Real-time Traffic Information Now Broadcast Over R-B- DS Radio Standard.

SAN JOSE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 1998--

Standard Format FM Subcarrier Transmission by Differential

Corrections Inc. Further Extends Distribution of Etak and Metro

Networks' Real-Time Traffic Information Service

Etak, Metro Networks and Differential Corrections Inc. (DCI) Tuesday announced that real-time traffic information will be available over FM Subcarrier via the DCI RBDS FM Radio network in 10 major metro areas of the United States.

This real-time traffic information service, designed to support dynamic route guidance operations in a variety of in-vehicle and hand-held products, informs drivers of traffic incidents, traffic speeds, road conditions and construction, special events, weather descriptions and other useful travel news. By the year 2000, it is scheduled to cover 75 top cities.

The information is broadcast in the R(B) DS Alert C TMC traffic standard using the DCI FM subcarrier network. Broadcasts in this standard ensure that systems developed for both the U.S. and overseas markets can receive these transmissions.

"Next generation radios will display various data on their LCD screens, in addition to the traditional station number call sign," said Ron Haley, president, chief executive officer, DCI.

"There are a number of systems that are able to take advantage of FM subcarrier broadcasts today. There are also in-vehicle navigation systems, Personal Digital Assistants and laptop computers that can receive these broadcasts. Service providers now have the option of providing their customers with one of the top-requested information services, traffic."

This information service, developed by Etak and Metro Networks, in combination with DCI's FM network, allows drivers to receive real-time road condition information supporting dynamic route guidance as they travel. The service can be provided as a continuous or an on-demand service, tailored to the individual consumer's driving routes and preferences.

"Transmission over our service of DCI's FM network further extends both the coverage and the consumer availability of up-to-the minute traffic information," said Alan Norman, general manager and vice president, business development at Etak. "We're giving drivers more information and therefore opportunity to avoid the traffic hassles that were traditionally beyond their control."

About the Etak/Metro Traffic Information System

This real-time traffic information service was developed by Etak, the leading developer of digital map and traveler information technology; Metro Networks, the largest local traffic and information reporting company in the world, and DCI the world's largest broadcaster over a FM subcarrier.

Metro Networks collects comprehensive traffic and mobility information both from government sources (such as police, traffic management centers, and road maintenance operations) and from Metro sources (including aircraft, camera systems and mobile reporters).

Information is entered both automatically and manually into Etak Traffic Workstations (TWS). These workstations consolidate the information and place it into standard formats suitable for use in multiple map formats, and for transmission to wire and wireless devices anywhere in the United States. An Etak TWS will be located in each of the Metro offices where the service is activated.

Coverage currently includes Seattle, San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Indianapolis.

Metro Networks is the largest supplier of local, regional, national and international traffic, news, weather and sports information to more than 2,000 radio and television stations worldwide. The company's shares are traded on the Nasdaq national markets under the symbol "MTNT."

Etak is the premier publisher of location-based technology and digital maps for in-vehicle information systems, mobile traveler information systems, real-time traffic services, utility damage prevention and commercial business geographics markets. Etak maps cover the United States and mainland Great Britain.

About DCI

DCI is the world's largest broadcaster over a FM subcarrier. With headquarters in San Jose, DCI provides services to 18 countries.

With headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., Etak is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corp. of America. For more information on Etak's products and services contact Etak Inc., 1605 Adams Drive, Menlo Park, Calif. 94025. Telephone: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail]. Internet: http://www.etak.com.