NHL in HD on HDnet

New York (Oct. 3, 2001) -- On Oct. 4, The Los Angeles Kings playedhost to the Phoenix Coyotes in the first broadcast of "NHL inHD,” a 65-game NHL schedule on HDNet, the world's only allhigh-definition network. The high-definition sports and entertainmentnetwork launched in September and is available on DIRECTV channel199.

High-definition television improves the overall viewing experiencecompared to conventional television by adding more scanning lines toimprove overall picture clarity, widening the picture-frame for agreater field of vision, and finally adding additional audio channelsto create surround-sound audio.

"We immediately recognized the opportunities presented by a newhigh-definition television network," said Doug Perlman, NHL Senior VicePresident of Television and Media Ventures. "The high-definitionproductions will enable viewers to gain a better appreciation for thespeed of our game and the skill of our players."

“We are pleased to be working with the NHL to give sports fansan incredible ‘NHL in HD’ viewing experience,” saidMark Cuban, chairman of HDNet. “As more and more consumers turnto HDTV, HDNet is here to entertain them with compellinghigh-definition programming like exciting NHL action.”

The NHL was the first professional sports league to sign with HDNet.As part of the agreement, HDNet will produce its "NHL in HD" broadcastsin conjunction with several Fox Sports Net regional outlets, sharingaudio and graphics with FSN's standard definition production units. AllHDNet programming, including “NHL in HD,” is available toDIRECTV subscribers at no additional monthly programming cost.

The following is an "NHL in HD" broadcast schedule for October (alltimes are ET):
· Thurs., Oct. 4, 10:30 p.m. - Phoenix Coyotes @ Los AngelesKings
· Tues., Oct. 9, 8:30 p.m. - Los Angeles Kings @ DallasStars
· Thurs., Oct. 11, 8:30 p.m. - Vancouver Canucks @ DallasStars
· Sun., Oct. 14, 6:00 p.m. - Edmonton Oilers @ MinnesotaWild
· Thurs., Oct. 18, 9:00 p.m. - Edmonton Oilers @ ColoradoAvalanche
· Tues., Oct. 23, 9:00 p.m. - Carolina Hurricanes @ ColoradoAvalanche
· Wed., Oct. 24, 10:00 p.m. - Anaheim Mighty Ducks @ PhoenixCoyotes
· Tues., Oct. 30, 7:00 p.m. - Detroit Red Wings @ CarolinaHurricanes

For a complete schedule of upcoming "NHL in HD" programming, visitwww.hd.net/cgi-bin/nhlinhd.pl.