Hitachi Introduces 55-Inch HDTV Monitor at CES 2004; Professional Plasma Model Delivers Long Life with High Efficiency Panel Technology

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2004--The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), www.hitachi.us/tv, today announced the release of the 55HDM71, the company's new 55-inch 16:9 HDTV Monitor. Featuring 20 percent more picture area than 50-inch models, the 55HDM71 offers a number of technical upgrades in terms of color reproduction, energy efficiency and product longevity. The 55HDM71 expands Hitachi's professional plasma monitor line, which currently features 42- and 50-inch models.

"The 55HDM71 is designed for high definition home theater, as well as business and presentation applications," said Leo Delaney, vice president of marketing for the Hitachi America, Ltd. Home Electronics Division. "Utilizing new patented technologies from Hitachi, the 55HDM71 produces brighter and more dynamic images with lower power consumption and improved longevity compared to previous plasma technologies."

“Utilizing new patented technologies from Hitachi, the 55HDM71 produces brighter and more dynamic images with lower power consumption and improved longevity compared to previous plasma technologies.”

Innovative and Efficient

Several new technology innovations make the 55HDM71 the most advanced professional plasma monitor on the market today. Advances in panel efficiency have been achieved with the new high efficiency pixel driving technology that reduces power consumption by 15 percent, without any reduction in light output. State-of-the-art new color reproduction formulations produce an exceptional 1.07 billion colors. To achieve the deepest blacks, the new plasma monitor utilizes a high contrast black rib structure rather than simple black striping to better absorb ambient light. The innovative new rib structure is designed to deliver a higher "picture to non-picture ratio" to produce smooth seamless images.

The Hitachi 55HDM71 offers native 1,366 x 768 display resolution (WXGA) and through Hitachi's VirtualHD(TM) 1080p digital video processor, up-converts all incoming non-native signal sources up to 1,080 progressive before conversion to the native 768 panel display.

Modern and Convenient

Measuring less than 4-inches thin, the 55HDM71 is designed to bring style and functionality to any home theater, business or industrial space. New life extension modes provide exceptional flexibility for industrial applications. It can be installed with an optional swivel table stand or wall-mount bracket for the ultimate in style conscious presentation.

The 55HDM71 features Hitachi's Day and Night Memory by Input. Users can individually adjust and save picture settings depending on personal preference or the level of ambient light in the room. An anti-reflective glass shield also helps to further improve picture visibility during high ambient lighting conditions. Additional features that add to user convenience include fan-free quiet operation and three on-screen display languages.

The set provides exceptional connectivity options including a DVI-HDTV input, multiple component video inputs, multiple RGB analog inputs and S-video/composite inputs.

Additional features of the 55HDM71 include split screen, four-color temperature memory, black and white film color temperature, four-step black enhancement, digital 4MB 3D Y/C comb filter and optional side mountable speakers.

The 55HDM71 is available in an attractive gloss black with silver accents. The manufacturers suggest retail price is $9,999.95

About Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division

Hitachi America, Ltd. Home Electronics Division produces and markets a wide variety of consumer electronics products including high definition CRT and LCD rear projection televisions, plasma televisions and monitors, DVD camcorders and DVD players. In addition to consumer products, Hitachi also markets professional plasma monitors for business applications as well as security and observation system products.

Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace manufacturing and developing its own core technologies to provide consumers and businesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi's product categories.

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 http://www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 340,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2002 (ended March 31, 2003) consolidated sales totaled 8,191.7 billion yen ($68.3 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 Web site at http://www.hitachi.com.

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