Features Include Original Shows, New Personalities, Easy-to-Use
Interface, Premier Partner Content, Plus New Ad Format for CNET's
Marketing Partners
http://www.cnettv.com
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2008--CNET
(www.cnet.com), where people go to discover the latest in technology
and consumer electronics information, and a property of CNET Networks,
Inc. (NASDAQ: CNET), today announced the official launch of CNET TV
2.0 (www.cnettv.com), featuring closed captioning of its popular video
content. The latest version extends the reach of CNET's content and
original videos to more people interested in learning about the latest
tech news and reviews of consumer electronics by addressing the needs
of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Starting today, hundreds of CNET TV videos are available with
closed captioning on Adobe(R) Flash(R) Player 8 and above. A button
labeled "CC" is located on the video player and accesses closed
captioning on all CNET TV original shows like The Buzz Report, CNET
Top 5, CNET Live, CNET Mailbag, Insider Secrets, Prizefight, and
Product Spotlight. For all CNET videos, closed captioning will be
available shortly after the release of each video on CNET TV.
After the initial launch of CNET TV in April 2006, one of the most
common feedback requests from users was for closed captioning.
Although the Internet continues to experience explosive growth in
online video content, very few media publishers, if any, offer closed
captioning today. In keeping with its promise to build a unique
experience for its users, CNET worked closely with Automatic Sync
Technologies (www.automaticsync.com/caption) and Adobe Systems to
create a captioning system that would make its video content
accessible to a wider audience.
"There are more than 30 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in
America today, and CNET is proud to be one of the first Web sites to
offer comprehensive closed captioning of its video content so this
group can turn to CNET to explore today's digital world," said Joe
Gillespie, executive vice president of CNET. "CNET TV 2.0 embodies
everything our users want out of video content -- information that is
entertaining and easy to understand so that they can get the most out
of their tech and CE gadgets."
"CNET's decision to incorporate closed captioning into its CNET TV
video programming is a textbook example of doing well by doing good,
and is emblematic of the interactive media industry's commitment to
innovations that improve peoples' lives," said Randall Rothenberg,
President and CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau.
"The addition of closed captioning is an innovative step that
shows CNET's commitment to being accessible for anyone interested in
exploring technology," said Pam Horan, president of the Online
Publishers Association. "OPA research has shown that quality news and
information sites such as CNET are playing an increasingly vital role
in the everyday lives of Americans. As online media grows in
importance, it becomes even more essential that it is accessible to
all audiences."
"We applaud CNET's efforts to caption video content on its
website," said Nancy J. Bloch, chief executive officer of the National
Association of the Deaf (NAD). "The NAD has long advocated for
accessible Internet videos and we look forward to seeing other media
companies follow in CNET's footsteps."
New Features for CNET TV Fans
In addition to closed captioning, CNET TV is also unveiling a more
user-friendly design, video content from premier partners such as Geek
Entertainment TV and Revision3, and more original shows featuring
CNET's well-known personalities and new additions like Natali Del
Conte, former host of PodShow's TeXtra, and Kara Tsuboi.
New programs include:
CNET Live -- Brian Cooley, Editor-at-Large, and Tom Merritt,
executive editor, answer calls and emails about buying and
using technology every Thursday from 1 - 2 p.m. Pacific Time.
Loaded -- Natali Del Conte, senior editor, provides a daily
roundup of the latest tech news.
CNET Top 5 -- Tom Merritt's unique perspective on the hottest
tech gadgets, web services, and downloads.
CNET Mailbag -- Molly Wood, host of The Buzz Report, answers
the most common questions from users about life and work at
CNET.
Crossfade TV -- The staff of music.download.com shares their
favorite music downloads of the week.
Product Spotlight -- CNET Editors take a closer look at the
most popular and buzz-worthy tech gadgets and whether they
live up to the hype.
New Advertising Format for Marketers
CNET today also introduced an in-video ad opportunity -- the video
overlay. The ad unit is an animated flash program that is integrated
within the video player, thus minimizing disruption during the CNET TV
experience. The video overlay appears in the video player's lower
third, and disappears when there is no user interaction. This offers
an alternative to the traditional pre-roll ad format, and an
additional interactive component to CNET's video advertising
offerings.
About CNET
CNET (www.cnet.com) is where people go to discover the latest in
tech and consumer electronics. Driven by a trusted voice and a
passionate community, CNET creates an open environment for people to
find and use the best products to fit their lifestyle. The powerful
combination of CNET's award-winning news, lab-tested product reviews,
safe and spyware-free downloads, and user-generated content give
people information and inspiration to live and thrive in a life gone
digital.
About CNET Networks, Inc.
CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET) is an interactive media company
that builds brands for people and the things they are passionate
about, such as gaming, music, entertainment, technology, business,
food, and parenting. The Company's leading brands include BNET, CHOW,
CNET, GameSpot, and TV.com. Founded in 1992, CNET Networks has a
strong presence in the US, Asia, and Europe.
CONTACT:
CNET
Jenifer Concepcion, 415-344-2441 (media)
Jenifer.concepcion@cnet.com
www.cnet.com
SOURCE: CNET Networks, Inc.
