Thomson Multimedia Brings RCA-DIRECTV System With UltimateTVô Service From Microsoft Into Center Stage

New Lower Price Point Designed To Attract Larger Consumer Base Seeking Broader Scope Of Personal Choice in TV Viewing Via Dual Tuners, Built-in Hard-Disk Drive

17-Aug-01

Consumer electronics retailers are now showcasing the RCA DWD490RE RCAÆ-DIRECTVÆ receiver with UltimateTVô service capability from Microsoft. Introduced earlier this year by Thomson Multimedia (NYSE: TMS), the RCA DWD490RE is the first direct broadcast satellite TV platform to combine dual-tuner DIRECTV program reception, digital video recording, Internet access and interactive TV in a single integrated receiver. Now available at a suggested retail price of $299, the DWD490RE is expected to attract an even broader base of consumers seeking the latest in digital satellite home entertainment. ""With our associates at DIRECTV and Microsoft, we at Thomson are extremely excited about this new product which defies the conventional wisdom that you canít have everything in one convenient system,"" said Thomsonís David Spomer, Vice President, Digital Decoders. ""The RCA DWD490RE offers virtually everything the consumer wants in a home entertainment product -- the best in satellite programming, the ability to customize viewing selections, and the ability to watch what you want when you want."" The new systems are available throughout the country at national retailers such as Circuit City, Best Buy, and RadioShack along with major independent stores such as The Good Guys, Ultimate Electronics, 6th Avenue, American TV, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Brandsmart and other RCA dealers. The systems are also available online through www.rca.com. DIRECTV and UltimateTV services are sold separately. Thomsonís most advanced digital receiver, the RCA-DIRECTV DWD490RE combines a built-in hard disk drive with two DIRECTV digital satellite tuners. With the capability to store up to 35 hours of digital video recording on the DWD490REís internal hard disk drive, UltimateTV customers are assured that their favorite DIRECTV programming is always within reach. Live television controls -- like pause, instant replay or slow motion -- put the viewer in control of programming action. This means viewers wonít miss a thing when watching their favorite shows. The DWD490RE is the first satellite receiver capable of delivering live picture-in-picture, enabling viewers to watch one show while recording another, or even record two shows at the same time conveniently on the built-in hard disk drive -- a feature sure to be popular since many of todayís most watched shows are on at the same time. UltimateTV is a new service from Microsoft, leaders in the development and delivery of enhanced TV services. The latest innovation brings together live TV broadcast controls, digital video recording, plus MSN Internet, and interactive TV features to create a significantly enhanced television experience. Viewer choice is a major advantage of the new system as the receiver incorporates a new DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide (APG) that enables consumers to access up to 14 days of DIRECTV program listings. The entire guide can be easily searched by key word or by category such as comedy, adventure, or mystery to locate a desired program. With the touch of a button, consumers can automatically record the program on the built-in hard disk drive for viewing at their leisure. For long-term storage, programs can be easily transferred to a VHS videocassette. The DWD490RE is also sold within the DS4290RE system (suggested retail price $349) which includes the receiver, an 18-inch (wide) dish/antenna with dual output LNB and a MasterTouchÆ universal remote control. An optional wireless keyboard accessory (RCA WKB10WB1) is available for more convenient Internet access and e-mail use. For more information about Thomson Multimedia, visit www.thomson-multimedia.com.

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