Digital TV Options Continue To Grow With Thomson Multimediaís Broad Lineup Of HDTV Receivers And Monitors

Consumer Choice Ranges From Rear Projection And Direct-View Models In Various Screen Sizes To Flat-Screen Plasma And The Industryís Most Popular Set-Top HDTV Converter Devices

8-Jan-01

Fully integrated direct-view and rear projection HDTVs, versatile HDTV monitors in a choice of screen sizes and a convenient flat-screen plasma model comprise the growing family of digital TV entertainment products available from Thomson Multimedia (NYSE:TMS), manufacturer and marketer of the RCAÆ and PROSCANô consumer electronics brands.Rich in both entertainment options and user-friendly convenience features, Thomsonís digital entertainment products include the industryís most affordable set-top HDTV receivers - the RCA DTC100 and the PROSCAN PSHD105 (both suggested retail price $549) - and the new RCA VHDC300 video adapter (suggested retail price $129.95). ""Clearly, Thomson is the industry leader in digital home entertainment products,"" said Mike OíHara, Senior Vice President, Thomson Multimedia. ""The broad choice of screen sizes and cabinet designs, lower price points and lifelike picture performance that makes the viewer feel like part of the on-screen action will further enhance consumer appeal for these advanced products.""Rich, accurate color, pinpoint detail and access to various forms of digital television broadcasts describe the expanded family of fully-integrated RCA and PROSCAN brand HDTV sets from Thomson. These models assure viewers of receiving digital HDTV signals from off-air stations or DIRECTVÆ satellite, as well as standard broadcast and cable sources without the need for an external decoder box.The RCA and PROSCAN HDTV series embraces five new models in 16:9 widescreen sizes, ranging from a direct-view 34-inch (diagonal) model (scheduled availability Summer 2001) to a huge 65-inch rear projection HDTV set. The model lineup includes the worldís largest widescreen direct-view HDTV.Among advanced performance and convenience features shared by the RCA and PROSCAN brand HDTV family are the 3DY/C digital frame comb filters for virtual elimination of edge crawls and rainbow effects, auto color control to maintain color integrity across the entire picture, high-performance scan velocity modulation for improved sharpness and detail, DolbyÆ Digital capability (when connected to a Dolby Digital decoder and external speakers) and broadcast stereo audio capability, front-fired speakers; format control, advanced twin-tuner picture-in-picture and universal glow-in-the-dark remote control.Widescreen Direct-View HDTV SetsAt 38 inches diagonal, the worldís largest direct-view HDTV set is among the industry's most affordable at $3,799. Offered in a contemporary ""Venetian Suede"" silver finish, the RCA F38310 is joined by a sister 38-inch product from PROSCAN - the PS38000 - which features a $3,999 suggested retail price (includes custom-designed base).Even more affordable for consumers who prefer direct-view performance is the PROSCAN 34-inch PS34000, which will be available later this year at a suggested retail price of $3,499. Both the 38-inch and 34-inch 16:9 models are capable of displaying more than one million pixels of picture information with a 1080i scanning format. The two models feature a fully-integrated electronics package that allows reception of over-the-air analog and digital signals, as well as standard DIRECTV service and HDTV programming from the DIRECTV satellite service.Direct-view HDTVs feature Thomsonís advanced PERFORMAX picture tubes, 20 watts of audio power and the new SYNCROSCANô HD component video input for simple connection to digital components, such as DVD players and digital cable TV set-top devices that use the Y/Pr/Pb component video connections. The advanced PERFORMAX picture tubes, manufactured at Thomsonís Marion, Indiana color TV picture tube facility (the nationís largest such plant) feature a combination of leading-edge performance technologies. These include the Precision Focus HD Resolution Electron Gun and Digital Precision Pitch tube with .78mm INVAR shadow mask. This combination of technologies supports the resolution requirements of HDTV with the brightest possible picture. Widescreen Rear Projection HDTV SetsThe RCA and PROSCAN brand rear-projection HDTVs provide enormous digital viewing areas with widescreen 16:9 models in 65- and 61-inch (diagonal) screen sizes. Like the direct-view models, both the 65-inch PROSCAN PS65000 (suggested