DIVA Granted Patents for Subscription-Video-on-Demand Services; DIVA Further Elevates its Technological Leadership with New SVOD Patents.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

The Western Show 2001

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2001

DIVA(TM), the video-on-demand (VOD) solutions leader for the cable TV industry, today announced the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has awarded two new patents to DIVA for subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) services. DIVA pioneered SVOD services in 1997 with the commercial deployment of its popular children's subscription packages. Subsequently, SVOD has become a major impetus for the roll-out of VOD technology.

DIVA's patents 6,314,572 and 6,314,573 cover the creation of programming packages that allow consumers to have on-demand access for a monthly fee. This subscription charge permits packaged content to be viewed at any time, providing viewers complete control over their entertainment choices.

The patents also cover the offering of contingent programming packages. In this scenario, the consumer's access to an on-demand service may be based on their subscription to a broadcast service. In addition, these patents cover the promotion of various services and packages to consumers, allowing them to subscribe real-time via on-screen prompts.

"We believe SVOD will be among the most popular on-demand services, and that it has far-reaching revenue potential for our MSO customers," said Henk Hanselaar, CEO and president of DIVA. "These two new patents capitalize on core VOD technology and add to our extensive portfolio. They are further testament to DIVA's intellectual property leadership in the industry."

About DIVA

DIVA is the nation's leading video-on-demand (VOD) solutions provider to the cable television industry, with the industry's most commercially deployed, operational VOD systems. 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 hardware and software products are interoperable and based on industry standards, providing cable operators with the most flexible VOD solution. DIVA's new DVS 6000 combines completely off-the-shelf hardware with DIVA server software, resulting in the industry's most compact, scalable and reliable video streaming solution. The core of the DIVA software solution, the DIVA System Manager (DSM), provides unparalleled ability to tailor and manage services in an effort to maximize revenue per household. DIVA also offers system integration, content management and network operations services, all of which enhance cable operators' time to market. DIVA's products are commercially deployed and operational in 24 markets 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.