Thomson (Euronext 18453; NYSE: TMS) has been selected by Orange to provide its IP DECT phone with HD Sound. It is the first product embedding high-fidelity sound technology dedicated to the residential market. Available from now in all Orange points of sales in France, the Livephone is a wireless DECT phone that provides superior audio quality for Voice over IP phone calls for an enhanced telephony experience.
The Livephone offered by Orange is specifically targeted at VoIP users already equipped with the Livebox residential gateway, also developed by Thomson and of which more than 4 million units in Europe have been deployed by December 31st, 2006. It is bundled with Thomson’s USB DECT dongle which connects the phone to the Livebox for VoIP telephone calls by plugging directly into the USB port of the gateway. The launch of this unique new product is in line with Thomson’s commitment to offer its network operator and service provider client base innovative IP solutions, enabling them to deploy new services and tap fresh revenue streams, while protecting the investment service providers have made in deployed residential gateways.
Through HD Sound, Thomson’s wideband audio technology based on open standards, operators and service providers can gain that all-important competitive edge by offering their users a vastly improved telephony experience. HD sound quality covering the full range of frequencies audible to most people offers much higher quality calls than those provided by traditional PSTN telephony. Furthermore, the support for HD Sound offered by wideband codec opens up the possibility of delivering applications other than voice such as streaming music.
In addition to delivering high quality audio for VoIP calls, the Livephone also offers end users a number of useful features through an icon-based, on-screen menu. The menu provides access to a 150 entry address book, the last 50 missed or received calls and the last 20 dialled numbers, for easy dialling. A 1.5” screen capable of displaying 65,000 colours is complemented by a several wallpaper options and 10 HD ring tones. With an easy access to Orange services, the operator is able to push information, such as traffic information, weather broadcasts or news, directly to the customer’s phone. Moreover, thanks to the USB DECT dongle which removes the cable connection between the gateway and the phone, the Livephone can be located anywhere in the home for enhanced mobility.
“HD Sound delivers superior voice quality both compared to regular PSTN and standard IP phone calls. Integrating this feature directly into the handset provided to Orange raises the bar for voice services across the board”, explained Bruno Fabre, vice president in charge of Thomson’s Premises Systems Business Unit. “We believe that in 2007, HD Sound will be implemented in 30% of the wireless VoIP devices dedicated to both the residential and enterprise markets.”
The Livephone offered by Orange is specifically targeted at VoIP users already equipped with the Livebox residential gateway, also developed by Thomson and of which more than 4 million units in Europe have been deployed by December 31st, 2006. It is bundled with Thomson’s USB DECT dongle which connects the phone to the Livebox for VoIP telephone calls by plugging directly into the USB port of the gateway. The launch of this unique new product is in line with Thomson’s commitment to offer its network operator and service provider client base innovative IP solutions, enabling them to deploy new services and tap fresh revenue streams, while protecting the investment service providers have made in deployed residential gateways.
Through HD Sound, Thomson’s wideband audio technology based on open standards, operators and service providers can gain that all-important competitive edge by offering their users a vastly improved telephony experience. HD sound quality covering the full range of frequencies audible to most people offers much higher quality calls than those provided by traditional PSTN telephony. Furthermore, the support for HD Sound offered by wideband codec opens up the possibility of delivering applications other than voice such as streaming music.
In addition to delivering high quality audio for VoIP calls, the Livephone also offers end users a number of useful features through an icon-based, on-screen menu. The menu provides access to a 150 entry address book, the last 50 missed or received calls and the last 20 dialled numbers, for easy dialling. A 1.5” screen capable of displaying 65,000 colours is complemented by a several wallpaper options and 10 HD ring tones. With an easy access to Orange services, the operator is able to push information, such as traffic information, weather broadcasts or news, directly to the customer’s phone. Moreover, thanks to the USB DECT dongle which removes the cable connection between the gateway and the phone, the Livephone can be located anywhere in the home for enhanced mobility.
“HD Sound delivers superior voice quality both compared to regular PSTN and standard IP phone calls. Integrating this feature directly into the handset provided to Orange raises the bar for voice services across the board”, explained Bruno Fabre, vice president in charge of Thomson’s Premises Systems Business Unit. “We believe that in 2007, HD Sound will be implemented in 30% of the wireless VoIP devices dedicated to both the residential and enterprise markets.”
