The technologically important Cd(0.5)Ni(0.5)Se thin film has been developed by solution growth technique on non-conducting glass substrate in tartarate bath containing Cd(+2), Ni(+2) ions and sodium selenosulphate in an aqueous alkaline medium at room temperature. Various preparative conditions of the thin films are outlined. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, optical absorption and electrical measurements. The X-ray diffraction study indicates that the film is polycrystalline in nature with hexagonal phase. Scanning electron micrograph shows that the film is homogeneous with well-defined grains. The films have high optical absorption coefficient. Thermoelectric power measurement shows p-type conduction mechanism. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.