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.
About tvCompass
tvCompass is a global
technology company with an innovative approach to mobile interactive
entertainment, at home and on-the-go. tvCompass’ patented technology
and multi-platform solutions enable people to wirelessly interact
with television and broadcast programming content through popular
mobile consumer devices. The company provides networking, hardware,
software and content services designed to accelerate the adoption of
wireless interactive entertainment by consumers. tvCompass products
are enjoyed everyday by thousands of customers who are seeking to
enhance their mobile TV viewing. As an original design manufacturer
(ODM), the company licenses its hardware and software technology and
generates revenues from services provided on both the mobile phone
and smart remote platforms. For more information, visit
www.tvCompass.com. |
