Thomson Multimedia Unveils New Generation Of RCA-DIRECTV Systems With Expanded Menu Of Entertainment, Information Options Including Interactive Functions

Personal Video Recording, Affordable Route To HDTV Programming Among Popular Features Of Existing Models Plus Over 225 Channels Of DIRECTV Programs

17-Aug-01

Further enhancing its leadership position in satellite home entertainment, Thomson Multimedia (NYSE: TMS) took the wraps off a new generation of RCAÆ-DIRECTVÆ systems, at the same time casting stronger focus on existing models that provide premium features such as digital video recording (DVR) and an affordable pathway to digital HDTV programming. The next-generation RCA-DIRECTV systems offer a broad variety of entertainment options through three standalone set-top receivers and four satellite systems (includes both receiver and dish/antenna). Most RCA-DIRECTV products include DIRECTV INTERACTIVEô powered by Wink CommunicationsÆ, an interactive television service that enables the consumer to access up-to-the-minute news, sports, financial information and weather, get program trivia, or respond to free offers and shop. ""These RCA-DIRECTV systems offer the consumer the broadest range of video content, along with exciting performance enhancements such as free interactive service and convenience features like Caller ID display capability and local channel reception (where available),"" said Thomsonís David Spomer, Vice President, Digital Decoders. ""The viewer can choose from an entire family of satellite home entertainment systems, all of which utilize the most advanced technologies to deliver over 225 channels of the most exciting programming options available on the market today."" Two current RCA-DIRECTV models are the DWD490RE (suggested retail price $299), which enables the viewer to access Microsoftís UltimateTVô service, and the DTC100 (suggested retail price $549) HDTV receiver. The DWD490RE is the first satellite TV platform to integrate DIRECTV programming, digital video recording, interactive television and Internet access in a single package. The RCA DTC100 offers a convenient and cost-effective avenue to digital TV viewing. (DIRECTV and UltimateTV services are sold separately from RCA satellite receivers). A newly designed Advanced Program Guideô highlights features of the new-generation RCA-DIRECTV receivers which include the DRD485RG (suggested retail price $199 or $249 for DS4285RG system), the DRD450RG (suggested retail price $149 or $199 for DS4250RG system) and the DRD430RG, which can be purchased with the 18 x 24-inch elliptical dish/antenna at a suggested retail price of $199, or with a standard 18-inch wide dish/antenna for $49. The Advanced Program 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, and arrows indicate programs starting before or ending after the time shown on the grid. In addition to the new guide, the systemsí 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. Additional features are Component Output (Y/Pr/Pb) for optimum video resolution (DRD485RG, DS4285RG), DolbyÆ Digital sound capability, one-button record, caller id display capability, and two sets of A/V output jacks (DRD450RG, DS4250RG), multi-satellite dish antenna and access to DIRECTV PARA TODOSô programming (DS4430RG). The most advanced RCA-DIRECTV system is the DS4290RE, which includes the capability to receive Microsoftís UltimateTV service. With the RCA DS4290RE, the viewer can watch two DIRECTV shows at the same time via picture-in-picture, watch one show while recording another, and record up to 35 hours of digital-quality programming for later viewing. Among other personalized viewing capabilities, the DS4290RE enables customers to choose from more than 500 hours per week of interactive television, respond to promotions with the click of a remote button, or use e-mail to keep in touch with family and friends. Another receiver, the RCA DTC100, offers an affordable path to the latest in HDTV programming. The set-top converter displays both digital DIRECTV and digital over-the-air programs on todayís analog TVs. When connected to an RCA high resolution HDTV monitor, the converter enables the monitor to display HDTV-quality video. Through the VGA component video adapter - the RCA VHDC300 - consumers can view full HDTV signals from the converter on HDTV-ready monitors from various manufacturers. The VHDC300 is designed to connect the set-top converter with HDTV monitors that require Y/Pr/Pb input to receive HDTV signals. The compact adapter is easy to install and can be tucked away, out-of-sight, to minimize ""cable clutter."" For more information about Thomson Multimedia, visit www.thomson-multimedia.com.

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