Thomson Chosen to Manage International Broadcast Network Distribution Services for NBC Universal

Thomson has completed a long term agreement for Technicolor to provide NBC Universal
with international broadcast distribution and media management services.
Additionally, Technicolor has acquired NBC Universal’s broadcast distribution
center in Denver, Colorado.

Under the terms of the long term service agreement, Technicolor
will manage the preparation and international distribution of a total
of 31 NBC Universal channels, of which 19 will be managed from the Denver
facility and the balance managed from existing Technicolor facilities
in London, Paris and Singapore.

In total, Technicolor will manage the preparation and distribution of
23 channels out of the Denver facility: the 19 Hallmark International
channels owned by NBC Universal throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America;
the two East and West coast channels of the Hallmark Channel in the
U.S. owned and operated by Crown Media Holdings, Inc.; and the two Altitude
Sports Network channels,

a regional cable TV sports network operated by
KSE Media Ventures LLC.
This transaction marks Technicolor’s
first broadcast facility in the United States and

enhances
its ability to deliver global managed services for the preparation,
management and broadcast distribution of multiple forms of content
for a wide range of customers, including media companies,
content owners and channel operators. It also marks the expansion of
a successful long term relationship with NBC Universal in Europe and
Asia.
“We look forward to drawing on the
combined expertise of Thomson and the experienced team in Denver,”
says Ian Trombley, NBC Universal executive vice president for media distribution services. “This expanded relationship will play a
significant part in supporting NBC Universal Global Networks’ international
growth plans for programming and channels.”
“We are proud to continue our successful partnership with NBC Universal,” adds Lanny Raimondo, senior executive vice president of Thomson’s
Technicolor Services division. “By providing industry-leading broadcast
management and distribution services, we’re pleased to successfully
support NBC Universal and its strategic initiatives.”

“NBC Universal’s impressive broadcast facility in Denver represents
a major step forward in the global strategy and expansion for Technicolor
in North America,” says Bill Patrizio, president of Technicolor Network
Services. “Technicolor is committed to offering world class services
to the media and broadcast markets and is a leader in enabling the digital
transformation required in a progressively convergent world. Additionally,
to be chosen as a preferred partner for broadcast distribution managed
services for NBC Universal worldwide further demonstrates our strength
and capabilities in the global broadcast market.”
These agreements represent a significant
extension of Technicolor’s world class capabilities in live broadcasting,
media management and supporting expertise in digital media workflows
and systems integration. Technicolor offers its customers a worldwide
resource to manage its broadcast operations including facilities located
in the UK, the Netherlands, France, Japan and Singapore. Today, the
company operates 23 facilities that deliver 320 feeds and over 2.5 million
hours of programming around the world for leading CME organizations
such as ITV, BBC Worldwide, Canal+, M6, NBC Universal, TV5 Monde, The
Walt Disney Company, MTV, Orange and Netherlands Public Broadcasting.