SureWest Partners with HDNet for Launch of HDTV Over IP

6th December, 2005- SureWest Communications today announced that leading high-definition networks HDNet and HDNet Movies are part of its high-definition television (HDTV) service set to launch this year.

SureWest is currently finalizing its beta testing as it prepares to become the first company in the United States to offer HDTV commercially over its Internet Protocol (IP)-based fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network.

“We are pleased to offer viewers in the Sacramento region the great variety of live and original news, entertainment and sports programming that can only be seen on HDNet and HDNet Movies,� said Peter Drozdoff, SureWest’s vice president of marketing. “Through our HDTV channel lineup and launch of HDTV over IP, we are showcasing our dedication to providing customers with the highest-quality programming, sharpest picture available and a variety of emerging video products.�

“We are happy to be partnering with SureWest to deliver the HDNet networks to their customers in the Sacramento region and to be providing them with great original high-definition programming and exclusive day-and-date premieres of theatrically released movies,� said Mark Cuban, co-founder and president of HDNet. “This is a great opportunity to be part of something as ground-breaking as the first launch of HDTV over an IP network.�

HDNet and HDNet Movies broadcast an original slate of news, sports, music and entertainment programming, all in 1080i high-definition format, with a widescreen 16x9 aspect ratio and crystal-clear resolution.

On HDNet, the network’s flagship channel, SureWest viewers will enjoy news and entertainment programming including original series "HDNet World Report," "Face 2 Face with Roy Firestone," "Debate," "HDNet Concert Series," and "True Music," as well acquired programs such as every episode of the acclaimed Warner Bros. series "Smallville." Live sports productions include National Hockey League and Major League Soccer games, and NASCAR Grand National Division auto racing.

HDNet Movies is the exclusive home of day and date movie releases including “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,� and “The War Within.� HDNet Movies also features a wide selection of major studio's theatrical releases - all uncut, unedited and appearing in their original aspect ratio - as well as features produced and finished in true 1080i high-definition.

HDNet (www.hd.net) launched in September 2001 and is co-founded by Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and General Manager Philip Garvin of Colorado Studios.

To view HDNet and HDNet Movies, SureWest customers will need an HDTV set, a SureWest HDTV cable box and a subscription to the SureWest HD service tier.