Showtime Networks and Dish Network Launch Showtime Interactive 2.0

Showtime Networks and Dish Network Launch Showtime Interactive 2.0

Breakthrough Interactive TV service combines ITV with DVR and self provisioning

NEW YORK, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Showtime Networks Inc. announced today it has launched Showtime Interactive 2.0, a breakthrough Interactive Television (ITV) application on Dish Network. The announcement was made by Robert Hayes, Senior Vice President/General Manager of Showtime Networks Digital Media Group.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060131/SHOWTIMELOGO )

Showtime Interactive 2.0 transforms ITV from a text heavy experience to one where video is the centerpiece. Showtime is the first programmer to pull video from the set-top box's internal DVR into an Interactive TV environment, combining the very best features of a DVR and ITV in a single experience. Additionally, the application includes a GET SHOWTIME button, so viewers can click to order Showtime with the remote control.

This service is free on Dish Network to both Showtime subscribers and non-subscribers providing a targeted experience. The application detects whether or not a viewer is a subscriber and delivers targeted video to either audience.

SHOWTIME subscribers can explore the hundreds of programs airing each month on SHOWTIME. With the ability to watch trailers, behind the scenes videos, celebrity interviews and video extras, viewers can get the most out of their SHOWTIME subscription. Showtime Interactive 2.0 offers dedicated sections for Showtime Original Programs such as "Dexter(TM)," "Weeds" and "The L Word(R)" as well as SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and the best of Showtime's hit movies. It provides program listings for every show airing on all 10 SHOWTIME channels, and when viewers see a program they're interested in, they can schedule a DVR recording with a click of the remote control.

For non-subscribers, Showtime Interactive 2.0 becomes a marketing application with a long form video that highlights the network's programming, channels and special promotions. It also offers a unique option to order SHOWTIME using the remote control. This feature provides access to the SHOWTIME channels within minutes. By adding video, Showtime Interactive 2.0 strengthens the powerful combination of targeted marketing and simple upgrade features to provide an effective way to add new SHOWTIME subscribers.

"Showtime Interactive 2.0 is the result of over two years of development, and it is a fresh multimedia experience unlike any other," said Robert Hayes, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Showtime Network's Digital Media Group. "Through our collaborative efforts with Dish Network we have been able to leverage their technology to create an application that combines ITV, DVR, and self provisioning capabilities. By offering this application to all Dish viewers for free, we believe we accomplish two important objectives -- adding value to SHOWTIME subscribers and bringing in new subscribers by providing a simple way to learn more about SHOWTIME and subscribe with the click of the remote."

Showtime Interactive 2.0 is new version of the network's two time Emmy(R) Award winning ITV application that was introduced in 2003. It is available to Dish Network subscribers today via the DishHOME Interactive menu.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL(TM) and FLIX(R), as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME(R) TOO(TM), SHOWTIME(R) SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME(R), SHOWTIME BEYOND(R), SHOWTIME NEXT(R), SHOWTIME WOMEN(R), SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE(R) and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD(R), THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD(TM), SHOWTIME ON DEMAND(TM) and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND(TM). All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI is also an owner and manager of SUNDANCE CHANNEL, a venture of NBC Universal, Robert Redford and SNI. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME(R) PPV.

For a sample screen, click on the following link: http://www.st-photoservices.com/press/TheTudorsScreen021307.JPG

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060131/SHOWTIMELOGO
Source: Showtime

CONTACT: Stuart Zakim, +1-212-708-1590, stuart.zakim@showtime.net

Web site: http://www.sho.com/

-------
Profile: intent