Thomson Readies Affordable, Innovative Solutions for Completion of U.S. Digital TV Broadcast Transition; New Silicon Solutions and Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Designed to Broadcaster Specifications to be Demonstrated at NAB 2006.

LAS VEGAS -- To support the completion of the terrestrial broadcast transition to digital television in the United States, Thomson (Euronext Paris:18453)(NYSE:TMS), the global technology corporation serving the media and entertainment industries, currently has several development programs underway that will enable consumers to receive terrestrial digital television signals on their existing analog TVs. Thomson is leveraging its position as a leading supplier of set-top boxes with a series of digital-to-analog converter boxes and is reaffirming its expertise as a developer of highly integrated digital TV integrated circuit (IC) solutions with the announcement of the Thomson 4300A ATSC-compliant IC incorporating both ATSC demodulator and MPEG-2 decoding functionalities.

At the 2006 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show next week, Thomson will demonstrate several technologies aimed at helping companies and consumers complete the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting.

Silicon Components Demonstration Platform

Thomson is showcasing a prototype of the first in a series of ATSC-compliant set-top reference designs that will include a new Thomson Silicon Solutions IC and all software from drivers through to the user-interface. The new Thomson 4300A is targeted at the entire ATSC converter market including digital set-top box and original design manufacturers. Thomson's Silicon Components group will make samples available of the chip in the first quarter of 2007, with production slated to begin in the second half of 2007.

Integrated circuits that consolidate the reception and demodulation of digital TV signals are a key ingredient in the development of new and affordable products that will help millions of consumers complete the transition to digital television that is now scheduled for February of 2009. Thomson is actively marketing the Thomson 4300A as a "one-chip answer" for electronics manufacturers needing both an affordable and high-quality reception solution for terrestrially-broadcast digital TV signals.

Set-Top Designed to Broadcaster Specifications

Also on display at NAB will be the high-quality, low-cost terrestrial converter box platform that is being developed for the Association for Maximum Television Service (MSTV) and NAB. Thomson was selected last fall by these two organizations to develop a prototype and reference design that will set the standard for other manufacturers to enable the more than 70 million existing analog televisions that rely on terrestrial broadcasts to receive programming.

The prototype set-top box, designed to MSTV and NAB specifications, incorporates a two-chip demodulator/decoder solution by Thomson. The converter is in full compliance with specifications requested by the broadcaster organizations and features an electronic program guide, composite video output, left and right audio output, channel 3-4 modulator with RF pass through, and Smart Antenna Control to electronically adjust a specialized antenna for optimum reception.

In addition to the digital-to-analog set-top box and Thomson 4300A IC solution, Thomson is also developing other products for consumers. The innovative MPC4000 JENSEN-brand receiver will turn a laptop computer into a digital TV, allowing for reception and recording of terrestrial broadcasts. Developed as an accessory that can easily connect via USB, the MPC4000 is expected to ship to retail stores later this year. Thomson is also planning other set-top boxes to address specific applications, such as a high-end model designed to supply digital TV signals to desktop computers or high-definition television monitors.

For a Thomson Silicon Solutions demonstration appointment at NAB, contact Clay Hine at [e-mail].

About Thomson

Partner to the Media & Entertainment Industries, Thomson (Euronext Paris:18453; NYSE:TMS) provides technology, systems and services to help its media and entertainment clients - content creators, content distributors and users of its technology - realise their business goals and optimise their performance in a rapidly changing technology environment. The group intends to become the preferred partner to the media and entertainment Industries through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, RCA and Thomson brands. See "http://www.thomson.net" for more information.