Reflecting its strategy to leverage its digital television (DTV) IP, Paris-based Thomson said today it would work with Japanese television and electronic goods manufacturer Funai Electric Co. Ltd. to develop DTVs. The alliance includes joint development work and Thomson’s exclusive license of certain DTV technology patents to Funai, which shipped over 9 million televisions last year, the companies said.

Under a separate cooperation supply agreement, Thomson is to provide Funai with color picture tubes (CPT), aimed at expanding the development and sales potential of the CPT business.