Thomson Introduces New RCA Scenium HDTV Line For 2003

12-Mar-03

Consumers who are shopping for new high-definition television sets are choosing widescreen displays that bring home the full experience of the movie theatre over traditional square screens, according to industry sales figures. Sales of widescreen high-definition television monitors and sets jumped 130 percent last year, as new widescreen models including the RCA Scenium line of HDTV sets and monitors arrived on store shelves. Anticipating the surge in popularity of widescreen HDTVs, Thomson (Paris Euronext: 18453, NYSE: TMS) last year launched the upscale RCA Scenium line of HDTV monitors and integrated HDTV sets, all featuring widescreen displays. The advanced HDTV monitors and integrated HDTV sets include models with integrated DVD players, built-in Web browsing for consumers with broadband connections, and the latest secure digital interfaces for high-definition content. HDTV For 2003: Slim And Trim For 2003, RCA Scenium designs slim down with a new thin, lightweight widescreen 50-inch (diagonal), fully integrated rear-projection HDTV based on Texas Instruments' DLPô (Digital Light Processingô) technology. The HDLP50W151 (suggested retail price $4,499) later this year will join an array of RCA Scenium advanced high-definition home theatre products that are now available at more than 2,000 retail stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. Introduced three years ago in Europe, the premium Scenium range from Thomson evolved from the growing demand for home theatre products with new designs and high performance. The RCA Scenium HDLP50W151 incorporates a state-of-the-art microdisplay light engine design from InFocusÆ Corporation, a worldwide leader in digital projection technology. The InFocus microdisplay engine is designed to Thomson specifications and incorporates Texas Instruments' second-generation Mustang/HD2 chip for improved brightness and contrast. The HDLP50W151 features a 16:9 widescreen display, a built-in ATSC tuner/decoder, 720p high-definition display, high-speed broadband connectivity for networking and Internet browsing, QAM modulation that enables the TV to receive local broadcasts over digital cable channels, and secure digital interfaces for optimum display capability of uncompressed digital video images, as well as recording of HDTV programming. The HDLP50W151 is lightweight (approximately 90 pounds) and has a slim cabinet (16 inches deep). ""The HDLP50W151 rear-projection DLP model is a fitting companion piece for the outstanding lineup of RCA Scenium digital television sets,"" said Thomson's Eric Meurice, Executive Vice President, Worldwide TV Division. ""Incorporating new display technology and lightweight design in a slim-line cabinet, the HDLP50W151 offers extraordinary home entertainment performance and is ideal as the centerpiece of any home theatre installation. The light weight and slim design of the new DLP model is ideal for consumers seeking dramatically improved big-screen HDTV performance in a set that does not require a great deal of floor space. It is an excellent alternative to flat panel monitors at an attractive price point,"" Meurice added. Dramatic Design Statement The HDLP50W151, like the rest of the RCA Scenium range, was designed by Thomson's award-winning global design center. All RCA Scenium rear-projection HDTV products feature a high-gloss black screen area that separates the different elements of the TV design. The borderless screen creates the illusion of a floating picture and visually brightens the picture, much like the movie screen in a dark theatre. In addition, the television's brushed finish control panel and metal speaker enclosures visually represent the three core elements of the home theatre experience--picture, technology, and sound. Widescreen High-Definition Television The HDLP50W151 joins three rear-projection, widescreen HDTV sets in 65-, 61-, and 52-inch screen sizes that feature integrated ATSC tuning and decoding capability (Thomson was the first to offer an integrated ATSC tuner in rear-projection HDTVs), a second window to the Internet with high-speed broadband connectivity for browsing, and secure digital interfaces for high-resolution picture performance. Thomson has developed a High Definition Picture System for integrated HDTV sets to give high-definition enthusiasts the best possible picture. Complementing the RCA Scenium advanced picture performance is a series of premium audio enhancements including a 60-watt audio system with built-in 30-watt subwoofer. The HDLP50W151 will also offer a 30-watt audio system. Built-In DVD With Projection HDTV Monitors Continuing in the line are three RCA Scenium rear-projection HDTV monitor models--in 61-, 52-, and 40-inch screen sizes and one direct-view 34-inch model--featuring integrated DVD players. In addition to playing DVD-Video, each of the integrated DVD monitors is also compatible with audio CDs, CD-R, and MP3-encoded CDs. To further personalize the flat-screen, direct-view 34-inch model, Thomson designers created the exclusive Clip'On frame system that allows consumers to choose from multiple colors of decorative frames. The frames easily snap onto the face of the TV, enabling viewers to adapt the cabinet design for various room decors. The HDTV monitors in the RCA Scenium line feature progressive scan upconversion, 1080i and 480p display capability, interactive format control, and automatic letterbox detection to fill out the widescreen viewing area. HDTV Compatibility With DVI And DTVLink (IEEE 1394) Thomson's RCA Scenium HDTV sets and HDTV monitors include industry-standard, secure digital DVI interfaces with HDCP copy protection for display of uncompressed, pristine high-definition video signals. Additionally, RCA Scenium HDTV sets with the Thomson High Definition Picture System feature dual-industry-standard DTVLink (IEEE 1394) inputs with DTCP copy protection for external components such as next-generation set-top HDTV receivers and high-definition playback sources. All RCA Scenium HDTV sets and monitors also include SYNCROSCANô HD component video inputs that allow connection of up to two component video sources (such as currently available HDTV set-top receivers and DVD players). For more information about Thomson, visit www.thomson.net. For more information about RCA Scenium, visit www.rca.com.

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