Thomson Video Networks Reduces Headend Footprint, Power Consumption With 4-Channel ViBE EM2000 Quad Encoder

With a rich feature set, the Thomson ViBE EM2000 Quad makes it possible to reduce the footprint and power consumption of equipment required at the headend while maintaining the uncompromised picture quality that is a hallmark of the ViBE range. Functions include transcoding of DVB subtitles, logo insertion with fade in/out support, encoding of up to four stereo pairs per channel, and dual power supply support.

Based on the most advanced video compression engine on the market today, the ViBE EM2000 Quad encoder establishes a new benchmark for multichannel encoding. It supports all the required audio and video interfaces in one unit (SDI, composite, analog, and AES audio), with both ASI and GigEthernet output interfaces, and features the latest filtering and preprocessing technology for MPEG encoding. Now available in single, dual, or quad versions, the flexible ViBE EM2000 meets the requirements of even the most stringent broadcasters.

The DVB subtitling transcoder functionality is based on technology from Cavena, a world leader in DVB subtitling solutions that provide market-leading economy in bitrate consumption and proven interoperability with the widest range of set-top boxes. Moreover, the integration of this feature directly into the encoder platform solves major issues in terms of global redundancy and simplifies operation.

"The ViBE EM2000 Quad encoder offers a major step up in terms of infrastructure efficiency for the headend," said Christophe Delahousse, president of Thomson Video Networks. "Operators now have the option to make substantial savings on space, power consumption, and expensive external equipment for subtitle processing, with the ViBE EM2000 Quad providing native redundancy."

Combining compression efficiency features, including the complete MPEG-4 AVC toolset and advanced preprocessing, the ViBE range of encoders delivers clearer pictures with increased depth and clarity. Including a powerful compression engine and true multipass encoding, the ViBE encoders deliver MPEG-4 AVC compression at more than 50 percent efficiency compared to existing MPEG-2 systems.

About Thomson Video Networks

From the very onset of digital TV broadcasting, the Thomson name has been synonymous with supplying expertise, quality, and reliability to the world's leading broadcasters. Thomson Video Networks builds on this great heritage by providing unique and innovative video delivery solutions for a premium viewing experience. The Thomson Video Networks philosophy, since delivering the world's first large scale direct-to-home satellite system, has always been the same — to provide the best possible picture quality across any networks, to any devices. As a worldwide leader in compression systems for satellite, terrestrial, cable, IPTV, mobile TV, and Web streaming, Thomson Video Networks is helping its customers deliver superior quality video to anything from small handheld devices to large 3D high-definition screens, with the lowest bandwidth to ensure a profitable business model. A trusted supplier with more than 20 percent of the active channels deployed worldwide, a global support presence, and culture of delivering quality at every stage, Thomson Video Networks boasts the experience and range of products to supply every need, from hybrid multiformat compression systems to contribution links for content exchange networks.

About Technicolor

Technicolor is a company listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and NYSE stock exchanges, and this press release may contain certain statements that 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 risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors beyond Technicolor's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed, forecasted, or implied by such forward-looking statements due to changes in global economic and business conditions, risks related to its debt restructuring, and risks related to its operations in general. A more complete list and description of such risks and uncertainties can be found by referring to Technicolor's Form 20-F (formerly Thomson) and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Technicolor's Rapport Annuel and other filings with the French Autorité des marchés financiers.