News Releases

05/30/2006

HITACHI INTRODUCES WORLD’S FIRST 42-INCH PLASMA WITH 1080 LINE DISPLAY

-- New Televisions Feature Sleek Aluminum and Glass Designs --

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - May 30, 2006 - The Ubiquitous Platform Systems Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), www.hitachi.us/tv, today announced its 2006 plasma television line that combines original technologies and sophisticated designs. The new HDTVs feature 42- and 55-inch screen sizes, and exclusive technologies that produce razor sharp images and deep, rich colors. Hitachi’s 42-inch models introduce 1080 vertical lines of resolution to the 42-inch plasma screen size for the first time. This original Hitachi plasma technology creates a line for vertical line match with the dominant 1080i HDTV format. The 55-inch models use similar proprietary technologies that produce more active picture area and a brighter picture.

Hitachi’s 2006 UltraVision® models include industry leading connectivity with 3 HDMI and 3 Component inputs for compatibility with today’s digital sources. The company’s PictureMaster™ HD III video processing technology features third-generation 1080p processing and new histogram processing for enhanced contrast, sharpness, and color for a clearer, sharper picture. This year’s Hitachi plasma models also have extended color capabilities to reproduce the purest reds, greens and blues. Through this latest plasma line, Hitachi is devoted to investment in its core technology, intellectual property and manufacturing.

“The world’s first 1080 line 42-inch plasma is the result of Hitachi’s investments into core plasma technologies,” said Bill Whalen, senior product manager, Hitachi America, Ltd., Ubiquitous Platform Systems, Consumer Group. “Now consumers can see today’s digital signals with a new clarity that only Hitachi plasma technology can deliver. All of our new plasma products utilize advanced proprietary technologies to bring the most realistic image and best picture quality possible to home theater.”

Hitachi’s HDS69 series picture is framed by slim aluminum trim and silver side speakers that present the impression that the television is machined from a solid block of aluminum. Both the 42- and 55-inch models include the new PictureMaster™ HD III processor, featuring dynamic contrast, dynamic histogram processing, maximum 16 bit/281 trillion color capability, automatic 3:2 film processing, 4 HD aspect modes, 6 SD aspect modes, and split screen/picture in picture. The 42HDS69 has 1024 x 1080 resolution using Alternate Lighting of Surfaces (ALiS) panel technology that delivers more than 1.1 million pixels. The 55HDS69, with 1365 x 768 resolution and high-contrast black rib structure is designed for consumers that want big impact in a large screen plasma product. Both models feature the new natural color anti-reflective glass filter, pure HDTV blue and red, high-aperture pixel design, and include:

• (3) HDMI™ audio/video inputs.

• (3) Component inputs.

• The Quick Start Seamless HDTV and NTSC tuners deliver the picture quickly with seamless access to all available channels.

• CableCARD™ compatibility provides simplified “one remote control” operation for cable programming on participating systems.

• Hitachi’s separate Day and Night Memories for each source component deliver superior picture quality. Simply pressing the Day/Night button on the remote or using the automatic timer switches between bright daytime settings and high fidelity nighttime settings.

• Six Speaker 36-watt audio system.

• Manual tabletop swivel stand (optional for 55-inch).

Additional highlights include an auto link input sensor, simulated surround sound, bass boost, optical digital audio output. The 42HDS69 and 55HDS69 will be priced at $2,499 and $4,299, respectively, and are shipping this month.

The 42-inch 42HDT79 and 55-inch 55HDT79 include all of the features of the HDS69 series as well as the TV Guide On Screen® interactive programming guide. Hitachi’s signature CineForm™ Series distinctive design elements include black side speakers that enhance the style of the products. The consumer experience is further refined with a power swivel base that allows instant fine tuning of the viewing angle and is included with the 42-inch, and available as an option for the 55-inch. An Illuminated Roll & Click™ Remote offers a slim ergonomic design and backlit buttons for easy use. The unique rolling wheels make it easy to quickly change the channels or adjust the volume. The enhanced Digital Color Management III system can store two settings – one for the photo memory card input, and one for all other video settings for true color rendering. The HDT79 series also includes adjustable color decoder, 2 IR outputs, an IR pass through and USB photo input. Both models will be available in July, with the 42HDT79 priced at $2,999 and the 55HDT79 at $4,799.

Hitachi’s top-of-the-line UltraVision® CineForm™ Director’s Series™ models for 2006 include the 42-inch 42HDX99 and 55-inch 55HDX99 plasma HDTVs. Both models feature a new Deep-Black Natural Color Filter that effectively absorbs ambient room light, reducing reflections for richer blacks and vibrant color.

The 42HDX99 and 55HDX99 models include all of the advanced technologies found in the HDT79 and HDS69 models, including the new PictureMaster™ HD III digital video processor. The auto color, black & white color temperature, and Custom Color Temperature features present a new level of convenience and image customization to discerning videophiles. The CineForm™ Director’s Series™ Plasma HDTV line also features an exclusive high-end industrial design with an all black design. For film enthusiasts, the Director’s Series features a special “Film Quality Image” factory setup that provides increased detail in shadows and highlights while maintaining sharp focus and minimal noise.

These Director’s Series™ models feature the exclusive Learning AV NET V with Simple Remote, which concentrates the power of total home theater control into a small hand-held 12-button remote. This convenient and intuitive remote fits comfortably in the palm of the hand and can command an entire home theater system. In addition, these models include IEEE-1394 with full AV control capabilities.

The 42HDX99 and 55HDX99 will both be available in August for the suggested list prices of $3,499 and $5,299, respectively, with a two-year parts and labor warranty.

The 42-inch 42HDF39 model includes exclusive features and plasma technologies to produce a cinema-like home viewing experience, and features a sleek titanium silver finish with bottom speaker design and a fixed table-top stand. The model also boasts high aperture pixel design and 1024 x 1024 resolution, as well as ATSC and NTSC tuners, 3 color temperatures, 3D comb filter, 20-watt speaker system, and HDMI and component inputs. The 42HDF39 is currently available for the suggested list price of $2,299.

Hitachi America, Ltd., Ubiquitous Platform Systems Division, produces and markets a wide variety of digital products for business and consumers. The division’s Consumer Group markets high-definition plasma televisions and monitors, LCD projection and flat panel HDTVs, LCD projectors, and DVD camcorders and DVD players. The division’s Business Group markets LCD projectors, professional plasma monitors, interactive panels and whiteboards and security and observation system products through value added resellers, system integrators, distributors and OEM.

Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace by manufacturing and developing its own core technologies to provide consumers and businesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi's product categories. For consumer products, please visit www.hitachi.us/tv. For business products, please visit www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia. For more information about electronic whiteboards and Starboard software, please visit Hitachi Software at www.hitachi-soft.com. Hitachi brand business products are connected through Hitachi’s OneVision program, which makes it possible for any Hitachi business unit dealer to sell Hitachi products from other Hitachi business units.

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

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 356,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2005 (ended March 31, 2006) consolidated sales totaled 9,464 billion yen ($80.9 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.