DIRECTV and Thomson Introduce First Satellite Based Multi-Dwelling Unit Triple-Play Technology Platform

Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
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DIRECTV and Thomson Introduce First Satellite Based Multi-Dwelling Unit Triple-Play Technology Platform – DIRECTV MFH3™

DIRECTV MFH3 distribution supports delivery of the full array of DIRECTV content – both standard and high-definition TV plus digital video recorder service; Enables service providers to offer triple-play TV, phone and Internet over single technology platform

Paris (France) — DIRECTV, Inc., North America’s leading satellite television service provider, and Thomson (Euronext 18453; NYSE: TMS) are launching the first satellite TV distribution system for multi-dwelling units (MDU) to use IP technology for the delivery of TV services. The introduction of the DIRECTV MFH3™ (Multi-Family Housing version 3) distribution system, jointly developed with Thomson, is timed to support DIRECTV’s massive expansion of HD services this fall.

The DIRECTV MFH3™ system, designed to solve satellite distribution issues in dense living spaces such as apartment complexes, condominiums and master planned communities, enables the delivery of all DIRECTV satellite TV programming and services using existing in-building and distribution wiring, lowering the cost of installation. As an IP distribution platform, service providers that have won the rights to deliver communications services to MDUs or planned communities can easily integrate the MFH3™ with their existing voice and Internet services and deliver triple play services over a single infrastructure.

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The MFH3 system uses IP technology as a simple distribution platform to deliver satellite television and other services from a private “on-property” head end facility to each customer dwelling. A single head end system currently supports up to 500 devices, with larger systems in development, to effectively meet the needs of the largest apartment complex.

“By leveraging our new MFH3™ platform, we will have the ability to deliver the full DIRECTV television experience to our MDU customers, including our industry-leading HD programming, exclusive sports, DVR, DIRECTV Interactive and our soon to launch DIRECTV on Demand service. These services can now be combined to more easily deliver a bundle with voice and Internet service” said Daren Benzi, vice president, Sales Development and Strategy, DIRECTV, Inc. “MFH3 also offers real estate developers, managers and service providers a next-generation platform that more easily and efficiently integrates with existing building infrastructure and at lower cost.”

“This joint development of MFH3™ with DIRECTV reflects Thomson’s commitment to provide its operator customer base with solutions that not only embrace the latest generation of services but also simplify the delivery of these services and reduce the cost of deployment” said Georges Laplanche, Vice President, Satellite Premises Systems at Thomson. “This agreement reinforces and further expands our long term technology and supply relationship with DIRECTV.”