Hitachi Releases Next Generation Professional Plasma Monitor; New 42-Inch CMP4221U Display Offers Stunning Image Reproduction for Professional Applications

The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America, Ltd.,a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), www.hitachi.us/tv, todayannounced its next-generation high-definition professional plasmamonitor, the 42-inch CMP4221U. Designed to deliver exceptionallysharp, smooth performance across all video and PC graphicapplications, this 16:9 HDTV plasma display panel monitor (PDP)supports a broad range of commercial uses, including HDTV videodisplay, document image editing, terminal applications and single- andmulti-point AV displays. The CMP4221U is the latest addition toHitachi's robust line of professional plasma display monitors,featuring best-of-breed brightness and stunning image reproductioncapabilities.

"Professional quality plasma displays are the new standard for awide range of corporate and commercial venues and Hitachi has years ofexperience satisfying this market demand," said Bill Whalen, seniorproduct manager for the Hitachi America, Ltd., Home ElectronicsDivision. "The CMP4221U is a next-generation professional plasmamonitor that delivers improved image quality in a space-saving, sleekdesign, further demonstrating Hitachi's commitment to designing theindustry's best displays for digital signage and other professionalapplications."

The Hitachi CMP4221U plasma monitor features a 1024 x 1024 pixelresolution and industry-leading proprietary technologies includingHitachi's Hi-Vision compatible high-definition ALiS (AlternateLighting of Surfaces) technology, a unique panel driving system andstructure that dramatically increases light output, resolution andpanel life over conventional designs; Life Extension Control toprolong the display's useful life; Monitor ID Bit functionalityallowing independent control of multiple plasma panels; and an RS-232Cinterface for two-way communication with the PDP, allowing on-the-flymonitoring and performance adjustments. With over a million pixels,advanced color control and temperature selections, and a viewing angleexceeding 160 degrees, the CMP4221U packs exceptional performance intoa thin profile, space-saving professional plasma display monitor.

Hitachi designed the CMP4221U with a wide range of interfaceoptions, providing both HDMI and standard VGA analog computerinterfaces and separate HDMI stereo interfaces for internal andexternal audio, assuring DVI and HDMI version 1.1 support. Additionalfeatures include independent horizontal and vertical scalers for thebest possible image scaling, a universal power supply compliant withall standard industrial and commercial power sources, an advancedimage color filter allowing accurate reproduction of virtually allvideo and PC images, and an optimized remote control for discretecommands and a minimum instruction set. The CMP4221U is FCC Class Bcompliant and comes with an On-Screen Display (OSD) key lock, autoadjust features for PC operation, a sleep timer and multiple screensavers, dual S-video inputs, dual component and composite inputs,discrete IR inputs and a composite output.

Optional accessories for the black-framed CMP4221U display includea table top stand, wall-mount unit, ceiling-suspension unit andspeakers. The CMP4221U will begin shipping in March 2006 with asuggested retail price of $2,999.

ABOUT HITACHI

Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division, which willbecome the Ubiquitous Platform Systems Division on April 1st, producesand markets a wide variety of consumer electronics products, includinghigh-definition plasma televisions and monitors, LCD projection andflat panel HDTVs, LCD televisions, as well as DVD camcorders and DVDplayers. In addition to consumer products, Hitachi also marketsprofessional plasma monitors and LCD and LCOS projectors for businessapplications as well as security and observation system products.Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace by manufacturing anddeveloping its own core technologies to provide consumers andbusinesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi'sproduct categories. For more information, visit www.hitachi.us/tv.

Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets andmanufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems andproducts, and consumer electronics, and provides industrial equipmentand services throughout North America. For more information, visitwww.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is aleading global electronics company with approximately 347,000employees worldwide. Fiscal 2004 (ended March 31, 2005) consolidatedsales totaled 9,027.0 billion Yen ($84.4 billion). The company offersa wide range of systems, products and services in market sectorsincluding information systems, electronic devices, power andindustrial systems, consumer products, materials and financialservices. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company'sWeb site at www.hitachi.com.

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