News Releases

8/28/2003

Hitachi Introduces High-Performance Projectors with Advanced Feature Sets

-- New CP-S318W and CP-X328W LCD Projectors Provide High-quality Output and Advanced Features for Budget-conscious Presenters --

BRISBANE, Calif., http://www.hitachi.us/, August 28, 2003 – Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan (NYSE: HIT), today announced the availability of the CP-S318W and CP-X328W, the latest additions to Hitachi’s comprehensive line of multimedia projectors. Feature-rich with a low price point, the projectors are ideal for budget-conscious presenters in the education field, and other industries where high-quality presentations are necessary. The CP-S318W and CP-X328W feature 2,000 ANSI lumens and SVGA and XGA resolution, respectively.

“Even though many professional presenters are on a limited budget, it doesn’t mean they have to settle for a poor-quality projector,” said Pete Denes, director of sales for Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Projector Products. “Hitachi’s innovative technology and commitment to high quality is what drives us to create products like the CP-S318W and CP-X328W, both of which provide advanced image quality and product features that truly cater to the customers’ specific presentation needs.”

High Quality in a Small Footprint

With a six-pound footprint, the CP-S318W and CP-X328W are packed with several high-quality specifications. The CP-S318W provides SVGA resolution at a lower cost, for more budget-conscious presenters with a brightness of 2,000 ANSI lumens and a 400:1 contrast ratio. The CP-X328W features native XGA resolution for added image clarity with a brightness of 2,000 ANSI lumens and a 350:1 contrast ratio.

Increased Flexibility

The CP-S318W and CP-X328W feature vertical and horizontal digital keystone correction, making them ideal for classrooms, allowing educators to work around seating arrangements where students can easily obstruct the path of the projected image. Also, a programmable startup screen is included for increased user flexibility. Both projectors also possess numerous connectivity options, including component, composite and S-Video, and feature two RGB inputs and one RGB output for added versatility. Additionally, both projectors are HDTV compatible and feature digital zoom and freeze functions, further adding to the range of options.

Quiet Operation

The CP-S318W and CP-X328W also feature Hitachi’s Whisper Mode, a standard on all new Hitachi projectors, allowing users to reduce the noise to near-whisper levels, with a minimal reduction in brightness. Both projectors operate at 33 dB in Whisper Mode.

Pricing and Availability

Priced at $6,495 and $7,495 respectively, the CP-S318W and CP-X328W are currently available through Hitachi’s network of nationwide resellers. For more information, or to locate a dealer near you, please visit http://www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia , or call 1-800-225-1741.

About Hitachi

Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, supplies high-performance multimedia products to OEMs, value-added resellers, system integrators and distributors. The division’s products include LCD/LCOS projectors and color laser beam printers.

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.