retail price $5,299) and the 61-inch RCA P61310 (suggested retail price $4,999) are fully integrated with built-in capability to receive analog, digital and HDTV programming from terrestrial broadcasters and DIRECTV.Among features of the rear projection models are one million-plus pixel digital video resolution, high-definition optical system, high-gain dark-tint screen for 25 percent improved picture brightness; high-resolution projection tubes, INTELLIFOCUSô auto convergence and SuperShieldô built-in screen protector.Digital HDTV Monitors (4:3)Both direct-view and rear projection RCA and PROSCAN brand digital HDTV monitors, with screen sizes ranging from 27 inches to 61 inches (diagonal), offer the full breadth of home theatre entertainment options, along with a host of potential interactive and data applications. Stunningly clear images and six-channel surround sound capability are easily achievable with the new series of monitors, and when connected to RCA and PROSCAN brand digital set-top converters like the RCA DTC100 or PROSCAN PSHD105, the consumer can receive digital programming with the brilliance of HDTV picture performance.A recently added convenience feature is the on-screen Interactive TV Guide menu system, which makes it even easier for the consumer to locate a favorite program for near-instant viewing enjoyment.Four models comprise the RCA line-up of digital HDTV monitors: Rear Projection- 61-inch MM61110 (suggested retail price $3,299) - 52-inch MM52110 (suggested retail price $2,799) Direct-View - 36-inch MM36110 (suggested retail price $2,199) - 32-inch MM32110 (suggested retail price $1,749)Both direct view sets are available with an optional custom base.Five PROSCAN models include: Rear Projection - 61-inch PS61810 (suggested retail price $3,799) - 52-inch PS52810 (suggested retail price $2,999) Direct-View - 36-inch PS36810 (suggested retail price $2,699)- 32-inch PS32810 (suggested retail price $2,199)- 27-inch PS27810 (suggested retail price $1,299)A major entertainment advantage of Thomsonís HDTV monitors, which double as multimedia displays, is the capability to accommodate a wide assortment of products with their multiple A/V connections. Front-panel jacks include a USB port with the new SYNCROSCAN HD component input and SVGA video inputs for video games, camcorders, digital still cameras or regular and progressive scan DVD players. Back-panel connections easily accept computers or entertainment products such as the RCA-DIRECTV satellite systems, VCRs, DVD players, HDTV digital receivers, speaker or stereo systems, or cable boxes.For optimum performance, the HDTV monitors are connected to the DTC100 or PSHD105, resulting in HDTV-quality picture performance with up to 1.3 million pixels in rear projection monitors and up to 864,000 pixels in direct-view models, with 1080i capability. Picture performance enhancements built into the monitors include a deluxe shielded tuner with 181-channel tuning capability that dramatically reduces ghosting caused from off-air pick-up when watching cable channels, Dynamic BlackStretch Circuitry that enhances contrast and detail, high performance scan velocity modulation that improves sharpness and detail, especially in high-contrast areas, and a high performance video amplifier that optimizes performance from high-resolution signal sources, such as the RCA-DIRECTV satellite receiver, DVD players and S-Video signals.Additional performance technology provided in rear projection HDTV Monitors include the new INTELLIFOCUSô auto convergence that delivers the sharpest picture possible with corner-to-corner clarity, custom-designed 5-element lens system that provides a brighter picture with improved corner focus and overall video resolution, 3D Y/C digital frame comb filter that eliminates dot and edge crawl while providing for better transitions between scene changes, a high gain dark-tint screen for 25 percent improved brightness, and Adjustable Color Warmth which enables the viewer to select one of three background color adjustments for personal viewing preference. Audio capability includes SRS Focus Audio technology and broadcast stereo with dbx noise reduction. Additional features are the Interactive TV Guide program guide, Advanced Twin Tunerô picture-in-picture, V-chip parental control, universal glow-in-the-dark remote, built-in Super Shield Screen Protector and seven sets of A/V inputs.Widescreen Plasma MonitorOffering a virtual living wall of entertainment, Thomsonís PROSCAN PSP42300 CinemaScreen plasma TV