Beyond surfing the Web: uniView delivers unprecedented combination of information, communication and entertainment options via TV.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 1997--

Curtis Mathes technology goes beyond the competition with easy

all-in-one system for home televisions

The world just got a little smaller with today's launch of uniView(tm), an innovative system developed by a division of Curtis Mathes Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:CRTM), which delivers an unprecedented array of Internet, on-line, telephone, and entertainment features to consumers via their own home televisions.

UniView's easy-to-use technology leapfrogs the mere web offerings of the competition. With uniView, users can not only surf the net, but also talk on the phone, send and receive faxes and e-mails, access TV program guides and parental control features, and program their VCRs. Another unmatched feature is the unit's printer port for printing Internet searches, faxes and e-mails. And, home shopping just became easier via a credit card reader that, with one swipe, automatically sends encrypted credit card information for purchases.

"It is truly amazing what this one little box can do, particularly with the telephony features that market studies prove is one of the most popular benefits," said Patrick A. Custer, chairman and chief executive officer of Curtis Mathes. "Imagine that you're sitting at home watching TV and the phone rings. If you have caller ID, the name and number of the person calling transparently appears on the screen. Touch a button on the remote and you can talk through the uniView speakerphone, or press another button and the number is recorded to call back later."

The Curtis Mathes Xpressway(tm), the company's proprietary Internet access and on-line network, has already-established hubs located throughout the country to provide seamless service for uniView users. Each hub can accommodate 10,000 subscriber requests at one time and all that is needed in the home for access to the Curtis Mathes Xpressway is existing cable and phone lines.

The uniView roll-out

Curtis Mathes has established initial retail agreements with Miami-based Brandsmart, San Jose-based Fry's and Dallas-based Communication Expo -- all of which are leaders in consumer electronics. UniView will retail for $399, with unlimited Curtis Mathes Xpressway service available for $19.95 a month. The technology soon will be a built-in feature of Curtis Mathes 36-inch televisions and larger projection televisions.

"These retail agreements provide a strong foundation for our planned roll-out of uniView and the Curtis Mathes Xpressway," said Custer. "Consumer education, including hands-on demonstration kiosks on the floor of each store, will be key to the success of this exciting new product, and we are convinced that these leading retailers will provide knowledgeable sales and support of our systems and services."

These contracts are the first in a series of planned retail agreements to support consumer sales of uniView and the Curtis Mathes Xpressway(tm). BrandsMart consumer electronics stores are located in the Miami area. Communication Expo outlets are in the Dallas Metroplex. Fry's locations can be found throughout the state of California.

Technology partnerships made it happen

Curtis Mathes has established an advanced standard for connectivity to Internet appliances by adopting leading technology from Sun Microsystems, Inc., MCI Telecommunications Corp., Acorn, and Cisco Systems, Inc. It also has developed proprietary software enabling users to access the unique features of uniView.

In addition, TVData, based in Queensbury, NY and the leader in television-programming information, is the provider of program listings, expanded rating and parental control information for uniView. And, Carrollton, Texas-based McDonald Technologies is the manufacturer of the first uniView units.

The rest of the story

Curtis Mathes is one of the icons of American business, tracing its roots back to 1899. Initially a household furniture and mattress manufacturer, the company turned its focus to hi-fis and televisions in the late '50s. By 1969, televisions accounted for 90 percent of the company's business, and through its renowned quality and extensive warranties created a worldwide reputation for excellence as evidenced by its famous tagline -- "The most expensive television in America and darn well worth it!"

The death of Curtis Mathes, Jr. in 1986 led to several years of foundering under a series of managers. In November 1993, Custer led a group of investors to acquire the company and set it on a visionary road to recovery. Today, with the launch of uniView, Curtis Mathes is the leader of the newly created television/Internet convergence industry and is poised for growth well into the future.

Curtis Mathes is a Dallas-based electronics engineering design and marketing company. The company also specializes in advanced televisions, large electronic display systems, as well as other new technologies.

CONTACT: Allison Ellis/Reba Reid Neal J. Katz

Edelman Public Relations Worldwide Curtis Mathes Holding Corp.

214/520-3555 214/503-8880 (phone)

e-mail: [e-mail] 214/503-8515 (fax)

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