[November 14, 2003] Thomson Unveils Video Delivery Platform Supported By Microsoft And Alcatel Leveraging more than 15 years experience in developing digital video technologies, Thomson unveiled a new video delivery platform, using advanced video compression technologies, that will enable telecommunications operators to deliver a suite of home entertainment services over existing broadband networks such as DSL. Designated Cobra, this flexible Intel Architecture-based platform will support current and next-generation video compression technologies (CODECs) including MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, Windows Media 9 Series, and MPEG-4 Part 10 (JVT). The advanced compression technologies make it possible for telephone companies to deliver high quality audio and video entertainment to large audiences of consumers through existing DSL networks. The Cobra Platform is being demonstrated publicly for the first time at the TelcoTV conference here this week. The Cobra Platform represents the next step in Thomson's strategy to deliver cutting edge digital technologies for operators of all major networks - satellite, cable, and telephone - to deliver rich and engaging home audio and video entertainment to consumers around the world. In the ten years since Thomson co-developed the digital home satellite receiver, the company has launched further technologies to allow the delivery of digital home entertainment through over-the-air networks, cable networks, and now, DSL networks. Unlike other video distribution networks, IP networks (such as DSL) connect the operator directly to the viewer. A direct, two-way connection allows fully interactive, one on one transactions between viewers and operators, such as instant video on demand, ecommerce, and a multitude of other types of viewer interactivity such as online gaming. In developing the Cobra Platform, Thomson has worked closely with industry leaders Intel, Microsoft TV and Alcatel, to create a sophisticated and efficient platform for delivery of a wide range of services including Internet, audio and video content and gaming. "Advanced compression is the pivotal technology for Telcos to cost effectively provide rich home entertainment services over DSL networks," commented Baudouin de la Tour, VP of Thomson's DSL Business. "Thomson has gained extensive MPEG-2 experience from the development of the DIRECTV system and our two current IP Video decoders, the RCA DSL 1500 and RCA IP 900. By combining our video expertise with our proven leadership in DSL modems, Thomson has the necessary technological capabilities to drive this emerging business forward, with our telecom customers, into the mainstream. Our dedicated team of engineers and researchers in Indianapolis and Princeton, in collaboration with Intel, have optimized advanced compression capabilities for the Cobra Platform," he added. Industry Support In developing the Cobra Platform, Thomson reached out to industry leaders Intel, Microsoft and Alcatel, who today expressed their support. The system architecture, co-developed by Thomson and Intel for this project, incorporates an Intel Architecture-based processor and chipset. "Intel views the convergence of computing, communications and consumer electronics as a strategic opportunity for developing a wide array of new products and services, and we are working closely with Thomson on a variety of development activities," stated Glenda Dorchak, Vice President, General Manager, Consumer Electronics Group, Intel. "We see tremendous value in the IP video marketplace and intelligent, flexible solutions based on Intel building blocks are critical for moving this category forward." The Cobra Platform was designed to accommodate a series of next generation compression schemes, including the high quality and compression efficient Windows Media 9 Series: "We see the Cobra Platform as a way to quickly evolve IP-TV through making the right hardware available to enable exceptional home entertainment via networks like DSL. We look forward to working with Thomson on specific projects incorporating Cobra," said Phil Corman, Director of Partner Business Development for Microsoft TV. Microsoft TV recently announced a new solution for IP networks, for which Thomson is a supporter. Thomson and Alcatel , the global DSL market leader have been working together for several years in broadband entertainment solutions for telecoms. "Alcatel is strategically focused on providing multimedia solutions for our customers to achieve the triple play of voice, data, and video," said Derek Kuhn, director of marketing for Alcatel's broadband entertainment activities. "Video represents a significant opportunity for our telecom customers, and Thomson's Cobra Platform is an ideal way for them to deliver video entertainment to consumers." "The support of Intel, Microsoft and Alcatel for the Cobra Platform validates our strategy of developing an advanced technology that will jump start the IP Video business," commented Keith Wehmeyer, General Manager, Thomson's IP Video Business. "We are very pleased to cooperate with such prestigious industry leaders and we look forward to working together." The Cobra Platform The platform was designed to be flexible - supporting all major next generation compression technologies and enabling a variety of product configurations, which can be built upon one another. The platform will support a complete range of set-top boxes to suit the needs of various markets, such as: A basic set-top box receiver that delivers streaming audio and video content and supports interactive applications. A set-top box receiver with a hard-drive to receive video on demand programming over DSL networks. A set-top box receiver with a hard-drive and tuners to support advanced personal video recorder (PVR) capability for easy to use program recording and playback. A set-top box receiver with a hard-drive, PVR capability, and an optical drive such as CD or DVD for program recording and playback. Cobra's flexible, powerful design makes many configurations possible to suit the needs of markets around the world. "Our evaluations with key customers make it clear there is a need for an adaptable solution, with support for advanced video compression technologies, that can be easily modified to suit a wide variety of operator business models. Because the platform has been designed from the ground up to be highly flexible and adaptable, we expect it to continue to evolve, keeping pace with technological advancements," Wehmeyer added. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]