CNET Unveils CNET TV 2.0 With Closed Captioning

Editor: I think we can all agree that CNET TV having closed captioning is a great thing. But it may be even more important that the announcement of CNET TV 2.0 included the fact that it features closed captioning. You'd almost think they were talking about a mainstream feature! Here's the press release.

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Features Include Original Shows, New Personalities, Easy-to-Use Interface, Premier Partner Content, Plus New Ad Format for CNET's Marketing Partners http://www.cnettv.com

SAN FRANCISCO - CNET (www.cnet.com), where people go to discover the latest in technology and consumer electronics information, and a property of CNET Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNET), today announced the official launch of CNET TV 2.0 (www.cnettv.com), featuring closed captioning of its popular video content. The latest version extends the reach of CNET's content and original videos to more people interested in learning about the latest tech news and reviews of consumer electronics by addressing the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

Starting today, hundreds of CNET TV videos are available with closed captioning on Adobe(R) Flash(R) Player 8 and above. A button labeled "CC" is located on the video player and accesses closed captioning on all CNET TV original shows like The Buzz Report, CNET Top 5, CNET Live, CNET Mailbag, Insider Secrets, Prizefight, and Product Spotlight. For all CNET videos, closed captioning will be available shortly after the release of each video on CNET TV.

After the initial launch of CNET TV in April 2006, one of the most common feedback requests from users was for closed captioning. Although the Internet continues to experience explosive growth in online video content, very few media publishers, if any, offer closed captioning today. In keeping with its promise to build a unique experience for its users, CNET worked closely with Automatic Sync Technologies (www.automaticsync.com/caption) and Adobe Systems to create a captioning system that would make its video content accessible to a wider audience.

"There are more than 30 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in America today, and CNET is proud to be one of the first Web sites to offer comprehensive closed captioning of its video content so this group can turn to CNET to explore today's digital world," said Joe Gillespie, executive vice president of CNET. "CNET TV 2.0 embodies everything our users want out of video content -- information that is entertaining and easy to understand so that they can get the most out of their tech and CE gadgets."

"CNET's decision to incorporate closed captioning into its CNET TV video programming is a textbook example of doing well by doing good, and is emblematic of the interactive media industry's commitment to innovations that improve peoples' lives," said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau.

"The addition of closed captioning is an innovative step that shows CNET's commitment to being accessible for anyone interested in exploring technology," said Pam Horan, president of the Online Publishers Association. "OPA research has shown that quality news and information sites such as CNET are playing an increasingly vital role in the everyday lives of Americans. As online media grows in importance, it becomes even more essential that it is accessible to all audiences."

"We applaud CNET's efforts to caption video content on its website," said Nancy J. Bloch, chief executive officer of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). "The NAD has long advocated for accessible Internet videos and we look forward to seeing other media companies follow in CNET's footsteps."

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