Coast-to-Coast Digital Service Delivers High Definition Satellite TV Programming to RCA HDTV Products in Key Launch Markets
10/28/98
PR Newswire
(Copyright (c) 1998, PR Newswire)
DIRECTV(R) and HBO from USSB(R) offer digital HDTV programming for retail
demonstrations in 1998 Built-in technology will be consumer's most affordable digital TV option
NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomson Consumer Electronics today demonstrated the first digital high definition television sets that provide HDTV reception from both local broadcasters and satellite programmers DIRECTV and USSB. Shipment of the RCA and PROSCAN widescreen projection HDTV sets to select retailers in New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles will begin next week, providing consumers their first opportunity to see coast-to-coast HDTV service from the nation's most popular direct-to-home satellite TV system.
"We're offering an elegant, all-in-one solution. Consumers who choose RCA will get the industry's most fully-featured and most affordable high definition products, since our HDTV will receive analog and digital over-the-air broadcasts, standard cable transmissions, standard digital satellite programs, and high definition digital satellite services through an integrated receiving system. There's no need to buy additional components, or plug-in adapters. We have the television that does it all," said Jim Meyer, Chief Operating Officer of Thomson Consumer Electronics. Thomson manufactures and markets under the RCA and PROSCAN brand names and sells more television sets in the U.S. than any other manufacturer. Consumer sales of the new product are expected early in 1999.
A dozen well-known retailers, including Circuit City, SEARS, Best Buy, the good guys!, Star Club, Fry's Electronics, SoundCity, P.C. Richard and Son, The Wiz, Tops Appliance, Nationwide Computers and Electronics, and 6th Ave Electronics City, will soon offer consumers in New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles their own opportunity to see Thomson's RCA and PROSCAN HDTV products.
"Once again, DIRECTV is leading the development of broadcast technology by offering instantaneous 48-state coverage of high definition programming. The digital satellite system is the first satellite receiving system to be built right into the TV set," said Eddy Hartenstein, President of DIRECTV, Inc. "We'll be encouraging consumers to install their new off-air digital terrestrial reception antenna along with the satellite antenna. Together, they will receive the ultimate combination of premium satellite programming from DIRECTV and USSB and crystal clear digital local broadcast signals."
"U.S. Satellite Broadcasting is dedicated to delivering the Ultimate Movie Experience on TV(TM). Offering the extensive lineup of HBO HDTV programming to consumers in early 1999 gives us the opportunity to build on our leadership position by offering our subscribers the latest and most innovative entertainment technology," said Stanley E. Hubbard, President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Satellite Broadcasting. "With our strategic partners HBO, RCA, and DIRECTV, USSB will continue to lead the digital revolution with more choice and the best quality available in the industry today."
Thomson, DIRECTV, and USSB have also invested in extensive sales training for hundreds of retail salespeople who will answer consumer questions about the new integrated RCA HDTV products and HDTV service from DIRECTV and USSB.
The first HDTV models include the RCA P55000 (suggested retail price $6,999), which features a 55-inch high definition display, fully-integrated digital electronics for both local digital broadcasts and satellite reception, an easy-to-use on-screen menu system, and a comprehensive audio package that can supply Dolby Digital audio for a true home theatre experience. The PROSCAN PS61000 (suggested retail price $7,999) offers similar features and a 61-inch high definition display.
Additionally, consumers will soon have the opportunity to purchase a low-cost digital set-top converter that will receive both today's regular TV signals and new digital transmissions from local broadcasters and DIRECTV and USSB. The RCA DTC100 set top converter is easily connected to the current analog family TV and receives the same broad range of programming as the fully integrated HDTV models. The DTC100 will be available in early 1999 with a suggested retail price of $700.
Thomson also today announced a $20 million upgrade to its Marion, Indiana color TV picture tube assembly plant which will be partially reconfigured to build widescreen picture tubes for direct-view HDTV products that will be offered late in 1999. The direct-view models, which use a conventional tube display, are expected to have suggested retail prices significantly less than the first HDTV projection models.
HDTV programming from DIRECTV will be uplinked from its new Los Angeles Broadcast Center (LABC), which is designed to accommodate high definition broadcasts. The LABC will be capable of digitally transmitting via satellite more than 200 channels of feature films, entertainment, sports, educational programming, special events and the new high definition programming to DIRECTV subscribers.
About RCA/Thomson
Thomson Consumer Electronics has sold more than five million digital satellite receiver systems -- the most popular consumer electronics product ever introduced. Thomson is the nation's leading color TV manufacturer under the RCA, PROSCAN, and GE brands and is the nation's largest producer of color TV picture tubes. Major products manufactured and marketed by the company include color TVs, VCRs, camcorders, DVD players, digital satellite receiver systems, and home audio and telephone communications products. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Thomson Consumer Electronics is a unit of international electronics giant Thomson Multimedia. Visit RCA home entertainment on the World Wide Web at www.rca-electronics.com.
About DIRECTV
DIRECTV provides more than 4 million subscribers with access to more than 185 channels of programming, such as popular television networks and commercial-free audio channels in digital-quality picture and sound, as well as more sports than any other direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service or cable provider. Since its introduction to U.S. consumers nationwide in the fall of 1994, DIRECTV has acquired more than one million subscribers per year. DIRECTV is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation. The earnings of Hughes Electronics are used to calculate the earnings per share attributable to GMH (NYSE symbol) common stock. Visit DIRECTV on the World Wide Web at www.directv.com.
About U.S. Satellite Broadcasting
United States Satellite Broadcasting Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: USSB) provides consumers nationwide with an unprecedented collection of premium movie channels. The 18-inch digital satellite system is the only place where consumers can get programming from USSB and DIRECTV. Every digital satellite system allows viewers to switch between satellite (DIRECTV and USSB) and local TV channels with the touch of a single button on the digital satellite system remote control. The digital satellite system is The Standard in Satellite TV(R) with hardware distributed by the greatest brand names in consumer electronics history. The company's headquarters is located in St. Paul, Minnesota.
(C)1988. United States Satellite Broadcasting Company, Inc., U.S. Satellite Broadcasting, USSB, The Ultimate Movie Experience on TV and The Standard in Satellite TV are service marks of United States Satellite Broadcasting Company, Inc. DIRECTV is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc. a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation. All information subject to change. USSB services available only within the United States. USSB reserves the right to change programming services, programming packages, prices and terms and conditions at any time.
/CONTACT: Dave Arland of RCA-Thomson, 317-587-4450; or Pam Golden Loder of Golden Loder Associates, 908-889-8300, ext. 122, for Thomson Consumer Electronics; Gina Scalise of DIRECTV, 310-726-4654; or Kris Sundberg of U.S. Satellite Broadcasting, 612-659-7095/ 11:00 EST |
