Liberate Technologies and ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Sports, today announced they are working together to deliver enhanced programming on the Liberate(R) TV Platform(TM) Compact software. Liberate enables cable programmers and operators to provide enhanced programming and applications based on open-standards -- with access to an array of interactive content and services.

"The combination of ESPN programming and interactivity showcases the power of on-demand services," said Coleman Sisson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Liberate Technologies. "Liberate looks forward to working with ESPN to deliver compelling enhanced programming to our cable customers."

"Compelling interactive television content is another significant way that ESPN creates value for its affiliates," said Sean Bratches, ESPN Executive Vice President, Affiliate Sales and Marketing. "ESPN Today stands to act as a powerful digital acquisition and retention tool for MSOs."

"The Liberate/ESPN offering enables us to provide a range of programming and services furthering the benefits of digital cable," said Kim Kelly, Insight's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. "As we continue to differentiate our offerings from competitors, on-demand services and true two-way interactivity come to the forefront."

Among the initial offerings are:

• ESPN Today Plus VOD -- a virtual channel with interactive sportsinformation and advertisements; it will allow sports fans to participate in the game with data feeds from ESPN and links to commerce and advertising options. ESPN Today Plus VOD will be integrated with the Liberate VOD Hub product enabling viewers to order short form and long form VOD content. Additionally, viewers will be able to tailor the "on demand" content delivered to them.
• Synchronous programming -- will provide viewers with the ability to get stats related to the programming on the screen. Viewers will be able to receive interactive ticker information while watching ESPN's programming.
• ESPN Extra -- 24/7 Interactive sports -- a twenty-four hour a day, seven days per week real-time information update including scores, headlines, news stories, sports information and statistics. This will also include commerce and enhanced advertising opportunities.

About ESPN

Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader In Sports, is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. ESPN, Inc. includes six domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Now and ESPN Today), ESPN International (24 international networks and syndication), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Regional Television, SportsTicker, and ESPN Enterprises, overseeing brand extensions such as the ESPN Zones, interactive sports-themed dining and entertainment experiences.

About Liberate Technologies

Liberate Technologies is the premier provider of open platforms for delivering enhanced content and services to television viewers around the world. Liberate's software, based on Internet and broadcasting standards, is an infrastructure platform supporting digital consumer services delivered by cable, satellite and telecommunications companies. Liberate's PopTV(TM) program, with more than 2,900 registered members in 50 countries, is the largest partner program in the interactive television industry. Headquartered in San Carlos, California, the company has sales offices in the U.S., Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and the U.K.

NOTE: Liberate and the Liberate design are registered trademarks of Liberate Technologies. Other product names used in association with these registered trademarks (including Liberate TV Platform) are trademarks of Liberate Technologies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Safe Harbor Statement: Statements above that involve expectations or intentions (such as those relating to planned cooperation) are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary materially due to the uncertain and competitive market for interactive television services, the limited availability of necessary technology and services, potential problems with Liberate's software, and other risks outlined in Liberate's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including our most recent annual report on Form 10K and quarterly reports on Form 10Q).

Source: Liberate Technologies