Hitachi Debuts Innovative New Plasma HDTVs

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The CEDIA Expo, starting today, marks the first time that Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. will display its impressive 2008 line of Plasma HDTV's, which showcase elegant new designs, advanced technologies and robust, industry-leading features. These Hitachi HDTVs respond perfectly to today's new breed of home electronics consumer, who is extremely discerning and demands innovation, high-style, performance and prestige from every electronics product they bring into their home.

The new Hitachi HDTVs feature high gloss Japan black and high gloss crystal frames with manual swivel stands or unique remote controlled power swivel stands. The new UltraBlack Panels boxed cell structure produces darker blacks and the new proprietary phosphor formulations deliver industry leading deep, rich colors.

The new PictureMaster™ VI digital video processor features the second generation of Hitachi's Reel60™ technology, a patented innovation that eliminates "judder" for the ultimate in smooth, clear motion. The new HDTVs also debut a new feature for film enthusiasts called Cinema48™. Working exclusively with 24p HDMI inputs, Cinema48 provides viewers with the same visual timing and feeling that they experience in movie theaters.

Available in two screen sizes (42-inch and 50-inch), additional features of Hitachi's 2008 plasma HDTVs include Energy Star qualification with an automatic ambient room light sensor, deep-black stripe filters for exceptional real world contrast and industry leading anti-reflective properties, the ability to disable or dim the power indicator light, a game mode and a TV Guide On Screen™ Interactive Program Guide.

"CEDIA provides the ideal venue to showcase our new line. These new plasmas have ameliorated features that we are excited to provide to today's consumer," said Daniel Lee, vice president of marketing for Hitachi Home Electronics (America). "We are providing precise technological advances, along with the aesthetic features, that consumers are demanding."

Pricing and Availability

The A, S, V and X Series are available now. The Hitachi 2008 Plasma Display Panels are priced as follows. In all instances below, pricing indicated is the Manufacturer's Advertised Price (MAP):

* 42-inch A-Series (model P42A202): $1,399
* 50-inch A-Series (model P50A202): $1,599
* 50-inch A-Series (model P50A402): $1,599
* 50-inch S-Series (model P50S602): $2,199
* 50-inch V-Series (model P50V702): $2,499
* 50-inch X-Series (model P50X902): $3,199

ABOUT HITACHI

Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Consumer Group subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., markets high-definition plasma and LCD flat panel televisions and monitors, as well as Blu-ray Disc™, DVD and HDD camcorders.

Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace by manufacturing and developing its own core technologies to provide consumers and businesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi's product categories. For consumer products, please visit www.hitachi.us/tv. For Business products go to www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia.

Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For more information, visit www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE:HIT) (TOKYO:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 390,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2007 (ended March 31, 2008) consolidated revenues totaled 11,226 billion yen ($112.2 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, logistics and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com