New Acoustic Research Wi-Q Universal Remote With Wi-Fi Link Orchestrates Control Of Multiple Entertainment Products, Delivers Range Of Handheld Personal Services

LAS VEGAS, January 5, 2006 — The Acoustic Research “Wi-Q” Universal Remote Control from Thomson, on display here this week at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show, is the ideal “media manager” for a wide array of entertainment products. The Wi-Fi remote, Model ARR2470, includes features such as an on-remote Electronic Program Guide (EPG) capability, and the added bonus of providing personalized services such as news, sports and weather. Further enhancing its appeal, the ARR2470 functions seamlessly, without wires for easy set-up. Scheduled availability of the ARR2470 is spring, with a suggested retail price of $299.

“Employing Wi-Fi wireless technology, the exciting Acoustic Research Wi-Q Remote is perfect for the consumer in a broadband-connected household that is seeking a simple, direct solution for controlling multiple products, including advanced home theater systems,” said Dan Collishaw, Chief Operating Officer, Thomson’s Audio/Video and Accessories businesses.

The Wi-Q serves as “command central” for controlling the multiple options of a sophisticated home theater system, along with a minimum of 24 entertainment components including; DVD players, cable and satellite receivers, Digital Video Recorders, CD players, sound systems and more. When not in use, the device rests in a custom-designed charging cradle that keeps the product ready for operation at all times.

Convenience services available through the Wi-Q’s Internet link include automatically updated and selectable Electronic Program Guides displayed on the remote’s full-color screen. The EPG enables the family to continue watching TV while searching the on-remote screen for optional cable, satellite or broadcast programming choices. With individual customization capabilities, the viewer can select from “Major Channels,” “All Channels,” “Favorite Channels” or configure the guide to display movies or sports programming. Another convenience option is the ability to view program details and set “reminders” for select program times. The viewer is provided with updates of national headline news, sports and weather information localized by postal ZIP codes, program guide listings including favorite show selections and more.

The new Acoustic Research Wi-Q Remote utilizes technology developed by Chicago-based TVcompass, to provide diverse wireless interactive TV and real-time entertainment services for the consumer, Wi-Fi, mobile phone and PDA markets. TVcompass provides licensed designs to accelerate the adoption of interactive TV “second-screen” devices and solutions.

“The ARR2470 brings together the power of TV control and interaction, with the always-connected experience consumers have become accustomed to with mobile phones, broadband connected PCs and Wi-Fi networks. Its unique capabilities provide simple set up of home entertainment equipment with an advanced electronic program guide on the second screen,” said Edward Zylka, TVcompass’ CEO.

While providing highly advanced services, the Acoustic Research Wi-Q Remote is exceptionally consumer friendly. On-screen menus provide “start-up welcome” support that includes essential feature descriptions, which serve as a basic tutorial for easy product usage.

Among other advantages, the Wi-Q provides an extensive library of “smart codes” to link together multiple branded products. Utilizing the brand library for easy device set-up, the consumer simply punches in a brand identity to conduct an automatic code search for that specific product. Also a “learning remote,” the ARR2470 easily replicates the functions of most remote control brands for instant fingertip control.

As an added convenience, the Wi-Q offers set-up activity for most common usage of a product. For example, commands can be programmed to “Watch DVD”, “Listen to CD”, “Watch TV” with the selection of a soft-key icon. On-screen assistance for set-up of these functions is also provided.

Even advanced product functionality is easily accomplished with the Acoustic Research Wi-Q Remote. On-screen “walk-throughs” enable the consumer to establish customized programmable options, tell the DVD to “go directly to play mode,” and other prompts that enhance the entertainment experience.

“The Acoustic Research WiQ Remote assumes all the work activities, leaving the consumer with the sole responsibility of enjoying the entertainment system,” said Collishaw.

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 – Partner to the Media & Entertainment Industries
Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) provides services, systems and technology to help its Media & Entertainment clients — content creators, content distributors and users of its technology — realize their business goals and optimize their performance in a rapidly changing technology environment. The Group is the preferred partner to the Media & Entertainment Industries through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, RCA and Thomson brands. For more information: www.thomson.net.

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