Summary

Thomson multimedia announced four new HDTV models in pilot production, including a 38-inch direct-view widescreen set under the RCA and PROSCAN brands, with prices cut by more than 50%. The RCA F38310 and PROSCAN PS38000 models, priced at $3,799 and $3,999 respectively, feature integrated over-the-air and DIRECTV reception and were set to ship to retailers in late July 2000.

Source document circa 2000 preserved as-is

Friday, June 9, 2000

THOMSON'S NEW LINE OF HDTV

June 8, 2000 --- A new breed of Digital High-Definition Television Receivers is about to be unleashed by THOMSON multimedia, the manufacturer and marketer of RCA and PROSCAN home entertainment products. Four new HDTV models are now in pilot production in Thomson's facilities, including the world's largest direct-view widescreen HDTV that will dramatically reduce consumer prices for HDTV products.

To bolster its leadership position in digital television products, Thomson will drop prices for HDTV products by more than 50% with the introduction of its first direct-view, widescreen HDTV in a few weeks.

"As America's largest TV manufacturer and marketer, Thomson is ready to capitalize on the digital television revolution with a complete offering of high-resolution and high-definition television receivers," said Mike O'Hara, Senior Vice President of Thomson. "With digital television moving into the mainstream, we are confident that consumers will react very favorably to the performance and new affordable pricing of these cutting-edge digital television products."

The RCA 38-inch widescreen high-definition television will now be offered to consumers at a Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of $3,799. The RCA F38310 HDTV features built-in electronics to receive analog and digital over-the-air television, as well as standard and high-definition services from DIRECTV. The PROSCAN 38-inch PS38000 model has a different cabinet design, but offers the same features and a custom-designed TV stand (SRP $3,999.)

Both the RCA and PROSCAN models are built with a new 38-inch PERFORMAX color TV picture tube from Thomson's big-screen Marion, Indiana factory. 38-inch HDTV products are expected to begin shipment to retailers in late July.

Thomson is also readying two new projection HDTV models, including 61-inch RCA and 65-inch PROSCAN models that will feature built-in SuperShield screen protection systems and fully-integrated electronics for both over-the-air and satellite reception of digital TV. No additional set-top receivers are necessary with these RCA and PROSCAN products to receive FCC-approved ATSC digital TV standard broadcasts.