – chase!
• Wave 2- Ratchet, Mirage, Brawl, Clear BB
• Launchers Wave 1 – Optimus, Megatron
• 3 packs coming…missed the waves. One included a clear Acid Storm figure

Transformers Generations

• Fall of Cybertron – Sept 2012
• 5 Deluxe Combaticons coming in fall. Will merge at Bruticus.
• Generations Wave 1 – Optimus Prime, Jazz, Shockwave
• Generations Wave 2 – Blast Off, Vortex, Brawl, Swindle, Onslaught
• Generations back next year in a big way. Over 40 figures in 2013.
• Of note – 30th Anniversary of G1 in 2014

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