Planetweb and EspriTV Announce the Foremost Fully Integrated Internet Television

Business Wire, Jan 6, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CES 2001

Planetweb Booth No. 5635

EspriTV Booth No. 1477

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2001

Planetweb(R), a leader in open systems software solutions for the Internet appliance market, has been selected by EspriTV, Inc. to provide the Internet Connectivity for the EspriTV(TM) Internet Television -- a brand new fully integrated line of Internet televisions.

The combination of Planetweb software and EspriTV's integrated television hardware provides a very clear display of both Web pages and television. Planetweb's high performance, small footprint, embedded suite of Internet applications is extremely fast and very versatile, making it an excellent match for EspriTV's high-quality, fully integrated television. Planetweb's software offers the consumer a complete Internet solution, including shopping with secure e-commerce transactions, e-mail, chat, parental controls and Web surfing, all via the EspriTV Internet Television. In addition, the Planetweb software allows the user to choose almost any Internet service provider (ISP) that they'd like.

"Planetweb is proud to provide the Internet applications for such an innovative, one-of-a-kind product. EspriTV's seamless integration of television functionality and the Internet is unlike any other Planetweb product. Planetweb's engaging, intuitive user interface is ideal for those who have never used the Internet before, as well as experienced users," said Ken Soohoo, president and CEO of Planetweb.

Unlike other integrated devices, EspriTV offers Planetweb's patent pending technology that creates a superior TV display for Web pages. The Planetweb two-stage flicker reduction technology includes proprietary anti-aliased fonts to improve text readability and total screen filter to enhance overall visibility. Planetweb user interface innovations include a patented magnifier, pop-up menus using the Command Compass, and easy-to-use bump scrolling. Planetweb makes reading Web pages simple and intuitive via EspriTV's Internet Television.

"The EspriTV Internet Television offers the highest quality display of the Internet on a television as a function of its integrated design and engineering. EspriTV is excited to be a partner with Planetweb, one of the foremost providers of consumer Internet technology," said Mark A. Presser, president and CEO of EspriTV.

In the U.S. and Canada, Internet users exceed 147 million people, and this number is expected to grow by 30 percent in 2001. With Internet access growing rapidly throughout the world, the EspriTV Internet Television will be a simple way for new users to easily access the Internet in the years ahead.

About Planetweb, Inc.

Planetweb(R) is an open platform provider of products, applications and services for the Internet Appliance market. The company creates an enhanced experience through Internet-enabled consumer devices such as console gaming systems, iDVD(TM) players, Interactive televisions, set-top boxes, kiosks and web phones. Planetweb is recognized for its cost effective and efficiently designed embedded Internet software solution, superior display technology, Java technology, consumer-intuitive interfaces and Instant On(TM) portal services and applications. Planetweb(R), a privately held company, is headquartered in Redwood Shores, California, and has offices in Tokyo, Japan and London, England. Planetweb is available on the Internet at http://www.planetweb.com/.> Planetweb is a registered trademark of Planetweb, Inc.

About EspriTV, Inc.

Based in Los Angeles, EspriTV, Inc. is a technology, entertainment and Internet company dedicated to creating an interactive television experience. EspriTV's product line of EspriTV(TM) Internet Televisions fully integrates Internet functionality in high-quality televisions. Founded in 1999, EspriTV, Inc. is partnering with leading manufacturers, technology companies, ISPs, content providers and retailers to further enhance the Internet television as a must-have product category for consumers. EspriTV's partners include Acer Incorporated, Planetweb and Turku TV in Finland. For more information on EspriTV Internet Television, please visit www.espritv.com or call 1-888-EspriTV.

EspriTV is a trademark of EspriTV, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.