DivXNetworks Supports Independent Filmmakers: Announces Special DivX Technology Licensing Program

DivX.com Kicks Off Program with Killer Bean 2 Animated Short, Trailer for Killer Bean 3

SAN DIEGO, November 19, 2001-Killer Bean 2, one of the most popular Internet short films of all time, is now available in full-screen high-resolution DivX TM format at www.divx.com, along with the trailer for the highly anticipated Killer Bean 3.

DivXNetworks, the company that created the revolutionary patent-pending DivXTM video compression technology, also announced a free codec licensing program to aid qualified independent filmmakers such as Killer Bean creator Jeff Lew. For more information on the independent licensing program, visit www.divx.com/indies.

“The enormous popularity of DivX video had its genesis in the grassroots and independent film community. Giving independent filmmakers the power to create and distribute high-quality digital films has always been a key part of the DivX vision,” said Joe Bezdek, co-founder and director of product development at DivXNetworks. “The inventive Killer Bean series is a great example of the creativity that can flourish outside of the Hollywood mainstream. We’re happy to offer filmmakers like Jeff Lew the tools to create outstanding DVD-quality content without the benefit of a big studio budget.”

Inspired by the iconic John Woo action film The Killer, independent filmmaker Lew created the Killer Bean series as an exercise in computer animation and film narrative. The short film’s main character, a “killer” coffee bean engaging in high-action shootouts and acrobatic martial arts duels, has achieved cult status throughout the Internet. Killer Bean 2, a 7 minute animated short released in 2000, has been viewed well over 1 million times across a number of web sites, attracting critical acclaim and the attention of Hollywood. Killer Bean 3, slated for release in February 2002, is the next installment in the popular series.

The new DivX TM technology licensing program is designed to empower independent filmmakers like Jeff Lew by providing the tools to create and distribute high-quality video over the Internet. “The remarkable visual quality and compression of DivX technology provides an invaluable asset in the production and distribution of my work,” said Lew.

DivX TM video compression technology enables full-screen, full-length, near-DVD quality digital video at 7 to 10 times greater compression than MPEG-2 files, allowing viewers to download a full-length feature film in 30 minutes or less over a broadband connection. DivXNetworks estimates over 25 million total downloads of DivX TM video technology since its launch in late 1999, positioning DivX TM as the most popular and widely distributed MPEG-4 based technology in the world. To download Killer Bean 2 and the Killer Bean 3 trailer today, visit www.divx.com/showcase. For more information on the DivXTM Independent Licensing program, visit www.divx.com/indies.

About DivXNetworks
DivXNetworks is a leading technology company that enables the rapid proliferation of video content over Internet Protocol (IP) networks by combining the lightweight, ubiquitous access of the Internet with DVD-quality video performance. The company’s approach is built upon the success of the DivXTM codec, a leading standard for MPEG-4 video distribution with over 20 million users worldwide, and the DivX Open Video SystemTM, a next-generation content delivery system that provides unsurpassed aggregation, promotion, and distribution of video content for mass markets. The DivX codec has been evolved using an innovative approach that combines open source development and comprehensive in-house testing to create a product with powerful brand recognition, rapid product evolution, and pervasive platform integration. DivXNetworks is headquartered in San Diego, California, with satellite offices in New York and Los Angeles. For more information about DivXNetworks, visit www.divxnetworks.com.