HOUSTON, TX--- Infomedia Network and Tao Group announced plans today to make available a TVision Development Kit that will enable application engineers and content creators to develop compelling multimedia content for the TVision set-top box platform.   The TVision Development Kit with enable Infomedia's TVision set-top boxes to fully exploit Tao's Intent operating system.

Francis Charig, Chairman of Tao Group stated,  "Infomedia's TVision is without a doubt a world class product.  TVision is the first Open Java Programmable set-top box to be delivered to the Interactive Television market.  TVision paves the way for many new and progressive technologies to be delivered in a single low-cost device."

The TVision set-top box is targeted for initial production in Q1 2001, and will be delivered for testing to more than twenty major telecom companies and broadcasters around the globe.  Infomedia currently has 15,000 TVision units slated for pilot programs beginning in Q1, and is projecting to deliver 400,000 units for full virtual community projects.

Tao's Intent operating system is utilized in Infomedia's TVision product line, and will serve as the foundation for the TVision Development Kit.   The Development Kit will also include a variety of multimedia and graphics rendering tools targeted for TVision applications.

Patrice Haftman, chairman of Infomedia stated,   "TVision has functionality above and beyond existing set-top products today.  Providing a Development Kit

will empower thousands of talented content developers around the world with tools to build compelling multimedia and interactive TV applications. Infomedia's TVision set-top boxes will provide them with an outlet to commercialize their creativity."

The TVision Development Kit will be released later in 2001.  Additional announcements will be forthcoming as to pricing and availability.