Hitachi 2004 DVD Player/Recorder Line Completes the Home Theater Experience; Full Line Features Progressive Scan and Integrates with Award-Winning Hitachi Televisions and DVD Camcorders

Business Wire, June 1, 2004

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 1, 2004

The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), www.hitachi.us/tv, today announced its new line of DVD/VCR players for viewing and recording DVD- and VCR-based material. The 2004 line offers a range of options that seamlessly integrate with Hitachi's entire range of plasma, LCD and CRT projection televisions, as well as its fourth generation DVD camcorders. The new products include the DV-RF7U, a combination DVD/VCR player and recorder; the DV-PF74U, a Progressive Scan DVD/VCR player; and the DV-P745U, a single-disc Progressive Scan DVD player.

DV-RF7U

The DV-RF7U is a multi-format Progressive Scan output (480p) DVD recorder and VCR player that combines all of today's most advanced viewing and recording functions into a single high-performance unit. The DV-RF7U is capable of recording in both VHS and DVD formats, including DVD-R, -RAM and -RW and can store between one to six hours of programming. The unit is also designed to work seamlessly with the Hitachi DVD camcorders and allows users to directly insert and playback non-finalized DVD-R discs.

A one-touch recording feature enables consumers to easily transfer material from VHS to/from DVD with only the touch of a button from the remote or on the unit. A series of convenience features also enable ultimate levels of flexibility when recording and viewing material:

-- Hitachi Triple Navigation: Allows users to pinpoint recorded

scenes based on date, scenes or time.

-- Simultaneous Record and Play: Record new programs while

watching previously recorded material.

-- Chasing Playback: Enables users to watch a program from any

already recorded point as the broadcast continues to record.

-- Play List Playback: A quick and easy way to delete, edit and

rearrange already recorded material.

Additional features of the DV-RF7U include 1.5x speed playback with audio, Dolby(R) Digital Dynamic Range Compression, JPEG and MP3 playback, VCR programming and a DV input for direct connection with digital tape based camcorders. The DV-RF7U will be available in Q3 2004 and will retail for $599.99.

DV-PF74U

The DV-PF74U is a Progressive Scan combination DVD player and Hi-Fi VCR. The unit offers viewing capabilities in DVD and VHS format, as well as VHS-based recording and the Hitachi Disc Navigation feature enables instant access to selected chapters. Additional highlights of the DV-PF74U include Dolby Digital Dynamic Range Compression, DVD black level select, auto VCR head cleaner, VCR digital auto tracking, JPEG and MP3 playback, VCR programming, 2x-4x digital zoom and search speeds ranging from 2x-100x.

The DV-PF74U will be available in Q2 2004 and will retail for $139.99.

DV-P745U

The DV-P745U is a single-disc Progressive Scan DVD player that offers high-quality features in a sleek, slim design aesthetic. The unit offers Hitachi Disc Navigation to provide instant access to selected chapters, Dolby Digital Dynamic Range Compression, DVD black level select, MP3 playback, 2x-4x digital zoom and search speeds ranging from 2x-100x.

The DV-P745U will be available in Q2 2004 and will retail for $79.99.

ABOUT HITACHI AMERICA, LTD., HOME ELECTRONICS DIVISION

Hitachi America, Ltd. Home Electronics Division produces and markets a wide variety of consumer electronics products including high definition CRT and LCD rear projection televisions, plasma televisions, DVD camcorders and DVD players. In addition to consumer products, Hitachi also markets professional plasma monitors for business applications as well as security and observation system products.

Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace manufacturing and developing its own core technologies to provide consumers and businesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi's product categories.

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

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 326,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2003 (ended March 31, 2004) consolidated sales totaled 8,632.4 billion yen ($81.4 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://www.hitachi.com.

Dolby is the registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.