Back 2006-03-15: ACT II – Partnership Agreement between ARCHOS and CANAL+ Group: To Add Portability to Video on Demand Service   Download the press release ARCHOS and the CANAL+ Group reinforce their alliance by offering users of the CANALPLAY service the possibility to watch films when on the go on portable devices from ARCHOS ARCHOS™, leader in portable entertainment solutions, and CANAL+ Group, France’s leading pay-TV provider, have launched the era of “VOD on the move”. This second stage in the partnership between the two companies allows users to download films from the CANALPLAY video on demand service and to transfer them to ARCHOS portable video players/recorders. Thanks to this first initiative of its kind in Europe, it is now possible to legally download and transfer the latest films proposed in the CANALPLAY catalog and to watch them when and wherever users wish, whether on an ARCHOS portable device or on a TV. A DRM licence (authorized usage) is automatically transferred to the portable device, ensuring the same level of protection as with the PC. New films added to the CANALPLAY catalog will be made compatible for downloading to ARCHOS portable video players/recorders, such as the AV 500*. Users can discover this new service by consulting the CANALPLAY (www.canalplay.com) or ARCHOS (www.archos.com) web sites. “Video on Demand can no longer be limited to a PC. This new partnership agreement will now offer the possibility to watch films downloaded from the CANALPLAY service and to enjoy watching them on portable devices from ARCHOS with unequalled video quality. This collaboration strengthens our partnership with the CANAL+ Group as we continue to join together to offer innovative solutions,” explains Henri Crohas, ARCHOS President and Chief Executive Officer. For Bruno Thibaudeau, Director of Development for CANAL+ Group, “We are continuing to develop CANALPLAY in partnering with ARCHOS, recognized as a technological leader. We believe in making TV viewing a personal experience and are now offering users of our service the possibility to watch downloaded videos when on the move, with a total guarantee in terms of quality and security.” *The CANALPLAY is also compatible with the current audio/video product line including the AV 700, Gmini 402 and Gmini 402 Camcorder. Discovery offer: New films added to the catalog will be downloadable and transferable to ARCHOS portable devices. A special promotion of “AV 500 + 10 downloadable films for an additional 1 €” will be offered on the ARCHOS and CANALPLAY web sites. Other promotions for the “AV 500 + downloadable films” will also be offered in retail stores. ACT I – Partnership between ARCHOS / CANAL+ Group On November 24, 2005, ARCHOS and the CANAL+ Group announced the signature of a partnership agreement, the first in Europe, in the portable video industry. This partnership unfolded with the launch of the AV 700 CANAL+ CANALSAT. Marketed exclusively to subscribers of CANAL+ Le Bouquet and CANALSAT, the AV 700 CANAL+ CANALSAT enables the possibility to record up to 30 hours of their favourite programs directly from the Electronic Program Guide with one simple click. Subscribers can enjoy watching recorded content when on the go on the widescreen 7” LCD or playback videos on a TV. About ARCHOS: ARCHOS is a global consumer electronics hardware manufacturer and is the technology leader in the field of digital portable entertainment solutions. Committed to the most innovative technology, ARCHOS offers award-winning digital pocket-sized products that feature audio and video recording, photo viewing, gaming, as well as other multimedia and productivity applications, for the enjoyment of the most exciting entertainment anywhere, anytime. ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. More information is available online at www.archos.com About CANALPLAY : Launched on October 12, 2006, CANALPLAY offers an in-depth catalog of VOD films. In addition to a rich offer of films – including both recent movies and catalog films - CANALPLAY features since December 2005 a kids section with programs from Nickelodeon and Jetix. Since the beginning of March, CANALPLAY proposes mangas fans a dedicated, high-quality offer. The principal of CANALPLAY is easy. The user simply downloads his chosen film. He can then store up to one month on a PC and has 24 hours to watch it (unlimited) starting at the moment the film begins. Thanks to progressive download capabilities, the user can start watching the film just after downloading begins. Film prices begin at 3.99€ for a duration of 24 hours and children’s’ programs are available starting at 1.49€. A programmable parental control feature (for the set-up and for viewing) is proposed to prevent access to films reserved for adults. www.canalplay.com