DVD-RAM Gets A Big Boost: Panasonic Forges Alliance With Thomson

[Jerry Jones]

http://www.thomson.net/gb/06/c03/030828.htm

"Paris, Osaka, August 28, 2003 -- Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE 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 (SmartRightTM)."

"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 SmartRightTM content protection system for digital home networks."

Another reason why Ulead's support for DVD-VR (DVD-RAM recording) was a bright move.

For those who aren't familiar with Thomson...

Thomson is the company that markets DVD players under the RCA and GE brand names.

Jerry Jones

http://www.jonesgroup.net

[Dr Mordrid]

No suprise there. I think its safe to say it's close to critical mass.

Dr. Mordrid

[paulw]

Great.

Several months ago I always used to think that Jerry was an over the top evangalist for DVDRAM camp. However with it becomming more popular on DVD recorders, camcorders and DVD writers over the past 6 month I think he may have been a little ahead of his time:-)

Keep it up Jerry..

[Jerry Jones]

Thanks, Paul.

As I mentioned earlier, GE is another Thomson brand.

Thomson obtained licensing rights through the year 1997 to use the GE brand.

As explained on page 5 of this PDF document...

http://www.thomson.net/gb/01/doc/refdocgb99.pdf

"In 1987, Thomson S.A. entered the North American market by purchasing the consumer electronics businesses of the General Electric Co. ("GE"), which included activities GE had developed over the years as well as those of RCA Victor, the then-leading developer, manufacturer, and distributor of consumer electronics products in the U.S. market, which GE had recently acquired."

"The 1987 agreements also covered the patents relating to these activities, as well as the corresponding licensing revenues, which were transferred at a later date."

"The 1987 sale also included an exclusive license to use the GE brand for consumer electronics products until 2007."

This is a big deal for the DVD-RAM format.

Jerry Jones

http://www.jonesgroup.net