IFA 2001: Philips and Kodak have today put out a joint press release stating that Philips will add Picture CD support to future products including DVD-video players and portable Audio CD players. Picture CD was launched by Kodak back in 1998. "Through this agreement, Kodak is bringing the benefit of digital imaging to the mass marketplace, allowing consumers to share images in the living room in addition to the computer room," said Dan Palumbo, president, Consumer Imaging, and senior vice-president of Kodak.

Philips and Kodak Team Up To Apply Picture CD Format in Consumer Electronics Products

Leaders in audio-video and digital imaging develop platforms for easy-to-use 'home and away' photograph viewing

IFA 2001, BERLIN, GERMANY, August 24 -- Philips will manufacture a number of consumer electronics devices to allow for playback of Eastman Kodak Company's innovative Kodak Picture CD, the two companies announced today.

The first Philips products to offer Kodak Picture CD playback will be launched in 2002 and will include DVD-video players and an audio CD portable. A first example of this capability will be shown in the "Innovation Corner" of the Philips booth (Hall 22) at IFA 2001.

Launched in 1998, Kodak Picture CD stores pictures on a CD, which can easily be ordered by consumers when they have their photographs developed in retail stores or by mail order. The pictures are returned to consumers on a Kodak Picture CD and can be viewed, enhanced, printed, and even e-mailed via a PC. Kodak's work with industry-leading electronics manufacturers such as Philips represents the latest effort to harness the convergence of imaging and technology so consumers can view and share their pictures more easily.

"Photographs, and the memories they create, carry an immensely strong emotional value for all of us," said Guy Demuynck, senior vice-president, Royal Philips Electronics and CEO, Philips Consumer Electronics Mainstream. "Digital technology enables us to easily enjoy those memories in so many new ways. Our partnership with Kodak means consumers will be able to see and share their memories wherever they find themselves at home, away, and on the move."

"We are delighted to be working with one of the world's biggest consumer electronics brands to extend Kodak's expertise in digital photography into the audio-video experience via Philips consumer electronics products," said Dan Palumbo, president, Consumer Imaging, and senior vice-president of Kodak. "Through this agreement, Kodak is bringing the benefit of digital imaging to the mass marketplace, allowing consumers to share images in the living room in addition to the computer room."

The first Philips products supporting Kodak Picture CD will be formally announced at the Consumer Electronics Show 2002 in Las Vegas, USA, from Jan. 8-11, 2002.