News Releases

05/01/2008

Hitachi to Showcase the World’s First UltraThin Line of Displays at Annual Dealer Show This Week

-- The Much Anticipated and Only “1.5”Displays Are Now Available to Consumers --

CHULA VISTA, CALIF., May 1, 2008 — At its Annual Dealer Show this week, Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. will showcase its “1.5” family of UltraThin Displays, which, for the first time, are now available for purchase by U.S. consumers.

Unveiled to rave reviews at the Intl. CES in Las Vegas in January of this year, the 1.5 displays – so named due to their sleek 1.5-inch depth – continue to generate excitement and momentum, particularly now as consumers are able to purchase these slim, stylish displays through retail and specialty AV dealers nationwide for the first time.

Available in four screen sizes (32-inch, 37-inch, 42-inch and 47-inch), the 1.5 displays embody an array of Hitachi’s engineering breakthroughs which have resulted in an award winning design, unrivaled thinness and outstanding picture quality. From the patented ventilation technology to the backlight, power supply and unique crystal frame, the innovations found in the 1.5 line represent Hitachi’s achievements in areas as diverse as automotive design, server systems and optical R&D.

The new 1.5 line is further differentiated by its appealing design that, importantly, extends a complete 360 degrees around. So whether the displays are seen from the front, a side angle or from the back, the elegant lines and distinctive aesthetics demonstrate an attention to detail that make the displays the ideal complement to a luxury lifestyle.

Another important first: Hitachi has now outlined the pricing structure for the new 1.5 line, which will be offered in Director’s Series (X) and Ultra Vision (V) models. Pricing and availability for each model is as follows:

Director’s Series™ Models

Model

Screen Size

120Hz Reel120™

Audio Video Center

Resolution

Warranty

Pricing & Availability

UT47X902

47”

Yes

Optional

1920x1080p

2 years

$4,699
September

UT42X902

42”

Yes

Optional

1920x1080p

2 years

$3,699
May

UT37X902

37”

Yes

Optional

1920x1080p

2 years

$2,999
April

UT32X812

32”

Yes

Optional

1366x768p

2 years

$2,299
August

UT32X802

32”

No (60Hz)

Optional

1366x768p

2 years

$1,999
March

UltraVision – V Series Models

Model

Screen Size

120Hz Reel120™

Audio Video Center

Resolution

Warranty

Pricing & Availability

UT47V702

47”

Yes

Optional

1920x1080p

1 year

$4,499
September

UT42V702

42”

Yes

Optional

1920x1080p

1 year

$3,499
July

UT37V702

37”

Yes

Optional

1920x1080p

1 year

$2,799
July

UT32V502 & UT32V502W

32”

Yes

Optional

1366x768p

1 year

$2,099
August

UT32A302 & UT32A302W

32”

No (60Hz)

Optional

1366x768p

1 year

$1,799
August

At its Annual Dealer Show, Hitachi also disclosed preliminary information about its new line of Plasma Display Panels (PDP). The new line of plasmas represents a new era at Hitachi that is focused on luxury, design and prestige. The displays come in high gloss Japan black and high gloss crystal frames and contain features such as power swivel, Cinema48™, deep-black stripe filters, a game mode and a TV Guide On Screen™ Interactive Program Guide. Further details will be announced publicly in late May, when the new plasma displays are officially introduced.