The worldwide market for cable modems, advanced gateways and set-top boxes is expected to grow by 20% in 2007, to about 4 billion euros, lifted by the digitalization efforts of many cable operators facing strong competition from other operators, and by the inclusion of revenue-enhancing features such as PVRs and High-Definition capabilities.
Reaching this three-millionth cable set-top box milestone, Thomson has succeeded in doubling the volume of digital decoders delivered each year over the last two years. The company has extended its product range since 2005 to include interactive, double and triple play decoders as well as MPEG-4 High Definition set-top boxes, with advanced functionalities such as Personal Video Recorders. These products have been deployed to over twenty different customers, including UPC, TV Cabo, E-Vision and Kabel Deutschland in EMEA, Net Serviços in Latin America, StarHub and Dalian Cable TV in Asia.
With this ten-millionth cable modem mark, Thomson continues to deliver large volumes of cable modems to its clients, from entry-level to more advanced products such as voice over IP modems (EMTA) designed to support all data and telephony services. In this area as well, Thomson has developed strong relationships with over 50 clients such as Comcast in the United States, Cogeco in Canada, and Numéricâble or Ono in Europe.
“These milestones of three million set-top boxes and ten million modems shipments validate our strategy of delivering high performance, cutting-edge solutions to help our clients meet the ever-evolving demands of their subscribers and further strengthens our position as one of the leading global providers of set-top boxes and modems worldwide,” said Frédéric Kurkjian, Vice President of Thomson’s Cable Premises Systems.
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Certain statements in this press release, including any discussion of management expectations for future periods, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements due to changes in global economic and business conditions, consumer electronics markets, and regulatory factors. More detailed information on the potential factors that could affect the financial results of Thomson is contained in Thomson's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.