DIVA Granted Patent for Delivery of Video Content and On-screen Navigation; DIVA Continues to Lead Industry in Intellectual Property Development.

Business/Technology Editors

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 2001

DIVA, the video-on-demand (VOD) solutions leader for the cable television industry, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has awarded a patent that further enhances DIVA's leadership role in VOD technology development. DIVA currently holds 40 issued U.S. and foreign patents, and has more than 200 patent applications pending.

DIVA's U.S. Patent No. 6,208,335 enables interactive TV services and VOD on thin-client set-top boxes. It covers technology that transports server-based data and graphics over a video network to a digital set-top box, where they are displayed as interactive television (ITV) images. Applications for this technology range from VOD with on-screen navigation, to a host of ITV services, including interactive music videos and advertising.

An additional key implementation of this technology is the creation of a user-friendly, navigation experience. The navigator incorporates dynamic video into on-screen menus that allow viewers to choose programs or other information from easily identifiable visual prompts. This technology encompasses video, graphics, and interactive elements that improve the overall user experience with an enhanced video and audio environment.

"The issuance of this patent is another major accomplishment for DIVA as we continue to expand our significant intellectual property portfolio," said Stan Knight, Chief Scientist of DIVA. "This technology provides extensive revenue-generating opportunities for MSOs looking to augment their digital services with expanded options."

About DIVA

DIVA (www.divatv.com) is the nation's leading video-on-demand (VOD) solutions provider to the cable television industry. DIVA's services and interoperable technology allow cable operators to deliver a complete VOD solution, including software and server platforms, billing and support services, and content management and distribution. DIVA's advanced video-on-demand solutions provide consumers with complete control over their viewing experience and, with VCR-like capabilities, they can watch new releases, library films and basic and premium cable programming, as well as children's programming. DIVA's systems are deployed in 22 markets, and scheduled for deployment in an additional 10, by large-scale operators such as AT&T Broadband, Charter Communications and Insight Communications, which together reach 44 percent of all U.S. digital cable subscribers. Founded in June 1995, DIVA is a privately held company and is headquartered in Redwood City, Calif. DIVA's strategic investors include Charter Communications, NTL, OpenTV, Starz Encore, Liberate and Motorola. DIVA is a registered trademark of DIVA Systems Corporation. More information can be found at www.divatv.com.