Thomson Announces HD AVC Video Encoding Solution for Blu-ray Format

Business Wire, Feb 26, 2008

BURBANK, Calif. & PARIS -- Thomson (Euronext Paris:18453) (NYSE:TMS), today announced the availability of the NexCode[TM] HD AVC Encoder, a next-generation encoding solution that provides compression tools to create content in Blu-ray Disc[TM] and other high-definition formats. The cutting-edge solution for post production is the most powerful and flexible HD AVC encoding tool available for purchase by facilities with compression and authoring services.

Thomson developed the NexCode HD AVC Encoder by incorporating numerous capabilities into one, including automatic artifact correction, novel bit rate control and re-encoding parameter pre-set configurations. The result is a fast and flexible solution that produces best-in-class video quality and is fully compliant with AVC and Blu-ray formats.

The NexCode HD AVC Encoder features a built-in video player with configurable split screen modes, which enables users to visually compare a scene before and after an encoding step. The solution's fully adjustable re-encoding parameters allow customized scene-by-scene and frame-by-frame processing. The NexCode HD AVC Encoder is also equipped with Film Grain Technology[TM], which allows flexible film grain adjustments. For dual-format projects, NexCode allows a single encode to be used for the creation of both Blu-ray and HD DVD compliant bit streams.

The NexCode HD AVC Encoder benefits from Thomson-developed proprietary algorithms, which not only automatically detect and correct encoding artifacts but also preserve and improve the visual quality during ingestion. NexCode's hardware configuration includes an encoding workstation and an optimized PC cluster architecture. The PC cluster and the storage space can be scaled to meet customer's business requirements.

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 and business conditions, consumer electronics markets, 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 -- World leader in digital video technologies

The world leader in digital video, Thomson (Euronext Paris:18453) (NYSE:TMS) provides technology, services, and systems to the Communications, Media and Entertainment industries - end-to-end solutions for content creators, broadcasters and network operators - enabling them to improve their commercial products and services offerings and dramatically increase performance in a rapidly changing video technology environment. For more information: http://www.thomson.net.