Dilbert* and Dogbert on Mediadome

Interactive 3-D Technology Brings the Comic Phenomenon to Life

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1, 1997 -- Today, Mediadomesm introduces visitors to Dilbert* and Dogbert in a completely different dimension -- the first ever Internet-based, interactive, walking, talking 3-D Dilbert and Dogbert. Dilbert, the United Feature Syndicate comic strip first proved its personal computing popularity in January 1995, when creator Scott Adams published his personal e-mail address in his comic strip. Three months later, in April 1995, Dilbert became the first nationally syndicated comic strip to appear on America Online and the Internet.

Mediadome will premier 47 3-D Dilbert vignettes based on existing comic strips over a 15-week period beginning Oct. 1. Protozoa, a VRML design house based in San Francisco, created the 3-D vignettes for the webisode. After the first installment of the comic strips, new vignettes will appear every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, providing fans with a three-times-a-week dose of Adams' unique brand of humor in 3-D. In addition to the 3-D vignettes, the webisode will include: About Dilbert; Dilbert Comes To Life; a Scott Adams retrospective, which includes historical information about the creator himself; and the Making Of Dilbert, a behind the scenes look at the making of 3-D Dilbert with audio and video streaming footage highlighting Dilbert and Dogbert's jump from 2-D to 3-D.

"It's great to see the Dilbert gang in 3-D," Adams said. "It's like giving birth but without all the hassle of procreation." After Mediadome's premier, the 3-D Dilbert vignettes will be archived on the Dilbert Zone, where Web surfers can find them along with the daily Dilbert comic strip. In addition, visitors will find background information on Dilbert and his creator, including photos, letters, early drawings of Dilbert and Dogbert, and other original materials available nowhere else.

Mediadome, a collaboration from CNET: The Computer Network (NASDAQ:CNWK) and Intel Corporation, melds innovative Web technology with content from pop culture to show users what is possible on personal computers connected to the Internet today. Every two weeks, Mediadome debuts an exclusive original program, or "webisode," featuring a variety of interactive elements based on content from today's hottest media properties, from top musical artists and major motion pictures to comics, television programs and works of literature.

CNET: The Computer Network is at the leading edge of media companies, integrating television programming with a network of sites on the World Wide Web. In both media, CNET provides authoritative information on computers, the Internet and digital technologies. CNET's Web sites combine breakthrough interactive technology with engaging content and design, and are widely accepted as setting new standards for excellence in the medium. The company's television programming, which airs on USA Network, the Sci-Fi Channel and in national syndication, reaches an estimated weekly audience of over 8 million viewers.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.