CinemaNow to Offer Selected Programs from HDNet's High-Definition Library

[Gregg Lengling]

HDNet Will Make Selected Original High-Definition Programming Available on a Download-to-Own Basis via the CinemaNow Service


MARINA DEL REY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 27, 2005--CinemaNow, Inc., the leader in video-on-demand for broadband, today announced an agreement with HDNet, the leading high-definition television network, to make several unique and exciting titles from HDNet's original high-definition library available on a download-to-own basis via the CinemaNow Web site (//www.cinemanow.com). This marks the first time that HDNet has made its distinct library of high-definition programming available on-demand via an online broadband service.
"HDNet features more original high-definition content than any other network, and we are always looking for innovative new media outlets to distribute our exciting line up of news, sports, music and entertainment programming," said Mark Cuban, co-founder and president of HDNet. "As the leader in digital video distribution online, CinemaNow understands the value of high-definition content and allows us to reach an even greater audience for our original series."

"As the demand for more high-definition content continues to grow, CinemaNow has quickly established itself as the leader in `HDVOD'," said Bruce Eisen, president of CinemaNow. "HDNet represents one of the strongest brands in high definition, and we are thrilled to add their high-quality productions to our HD line-up."

Among the content being made available on CinemaNow are over 100 episodes from HDNet's vast library of original series, including "Across America," "Get Out!" and several other HDNet specials. As part of the agreement, users of CinemaNow will be able to download permanent copies of HDNet's programming for unlimited playback on the device they download it to. The high-definition versions will be available in Windows Media Video HD.

About CinemaNow

CinemaNow, Inc. (//www.cinemanow.com) is the global leader in broadband video-on-demand. CinemaNow legally offers content from a library of more than 7,500 new and classic movies, television programs, music concerts and music videos from 20th Century Fox, ABC News, Disney, Lions Gate, MGM, Miramax, NBC Universal, Sony, Sundance Channel, Warner Bros. and more than 250 other licensors via downloading or streaming. Founded in 1999, CinemaNow continues to be an innovator in the video-on-demand industry with the introduction of high-definition content and support for portable media devices. CinemaNow counts Menlo Ventures, Lions Gate Entertainment, Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Blockbuster as investors.

About HDNet

HDNet provides viewers with exciting and topical news, sports, music and entertainment programming. The network features up to 20 hours of original programming each week, all produced in the highest quality 1080i HDTV format -- more original high-definition programming than any other network. HDNet news and entertainment includes original series "HDNet World Report," "Deadline!," "Face 2 Face with Roy Firestone," "Art Mann Presents," "HDNet Concert Series" and "True Music," as well as every episode of the acclaimed Warner Bros. series "Smallville." Live sports productions include NASCAR auto racing and National Hockey League and Major League Soccer games. HDNet Movies, the company's second network, features a wide selection of major studios' theatrical releases -- all uncut, unedited and appearing in their original aspect ratio -- as well as features produced and finished in true 1080i high definition. Co-founded by Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on Adelphia, Charter, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable and more than 40 NCTC cable-affiliate companies. For more information visit //www.hd.net.

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