NEW THOMSON CONNECTIVITY PRODUCTS PROVIDE DIRECT LINK TO MULTIPLE ENTERTAINMENT, INFORMATION OPTIONS AT HOME, IN THE OFFICE OR ON-THE-ROAD
LAS VEGAS, January 5, 2006 — Reflecting the diverse entertainment and informational needs of American consumers, Thomson’s Accessories business is introducing a series of cutting-edge products that accomplish these tasks. On display here this week at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show, this range of new products is designed to enhance business, home and portable entertainment functionality.
“Few companies are positioned to develop such wide-ranging electronics products aimed at informing and enlightening consumers who are still wrestling with various technological applications,” said Dan Collishaw, Chief Operating Officer, of Thomson’s Audio/Video and Accessories businesses. “We have put advanced technology to work with products that emphasize enjoyment and ease of use.”
Take the Work Out of Presentation Delivery
Tired of dragging your laptop across country to deliver that key presentation? The new Gyration GYROTRANSPORT, an advanced, ultra-small, wireless remote control/presentation device with 1GB of built-in memory is the solution for success. About the size of a typical automobile key fob, the GYROTRANSPORT enables the user to store presentations and other documents on the GYROTRANSPORT’s flash memory drive that also serves as a wireless antenna for the innovative, handheld, Gyroscope air mouse.
The GYROTRANSPORT’s memory module and antenna is then plugged into a standard USB port on any compatible PC, and the files are instantly accessible. To use the air mouse features of the GYROTRANSPORT, simply point and click to launch the presentation. The GYROTRANSPORT miniature Air Mouse provides the ultimate in convenience and mobility, and features an innovative “Swipes” button that enables the presenter to use hand motions to remotely activate over 80 dynamic commands. The high-power 2.4 GHz transmitter delivers smooth tracking, real-time cursor movement and quick response.
The GYROTRANSPORT will be available in January with a suggested retail price of $199.
Acoustic Research Wi-Fi Remote
As a final link to the enjoyment of multiple entertainment products, Thomson offers the Acoustic Research “WiQ” Wi-Fi Universal Remote Control (suggested retail price $299) available in the spring. Featuring on-remote Electronic Program Guide capability, the user-friendly remote, Model ARR2470, provides control over the multiple options of a sophisticated home entertainment system, along with the functionality of 24 entertainment components, while delivering personalized services such as local news, weather and sports data, through an existing home Wi-Fi connection. The ARR 2470 offers an extensive library of “smart codes” for linking together multiple branded products and serves as a “learning remote” that easily replicates the functions of most remote control brands. For added convenience, the ARR2470 programs set-up options for most common usage of a given product, such as an on-screen command to “watch DVD” or “listen to CD”.
JENSEN Bluetooth for Wireless Solutions
Whether it’s business or pleasure, consumers are discovering the convenience and flexibility of wireless solutions, and JENSEN ME (Mobility Expanded) Bluetooth accessories provide a universal approach to the transfer of music, data or both among digital music players, headphones, computers, PDAs and cellular telephones. JENSEN universal Bluetooth technology products are compatible with many current entertainment and communication devices, thus eliminating the need to purchase new equipment. The consumer can mix and match components per individual needs. Among these JENSEN brand products are:
Bluetooth Headphones – WBT212: lightweight headphones with a built-in microphone that automatically switches from music to telephone when a call is received via a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The WBT212 features a wrap-around behind the neck headband. Available now with a suggested retail price of $119.95.
Wireless Music Adapter – WBT420: is a portable transmitter that connects to any number of devices that utilize a universal 3.5mm headphone jack, enabling the user to easily link a personal entertainment device and transmit to most Bluetooth receiving devices. Available now with a suggested retail price of $119.95.
Wireless Music Adapter and Headphone Combo – WBB100: integrates both the WBT212 and WBT420 in a single package for the complete transmitter to headphone solution. The WBB100 features a sleek design in a classic white finish. Available now with a suggested retail price of $229.95.
Wireless Music Hub
The future is now for consumers seeking to network their home audio components, DVD players and home entertainment system. Thomson is introducing the Acoustic Research AW600 Wireless Network 2.4GHz Hub (suggested retail price $69.95) that transmits a wireless audio signal to multiple entertainment products including Main (L/R) or Rear (L/R) surround sound speakers, subwoofers — and to outdoor speakers as well. The result is efficient wireless operation of the entire home audio system.
Bridging the Television/PC Gap
Looking for a simple way to share digital content you have stored on your PC’s hard drive with family and friends? The solution is the Acoustic Research Digital MediaBridge, a compact set-top receiver that allows users to stream audio and video content such as movies, home videos, music and digital images from the PC to TV using wired or wireless connections. Using an in-home Wi-Fi network (802.11b or 802.11g) the Digital MediaBridge, model DMP3000, allows users to view digital photographs in high definition and 720p resolution for video display. While it is primarily a home entertainment device with the on-screen menu controlled by a six-device universal remote control, the Digital MediaBridge also provides functions that computer users expect, including the ability to search for music files by artist, title, album or genre; organize photos into slide shows with music accompaniment; and sort a movie library alphabetically. The AR DMP3000 has a suggested retail price of $349 and is now shipping to retailers.
Certain statements in this press release, including any discussion of management expectations for future periods, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements due to changes in global economic, business, competitive market and regulatory factors. More detailed information on the potential factors that could affect the financial results of Thomson is contained in Thomson’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Thomson – Partner to the Media & Entertainment Industries
Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) provides services, systems and technology to help its Media & Entertainment clients — content creators, content distributors and users of its technology — realize their business goals and optimize their performance in a rapidly changing technology environment. The Group is the preferred partner to the Media & Entertainment Industries through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, RCA and Thomson brands. For more information: www.thomson.net.
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