AOL For Broadband Launches 'Project Video Connect: We're Here until They're Home'.

Business Editors

DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2003

Program Allows U.S. Troops and Families to Send Video Messages via AOL for Broadband from USO Locations throughout the World -- Just in Time For Mother's Day

First Message to be Sent by NASCAR Team Owner Richard Childress and New AOL Driver Steve Park on Friday, May 9 at 11:00 AM EST from Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, NC

America Online, Inc., the world's largest interactive services company, announced today that it will launch "Project Video Connect: We're Here Until They're Home," allowing thousands of military personnel who are still overseas and their families to send video messages to each other from USO locations around the world via AOL for Broadband.

Project Video Connect will give military families a chance to communicate with loved ones "face-to-face" by creating personal video messages that can be sent free of charge to loved ones using VIDITalk, a special video messaging program created by VIDISolutions, a leading supplier of video communications software. More than 100 computer stations provided by HP and equipped with VIDITalk and AOL for Broadband will be set up at 50 USO offices located throughout the U.S. and at international bases.

The program will be launched on Friday, May 9 at 11:00 AM, EST at Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, North Carolina with the help of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress and new AOL driver Steve Park. Childress and Park will send personal video messages to troops stationed in Kuwait and other locations overseas. AOL for Broadband's own Mobile Marketing Unit, which is scheduled to travel to NASCAR races throughout the summer, will also be equipped with the software and high-speed connection needed to send these personal video messages.

"Thousands of military families remain separated from each other every day, and the Internet is often a primary and, sometimes the only, means of communication. By launching Project Video Connect, we can now bring families separated by war and peacekeeping efforts throughout the world a little bit closer by giving them an opportunity to send personal video messages to each other. We're thrilled to make this happen in time for Mother's Day," said Carlos Silva, Vice President, AOL Broadband. "Over the past few months, we've seen firsthand the power of the Internet in helping people communicate with loved ones in the military like they haven't been able to do during previous wars. AOL members alone have sent more than 636,000 emails to the troops through a joint project with the USO."

"For 62 years the USO has been the connection between members of the U.S. military and their loved ones. Project Video Connect is one more way for the USO to deliver a touch of home," said Edward A. Powell, President and CEO of the USO World Headquarters. "We're proud to be a partner in this program, and we hope we can expand it."

Starting this week, USO offices will be set up with the computers and equipment needed to create and send the video messages. The simple process, which only takes a matter of minutes, allows military personnel and their families to use a computer equipped with a video camera to record a video message, create a url containing that message, and then send the link to their loved one over AOL for Broadband. The message reaches its recipient via regular email in a matter of seconds, and can be viewed or sent again over any broadband or dial-up connection.

"Our VIDITalk technology makes sending a personal video message to loved ones as easy as possible and hopefully will help make the distance between them seem a little less significant," said VIDISolutions president Paul Braun. "In a matter of minutes, military personnel and their families can record a heartfelt message and send it almost instantly to their loved ones."

Project Video Connect stations will be set up at 10 domestic and two international USO Offices by Mother's Day to give military personnel and children of military personnel the opportunity to send video greetings and special messages to moms around the world. Initial domestic offices include: USO Fort Hamilton Center - New York, NY; USO of Metro Washington - Baltimore, MD; USO of Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA; James S. McDonnell USO - St. Louis, MO; Greater Jacksonville Area USO - Jacksonville, FL; USO of San Diego - San Diego, CA; USO of San Antonio - San Antonio, TX; USO Council of Jacksonville, Camp Lejeune Area - Jacksonville, NC; USO of Hampton Roads - Norfolk, VA; and Bob Hope Hollywood USO - Los Angeles, CA. International stations launching this week include USO United Arab Emirates in Dubai and USO Rhein Main Area in Frankfurt.

The remaining Project Video Connect stations are expected to be fully equipped by early summer. A complete list of locations and installation dates is available at www.AOL.COM.

About AOL for Broadband

AOL for Broadband is the best source for entertainment and information on the Internet, with programming and features that are exclusive only to AOL for Broadband members. Available nationwide, consumers can simply add the AOL for Broadband service to any high-speed DSL or cable Internet connection if they have existing access through their local phone, cable TV or Internet provider. AOL also offers a complete, all-in-one bundled package of AOL for Broadband features, content and broadband connectivity.

For additional information about AOL for Broadband, members can visit AOL Keyword: Broadband where they can learn about broadband and place an order. Or call 1-800-574-1779 or visit www.aolbroadband.com.

About America Online, Inc.

America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: AOL). Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.

About VIDISolutions

VIDISolutions, Inc. based in New York, develops and markets video messaging software to enterprises, government agencies and educational institutions. www.vidisolutions.com.