UltraThin 1.5 : UltraThin 1.5 Displays from Hitachi Available in the USA

This morning Hitachi announced its new UltraThin 1.5 display line for the US market. Available in 32’’, 37’’, 42’’, and 47’’, UltraThin is being offered in two series. Directors series models will cost between $1999 and $4699 and come with a 2 year warranty. UltraVision – V Series, with prices ranging from $1799 to $4499, come with a 1 year warranty.

CHULA VISTA, Calif.--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:



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.

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 384,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 (ended March 31, 2007) consolidated revenues totaled 10,247 billion yen ($86.8 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 website at www.hitachi.com.