Thomson
Multimedia selected by Microsoft as key technology and component supplier
for new Xbox PC games console
20
July, 2000
codejunkies.com
update
Thomson
Multimedia will provide Microsoft
with optical disc drive technology and key components manufacturing for Xbox,
the software company's entry into the videogames industry.
The
agreement calls for Thomson to provide DVD-ROM drives along with DVD and
video compression (MPEG2) technology for Microsoft's new PC games console,
which is scheduled for introduction in 2001. Thomson expects this four-year
agreement to result in millions of DVD-ROM drive sales over the life of the
project. Xbox is expected to have a major impact on the videogame industry
with the capability to play future-generation games with movie-quality
animation.
The
DVD-ROM drive, which accepts and reads the optical codes for the gaming
discs, is an important Xbox component, and Thomson is one of the world's
largest suppliers of key optical modules for DVD and CD players. The
company's Optical Key Modules Components Operation produced some 15 million
units in 1999.
"We
are very excited to be playing a key role in the launch of Microsoft's first
videogame console," says Thomson Multimedia's chairman and CEO, Thierry
Breton. "This agreement further extend our strategic relationships with
Microsoft and will allow us to maximise our extensive experience in
technology development and the manufacture of leading-edge interactive video
products."
"We
look forward to Thomson playing an integral role in making Xbox synonymous
with truly great games," states Robbie Bach, senior VP of Microsoft's
Games Division. "The inclusion of Thomson's DVD and video compression
technology, along with its DVD-ROM drive, will help bring Xbox's amazing
gameplay to life."
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