News Releases

06/06/2005

HITACHI AMERICA AND AVOCENT PARTNER TO PROVIDE WIRELESS A/V AND INTEGRATED CONTROL SOLUTIONS

-- Avocent WMS1000 media streamer brings wireless capabilities to Hitachi America projectors --

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, June 6, 2005 – The Digital Media Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan (NYSE: HIT), is announcing today that the Avocent Emerge™ WMS1000 wireless media streamer is now available for use with Hitachi’s line of LCD projectors. The collaboration between these two companies marks the first time that wireless technology is featured in Hitachi America projectors, and marks the Avocent migration of proprietary technologies into the professional A/V market.

"The advantages of wireless operation and control in the projector market are undeniable, and the technology has improved to the point where it has now become a reality," says Pete Denes, Hitachi America’s Director of Sales. "Hitachi America’s alliance with Avocent brings together two leading manufacturers in their respective fields to create a state-of-the-art solution for presentation environments.”

“Our innovations in KVM and wireless technologies created a natural path for us to move into the professional A/V market,” said Doyle Weeks, Avocent President and COO. “We are pleased to be partnered with Hitachi as we move into this expanding market.”

The Avocent Emerge WMS1000 wireless media streamer broadcasts high quality, full motion streaming video from virtually any analog video format to multiple display devices up to 1,000 feet without wires. Because of its wireless video graphics and audio design, Emerge WMS1000 makes installations simpler and more cost-effective – eliminating the need for a PC at each display and extensive cabling. The WMS1000 and auto-adjusting features make for an effortless installation.