Sonic Foundry Partners with Columbia Tristar Interactive to Encode First Primetime Network Animated Show to Stream over the Internet

Sonic Foundry, Inc. (Nasdaq: SOFO), a leading developer and marketer of digital media and Internet software tools, services, and systems, today announced that Sonic Foundry Media Services[TM] will be the exclusive encoding service for the first ever primetime network animated TV show to stream in its entirety on the Web with Columbia TriStar Interactive and the episode of Dilbert titled, "The Merger."  The episode will be streamed exclusively in Windows Media without any commercial interruptions or interstitial ads of any kind. A free copy of the Microsoft Windows Media Player can be downloaded from www.microsoft.com.

"Columbia TriStar Interactive is excited to partner with Sonic Foundry on this first time experimental Web event," stated Lynda Keeler, Vice President and General Manager for Columbia TriStar Interactive. "Their encoding services have provided us with the most effective tools to help us move into delivering this unique entertainment experience."

Sonic Foundry Media Services will also use their state-of-the-art encoding technologies and best encoding practices to encode never before seen Dilbert outtakes and footage, handpicked by Dilbert creator Scott Adams, to be streamed on February 22, 2000, before the airing of a new Dilbert episode on UPN titled "The Return."

"We are honored to have been selected by Columbia TriStar Interactive to provide them with encoding services for their pioneering on-demand delivery of a primetime network TV show. This relationship further solidifies our expertise in this industry and our ability to provide customized encoding solutions," stated Rimas Buinevicius, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Sonic Foundry.

About Columbia TriStar Interactive

Columbia TriStar Interactive is a leading producer and distributor of compelling online entertainment experiences based on original content and Sony Pictures Entertainment (NYSE: SPE) branded properties. CTI's content is distinguished by its innovative design, message, and technology as well as its broad-based consumer appeal.

Columbia TriStar Interactive is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. Sony Pictures' global operations encompass motion picture production, television programming and syndication, home video and acquisition and distribution, operation facilities, development of new entertainment technologies, and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.spe.sony.com.