Hitachi Announces New DVD and VCR Products at CES 2003; Progressive Scan DVD, Dual Deck DVD/VCR and Home Theater System Added to New Line

Business Wire, Jan 9, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

2003 International CES

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2003

The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), www.hitachi.com/tv, today announced a new progressive scan DVD player, combination DVD/VCR and DVD/VCR home theater system at the 2003 Consumer Electronics Show.

Hitachi's newest DVD player, the DV-P735U, offers progressive scan output (480p) and a dual laser pickup providing compatibility with DVD, DVD-R, CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs, as well as MP3 playback capabilities. The unit features 500 lines of resolution, 10-bit, 54-MHz video D/A converter and is Dolby Digital compatible.

The DV-P735U also features a multi-brand TV remote controller, 2x and 4x digital zoom with aspect select, smooth 2x playback, virtual surround sound and a still picture mode with frame advance. The unit's connectivity options include component (Y, PB, PR), S-video and composite video outputs and coaxial digital and standard audio outputs.

The DV-P735U is scheduled for release in the second quarter, 2003, retailing for $129.99.

Hitachi will also offer a dual deck DVD/VCR in 2003. The progressive scan DV-PF73U offers the same capabilities of Hitachi's stand-alone DVD deck including progressive scan output, dual laser pickup, but also adds a fully-functional VCR saving space on component racks and adding convenience.

The HiFi VCR deck features 4-head dual Azimuth and 19 Micron SLP head pickups, digital tracking and 181 channel tuner. Additional VCR functions include auto head cleaner, auto channel presets, scan index, on screen menu and instant recording timer.

The DV-PF73U includes component video (Y, PB, PR), S-video and composite and coaxial digital and analog audio DVD outputs. The VCR deck features composite video input/output and RF input/output.

The DV-PF73U is scheduled for release in March, 2003, retailing for $199.99.

Offering all the features of the progressive scan DVD/HiFi VCR unit, Hitachi's new DV-SDX3 adds a 300W (40W x 5 100W) AM/FM receiver with built-in DTS and Dolby Digital/Pro-Logic decoding and six speakers (five satellites 6.5" powered sub-woofer) for the ultimate home theater package. The system also includes a convenient all-in-one multi-brand remote, photo disc and WMA playback capabilities and the unique 5.1 channel Q-sound function which takes mono and stereo signals and simulates theater-like 5.1 surround sound.

The DV-SDX3 is scheduled for release in the second quarter, 2003, retailing for $499.99.

ABOUT HITACHI AMERICA, LTD., HOME ELECTRONICS DIVISION

The Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division markets a variety of consumer electronics including rear projection high definition television monitors in both 16:9 and 4:3 configurations, plasma televisions, analog rear projection televisions, direct view televisions, DVD players, DVD camcorders and VCRs, as well as security and observation system products. The company's premium products are sold under the Hitachi UltraVision and UltraVision Digital brand names.

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

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2001 (ended March 31, 2002) consolidated sales totaled 7,994 billion yen ($60.1 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 Web site at http://global.hitachi.com.