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Thomson Unveils New LDK 8300 3X HD Super SloMo Camera System (22/9/2008)

Continuing its excellence in high-definition (HD) production and slow-motion (slo-mo) replay technology, Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS), the worldwide leader in video solutions, is highlighting its Thomson Grass Valley(tm) LDK 8300 HD Super SloMo camera, a newly designed camera system that captures true progressive HD images, natively, in multiple formats and frame rates.

The LDK 8300 is based on Thomson's previous experience in developing the industry's pioneering SloMo systems - including the LDK 6200, the first-generation 2X Super SloMo HD camera system. The new LDK 8300 HD Super SloMo camera was used extensively by several broadcasters and mobile production companies at the Summer Olympics* in Beijing and during the coverage of the UEFA EURO 2008(tm) football tournament.

The new LDK 8300 HD Super SloMo camera offers a number of unique features, such as the ability to selectively operate at 1X, 2X, and 3X speeds; 1080i and 720p acquisition; the best picture quality for slow-motion replay with exclusive Thomson AnyLight(tm) flicker reduction technology; and the best signal processing features in the industry. This includes a very high signal-to-noise ratio of >57 dB, when compared to currently accepted HD industry standards. The LDK 8300 offers the superior image reproduction, colorimetry, and video processing found in the LDK 8000 product line, to meet the exacting demands of producers and directors worldwide.

"Given our history and field-tested experience, we didn't want to compromise on quality, so we took our time in releasing the new LDK 8300," said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President of Thomson's Broadcast & Professional Solutions within the Systems division. "We set the industry standard in standard-definition (SD) super slow-motion with our LDK 23 and we were the first to offer a 2X Super Slo-Mo in HD with our LDK 6200. Now we're again setting a new standard in high-definition with the LDK 8300 HD Super SloMo camera, which can be used at 1X, 2X, and 3X speeds."

The new Thomson Grass Valley LDK 8300 Super SloMo camera captures video at 150 and 180 HD fields per second - three times the 50 and 60 fields per second rate of traditional HD cameras - with superb signal-to-noise ratio resulting in stunning slo-mo replays. A new revolutionary fibre interface delivers the extremely high data rate back to the servers. The Thomson AnyLight flicker reduction technology eliminates any perceived changes in light levels due to any differences in the mains power frequency and with the synchronization with artificial lights, such as those found in sports venues.

Thomson is unique in supporting the entire media chain from high-definition content creation to multi-play services for home consumption. As broadcasters become broadercasters, Thomson is the right technology partner, as it will demonstrate at IBC 2008 in two booth locations - Hall 1, Stand D.11 and Hall 7, Stand F.31.

Pricing and Availability The LDK 8300 will be available in Q1 2009, supporting both 50 Hz and 60 Hz world standards, and will be priced at €183,500.

www.thomsongrassvalley.com

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