TCL and Trident Debut the World's First High-Definition Digital Television With Integrated DVB-CI Conditional Access at the China High Tech Fair (CHTF)
Sunnyvale, California. October 21, 2004:
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Trident Technologies, Inc, a subsidiary of Trident Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRID – News) and a worldwide leader in developing leading-edge digital TV technology for the consumer digital video marketplace, today announced that it has collaborated with TCL Holdings Co. Ltd, the world's largest TV OEM, to introduce the world's first HDTV with integrated DVB-CI conditional access for the mainstream digital CRT TV market. Demonstrated by TCL at last week's 6th China High Tech Fair in Shenzhen, China, these sets, powered by Trident's HiDTV(TM) integrated digital video decoder and processor, are the first advanced HDTVs to fully support China's emerging DVB-CI conditional access standard.
“We are extremely pleased to extend our relationship with TCL from traditional HD-ready TVs to the next generation of truly integrated digital HDTV systems,” said Dr. Jung Herng Chang, president of Trident Technologies, Inc. Dr. Chang continued, “HDTVs with integrated ATSC or DVB MPEG2 video decoding capability and conditional access control today form a rapidly growing segment of the advanced TV market in North America and will soon do so in China. To be a significant player in this market requires not only MPEG2 HDTV decoding technology but also high-quality deinterlacing and scaling technology. We are confident that we have mastered both and we are determined to be a leading supplier in this rapidly emerging market.”
The systems demonstrated by TCL and Trident incorporate a rich feature set controlled by Trident's HiDTV(TM) integrated digital video decoder and processor. An integrated DVB-CI cable card slot renders an external cable set-top box unnecessary: the cable service literally plugs directly into the TV. YPbPr and HDMI inputs enable high-quality connectivity with the latest high-definition video peripherals. Sophisticated system software developed by Trident running enables the user to seamlessly and quickly switch among paid and free HDTV cable channels as well as regular analog TV broadcasting. A powerful and intuitive user interface driven by the HiDTV's integrated microcontroller and 2D graphics engine supports both customizable electronic programming guides (EPGs) and N video-on-demand (NVOD). Multiple standard and high-definition TV video formats are supported (1080P, 1080i, 720P, 480i, 480P, 576i, 567p) and a full set of PIP/POP multi-display features between digital and analog sources is included. Powerful software enabling video, audio, and control features plays an important role in advanced HDTVs and TCL's sets support remote upgradeability of their system software so that users will be able to keep up with the latest features. TCL's TVs support Dolby AC-3 5.1 channel output with SPDIF optical audio output. Finally, an integrated USB interface and browser utility enables the user to view photo JPEG and graphics images.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the company's expectations for the HiDTV(TM) market and designs for the HiDTV(TM) product. The forward-looking statements above are subject to certain risks, and actual results could vary materially depending on a number of factors. These risks include, in particular, trends in the television industry, the results of Trident's sales and shipment activities to television manufacturers, Trident's ability to timely introduce new or follow-on products, Trident's success in implementing planned production, competitive pressures, including pricing and competitors' new product introductions. Additional factors that may affect the Company's business are described in detail in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About TCL
Established in 1981, TCL Corporation is a comprehensive large-scale state-owned enterprise known locally and internationally for its multimedia electronics, home electronics appliances, telecommunication equipment, information components, and electronics components. TCL is currently ranked fourth in a rating of China's 100 prestigious Electronics & IT enterprises. With over 10 years of relentless efforts and taking a lead position in the market, TCL has over 10,000 employees, establishing an extensive nationwide sales and distribution network with a computerization progress that reaches across the whole country incorporating over 320 branches. TCL also has established overseas sales and business representative offices in over 10 countries. TCL's corporate philosophy is to “provide value for customers, opportunities for employees and benefits for society” and the enterprise principles are “dedication, sincerity, teamwork, and innovation.” The objective of TCL is to become a world-class enterprise in the context of a global economy in future 10 years
About Trident Microsystems, Inc.
Trident Microsystems, Inc., with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, designs, develops and markets digital media for the masses in the form of integrated circuits (ICs) for CRT TV, LCD TV, PDP TV, HDTV, and digital set-top boxes. Trident's products are sold to a network of OEMs, original design manufacturers and system integrators worldwide. For further information about Trident and its products, please consult the company's web site: http://www.tridentmicro.com .