Curtis Mathes Holding Corporation (Nasdaq:CRTM) announced today that it has finalized agreements to make uniView™ one of the first Java-enabled set-top box product lines.

The company announced its Java license last April and today announced that Bellevue, Wash.-based CrystalGate Corp. will serve as the systems integrator to develop the Java interface for uniView.

The Java interface enables Curtis Mathes to expand uniView features and add Java applications in the future. These additions will deliver fast and convenient upgrades and service while enabling shared information, game collaboration and real-time audible chat for uniView users. The development of the interface is expected to be completed by late 1997. UniView, introduced in April by Curtis Mathes, features easy-to-use technology that leapfrogs the mere web access offerings of the competition. With uniView, users can surf the Internet, talk on the phone, send and receive faxes and e-mails, access TV program guides and execute parental control features, and program their VCRs. Seamless Internet access is provided through Curtis Mathes Xpressway(TM), the company's proprietary Internet access and on-line network.

"This agreement sets the stage for unlimited expansion of uniView features and capabilities," said Bill Park, chief operating officer of Curtis Mathes. "Imagine being able to watch your favorite baseball game on your television in your home and, at the same time, view the latest photos from Pathfinder on Mars and discuss them with a friend in another country via the Internet -- all for less than it costs to call long distance."

"We are pleased that Curtis Mathes is bringing Java to uniView," said Jon Kannegaard, vice president, Software Products of JavaSoft, a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc. "Curtis Mathes' Internet production expertise will lend itself well to the development of Java-enabled uniView, which has been created with the ability to easily upgrade and add features that keep up with consumer demand and technological developments."

"The synergy between Curtis Mathes, CrystalGate and JavaSoft is extraordinary. We're helping change the way people watch and use TV," said Larry Brader, chairman and chief scientist of CrystalGate Corp. "Our collaborative community server technology and Internet telephony features will help to connect the extended family and change television watching into a shared, online viewing experience."

uniView Availability

The Curtis Mathes Xpressway™ has already-established hubs located throughout the country to provide seamless service for uniView users. Each hub can accommodate 10,000 subscriber requests at one time and all that is needed in the home for access to the Curtis Mathes Xpressway is existing cable and phone lines.

Curtis Mathes has established initial retail agreements with Miami-based BrandsMart, San Jose-based Fry's and Dallas-based Communication Expo -- all of which are leaders in consumer electronics. UniView retails for $399, with unlimited Curtis Mathes Xpressway service available for $19.95 a month. The technology is also built into Curtis Mathes 36-inch and 55-inch televisions and will soon be incorporated into larger projection televisions.

About CrystalGate

Based in Bellevue, Wash., CrystalGate Corp. is an emerging provider of Internet/Intranet applications that enable seamless interaction between people on their networks and the World Wide Web. Founded in 1996 by Larry Brader, chairman of the board and chief scientist, CrystalGate is approaching the launch of its first collaborative product Live Assistance, a 100% pure Java application, to enhance and empower customer service and sales functions in businesses.

About Curtis Mathes

Curtis Mathes has established an advanced standard for connectivity to Internet appliances by adopting leading technology from Sun Microsystems, Inc., MCI Telecommunications Corp., and Cisco Systems, Inc. It also has developed proprietary software enabling users to access the unique features of uniView. Curtis Mathes is a Dallas-based electronics engineering design and marketing company. The company also specializes in advanced televisions, large electronic display systems, as well as other new technologies.