Thomson Takes HDTV To Retailers

Thomson Electronics in conjunction with DirecTV and USSB has begun to implement a plan announced in late October to introduce HDTV to the masses via selected retailers. Thomson is supplying demo-only (Thomson-owned and not available for resale) HDTV sets of its widescreen 55-inch rear-screen projection RCA Model P55000 ($6,999) and ProScan Model PS61000 ($4,999). Both HDTVs feature built-in satellite reception. Demonstrations were conducted in New York, Washington, DC (November) and Los Angeles (December). Retailers who have signed on to participate in the Thomson demo program include Circuit City, Best Buy, The Good Guys!, Sears, Sound City, P.C. Richard & Son, The Wiz, Tops Appliance City, and 6th Avenue Electronics. Over 300 retail salespeople from these and other participating retailers have been trained in the program. The HDTV sets will be available for sale in early 1999, followed by Thomsonís converter/satellite receiver, Model DTC100 ($700).High-definition programming for the demonstrations was supplied by DirecTV and USSB. High-definition HBO programming was to be supplied by DirecTV and USSB (beginning March 1 1999). One-channel of high-definition programming will be offered through the end of the year with a second 24-hour channel in 1999 once RCAís HDTV sets are available to the public.Thomson plans to market two direct view CRT widescreen HDTV sets sized 34-inch and 38-inch under the RCA and ProScan brands late in 1999. Selling prices have not been announced.