Thomson DVRs Malaysia

PARIS -- Thomson (Euronext Paris:18453; NYSE: TMS) today announced it will begin shipping a new set-top box with digital video recorder this month to ASTRO, the leading satellite TV operator in Malaysia. Under the terms of a contact signed beginning of this year which gave Thomson the status of lead developer and supplier of set-top boxes and associated technology, Thomson is already providing ASTRO with an entry-level digital satellite TV set-top box in support of the operator's ongoing customer acquisition programme. The deal to provide this new set-top box with digital video recorder coupled with an extension to the existing contract for entry-level set-top boxes is the fruit of Thomson's commitment to broaden both its media and entertainment product offering and client base globally including in the Asia Pacific region.

Thomson Technology to Help Drive ASTRO's Growth Strategy

With over 1.8 million residential TV subscribers across Malaysia, ASTRO is the largest multi-channel TV business in Asia, outside Japan. The company is continuing to increase subscriber numbers by extending the content and services it provides customers. The new Thomson set-top box, for example, will enable ASTRO to launch Malaysia's first DVR service. In addition to the recording functionality, advanced features such as pausing or rewinding live TV, will give ASTRO subscribers greater control, choice and flexibility over what they watch and when, than ever before.

Customer acquisition is a priority for ASTRO and Thomson's set-top box expertise and technology will provide it with fully-featured products to help the operator achieve its new subscriber targets and tap new revenue streams.

"We are very excited to be launching the new DVR technology in Malaysia, re-enforcing our position of product innovator in the television domain. The continued expansion of our subscriber base in Malaysia is testament to the quality and variety of programmes and services we offer and the new generation platform is a perfect example of our desire to lead the field. We are very pleased to renew our long term partnership with Thomson drawing on its innovations, expertise and proven international track record." said David Butorac, Group Chief Operating Officer at ASTRO.

Thomson S.A. (NYSE: TMS; Euronext Paris: 18453)