News Releases

06/30/2006

HITACHI INTRODUCES NEW ULTRAVISION® 120Hz LCD DISPLAYS

-- Four New Ultra-Slim Flat Panel Models Deliver Industry’s Best LCD Technology --

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 introduced its 2006 line-up of LCD flat panel HDTVs featuring four new UltraVision® models including two advanced Director’s Series displays. Combining market-leading LCD technology with a sleek, sophisticated design, Hitachi’s new LCD displays arrive in 32- and 37-inch sizes and deliver the best picture quality possible as a result of Hitachi’s proprietary black frame insertion technology and 120Hz high speed double refresh drive.

“Hitachi’s investment in proprietary LCD technologies delivers the most realistic picture possible for the absolute best LCD home theater experience,” said Bill Whalen, senior product manager, Hitachi America, Ltd., Ubiquitous Platform Systems, Consumer Group. “Our latest LCD models produce the sharpest images and motion picture clarity using next-generation LCD technology.”

Hitachi’s 2006 LCD HDTVs include the next-generation PictureMaster™ HD III video processor with advanced 1080p histogram processing for dynamic image contrast, maximum 16 bit/281 trillion color capability and motion overdrive technology for a clearer picture. To enhance the consumer experience, all Hitachi LCD HDTVs include four high-definition and six standard-definition aspect modes, split screen/picture-in-picture. All of these features are packed into an ultra-slim, modern and stylish display that is destined to become the highlight of any room, measuring just inches deep and ready for viewing with either matching power swivel tabletop stand or mounted on the wall.

High-quality audio performance is delivered through a 20-watt speaker system packing MTS stereo/SAP with simulated surround sound, optical digital audio output, and bass boost that offers the viewer mute, soft mute and TV-as-center speaker options. Both LCD models also include a quick start seamless HDTV (ATSC) and NTSC tuner and come CableCARD™ compatible and digital cable-ready.

The 32-inch UltraVision® 32HLT79 and 37-inch UltraVision® 37HLT79 120Hz LCD flat panel HDTVs have been designed to deliver a superior image and a design statement. The HLT79 series’ display is framed by a deep black finish trim and includes a titanium gray lower speaker panel and matching swivel tabletop stand. Convenience features for the displays include side panel menu controls, a preprogrammed fully illuminated remote control, day and night memory by input with timer, new day dynamic picture memory, three-language on-screen display, parental locks (V-Chip), on/sleep timers, auto link input sensor, discrete IR codes and three HDMI and component inputs each. The 32HLT79 and 37HLT79 will be available in November at the suggested retail prices of $2,199 and $2,699, respectively.

The Director’s Series represents Hitachi’s top-line engineering technology and includes the UltraVision® 32HLX99 and 37HLX99 120Hz LCD models. These superior black gloss home theater displays feature the very best of Hitachi’s industry-leading advancements in LCD technology, providing film quality image tuning, black and white color temperatures and custom color temperatures, an adjustable color decoder, auto color and Hitachi’s own Digital Color Management III technology. HLX99 series displays come with a convenient power swivel tabletop stand, TV Guide On-Screen® IPG, a Roll and Click™ illuminated remote control and separate simple remote control and a two year parts and labor warranty with in-home service, all in addition to the HLS69 series features. The 37HLX99 and 32HLX99 will be available in October and November at the suggested retail prices of $2,999 and $2,499, respectively.

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.