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INDIANAPOLIS—As DVD hardware sales continue to explode, solidifying its position as the fastest growing consumer electronics product category of all time, Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453) (NYSE: TMS) is introducing innovative new products designed to give consumers added flexibility and convenience capabilities. Highlights include two new RCA +RW DVD recorders, including a DVD Recorder/VCR combo unit that enables the easy transfer of content from home VHS videotape to a DVD, and visa versa. Also new to the 2004 lineup are a slot-load, DivX enabled DVD player and a unique, tablet-styled portable designed to provide hours of entertainment on the go.

"The industry is coming off a stellar year in DVD sales (including DVD combos), and the Digital Entertainment Group expects DVD household penetration to reach 65 percent in the U.S. this year. We anticipate that recordable DVD will help drive the continued growth of the category and provide consumers with even greater enjoyment of this remarkable entertainment product," said Mark Redmond, Vice President, Worldwide Audio and Video.

DVD Recorder / VCR Combo Provides Flexibility
With a couple of button presses on the DVD Recorder/VCR Combo (model DRC8300N), consumers can easily transfer home videos from a VHS tape directly onto a DVD. More sophisticated editing is also a snap with programmable tape playback, allowing users to select only those scenes they want to copy before recording to disc. You can even split titles or hide unwanted chapters after recording the content to a DVD+RW disc.