News Releases

01/08/2002

Hitachi Introduces Its First Plasma Television Line at CES 2002

Jan 8, 2002 17:16 PM

-- Sleek Plasma Design Integrated With High Performance Television Functionality Delivering the Optimal Home Theater Experience --

LAS VEGAS, January 8, 2002 - The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), http://www.hitachi.us/tv, today announced that it will produce one of the industry's first consumer plasma television lines in 2002. The UltraVision 16:9 widescreen HDT20 series, including the 42" (42HDT20) and the 32" (32HDT20), builds on the success of Hitachi's high end UltraVision Digital television line. Integrated with two NTSC television tuners, a full range of audio-video inputs and outputs and full-featured remote control, Hitachi's new plasma television line brings consumer ease and functionality to the market.

"Hitachi views plasma as an important product technology and accordingly has invested in one of the world's premiere plasma research, development and production facilities," said Leo Delaney, vice president of marketing for the Hitachi America, Ltd. Home Electronics Division. "Our 32" and 42" plasma television models are introduced with all of the feature content and functionality of our best selling UltraVision projection television products. We see these high performance plasma televisions as a natural extension of our big screen product line."

Hitachi designed the HDT20 series with consumer ease in mind. The sets are ready to use right out of the box - simply connect the Audio-Video Control Center with a single cable to the display, plug in the power cord and connect the sources to the Audio-Video Control Center. Setting up Hitachi's HDT20 series is just as easy as any other television.

The HDT20's feature dual NTSC television tuners and advanced split screen capabilities. In addition, since a major attraction of plasma television is its slim design, Hitachi developed a system that keeps the unit sleek and light by housing the tuners and audio-video inputs and output separate from the display. Hitachi's Audio-Video Control Center can be positioned away from the set and is connected to the display with one audio-video and control cable eliminating the unsightly bundle of wires. The 32" set's sleek silver cabinetry features a sturdy, built-in swivel base that allows users to adjust the picture to any position desired for viewing. The display also features two 10-watt speakers that are built into the cabinetry design. The speakers are detachable on the 42HTD20 model.

Once the television is on, it's simple to use. Hitachi's universal pre-programmed remote control is identical to the company's UltraVision Digital projection television remotes, providing access to a newly designed graphical interface allowing users to move effortlessly through set up, basic operation and advanced features.

In developing the HDT20 line, Hitachi leveraged its partnership in the Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited (FHP) facility in Kyushu, Japan, where it dedicated significant resources to the development of plasma technologies. Years of research and development on new plasma technology at the facility is a major reason why Hitachi was able to deliver the HDT20 series and bring consumers one of the first fully functional HDTV Monitor** plasma televisions.

Hitachi's significant investments in the facility lead to the development of the heart of the display - FHP's innovative ALiS (alternate lighting of surfaces technology). ALiS forms a seamless, grid-free panel with continuous vertical channels of phosphor material, replacing the grid of contained phosphor cells found in earlier plasma designs. ALiS creates a larger aperture allowing more light to pass through creating a brighter picture.

Together with the high definition display capability, Hitachi also made sure the HDT20 could deliver the highest quality viewing possible by integrating its proprietary VirtualHD™ circuitry. The circuitry functions as a video supercomputer that up-converts conventional signals to match the high definition display capabilities of the plasma display panel. Additionally, the sets feature 2:3 reverse pull down and motion detection technology that corrects annoying motion artifacts. Combined with the ALiS display technology, VirtualHD™ delivers smooth reproduction of film and video content making Hitachi's HDT20 series the perfect solution for home theater applications.

The 32HDT20 will ship in April retailing for $5,999.99 and the 42HDT20 in May for $7,999.99.

The Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division markets a variety of consumer electronics including rear projection high definition television monitors in both 16:9 and 4:3 configurations, plasma televisions, analog rear projection televisions, direct view televisions, DVD players, DVD camcorders and VCRs, 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., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 2000 (ended March 31, 2001) consolidated sales of 8,417 billion yen ($67.9 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://hitachi.com.

*At an exchange rate of 124 yen to the dollar.

**Display resolution of the 42HDT20 is 1024 x 1024. The 32HDT20's display resolution is 1024 x 852.

UltraVision Digital is a registered trademark of Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division
VirtualHD is a registered trademark of Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division

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
WWeber Shandwick
Tel: (415) 296.2276
Mobile: (415) 370-4126
gbelloni@webershandwick.com

Renee Linholm
Weber Shandwick
Tel: (415) 296-2272
Mobile: 415.710.7659
rlinholm@webershandwick.com

For all other inquiries please call:
1-800-HITACHI

If you have any questions specifically about Investor Relations in the United States, please contact our Investor Relations Department at investor.info@hal.hitachi.com