CNET and Intel to Launch Mediadome, New Website Where Headline Entertainment and Technology Meet; Mediadome Kicks Off Its Regularly Scheduled Programming with a Live Webcast of Bill Graham Presents San Francisco New Year's Eve Event.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 23, 1996--CNET: The Computer Network and Intel Corp. today announced they will launch a jointly developed Web site called Mediadome(SM) at www.mediadome.com.

From top musical artists to major motion pictures to comic book heroes, Mediadome will merge today's hottest media properties with cutting-edge technology to create a brand new experience in Web-based entertainment. The site debuts on Dec. 31 with a live Webcast of Bill Graham Presents San Francisco New Year's Eve, and will feature an exclusive new program, or "Webisode" every two weeks.

Mediadome's premier Webisode will allow users worldwide to see, hear and experience the New Years' Eve festivities from the comfort of their homes via their personal computers, including headline performances by Chris Isaak, Lyle Lovett and Los Lobos.

Armchair revelers will enjoy pre-show activities and the New Year's bash itself, with coverage from eight pavilions featuring Reggae, Latin, Blues and world music, as well as comedy performances by Tom Rhodes and Margaret Cho. In the two weeks following the event, Mediadome will offer highlights of the performances via streaming media, as well as downloadable still images and extensive event coverage for visitors to explore at their leisure.

Each Webisode on Mediadome will offer a variety of interactive elements that allow the user to become a participant in the experience rather than an observer. Upcoming Webisodes will feature Columbia recording artists, The Fugees, the MGM/UA Distributed feature film Turbulence, starring Lauren Holly and Ray Liotta, and recent Billboard Music Video Award winner Herbie Hancock. Mediadome will debut a new program every two weeks, and will offer visitors unique new experiences on the site throughout the program's run.

Mediadome will showcase the latest Web technologies, including Macromedia's Shockwave(a), Progressive Networks RealAudio(a), Superscape's Viscape(a), Xing's StreamWorks(a) and many others. Each Webisode will include a prominently displayed list of requirements, and a place for quick and easy downloading of the tools and plug-ins necessary to enjoy the featured entertainment.

"The function of Intel's Content Group is to work with both entertainment and technology companies to facilitate the development of rich, compelling experiences for today's Connected PC," said Ronald J. Whittier, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Content Group. "Mediadome is a prime example of how the marriage of brand name media properties and dynamic web technologies can introduce a whole new level of interactive entertainment to Internet consumers worldwide."

Halsey Minor, chairman and CEO of CNET, stated, "Since it's inception, CNET's charter has been to present the latest in computing and digital technologies in an entertaining way, whether its news, reviews, or analysis of trends and developments.

"With Mediadome, we are introducing a whole new view onto the industry by building a showcase on the Web for the very technologies that are changing and advancing the medium. With the type of high-profile, exclusive entertainment Mediadome will feature, we believe we have one of the most compelling sites on the Web for all users to experiment with and enjoy new technology."

"We've been working all along to create a web presence that showcases the best experiences available on the net today," said Dennis L. Carter, vice president and director of Intel's Corporate Marketing Group. "Working with CNET on Mediadome has provided Intel with another vehicle to deliver a truly unique blend of Internet experience to an even broader web audience."

CNET: The Computer Network is at the leading edge of media companies, integrating television programming with a network of sites on the World Wide Web. In both media, CNET provides authoritative information on computers, the Internet and digital technologies.

CNET's Web sites combine breakthrough interactive technology with engaging content and design, and are widely accepted as setting new standards for excellence in the medium. The company's television programming, which airs on USA Network, the Sci-Fi Channel and in national syndication, reaches an estimated weekly audience of over eight million viewers.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computer, networking and communications products. Through innovative technologies, Intel is committed to improving the Internet experience for PC consumers. Additional information is available at www.intel.com/pressroom . -0-

Note to Editors: (a) Other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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