Thorp appointed CTO at Tandberg

OSLO, Norway-- Tandberg Television, a supplier of open digital broadcasting solutions, appointed ntl visionary Jeremy Thorp to chief technology officer of Tandberg Television's global business.

The appointment is designed to strengthen Tandberg Television's technology vision. Thorp joins Tandberg Television from digital broadcasting leader ntl, where he was managing director of the company's interactive television business.

As chief technology officer of Tandberg Television, Thorp will play a strategic role in creating a new vision that will enable content providers, broadcasters, network operators and media owners to harness the opportunities presented by the new digital communications age.

Working with Tandberg's research and development, new business strategy and marketing divisions, Thorp's task is to create the technology solutions that will enable the delivery of new digital entertainment and information services.

"The broadcast market is changing dramatically," says Thorp. "Twenty years ago, broadcasters and content providers had few ways of delivering video to consumers -- analog terrestrial TV and early cable networks. Today, digital satellite, terrestrial, cable and the Internet have increased the broadcast path to the home tremendously. Now new and old players in the communications world need to harness the opportunities provided by new delivery mechanisms. The challenge is to build the technology infrastructure that will enable these players to realize the exciting new businesses of delivering the entertainment and information services of the next decade and beyond."

Thorp is no stranger to the Tandberg Television business. As director of ntl's business development and strategy during the early and mid 1990's, he was the chief architect in developing a digital broadcasting products business for ntl, which was sold to News Corporation in 1995. In October 1999, Tandberg Television acquired that business division. Thorp, 39, worked as a management consultant prior to joining ntl and holds a first degree in mechanical and electrical engineering from London University.

"As Tandberg Television builds on its broadcast leadership and enters new markets, Jeremy Thorp is the man we need to harness our technology credentials and provide us with a stronger vision for the delivery of solutions that will enable our customers to create revenue generating digital services. I am excited and proud to welcome Jeremy to the Tandberg Television board and look forward to working closely with him," says Joergen Bredesen, Tandberg Television CEO and president.

Thorp will be based in Southampton in the UK, where Tandberg Television has a significant research and development, production and marketing presence, employing 450 people.

"I am delighted to be joining Tandberg Television at such a dynamic time in its development. The company already has a strong reputation for product innovation and a culture of being fast moving and responsive and I believe it is strongly positioned to grow its leadership in the digital market," adds Thorp.