FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"NHL in HD" Coverage Begins on HDNet Oct. 4

Up to 65 NHL Games To Air On All High-Definition Network

New York (Oct. 3, 2001) -- The Los Angeles Kings host the Phoenix Coyotes Thursday, Oct. 4 (10:30 p.m. ET) in the first broadcast of "NHL in HD," a 65-game NHL schedule on HDNet, the world's only all high-definition network. The high-definition sports and entertainment network launched in September and is available on DIRECTV channel 199.

High-definition television improves the overall viewing experience compared to conventional television by adding more scanning lines to improve overall picture clarity, widening the picture-frame for a greater field of vision, and finally adding additional audio channels to create surround-sound audio.

"We immediately recognized the opportunity presented by high-definition television," said Doug Perlman, NHL Senior Vice President of Television and Media Ventures. "High-definition production enables viewers to see more ice and play develop on screen, which provides a greater understanding for the nuances of the game."

"We are pleased to be working with the NHL to give sports fans an incredible 'NHL in HD' viewing experience," said Mark Cuban, chairman of HDNet. "As more and more consumers turn to HDTV, HDNet is here to entertain them with compelling high-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" broadcasts in conjunction with several Fox Sports Net regional outlets, sharing audio and graphics with FSN's standard definition production units. All HDNet programming, including "NHL in HD," is available to DIRECTV subscribers at no additional monthly programming cost.

The following is an "NHL in HD" broadcast schedule for October (all times are ET):

• Thurs., Oct. 4, 10:30 p.m. - Phoenix Coyotes @ Los Angeles Kings
• Tues., Oct. 9, 8:30 p.m. - Los Angeles Kings @ Dallas Stars
• Thurs., Oct. 11, 8:30 p.m. - Vancouver Canucks @ Dallas Stars
• Sun., Oct. 14, 6:00 p.m. - Edmonton Oilers @ Minnesota Wild
• Thurs., Oct. 18, 9:00 p.m. - Edmonton Oilers @ Colorado Avalanche
• Tues., Oct. 23, 9:00 p.m. - Carolina Hurricanes @ Colorado Avalanche
• Wed., Oct. 24, 10:00 p.m. - Anaheim Mighty Ducks @ Phoenix Coyotes
• Tues., Oct. 30, 7:00 p.m. - Detroit Red Wings @ Carolina Hurricanes

For a complete schedule of upcoming "NHL in HD" programming, visit the HDNet web site.

#####