Hitachi America and Avocent Partner to Provide Wireless A/V and Integrated Control Solutions; Avocent WMS1000 Media Streamer Brings Wireless Capabilities to Hitachi America Projectors

Business Wire, June 6, 2005

LAS VEGAS -- The Digital Media Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan (NYSE:HIT), is announcing today that the Avocent Emerge(TM) WMS1000 wireless media streamer is now available for use with Hitachi's line of LCD projectors. The collaboration between these two companies marks the first time that wireless technology is featured in Hitachi America projectors, and marks the Avocent migration of proprietary technologies into the professional A/V market.

"The advantages of wireless operation and control in the projector market are undeniable, and the technology has improved to the point where it has now become a reality," says Pete Denes, Hitachi America's Director of Sales. "Hitachi America's alliance with Avocent brings together two leading manufacturers in their respective fields to create a state-of-the-art solution for presentation environments."

"Our innovations in KVM and wireless technologies created a natural path for us to move into the professional A/V market," said Doyle Weeks, Avocent President and COO. "We are pleased to be partnered with Hitachi as we move into this expanding market."

The Avocent Emerge WMS1000 wireless media streamer broadcasts high quality, full motion streaming video from virtually any analog video format to multiple display devices up to 1,000 feet without wires. Because of its wireless video graphics and audio design, Emerge WMS1000 makes installations simpler and more cost-effective -- eliminating the need for a PC at each display and extensive cabling. The WMS1000 and auto-adjusting features make for an effortless installation.

About Hitachi

Hitachi America, 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 on Hitachi in North America, visit http://www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE:HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 347,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2004 (ended March 31, 2005) consolidated sales totaled 9,027.0 billion yen ($84.4 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 Website at http://www.hitachi.com.

About Avocent Corporation

Avocent Corporation is the leading supplier of connectivity solutions for enterprise data centers, service providers and financial institutions worldwide. Branded products include switching, extension, intelligent platform management interface (IPMI), remote access and video display solutions. Additional information is available at: www.avocent.com.