Fujitsu Microelectronics to Market 37-Inch XGA Plasma Display Module in North America - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, June 5, 2000

Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. (FMI) will market a new 37-inch XGA plasma display panel (PDP) module for public-information and presentation-display applications. The panel, which was developed by Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited (FHP), will be the thinnest, lightest and brightest flat panel screen in the industry. The 16-kilogram, high-resolution display module will be available for OEM purchase from FMI starting in July.

The 37-inch display features a 400:1 contrast with a wide viewing angle that preserves images even at the edge of the screen. The pixel format is 1024 x 768; the pixel pitch is an industry-leading 0.735 mm. Colors are displayed in two modes, either 2.1 million (Mode A) or 16.8 million colors (Mode B). The aspect ratio is 4:3, similar to a computer or TV screen.

"This new module is ideal for applications such as public kiosks, flight-information displays and advertising applications," said Ryusuke Hoshikawa, president and chief executive officer of Fujitsu Microelectronics. "We are pleased that we will market the panel in North America, as part of the joint Fujitsu-Hitachi program to greatly expand worldwide sales of these impressive components."

Pricing for the new 37-inch XGA PDP module begins at $6,900.

PDP Product Family

The 37-inch panel, which was shown at the SID2000 (Society for Information Display) conference this month, is the most recent addition to Fujitsu's family of PDPs, which also includes 25-inch models. The 42-inch high-resolution color PDP incorporates the breakthrough technology, Alternate Lighting of Surfaces (ALiS). The ALiS method displays up to 31.5 million dots and more than 1,000 scan lines, over twice the number of lines of the current generation of PDPs. With an aspect ratio of 16:9, Fujitsu's 42-inch panel is appropriate for high-definition TV (HDTV) applications.

FMI to Market 37-Inch XGA-Compatible Plasma Display Module in North America 2/2

Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited

In April 1999, Fujitsu Limited and Hitachi. Ltd. established a joint venture, Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display Limited, to develop, manufacture and market large-screen plasma display panels. The two companies combined their individual operations into the new company to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-definition displays and digital televisions. The thin-profile, lightweight PDP module features space-saving installation, self-luminescence, digital driver and a wide viewing angle that lets it display moving images and high-definition still images with high levels of precision and detail. By consolidating the individual manufacturing facilities, the joint organization expects to raise production capacity steadily this year, reaching some 70,000 units per month by 2002.

Fujitsu Limited is a leading provider of information technology products and solutions for the global marketplace. Founded in 1935 as a telephone equipment maker, the Fujitsu Group had consolidated revenues of $49.6 billion in fiscal year 1999. With over 500 group companies, including Amdahl and ICL, Fujitsu is one of the world's largest suppliers of computer and information systems solutions, telecommunications and semiconductor products, software and services. The Fujitsu Group has more than 180,000 employees and operates in more than 100 countries.

Hitachi Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, is one of the world's leading global electronic companies. The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products including computers, semiconductors, consumer products, and power and industrial equipment. For more information, please visit Hitachi's web site at http://www.hitachi.co.jp.

Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of semiconductors and electronic devices. For more information, FMI: call 1-800-866-8608 or visit the company's web site at www.fujitsumicro.com.