CHICAGO - June 14, 1999 -Today at Cable '99, the National Cable Television Association show, Microsoft Corp. announced cross-industry support for providing interactive cable television programming to consumers via WebTV^® Plus Internet Receivers and the WebTV for Windows^® feature of the Windows 98 operating system. Three top entertainment-based cable TV channels have announced their summer and fall interactive programming lineups, which range from major sporting events such as "HBO World Championship Boxing" to educational shows geared toward the entire family such as "Savage Earth." In addition, two leading cable channels announced they are extending their interactive television offering with enhanced programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Microsoft, along with HBO, Discovery Communications Inc., HGTV (Home and Garden Television), MSNBC and the Weather Channel, recognizes the benefits of providing interactive television content to its viewers. With the extent of new and value-added content, television viewers now have a broader choice of interactive programs that entertain, educate and inform them beyond traditional television.

"The level of support we are seeing from cable programmers demonstrates that they are committed to developing a deeper relationship with their viewers," said Joe Poletto, vice president, Network Media Group, WebTV Networks Inc. "This commitment and the enthusiastic consumer response we've received on ITV programming to date are the driving forces behind making ITV a success."

Network Shows Go Interactive in Summer and Fall

• HBO. HBO will enhance major sporting events and shows airing on the cable network this summer and fall, including "Inside the NFL" and "HBO World Championship Boxing," as well as children's programming such as "Crashbox."
• The Discovery Channel and TLC. Discovery will produce five interactive shows, including two of its top-five-rated shows - "Wild Discovery" and "On the Inside," which allows viewers to go behind the scenes where only Discovery ventures. TLC will enhance the upcoming fall special "Savage Earth."
• HGTV.Beginning in July, HGTV will enhance its "Restore America" segments. The series profiles the best residential and community restoration projects in all 50 states. In addition, HGTV will launch the interactive "Do It Yourself" (DIY) network, a simultaneous on-air and online channel that provides immediate access to step-by-step instructions, in-depth demonstrations and tips for the do-it-yourselfer.*