monitor is equally at home in living room or commercial environments. The PSP42300 (suggested retail price $11,999) has a 42-inch (diagonal) viewing area in the widescreen 16:9 format. The digital monitor measures 41.3 inches wide by 25.5 inches high, yet is only 3.5 inches deep, making it ideal for wall mounting or placement on a tabletop or wall shelf, utilizing a stand that is included with the monitor.Combining amazingly realistic picture performance with state-of-the-art design, the PSP42300 presents a display area that is virtually all-screen. The monitor delivers deep, rich colors with 853 x 480 pixel resolution and 500:1 contrast ratio for lifelike picture performance. For maximum display capability, the monitor can be paired with the PSHD105 or RCA DTC100 to achieve digital-quality images from HDTV signal sources, such as an RCA DIRECTV satellite receiver or from terrestrial broadcast stations. The monitor is digital TV compatible with 720p and 1080i input resolution.The computer input range of the PSP42300 - VGA, SVGA, XGA, and SXGA - makes it equally impressive as a large-screen computer monitor for displaying text and graphics in a classroom or business environment, since plasma technology assures constant picture geometry, even in larger and wider screen sizes.Conveniently located input jacks - including composite, S-Video, component video (Y/Pr/Pb) and RGB - simplify the connection of A/V components. A built-in stereo amplifier (2 x 7 watts per channel) completes the formula for creating a theatre-like experience, and matching external speakers are available as an option.HDTV Set-Top ReceiversThe RCA DTC100 and PROSCAN PSHD105 digital set-top HDTV receivers offer multi-platform capability for processing the highest resolution format HDTV signal. Additional advantages include the capability for receiving a wide array of programming options, including current local broadcast and high-definition broadcasts, as well as receiving and decoding standard digital and high definition DIRECTV satellite programming.Both the DTC100 and PSHD105 enable the consumer to connect the set-tops to a broad scope of standard analog, digital and HDTV monitors and offer the capability for displaying either 4:3 or widescreen 16:9 video images.When connected to an HDTV monitor, the powerful entertainment tandem delivers video images with up to 864,000 pixels on a 4:3 screen. When used with an analog TV, the set-top devices automatically convert the robust digital signal into an analog display that provides improved picture and sound capability over standard analog broadcasts.Recognizing that the scope of television programming is extensive, Thomson has incorporated a user-friendly on-screen electronic program guide into the DTC100. The guide provides a comprehensive listing of available programs, as well as the capability for developing favorite channels listings, one-touch VCR recording and one-touch tuning.Connection options for the receivers include a high definition (RGB via standard 15-pin connector) output for HDTV, RF output, two pair of A/V outputs, S-Video output, telephone modem connector and optical audio output. A recently introduced accessory product, the RCA VHDC300 video adapter, further enhances the versatility of the converters by providing a direct interface between the converter and HDTVs requiring a Y/Pr/Pb component video connection.HDTV Component Video AdapterThe RCA VHDC300 HJDTV component video adapter expands the potential use of the RCA DTC100 and PROSCAN PSHD105 HDTV converters by providing a direct connection between the set-tops and multiple brands of HDTV sets and HDTV monitors that require a Y/Pr/Pb component video connection. The adapter converts component RGB video with separate horizontal and vertical sync to component Y/Pr/Pb video with tri-level sync on the Y (luminance) signal for use with HDTV monitors.The VHDC300 HDTV component video adapter kit is packaged with all the parts required for hookup of the converters to monitors with Y/Pr/Pb inputs. The adapter includes an RGB input, Y/Pr/Pb component video output, power supply input and on-off switch. The adapter complies with EIA standard 770.3 for tri-level sync. It comes with a 2-foot VGA cable, 6-foot component video cable and 12-volt AC power supply.The VHDC300 allows the user to adjust the horizontal picture resolution of the screen to suit the specific TV display.For more information about Thomson Multimedia, visit www.thomson-multimedia.com.

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