Microsoft and Thomson have announced expanded integration of Microsoft Embedded software such as the Windows CE operating system into a range of RCA and RCA Scenium digital television sets.

This arrangement is designed to enhance the home entertainment and interactive experience for millions of consumers. Thomson and Microsoft claim to be dedicated to creating smart, connected next-generation devices for the home. The two parties see the PC and TV as complementary appliances whose shared technologies can lead to enriched and expanded consumer capabilities. In this scenario, the PC serves as the homeowner's primary storage and management medium while the TV remains the focal point for entertainment.

The announcement will lead to RCA and RCA Scenium digital televisions with additional home-networking capabilities such as the ability to access and run PC-stored video, picture and audio files on televisions utilising Microsoft technologies such as Windows CE. Some of the expanded capabilities from integrated Microsoft technologies will start appearing in RCA and RCA Scenium products in 2004.

Select RCA Scenium HDTV sets from Thomson already utilise advanced Microsoft software such as Windows CE that provides consumers with powerful capabilities, such as support for Internet access, above and beyond standard TV functionality. An official release informs that Thomson's most advanced high-definition television sets already utilise the Windows CE operating system, which allows, for example, RCA Scenium HDTV sets to easily browse broadband Internet content. The 52-inch, 61-inch and 65-inch RCA Scenium home entertainment products are the industry's only HDTVs with Internet-browsing capability.

With its current line of RCA and RCA Scenium HDTV sets and HDTV monitors, Thomson offers consumers one of the industry's broadest selections of digital high-definition television products including direct-view, rear projection, plasma and micro-display technologies with outstanding picture and sound performance.