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To: J Fieb who wrote (39290)	3/15/1999 9:54:00 PM
From: John Rieman	Respond to of 50808

Betanova software...................................... betaresearch.de Munich, 12 January, 1999 BETARESEARCH MAKES ITS d-box™ PLATFORM AVAILABLE FOR FURTHER APPLICATIONS OPEN INTERFACE "BETANOVA" - PHILIPS WILL MANUFACTURE THE d-box™ BetaResearch, the KirchGroup's research and development company, today released "betanova", the so-called Application Programming Interface (API), for its digital set-top boxes. It will enable companies to develop their own application software such as electronic program guides, games and interactive services for the d-box™ . At the same time, BetaResearch announced the signing of a development contract with Philips Digital Video Systems. It allows Philips to manufacture d-box™ es in addition to Nokia. Broadening the manufacturing base will enhance the competition commercially and technically. BetaResearch intends to conclude development cooperations with other manufacturers for the d-box™ . The release of betanova by BetaResearch makes the d-box™ platform accessible to all users. All commercial and public television channels in Germany as well as radio stations can already be received via the d-box™ . Furthermore, in the future program providers and the industry will be able to develop their own new applications through betanova independently of BetaResearch. They will include electronic program guides, games and a broad range of industry applications such as market research, data transmission and e-commerce. The new interface in the d-box™ operating system will thus contribute considerably to expansion of the digital market. "We consider ourselves a neutral service provider for the development of Germany's digital infrastructure", Gabor Toth, Technical Director of BetaResearch commented on the release. "So we are glad to be able to offer a solid interface for new and individual applications at the beginning of 1999 as scheduled." No other decoder operating system in Europe enables such a degree of openness, because the d-box™ software fulfills all API-relevant DVB standards (Digital Video Broadcast), including all kinds of program accompanying information. Every provider has direct access to d-box™ hardware via betanova. A set-top box is the prerequisite for receiving digital television signals. Like any computer, it uses an operating system for which special application programs can be written. These applications give the television viewer interactive capability with the offering. All platform operators - Deutsche Telekom, ARD, ZDF - can reach the customer via the d-box™ network. About 700,000 television households in Germany currently use a d-box™ . In order to write the programs for the d-box™ , BetaResearch put a complete software development package onto the market. The "Software Kit for the d-box™ API" provides the programming interface betanova with a development environment for C/C++Programmer, a graphics editor, a documentation and a development box to test the applications. The development package will be delivered in three different versions "in order to meet the requirements of varied interest groups", Dr. Manuel Cubero, Commercial Director of BetaResearch, stressed. The offer is rounded off with a training program and technical support. BetaResearch GmbH is the research and development company of KirchGroup. The company produces decoder software, encryption software and operating software of digital communication and licenses these technologies to the platform providers Premiere, DF1, Deutsche Telekom and other program providers and manufacturers of decoders.