RCA Provides New Dimensions Of Entertainment, Information For Consumers

Advanced Receiver Lets You Surf The Web While Watching TV, Interact With Certain Specially-Produced Programming

29-Aug-00

Ever find yourself wanting to play along with ""JEOPARDY!"" or check out a Web site from a product you just saw on television? Interactivity through a simple set-top receiver is possible with two RCA WebTV products now available from THOMSON multimedia (NYSE: TMS).Thomson's RCA brand offers two WebTV receivers - the RW2110 with the Microsoft WebTV Networkô Plus Interactive Service, and the RW2100 with WebTV Network Classic Internet Service. Each set-top receiver enables the consumer to perform various interactive and Internet functions through a simple connection to the family television. ""These versatile products enable consumers to expand their television viewing experience through the addition of Internet access,"" said Thomsonís Rich Phipps, General Manager, Multimedia Products, Americas. ""With the advanced RW2110 WebTV Plus Receiver, it's possible to surf the Internet while watching TV by using a 'picture-in-picture' function. And you can also send e-mail and pictures from your own video camera or digital still camera,"" Phipps said.RCA RW2110 Plus Internet And Interactive TVThe RCA RW2110 (suggested retail price $199) includes the set-top receiver, a wireless keyboard for Internet surfing and e-mail and a Master Touch universal remote that controls multiple TV-centric products. The RW2110 is equipped with a 167Mhz processor, 16MB of SDRAM memory, 56K built-in modem, and cable-ready TV tuner. A built-in printer port is compatible with selected printers. A monthly subscription is required for service. The WebTV Plus service, together with a WebTV Plus Internet Receiver, seamlessly integrates television programming with the ability to interact with certain content on the Internet and services, providing viewers with a better way to choose which shows to watch and new ways to enjoy more entertainment, information and services that uniquely relate to those shows. Interactive TV (ITV) Links enable subscribers to enrich their television viewing experience with related information from the Internet. WebPIPô (picture-in-picture) technology allows users to watch television and enjoy interactive Web content simultaneously by bringing picture-in-picture capability to standard television sets. RCA RW2100 Classic - Internet On Your TVA less expensive option is the RCA RW2100 (suggested retail price $129). This unit has a unique compact design that can easily stand up for vertical storage. The RW2100 features a 150Mhz processor, 8MB of memory, a 56K built-in modem, universal remote, color-coded wireless keyboard and built-in printer port for selected printers. A monthly subscription is required for service. The WebTV Classic service, combined with a WebTV Classic Internet Receiver, makes accessing certain content on the Internet, exchanging e-mail and chatting online as simple as turning on the television. About THOMSON multimediaWith sales of 6.7 billion Euros (U.S. $6.5 billion) in 1999 and 55,000 employees in more than 30 countries, THOMSON multimedia is the worldís fourth largest producer of consumer electronics. The group has four principal activities: Displays and Components, Consumer Products, New Media Services, and Patents and Licensing. THOMSON multimedia engineers, manufactures, and markets display components and consumer products such as televisions, VCRs, audio systems, digital decoders, DVD-Video players and professional video equipment under the popular RCA and THOMSON brand names. THOMSON multimedia is listed in the Paris (Sicovam: 18453) and New York (NYSE: TMS) stock exchanges. THOMSON multimedia is the parent company of the U.S.-based Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.thomson-multimedia.com

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