Thomson to acquire video division of ParkerVision

Thomson has announced an agreement to acquire the video division of ParkerVision, a pioneer of live television production automation systems.
By acquiring this division, Thomson is providing an opportunity for broadcasters to cut time and operational cost out of news production.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, the division is best known for its PVTV live news production and professional Cameraman robotic camera lines. The transaction is valued at approximately $14 million in cash and remains subject to typical closing activities. The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2004.
The acquisition reflects Thomson’s strategy to expand its core broadcast business as well as to move into adjacent video markets. The integration of ParkerVision technologies into Thomson’s broadcast line capitalises on broadcasters’ increasing demand for production and automation technologies that help cut the time and cost required for live production, including news production, and that help provide a consistent look and feel across broadcasts, which is key to driving viewership, ratings and revenue for television stations.
“In addition to broadening our capabilities in the digital news production space, ParkerVision technology will also extend our leadership in live production and drive organic growth for our business,” said Marc Valentin, president, Thomson Broadcast & Media Solutions. The ParkerVision products, which have been installed in a number of early adopter customer sites, are now ready for mainstream application within the broadcast industry. Being embedded within the Thomson portfolio of digital broadcast equipment, which is the industry’s broadest, and accessible through Thomson’s worldwide distribution network will drive broad adoption of these news and live production solutions in broadcast and news facilities of all sizes.
“By integrating ParkerVision automated playout and camera control technologies with our award-winning live production equipment and expertise, Thomson will continue to develop this platform to provide smaller stations with the same robust and reliable systems on which major broadcast operations rely.”
(GB)