Thomson Multimedia Launches Interactive Television Line Powered by Microsoft TV

December 6, 2000 -Thomson yesterday announced the launch of a new line of innovative TV products that utilize Microsoft TV software to deliver subscription-free interactive television.
The new features are available to European consumers in a special line of Thomson-brand television products that include an interactive service called TAK.

A subsidiary of the Thomson Multimedia group that is held 70% by Thomson and 30% by Microsoft, the TAK service allows viewers to easily send and receive e-mail, display an electronic TV program guide, interact with television programs, access the Internet and take advantage of personalized information and entertainment services -- all through the television set.

The TAK service is delivered via an integrated electronics module and modem, as well as Microsoft TV software, and offers consumers an expanded range of built-in entertainment and interactive services.

"Thomson has integrated TAK technology and services into a complete range of twelve different TV products, including both standard size and widescreen models, to reach consumers throughout Europe with this new subscription-free service. Never before have so many options been available for consumers who are shopping for a new entertainment experience," said James E. Meyer, Senior Executive Vice President of New Media Services for Thomson Multimedia.

"These innovative new televisions and their associated TAK interactive service are great examples of the tremendous innovation that is happening in the consumer electronics and television industries," said Jon DeVaan, senior vice president, TV Division at Microsoft Corp. "Starting today, European consumers will enjoy interactive television services directly from their Thomson TV."

The launch of these interactive TV receivers by Thomson is the latest in a series of technology announcements made by the two companies. Microsoft is an equity investor in Thomson Multimedia, which is also the largest TV manufacturer in the United States. The new interactive Thomson television line is expected to spur interest in television commerce and Internet use in Europe, where online use has trailed that of some other areas of the world.

E-mail for the whole family
Thomson products with TAK offer a genuine "connected", intelligent television that opens up the world of electronic mail to all viewers. Each family member can have their own e-mail address allowing each to write and read messages, manage their own address book, view an attached document (such as photos, fixed images, and animated images) and archive their mail.

On-Screen Electronic Program Guide and Interactive Programs
TAK offers viewers a complete program guide, allowing viewers to see the week's programs at a glance. With TAK, you can also access detailed information about current or future programs on all available channels while you watch the TV. Beginning in 2001, TAK will offer an interactive service that is synchronized with the program being watched. When an interactivity signal appears on the screen during a program, the viewer can interact with the TV to participate in a vote or game, or access additional information.

Internet Surfing and More
Consumers can easily surf the Internet on a TAK-enabled Thomson television and will have access to a variety of information and entertainment services available through the subscription-free TAK service -- including current affairs and financial news, sports updates, regional news, lottery results, movie reviews, museum schedules, travel suggestions, fashion news, and weather forecasts.

About Thomson Multimedia
With sales of 6.7 billion Euros (U.S. $ 6.5 billion) in 1999 and 55,000 employees in more than 30 countries, Thomson Multimedia (Paris Sicovam: 18453) (NYSE: TMS), provides a wide range of technologies, systems, finished products and services to consumers and professionals of the entertainment and media industries. To advance and enable the digital media transition, Thomson Multimedia has five principal activities: Displays and Components, Consumer Products, Digital Media Solutions, New Media Services, and Patents and Licensing. The company distributes its products under the popular THOMSON and RCA brand names. For more information: www.thomson-multimedia.com.

Source: Thomson Multimedia