With demand for high-definition television expected to drive more than five million consumers into stores this year to buy HDTV products, Thomson has stepped up its investment plans for space-saving, rear-projection Digital Light Processing HDTV with the coming 2004 introduction of RCA Scenium Profiles HDTV - the ultra-thin projection television that is less than seven inches "thin." Thomson has invested more than $25 million to deliver DLP HDTV to the market, with an additional $35 million investment planned to accelerate new product introductions in the Americas and in Europe this year.

"Having just returned from the annual Consumer Electronics Show, we are delighted with the response from retailers and the news media to the RCA lineup of high-definition DLP HDTV products. Our current line of two models will expand fourfold in 2004 to eight models. HDTV powered by the Digital Light Processing microchip is an extremely reliable technology that delivers clear, crisp color images even in a bright room, so the television can be viewed in any room setting," said Michael D. O'Hara, Executive Vice President Worldwide Marketing & Sales for Thomson's Consumer Products business.

At CES, Thomson unveiled Profiles HDTV -the new RCA Scenium ultra-thin Digital Cable Ready integrated rear-projection DLP HDTV Sets featuring slim cabinets less than seven inches deep and so light in weight they can be easily mounted on a wall. The sleek new designs were displayed to U.S. customers for the first time last week, including 50-inch and 61-inch models that will be available at retail stores later in 2004 and a stunning mural sized 70-inch widescreen DLP HDTV slated for early 2005 introduction that will transform the family room into a virtual wall of entertainment.

Thomson also announced today that it intends to accept a five year option to extend its decade-long naming rights sponsorship for Indianapolis' premiere sports and convention facility - the RCA Dome. Home to the Indianapolis Colts, which is battling for a spot in the upcoming Super Bowl, the RCA Dome has been home to several regional and final NCAA college basketball tournaments and is part of the Indiana Convention Center complex in downtown Indianapolis.

Thomson accepted the city's offer for naming rights ten years ago, in a revenue generating move that insured a high-profile name for the domed stadium while providing the final element of funding for Victory Field (home of the Indianapolis Indians minor league baseball team and located one block from Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome.)

"With high hopes for a Colts victory this weekend, we at Thomson are delighted to accept a five-year renewal option in our naming sponsorship agreement at the RCA Dome. We believe the corporate sponsorship has been very good for the RCA brand and also for the Indianapolis area," O'Hara said.