News Releases

01/04/2001

Hitachi Introduces New DVD, Camcorder and VCR Line During 2001 International CES

Jan 4, 2001 12:52 PM

-- Diverse Line-up Delivers Quality and Affordability --

LAS VEGAS, http://www.hitachi.us/tv, January 4, 2001 - Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division announced a new line-up of home DVD players, camcorders and VCRs for 2001 during CES. Hitachi will demonstrate the new products at the Aladdin Hotel (Grand Ballrooms 2 & 3) during the show from Saturday, January 6 through Monday, January 8, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hitachi's new DV-C605U five-disc DVD and CD changer is fully featured with a built-in Dolbyâ Digital 5.1 channel decoder. The unit includes component video out, optical and coaxial digital audio out, DTS digital out and Virtual Surround Sound. The DV-C605U is priced at $299.95 and is currently shipping.

Combining value and performance in the single-disc DVD category, the new DV-P315U and DV-P415U feature a new sleek design. Both players include Hitachi's disc navigation system, component video output and optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. As in all Hitachi DVD players, the DV-P315U and DV-P415U support both DTS digital and Dolby Digital outputs and include Virtual Surround Sound. The DV-P315U and the DV-P415U will ship in Q2, 2001 for $179.95 and $199.95 respectively. Hitachi's DV-P415U will add a dual laser pick-up for CD-R and CD-RW compatibility, a multi-brand remote and an enhanced transport tray.

Rounding out Hitachi's high performance DVD line is the DV-W1U, Dual Deck DVD player / CD-RW with slim, silver design. The DV-W1U incorporates an easy to use digital audio recording by on-screen or one-button operation. Access to scenes is rapid with the 2x DVD Drive and recording a snap with the 2x CD-RW drive. For convenience the DV-W1U includes a built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 channel decoder, dual laser pick up, disc navigation, component video out, optical and coaxial digital audio in/out, DTS digital out and 2x and 4x digital zoom with graphical positioning indicator. The unit is currently shipping for $749.95.

Hitachi brings high quality digital video into new territory with two of its latest Digital 8 camcorders. After releasing its first two entries into Digital 8 last year, Hitachi brings two new models to market in 2001. Sporting performance feature packages and new cosmetics, Hitachi's VM-D875LA and VM-D975LA will retail for $599.95 and $699.95 respectively and are due in the market in Q2, 2001.

The high performance VM-D875LA Digital 8 camcorder offers digital video recording on both Hi8/8mm tape formats and playback of recorded video on analog Hi8/8mm tape. The Rapid Reflex 16 bit DSP is continued with its impressive HQ 500x digital zoom, Digital Time Base Correction, HQ Color Noise Reduction System and YC Sharpness enhancement. Additional performance features include a 22x optical zoom lens, advanced stable pix (EIS), 2.5" LCD screen with an active screen that senses ambient light, LP recording mode and DV terminal (iLink). The step-up unit, VM-D975LA, adds a color viewfinder, photo mode, AV in/out and active light for recording in low light.

Rounding out the camcorder line is the VM-H675LA, Hi8 camcorder. The camcorder features Hi8 quality, tape analyzer (ATRS), tape+ and active light for $399.95. The VM-H675LA will be available in Q1, 2001.

The Hitachi VCR line offers three units with varying features and price points. The line offers the same feature package in a full size 435mm chassis model VT-FX665A with clock display and ACS Multi Brand remote for $79.95. Next, the VT-FX675A adds VCR+, 300x super rewind and multi-brand remote for $99.95.

Rounding out the line is Hitachi's UltraVision VT-FX6570A featuring a tape navigation system, tape analyzer, 400x super rewind, illuminated multi-brand remote and shuttle control for $169.95. The VT-UX6570A is currently shipping, while the other units will ship in Q2, 2001.

"Hitachi's goal is to offer consumers a wide range of high performance products at a variety of price points," said Leo Delaney, director of marketing for Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division. "We challenge our engineers to create products for consumers who demand both high video performance and value, and we have a great offering for 2001."

Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division, markets a variety of consumer electronics including high-definition TVs (HDTV), projection TVs (PTV), plasma monitors, color TVs, DVD players, a DVD camcorder, VCRs and standard camcorders, as well as security and observation system products. The company's premium products are sold under the Hitachi UltraVision and UltraVision Digital brand names.

Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, consumer electronics and semiconductors, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For more information, visit http://www.hitachi.us/.

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 1999 (ended March 31, 2000) consolidated sales of 8,001 billion yen ($75.5 billion*). The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's Web site at http://www.hitachi.co.jp.

*At an exchange rate of 106 yen to the dollar. UltraVision Digital is a registered trademark of Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc.

Gerard F. Corbett
Hitachi America, Ltd.
Vice President
Corp. Communications Group
Tel:(650) 244-7900
Fax: (650) 244-7920
gerard.corbett@hal.hitachi.com

Greg Belloni
The Weber Group
Tel: (415) 616-6139
Renee Linholm

Renee Linholm
The Weber Group
Tel: (415) 616-6003
rlinholm@ca.webergroup.com

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