SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 11 /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 TCL Holdings Co. Ltd, the world's largest TV OEM, is using Trident's DPTV(TM) MV video processor in thirteen new models of progressive-scan CRT TVs for China. The new sets which will be gradually ramping up from now and into the March quarter, including display sizes of 25″, 29″, 31″, and 34″, form the mainstream of TCL's domestic product offering (model numbers HID29286HB, HID29128H, HID34276PB, HID29211H, HID29181HB, HID25A61H, HID29A51, HID34A51H, HID34281, HID29208H, HID29B1P, HID29A41, HID31181HB).

“We selected Trident's DPTV(TM) MV chip because it enables us to offer significantly better image quality to our customers while lowering our system cost,” said Mr. Shi Wanwen, president of TCL's Multimedia electronics SBU, “We're working with Trident for this entire series not only because of their cost and image quality advantages but also because of their unsurpassed ability in design support and high-volume manufacturing.”

“We are extremely pleased that TCL, the world's largest TV manufacturer, has selected the DPTV(TM) MV chip for their new series of mainstream flat digital CRT TVs” said Dr. J.H. Chang, president of the Trident Technologies Inc. “We have a long-standing relationship with TCL and this latest full-scale joint project, which truly enhances the quality and lowers the cost of TCL's mainstream digital CRT TVs, further solidifies Trident's position as the volume and cost performance leader in China's digital CRT TV market.”

Trident's DPTV(TM) MV integrates an advanced digital comb video decoder and VBI slicer for NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats with a sophisticated video processor. The DPTV(TM) MV's second-generation video processor supports film mode (inverse 3:2 pull-down), motion-adaptive deinterlacing, low-angle diagonal edge smoothing, dynamic picture enhancements, a flexible picture-in-picture (PIP) engine, aspect ratio correction, a powerful on-screen-display (OSD) engine, and supports both progressive and interlaced displays. With film-mode, DPTV(TM) MV can accurately detect the frame sequences of incoming content and then correctly restore the content to original film sequences to eliminate annoying artifacts. The motion adaptive de-interlacing and edge-smoothing feature of the DPTV(TM) MV further refines the video image quality. There are 14 dynamic picture enhancements available for fine-tuning video display quality. The DPTV(TM) MV supports both PIP and POP modes for multiple video inputs. DPTV(TM) MV supports aspect ratio correction with non-linear panorama scaling to ensure the most natural picture for the viewers for both 4:3 and 16:9 content. DPTV(TM) MV graphic-based OSD engine enables a highly user-friendly TV menu control interface.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the company's expectations for the DPTV(TM) market and designs for the DPTV(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 .

NOTE: Trident is a registered trademark of Trident Microsystems, Inc. DPTV(TM) is a trademark of Trident Microsystems, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Features, pricing, availability, and specifications are subject to change without notice.