Thomson Multimedia Introduces New RCA-DIRECTV Receiver With Expanded Capabilities To Offer More Entertainment Options

Optimum Performance From External Components Along With Greater Flexibility In Achieving Dolby Digital Audio Among Advantages Of New Satellite Receiver

17-Aug-01

An all-new RCAÆ-DIRECTVÆ receiver designed to optimize the home theatre experience of satellite entertainment was introduced by Thomson Multimedia (NYSE: TMS) at the annual Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association (SBCA) conference. The RCA DRD485RG (suggested retail price $199) is the first standard-definition RCA-DIRECTV receiver to incorporate component video outputs (Y/Pr/Pb) which provide for optimal video signal transmission to assure sharp picture detail with amazing color accuracy. To further enhance home theatre performance, the receiver is equipped with both optical and coaxial DolbyÆ Digital output jacks for greater flexibility when connecting a compatible six-channel amplifier/receiver and speakers. (DIRECTV satellite service is sold separately from RCA-DIRECTV receivers). ""The combination of component video and Dolby Digital surround sound capability offers the consumer the opportunity to create a richer, more robust home entertainment experience with optimum picture performance and theatre-like sound,"" said Thomsonís David Spomer, Vice President, Digital Decoders. ""The RCA DRD485RG truly pushes the envelope for television viewing enjoyment."" The DRD485RG is the flagship model of a new generation of RCA-DIRECTV receivers that Thomson will introduce at retail in the fourth quarter of 2001. The new systems offer a broad variety of entertainment options through three standalone receivers and four satellite systems (includes both receiver and satellite dish/antenna). Along with the DRD485RG (DS4285RG system available at $249 suggested retail price), the new product line includes the DRD450RG (suggested retail price $149 or $199 for DS4250RG system). Additional models include the DRD430RG receiver which can be purchased with an 18 x 24-inch elliptical dish for a suggested retail price of $199, or with a standard 18-inch wide single-LNB dish for a suggested retail price of $49. A redesigned Advanced Program Guideô is among features of the new-generation receivers. The new guide stores up to seven days of program information (up to three days in DRD430RG) and enables the viewer to search the entire channel guide while viewing an active channel in the picture window. The guide provides channel and program title information for seven different channels covering up to a two-hour time window. Arrows indicate programs starting before or ending after the time shown on the grid. In addition to the new guide, the systemís Interactive Channel Banner offers an intelligent feature called Viewing Suggestions that presents a list of recommended programs based on the Topic And Theme category of weighted programs and previously viewed programs. The consumer has the ability to view the suggestions, disable or enable the learning capability of the Viewing Suggestions feature, and to edit the Topic And Theme categories manually. All standard RCA-DIRECTV set-top receivers include DIRECTV INTERACTIVEô services powered by Wink CommunicationsÆ which enables DIRECTV to transmit special information related to the program being viewed by the consumer. The Wink system allows the consumer to view information and/or graphics data being broadcast with the program, including sports statistics, quiz questions, news headlines, etc. -- all easily accessible using the remote control. Additional convenience features of select RCA-DIRECTV receivers include one-button VCR record capability, caller ID display capability, guardian parental control, scout favorite shows search feature and AlphaSort for alphabetical sorting of programs listed in the guide. For more information about Thomson Multimedia, visit www.thomson-multimedia.com.

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