Hitachi Introduces New ALiS Plasma Televisions

[Gregg Lengling]

The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), announced its new 2003 plasma television line including 42- and 32-inch models. The 42HDT50 and the 32HDT50 utilize Hitachi's ALiS (Alternate Lighting of Surfaces) high-definition plasma technology and new VirtualHD™ 1080p digital video processor.

"Featuring the ALiS technology, Hitachi's new plasma televisions deliver a stunning high-definition picture," said Bill Whalen, Senior Product and Marketing Manager for Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division. "ALiS combined with Hitachi's new VirtualHD 1080p video processor elevates the performance of plasma television to a level where the picture quality is as impressive as the form factor."

Hitachi's significant investments in the Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma (FHP) production facility led to the development of the heart of Hitachi's plasma television--the ALiS technology. ALiS forms a seamless, grid-free panel with continuous vertical channels of phosphor material, replacing the grid of contained phosphor cells found in earlier plasma designs. The innovative design creates pixel boundaries electronically which creates a larger aperture, allowing more light to pass through and create a brighter picture.

Hitachi's VirtualHD 1080p digital video processor works in concert with ALiS, upconverting all incoming non-1080i signal sources up to 1080p. The processor also adds new automatic 3:2 pulldown correction, new 26-point advanced video processing, six new aspect ratio modes plus HD Zoom, new pure digital color management, 1080i/720p/540p/480i input processing, advanced HD Digital Window™ split screen, and Hitachi's new Learning AV NET.

Other enhanced video features found in the new models include new adjustable color decoder, four-color temperature memory, black-and-white film color temperature, four-step black enhancement, and digital 4 MB 3D Y/C comb filter.

The new sets feature a redesigned silver and black frame with swivel stand and AV Center box. The AV Center houses dual 181 channel tuners and numerous inputs and outputs including a DVI-HDTV input, RGB 15-pin D-sub analog input with audio, two wideband component video inputs, three S-video inputs, four A/V inputs, an A/V output, a variable audio output, and a subwoofer output. Other features include Hitachi's new Day and Night Memory by Input, illuminated preprogrammed remote control, front-panel menu controls (AV Center), three-language on-screen display, silent operation (no cooling fans), screen saver, and sleep timer.

Hitachi's 1024 x 1024 display resolution 42HDT50 will be released in the third quarter of 2003 for $7,999.99. The 852 x 1024 display resolution 32HDT50 will also be released in the third quarter of 2003 for $5,999.99.

For more information about Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division, visit //www.hitachi.com/tv.