Hitachi Premiers World's First Full High Definition 42-Inch Plasma TV at CEDIA

Sept. 14, 2006--The Ubiquitous Platform Systems Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. today announced that it will demonstrate the industry's first 42-inch full high-definition plasma television (HDTV) at the CEDIA EXPO in Denver, Colorado this week, as well as a 60-inch full HD plasma display. The Hitachi 42-inch plasma display introduces 1920 x 1080 lines of resolution to the 42-inch plasma screen size for the first time, offering a pristine vertical line match with the dominant 1080 HDTV format.

Hitachi's development of the world's highest resolution 42-inch plasma display is made possible through the application of a number of original technologies. Using its proprietary electrode sharing technology, the 42-inch full HD panel delivers more than two million pixels and more than six million individual lights. A patented "slim-rib" feature enables a wider aperture ratio, creating an intense brightness of 1,000 cd/m2 and dazzling picture quality for the viewer. Picture quality is also enhanced and better controlled through more effective signal processing that enhances grayscale performance and reduces noise for a smoother and more beautiful viewing experience.

"Hitachi's commitment to the flat panel HDTV business is especially notable when it comes to plasma, where we hold more than 1,300 related patents and own a majority share in one of the world's largest plasma facilities," said Daniel Lee, vice president of marketing, Hitachi America, Ltd., Ubiquitous Platform Systems, Consumer Group. "Offering best-in-class plasma products to our dealers and customers is absolutely critical and we are extremely proud of the full high-definition technology achievement we have made with our 42-inch plasma product and look forward to sharing it with CEDIA attendees."

The technology demonstration will offer a preview of the complete full HDTV line that Hitachi plans to introduce in 2007. Both the 42- and 60-inch full HD plasma models will be on-view at booth #332 at CEDIA from September 14-17, 2006 at the Colorado Convention Center, along with Hitachi's current 2006 product line-up.

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.

SOURCE Hitachi