Louisville, Colorado, October 20, 2003—The digital transition took a giant step forward today as CableLabs® made available the DFAST Technology License Agreement for Unidirectional Digital Cable Products (�the DFAST License�). The DFAST License provides manufacturers with proprietary DFAST encryption technology that is necessary to enable consumer electronics devices to securely connect directly to cable networks nationwide. The agreement is available at www.cablelabs.com/udcp/.

The DFAST License is an integral part of the December 2002 �Plug & Play� Agreement between cable operators and TV manufacturers, key provisions of which were recently approved by the Federal Communications Commission. The license enables manufacturers to make integrated digital televisions (DTVs) that directly receive High Definition Television (HDTV) and other digital programs, including premium services (where available), without the requirement for a set-top box (STB). Other unidirectional devices, including digital STBs and DVRs, also may be built under the license.

�We are excited to play a significant role in accelerating the digital transition for the cable industry,� said Dr. Richard R. Green, President and CEO of CableLabs. �Today�s announcement will allow the collective innovation of the consumer electronics industry to directly benefit cable operators and cable consumers. The Plug & Play agreement and this license pave a new route in the partnership between the cable and consumer electronics industries.�

About CableLabs: Cable Television Laboratories (www.cablelabs.com) was founded in 1988 by members of the cable television industry. A non-profit research and development consortium, CableLabs delivers innovations that enable cable operators to be the providers of choice in their markets. Cable operators from around the world are members. CableLabs maintains additional web sites at www.cablenet.org.

CableLabs® is a registered trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. Other CableLabs marks are listed at http://www.cablelabs.com/certqual/trademarks. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.