The Digital Cable Ready RCA Scenium Profiles HDTV models offer a series of video and audio enhancements that totally engulf and involve the viewer in the on-screen action, including the ability to simultaneously watch TV and surf the Internet or display favorite digital photos.

Both models feature an integrated ATSC tuner/decoder and Digital Cable Ready circuitry designed to capture the stunning realism of HDTV broadcasts aired by terrestrial broadcasters and carried by cable operators to consumers. The Digital Cable Ready feature delivers cable-ready high-definition programming with a CableCard™ slot and off-air reception of digital high definition broadcasts without the need for a separate ATSC tuner or digital cable box. The cable security card is provided by the cable operator and insures nationwide portability on any compliant digital cable network throughout the United States.

"RCA Scenium Profiles HDTV offers a new dimension in digital television viewing that is so thin you can easily hang Profiles HDTV on the wall," said Michael D. O'Hara, Executive Vice President of Thomson's Consumer Solutions businesses. "While most consumers expect stunning picture performance, these models go the extra mile by utilizing the latest DLP microdisplay technology to drive breathtaking reality in color imagery and vibrant sound that rival the movie experience."

The DLP models incorporate Texas Instruments' DLP technology yhat delivers high contrast with rich blacks and dark detail, creating the optimum viewing experience. At the same time, reduced pixelization results in a smoother picture compared to previous microdisplay technologies. TI's DLP technology produces over 16 million colors and over 1,000 shades of gray with twice the contrast of many competing microdisplay technologies. Nearly a million microscopic mirrors deliver razor sharp images and a seamless picture without convergence issues or burn-in.

Dynamic Feature Package
The RCA Scenium Profiles HDTV widescreen models are the 61-inch HD61THW263 (suggested retail price $9,999) and the 50-inch HD50THW263 (suggested retail price $8,999). Among the features and convenience factors that separate RCA Scenium Profiles from the competition are:

*           Internet Explorer® Web Browser with Photo-Share NetConnect™ featuring 32-bit graphics processing that significantly enhances the enjoyment of viewing high-resolution photos or surfing the worldwide web. With the additional convenience of a wireless keyboard (included with purchase), the television's Ethernet connection provides broadband access to home networks and the Internet. The built-in Explorer 6.0 browser delivers Web content as well as photo images from a home computer to the TV screen.

*           HDTV Recording can be achieved using the new RCA Scenium DVR2160 and RCA Scenium DVR 2080 hard-drive HDTV recorders via DTVLink. Both recorders provide the ability to pause, rewind and fast-forward live programming so the viewer will never miss a favorite scene or disputed call in a sports contest. The DVR 2160 (suggested retail price $549) delivers up to 80 hours of standard definition digital recording or up to 18 hours of high-definition programs while the DVR2080 (suggested retail price $449) provides up to 40 hours of standard definition digital recording or up to nine hours of high-definition recording. The recorders feature digital-to-digital connection for user-friendly interface through the HDTV and automatic configuration to the TV.

*           SRS TruSurroundXT™ surround sound utilizing Profiles' 60-Watt five-speaker (including subwoofer) system for DVD-quality audio. TruSurroundXT includes two proprietary techniques to enhance the performance of the bass response and maintain clarity of dialog and vocals against background noise and sound effects.

Motivated by strong endorsement of its first RCA Scenium and RCA HDTV models featuring the advanced DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology from Texas Instruments, Thomson is forging new standards of achievement with the ultra-thin models in dramatically designed cabinet styles that adapt easily to any room decor. A key enabler of Profiles is the InFocus light engine, a revolutionary patent-pending engine, lens and screen solution that makes possible the ultra-thin profile. Both RCA Scenium Profiles models are comparable in weight to a plasma display at less than 130 pounds, making wall-hanging HDTV easy with a standardized wall bracket (sold separately).

In developing a design aesthetic for the RCA Scenium Profiles models, Thomson's design team established a thin surface material that highlights the dramatic ultra-thin profile of the television. The screen area was then recessed to create a visual backdrop for the picture and sound, further enhancing the overall theatre effect. A black crystalline screen frame containing the picture is cradled against a silver backdrop, much like a painting on an easel. The result is a dramatic "floating picture" concept that visually suspends the image as a separate element of the cabinet.

RCA Scenium Profiles HDTV models are equipped with one of the industry's most advanced performance technology packages including:

*           Hi-Pix™ Picture System combining digital display technology video optimization with updated Tru-Scan Digital Reality signal processing. Thomson's proprietary DLP bit sequences optimize the HDTV video for DLP displays. New Tru-Scan Digital Reality digital signal processing algorithms include advanced edge replacement, recursive noise reduction, and digital contrast expansion for a sharper, more realistic picture. Tru-Scan Digtal Reality also includes horizontal and vertical peaking, auto-flesh, and 3-D Y/C frame comb technologies.

*           Extensive package of secure digital interfaces including HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) with HDCP copy protection, which adds digital audio to the digital video to provide an uncompressed digital audio/video input on a single convenient cable. This convenient connection replaces the DVI-HDTV video and separate analog audio connections on set-top devices that can now easily connect to Profiles HDTV Sets with an adapter cable. Profiles HDTV models also include dual DTVLink 1394 interfaces with DTCP copy protection for two-way connections with digital video recorders (DVRs) and other sources of compressed digital audio/video signals.

*           Analog connections including composite video and left/right audio outputs for archiving programs on an analog VCR, and two SYNCROSCAN™ High-Definition Component Video inputs for compatibility with DVD players and other digital set-top devices.

*           Backlit Sensor Control Panel for convenient one-touch access to TV control functions plus a backlit Universal Remote Control.

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
Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) is the leading provider of technology and service solutions for integrated media and entertainment companies. By capitalizing on and expanding its leadership positions at the intersection of entertainment, media and technology, Thomson provides end-to-end solutions to content creators, video network operators, manufacturers and retailers through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, THOMSON and RCA brands. For more information: www.thomson.net

Thomson's Consumer Solutions Businesses include a wide range of products and marketing services for high-definition television, digital audio and video, accessories, and telephones found in homes throughout the world. The most advanced RCA and THOMSON consumer products carry the premium Scenium brand, emphasizing superior technology and elegant design. The latest information on our consumer product lines can be found at www.rca.com