SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2005--CNET (www.cnet.com), the trusted, unbiased resource dedicated to helping consumers buy and use personal technology, and a property of CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET), today announced HDTV World (http://hdtv.cnet.com). HDTV World is a dynamic and comprehensive resource designed to make it easy for consumers to make the switch to high-definition TV and set up a home theater. With buying guides, expert editor picks of TVs and accessories, videos, simple how-tos and daily programming updates, HDTV World is truly the ultimate guide to what to buy, how to set it up, and what to watch, from CSI to Monday Night Football.

Once considered a wish list item, flat-panel televisions are quickly becoming an affordable, must-have purchase for the home. Prices are dropping fast. Today the average HDTV costs between $2,000 and $3,000, compared to well over $5,000 just a few years ago. And sales of HDTVs are expected to nearly double this year, with LCD TV sales projected to reach $3 billion and plasma TV reaching $3.9 billion. (1)

According to a survey of CNET users, fifty-nine percent said they don't currently own an HDTV set, but it's on the top of their shopping lists as their next purchase. (2) HDTV World is designed to cater to that growing audience with content organized into three sections addressing all stages of the buying cycle: Understand HDTV, Choose an HDTV, and Optimize Your HDTV. Within each section, consumers will find numerous editorial features such as:

-- HDTV Boot Camp -- Quick answers to basic HDTV questions, such as the difference between analog, digital and high-definition TV.

-- Three ways to get HDTV -- An explanation of all the different options for receiving HD programming, and the pros and cons of satellite, cable and antenna.

-- Interactive Tools -- Learn to find the best HDTV by cabinet size, viewing distance from the couch to the wall, or desired screen size and aspect ratio. A separate calculator tells consumers how standard (4:3) programming will look on a wide-screen view (windowbox) versus a normal view (letterbox).

-- Videos -- A collection of online videos demonstrating features of the latest HDTVs and how to set up a great home theater.

-- Daily programming lineups -- A listing of recommended shows and sports event to watch in HD, and a complete lineup of all the HD programming available on every channel.

-- "The Screening Room" Community forums -- An online discussion area for the CNET community to exchange HDTV tips and advice.

-- HDTV Kick-off -- A companion feature geared specifically for sports nuts and timed for the start of football season.

"Thanks to plummeting prices, a wider array of programming and a looming deadline for switching to digital TV, more and more people are finally making the switch to HD and setting up home theaters to entertain friends and family at home," said John Morris, director of category development for CNET.com Home. "Simply put CNET's HDTV World is the best, most comprehensive resource online for this growing audience. Whether you are just getting started or already have a high-def home, you'll find a wealth of useful and compelling information and tools."

HDTV World is only one element of CNET.com's industry-leading home theater coverage. In addition, the site includes product reviews, videos, Digital Home DIY (http://digitalhome.cnet.com), real-world home theaters submitted by users in Show Us Yours (http://showusyours.cnet.com), Hot Houses, a free online Home Theater Clinic, and much more.

About CNET

CNET (www.cnet.com), a property of CNET Networks, Inc., is dedicated to helping people buy and use personal technology to enhance and enrich their lives. CNET's award winning editorial staff reviews thousands of products each year, providing expert and unbiased advice on what products to buy. The site also offers help and how-to features enhanced with video content that visually shows consumers how to get the most out of technology once they own it. And, with an extensive directory of more than 400,000 products and price comparisons, CNET also gives consumers the most up-to-date and efficient shopping resource on the Web.

About CNET Networks, Inc.

CNET Networks, Inc. is a worldwide media company and creator of content environments for the interactive age. CNET Networks takes pride in being "a different kind of media company," creating richer, deeper interactive experiences by combining the wisdom and passion of users, marketers and its own expert editors. CNET Networks' leading brands -- such as CNET, GameSpot, MP3.com, Webshots, and ZDNet -- focus on the personal technology, entertainment, and business technology categories. The company has a strong presence in the US, Asia and Europe.

(1) CEA, September 2005

(2) CEA / CNET Tech First Panel: Digital Home Study, August 2005

CONTACT: CNET Networks, Inc.
Jenifer Concepcion, 415-344-2441
Jenifer.concepcion@cnet.com

SOURCE: CNET Networks, Inc.