so RAM is dead, huh?

31st Aug 2003 20:45 #1

Member

31 August, 2003
"Thomson (NYSE:TMS) (Euronext Paris: 18453) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC) and (PCX:MC), hereinafter referred to as "Panasonic," today announced plans to strengthen their strategic relationship with the signing of an agreement about optical disc playback (DVD-RAM format) and content protection (SmartRight(TM)). Beginning in 2004, Thomson will add DVD-RAM format playback capability to its future DVD players and Panasonic will work with Thomson on content protection systems, including the SmartRight(TM) content protection system for digital home networks. Charles Dehelly, Chief Executive Officer of Thomson and Fumio Ohtsubo, President of Panasonic AVC Networks Company and Senior Managing Director of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that details the new accord.

Thomson DVD-RAM compatible players will begin to reach European and North American markets early in 2004, with the first DVD-RAM-compatible players to be previewed at the IFA Fair in Berlin (August 29th - September 3rd). Thomson and Panasonic have agreed to cooperate so that Thomson can further support the DVD-RAM format. Additionally, Thomson will work on developing optical components through its Storage and Digital Modules (SDM) activity to be available onto the market as early as 2004.

Regarding content protection, Thomson and Panasonic will also work together on content protection including SmartRight(TM), a smart card-based digital home network content protection system that is being proposed to various standardization bodies, such as Digital Video Broadcasting group (DVB) in Europe.

This agreement will benefit both consumers, by bringing to the market advanced optical technologies, and the content industry, by developing new content protection technologies that can be utilized to keep content safe on the personal home network.

"Thomson and Panasonic are two of the world's largest electronics firms, serving both consumers and the content industry. Our decision to offer DVD players with DVD-RAM playback capability will enhance the playback capability of DVD-RAM players and will simplify the customers' choice. Our agreement on development of content protection technologies is important. Thomson welcomes Panasonic's decision to support the SmartRight(TM) system promoted by Thomson. Both companies will now work together to support this digital network protection system," said Charles Dehelly, Chief Executive Officer of Thomson.

"Panasonic welcomes Thomson's supporting the DVD-RAM format, that has the number one format share in the global DVD recorder market. We are pleased to work together to bring consumers the benefits of DVD-RAM technology. Since our company has been deeply involved in content protection activities, it makes sense for us to work with Thomson on SmartRight," said Panasonic's Mr. Ohtsubo."