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MARKET WIRE

Ensequence(R), the leading provider of interactive TV authoring software and services, and UKTV, the United Kingdom's second-largest digital broadcaster, today announced that UKTV has selected Ensequence software to help deliver interactive TV services to UKTV's 8 million viewers on the BSkyB digital satellite platform.

Starting June 5, the UKTV network will use Ensequence software to create interactive applications that enhance individual programmes across all of UKTV's 10 channels, enabling digital satellite viewers to press red during their favourite television programmes. The interactive applications will enhance and support viewers' passions for their favourite programmes, and also extend UKTV's relationship with its viewers beyond the linear broadcast. Each application will provide commercial partners with lead-generating opportunities, and a dedicated sponsors area will help to increase UKTV's commercial impact by retaining viewers during advertising breaks.

The first applications created with Ensequence software will be broadcast from June 5 to July 10 to support UKTV G2's coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2006. The applications will support on-air programming throughout the tournament, promote UKTV's mobile and Web site activity and enable viewers to participate in football competitions.

"A great deal of consideration has gone into both defining the new proposition for UKTV's red button services, and the selection of Ensequence from a strong shortlist of the UK's leading iTV solution providers to help us deliver that proposition," said Andrew Watt, UKTV's Head of New Media. "Ensequence's leadership in this market and the functionality and usability of the on-Q toolset played a key role in our selection. From concept to finished product, Ensequence software will reduce our time-to-air and provide significant cost savings by making interactive TV production and testing fast and simple. It will free UKTV interactive services to deliver applications to meet the demands of channel heads keen to develop the potential of interactive within the network. Indeed, UKTV's decision to appoint Ensequence and embark on this three-year project underlines our belief that the red button has a valuable role to play within the network's interactive proposition."

UKTV plans to maintain a busy schedule of interactive TV applications built on Ensequence software this year, developed initially from 10 core templates that in turn can be re-versioned and reskinned easily into distinct applications. Ensequence and UKTV have entered into a three-year licensing agreement for the on-Q(R) Create suite, on-Q Publish suite, on-Q Ready suite and on-Q Air suite. UKTV is using Ensequence tools exclusively for the duration of the agreement.

"Continuing with our tradition of working with the leading broadcasters in the United Kingdom, we're excited that UKTV has chosen Ensequence tools to keep viewers engaged, develop innovative content and meet the evolving entertainment needs of their viewers," said Dalen Harrison, Ensequence president and CEO. "Our software makes it easy for UKTV's Web team, typically familiar with Java and HTML, to develop engaging interactive TV programming. This announcement underscores the ease-of-use of our products."

Red Bee Media (formerly BBC Broadcast) will host UKTV's new interactive services.

About Ensequence (www.ensequence.com)

Established in 2000, Ensequence is the leading provider of interactive TV software used to create, manage and broadcast interactive shows and commercials. Ensequence on-Q(R) software suites and professional services deliver cross-platform interactive TV capabilities to broadcasters, advertising agencies and operators worldwide. Leaders in interactive TV rely on Ensequence software and services to create and broadcast their interactive TV shows and commercials, including the BBC, MTV Networks UK & Ireland, the Disney Channel, BSkyB, Sky Sports, UKTV and DISH Network. For more information about Ensequence, visit www.ensequence.com.

About UKTV (www.uktv.co.uk)

UKTV is the independent commercial joint venture formed in 1997 between Flextech Television, the content division of NTL Inc., and BBC Worldwide. Attracting 27 million viewers each month, the network consists of ten highly focused channels -- UKTV Gold, UKTV History, UKTV Style, UKTV G2, UKTV Drama, UKTV Documentary, UKTV Food, UKTV People, UKTV Style Gardens, and UKTV Bright Ideas.

 Ensequence North America Contact: Aslam Khader Vice President, Marketing and Strategy Tel: +1 (503) 416.3807 E-mail: Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=7720D6974956FD29  Ensequence International Contact: John Holland Managing Director Tel: +44 (0) 20 7291 4670 E-mail: Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=C222217DAB32E6F2  UKTV Contact: Rebecca Edwards Title: PR Manager Tel: +44 (0) 20 7299 5250 E-mail: Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=0D32DDD8249F99C0  Weber Shandwick Contact: Bruce Jacobs Account Supervisor Tel: +1 (425) 452.5421 E-mail: Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=F737CE86572C71A7  

SOURCE: Ensequence