Showtime Networks Enhances Viewing Experience With Dolby Digital 5.1.

Business Editors

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2000

High-Definition TV Satellite Broadcasts and Dolby Digital

Surround Sound Create the Premier Home Theater Experience

Beginning Jan. 23, 2000, Showtime Networks is the first premium cable network to offer its East and West Coast feeds in HDTV with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel sound.

With this introduction by Showtime, Cable networks now join the growing number of satellite and terrestrial broadcast operators to offer HDTV programs with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.

HDTV represents the next generation in satellite television broadcasts. Incorporating Dolby Digital multichannel sound with the spectacular video resolution of HDTV creates the premier home theater experience.

"Showtime Networks is committed to providing the best entertainment experience possible," said Mark Greenberg, executive vice president, corporate strategy and communications for Showtime Networks. "Dolby Digital 5.1 lets our customers enjoy the highest-quality audio available on TV today, while watching some of their favorite programs in high definition on SHOWTIME."

As the availability of this programming increases, consumer demand for advanced audio and video technology continues to grow at a rapid pace. As a result, a number of major satellite and terrestrial broadcast programmers have committed to providing HDTV programming. FCC rules required affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox to be transmitting in HDTV in the top 30 markets by Nov. 1, 1999.

"We believe that the launch of HDTV format demonstrates Showtime Networks' commitment to staying at the forefront of digital programming," said Tom Daily, marketing manager, broadcast products, at Dolby Laboratories.

"By adding electrifying sound to the spectacular video resolution provided by HDTV, Dolby Digital helps to create a sensational home theater experience that puts the viewer right in the middle of the action."

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc., owns the premium television networks SHOWTIME, THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX. SNI operates and manages the premium television network SUNDANCE CHANNEL, which is co-owned by SNI, Robert Redford and Universal Studios.

SNI also markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis. SNI also owns and operates several multiplexed versions of SHOWTIME and THE MOVIE CHANNEL, including SHOWTIME BEYOND, a genre-based channel featuring sci-fi, horror and fantasy programming; and SHOWTIME EXTREME, a genre-based channel featuring action/adventure programming.

About Dolby Digital

Dolby Digital, which debuted in movie theaters in 1992, provides up to five full-range sound channels plus a sixth channel for low-frequency effects. It is currently the most popular digital film sound format, as well as the standard worldwide for both standard and high-definition digital TV (SDTV and HDTV), digital cable systems, digital versatile disc (DVD), and laser disc.

Dolby Digital is also well on its way to becoming the audio standard in direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories is the developer of signal processing systems used worldwide in applications that include motion picture sound, consumer entertainment products and media, broadcasting, and music recording. Based in San Francisco with European headquarters in England, the privately held company also has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Note to editors: Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.