GE Launches Global HDTV Joint Venture

FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE today announced the formation of General Displays & Technologies LLC (GDT), a new joint venture with Tatung Company, a global leader in display technologies. GDT will design, market and service GE-branded HDTVs to deliver the best home high definition video, audio and Internet experience. The first series of premium product offerings will be available to consumers in Spring 2009.

"We are developing advanced, Internet capabilities for content delivery to televisions, without the need for a PC. This includes Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) through cable, satellite and advanced fiber optic television connectivity," said Marc McConnaughey, CEO, GDT. "The long-term strategy is to allow consumers to customize their viewing experience by downloading widgets and a variety of services directly to their HDTVs."

In addition to offering innovative HDTVs, GDT will partner with NBC Universal (NBCU), a leading media and entertainment company, to develop an open platform capable of delivering Internet and other digital content directly through the television.

"This is an exciting opportunity for NBCU to partner with GE and help design a cutting edge product that responds now to consumer desire for a seamless union of high quality digital content and Internet engagement, with an ease that still appeals to TV viewers," noted Darren Feher, EVP & CTO, NBC Universal.

Ultimately this product will let consumers view digital HD content from popular websites directly on their television, coupled with clean in-synch integration with the preferences and personalization that makes the web so appealing.

Peter Weedfald, president North America, GDT said, "Sales of LCD TVs have grown 30 percent year over year as flat screen TV prices have fallen, opening up the market to new consumers. GDT is well poised to become a leader in today's rapidly developing digital marketplace and provide the retail channel with pioneering products to meet this growing demand. In addition, the entire line of GE-branded HDTVs will be highly energy efficient, ensuring a cost effective and environmentally sound product for the home."

GE is a 49 percent equity stakeholder in GDT, and as part of the agreement, GDT has entered into a new licensing agreement to market GE-branded HDTVs globally. Under the joint venture, GDT will benefit from GE's world-class brand, business processes, quality assurance and financial strength. Additionally, as one of Taiwan's most respected companies, Tatung brings global expertise in design, manufacturing and supply chain management, with facilities in Greater China, North America, Europe and South East Asia. "Tatung is thrilled for the opportunity to both invest and work directly with General Displays & Technologies, GE and NBCU to develop and deliver new interactive HDTVs and complementary products," said Mrs. W.Y. Lin , executive vice president, Tatung Company.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. GE is Imagination at Work. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com.

About Tatung

Tatung is a well established global industrial and electronics company. With business operations in home appliances, industrial, computer, communications and consumer electronics, Tatung has 30,000 employees worldwide within its associated companies. For more information, see www.tatung.com.

About NBC Universal:

NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80 percent owned by General Electric and 20 percent owned by Vivendi.