HITACHI ENTERS HIGH END AV MARKET WITH BREAKTHROUGH NEW LCD PROJECTOR FAMILY

NEW Hitachi ULTRA HIGH END LCD projectors:

Hitachi Digital Media Group today announced the launch of a new family of LCD projectors that signal the company's entry into the professional AV market. Bringing Hitachi quality, innovation and reliability for the very first time to large venues requiring high end projection solutions the CP-X10000, CP-WX11000 and CP-SX12000 offer a breakthrough package combining low cost of ownership with flexible installation options. Whether deployed in conference auditoria, exhibition halls, large lecture theatres or stage productions, audiences will be impressed with the outstanding performance and brightness while AV professionals will relish the ease of installation and maintenance.

"For the first time the high end AV market can benefit from Hitachi's ongoing commitment to drive down total cost of ownership through innovative design, quality engineering and built-in reliability. Whatever the application and in any environment, these capable, low maintenance and flexible projectors are an ideal solution for this demanding market," said Axel Kutschke, Senior Manager, Presentation Products for Hitachi Digital Media Group. "The introduction of these three new models means AV professionals can now choose a projector that is easy to install and that delivers exceptional performance for any large venue."

Designed from scratch specifically to meet the demands of the professional market, all three models feature a dust-resistant cooling system that eliminates one of the main sources of reliability issues. The efficiency of this system also means that regardless of the ambient conditions the air filter will last for over 10,000 maintenance-free hours. The use of long life components including inorganic LCD panels and polariser filters enhances reliability still further. When maintenance is eventually needed the projector can send email alerts of imminent requirements, eliminating unplanned downtime and for example, removing the need to perform a manual lamp test. Easy access to the key components including the lamp, LCD panel and the polariser, simplify maintenance when replacements are needed.

The models also offer the highest possible image quality, with an iris-based high contrast system delivering a contrast ratio of 2500:1. Meanwhile the high quality scaler chip, 12 bit digital gamma and 10 bit signal processor as used on high end home theatre models ensure superb colour reproduction.

To cope easily with the variety of installation requirements of the professional market, the new family features a selection of optional bayonet lenses that provide a wide range of projection distances and lens shifts. By delivering a 200" screen from as short a throw distance as 2.1m, the models allow for space saving rear projection as well as flexible installation in any situation. All models can project screen sizes of between 40" and 700" and depending on the lens in use a 100" screen can be displayed from as close as 1m or as far distant as 20.2m. To provide even greater flexibility and cater for even the largest of venues there is the option to blend multiple projectors together.

A range of resolution and brightness options are provided by each of the new models. As the brightest of the three at 7500 lumens, the CP-X10000 delivers 1024x768 XGA resolution, while the WXGA CP-WX11000 offers true 1280x800 (16:10) widescreen performance at 6500. Finally the CP-SX12000 with 1400x1050 SXGA+ also reaches the impressive 7000 lumens barrier.

All the models naturally incorporate the latest Hitachi convenience and security features as well as the connectivity options which make all Hitachi projectors so popular. My Screen, My Memory and My Button as well as input source naming, resolution presets and blackboard, whiteboard and day time modes ensure the projectors are easy to use, while PIN Lock, My Screen PIN lock, keypad lock, Kensington slot, a transition detector, My Text password and a security LED ensure that security is of the highest level. Every conceivable connectivity option is also covered including HDMI and BNC as well as an RJ-45 network socket. Finally, new, easy to use software to manage and control the projectors is now free to download from www.hitachidigitalmedia.com, making it simple for users and professionals alike to access and benefit from the powerful networking features that are in built into all the models.

Availability

The Hitachi CP-X10000 is available across Europe in December 2008. The CP-WX11000 will be available in February 2009 and CP-SX12000 in March 2009.

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Notes to Editor

About Hitachi Digital Media Group

The Digital Media Group, which is part of Hitachi Europe Ltd, is responsible for pan-European sales and distribution of Hitachi's leading digital displays, cameras and projection products.

With three key product areas, Hitachi Digital Media Group provides leading-edge digital solutions for the home and business environments. Key product groups are: display solutions, which include High Definition Ready Plasma and LCD TVs; a range of business 3LCD projectors; 7th generation DVD and Blu-ray Disc Camcorders.

For further information please visit Hitachi Digital Media's website at http://www.hitachidigitalmedia.com

About Hitachi Europe Ltd.

Hitachi Europe Ltd., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Japan. Headquartered in Maidenhead, UK, it has operations in 15 countries and employs 500 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Hitachi Europe tailors its services and solutions to meet the specific needs of its customers. Hitachi Europe comprises ten key business areas: power and industrial systems; rail; industrial components & equipment; information systems; digital media; display products; air-conditioning and refrigeration systems; procurement and sourcing; corporate technology group (research & development) and the Hitachi Design Centre. For more information about Hitachi Europe Ltd., please visit http://www.hitachi-eu.com

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 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 totalled 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 http://www.hitachi.com.

Hitachi CP-X10000, CP-WX11000 and

CP-SX12000 LCD projectors

KEY FEATURES AND BENefitS
FACT SHEET

Reliability Dust-resistant cooling system to eliminate the most common cause of reliability issues

Low Maintenance Long life parts and common sense design features to simplify long interval maintenance activities.

• o 10000 hour filter and lamp in the CP-X10000
• o 2000 hour lamp
• o Long life inorganic LCD panel

Networking Wired networking. Browser based software provides easy management, control and monitoring. Email alerts provide proactive management of scheduled maintenance.

Installation Options Large choice of lenses catering for a wide range of throw distances and screen size requirements. 40" to 700" screen sizes and 100" screen from as close as 1m or as far as 20m. Extensive range of lens shift options available.

Brightness Performance 7500, 6500 and 7000 lumens brightness respectively in XGA, WXGA and SXGA+ resolutions

Contrast Performance 2500:1 using an active iris to automatically adjust to scene conditions giving the excellent video quality, fully satisfying the multi media needs of the latest presentations and videos.

Connectivity 15pin Mini-Dsub x 2, BNC x 1 (shared with component), DVI-D x 1, HDMI (Digital RGB) x 1

Video input Composite RCA jack x 1, S-Video jack x 1、Composite BNC x 1, Component BNC x 1 (shared with Computer)

Noise Eco mode: 32dBA, Normal Mode: 39dBA

Set-up options Auto vertical and manual horizontal keystone adjustment

Dimensions 476mm (W) x 272mm (H) x 469mm (D)

Weight 13.1Kg (excluding lens)