DENVER --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 14, 2006 The Ubiquitous Platform Systems Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), http://www.hitachi.us/tv, announced today that its new 2006 Director's Series product line, including plasma and LCD flat-panel televisions that combine original technologies and sophisticated designs, has begun shipping. The new plasma HDTVs feature 42- and 55-inch screen sizes, and exclusive technologies that produce razor sharp images and deep, rich colors. Hitachi's 42-inch model introduces 1080 vertical lines of resolution to the 42-inch plasma screen size for the first time. This original Hitachi plasma technology creates a line for vertical line match with the dominant 1080 HDTV format. The 55-inch model uses similar proprietary technologies that produce more active picture area and a brighter picture. The new 37-inch LCD HDTV features Hitachi's proprietary black frame insertion technology and 120Hz high speed double refresh drive, allowing for a sleek, sophisticated design and the best picture quality possible.

Hitachi's Director's Series(TM) line represents unparalleled television engineering, technology and design, brought together to deliver the most cinematic picture available for home theater. The new models include the UltraVision(R) CineForm(TM) Director's Series(TM) Plasma HDX99 in 42- and 55-inch screen sizes, and the 37-inch UltraVision(R) CineForm(TM) Director's Series(TM) LCD Flat Panel HLX99.

"The world's first 1080 line 42-inch plasma and 120Hz high speed double refresh drive LCD HDTVs are the result of Hitachi's investments into core plasma and LCD technologies," said Daniel Lee, vice president of marketing, Hitachi America, Ltd., Ubiquitous Platform Systems, Consumer Group. "The Director's Series(TM) is designed to target consumers addressed by the AV specialty distribution channel. Every element is optimized for the highest-quality picture and best-in-class home theater experience."

UltraVision(R) CineForm(TM) Director's Series HDX99 Plasma HDTV Series
Hitachi's top-of-the-line UltraVision(R) CineForm(TM) Director's Series(TM) models for 2006 include the 42-inch 42HDX99 and 55-inch 55HDX99 plasma HDTVs. Both models feature a new Deep-Black Natural Color Filter that effectively absorbs ambient room light, reducing reflections for richer blacks and vibrant color.

The 42HDX99 and 55HDX99 models include all of the advanced technologies found in the HDT79 and HDS69 models, including the new PictureMaster(TM) HD III digital video processor. The auto color, black & white color temperature, and Custom Color Temperature features present a new level of convenience and image customization to discerning videophiles. The CineForm(TM) Director's Series(TM) Plasma HDTV line also features an exclusive high-end industrial design with an all black design. For film enthusiasts, the Director's Series features a special "Film Quality Image" factory setup that provides increased detail in shadows and highlights while maintaining sharp focus and minimal noise.

These Director's Series(TM) models feature the exclusive Learning AV NET V with Simple Remote, which concentrates the power of total home theater control into a small hand-held 12-button remote. This convenient and intuitive remote fits comfortably in the palm of the hand and can command an entire home theater system. In addition, these models include IEEE-1394 with full AV control capabilities.

The 42HDX99 and 55HDX99 are currently shipping for the suggested list prices of $3,099 and $4,999, respectively, with a two-year parts and labor warranty.

UltraVision(R) HLX99 Director's Series(TM) 120Hz LCD HDTV
The Director's Series(TM) represents Hitachi's top-line engineering technology and includes the UltraVision(R) 37HLX99 120Hz LCD model. This superior black gloss home theater display features the very best of Hitachi's industry-leading advancements in LCD technology, providing film quality image tuning, black and white color temperatures and custom color temperatures, an adjustable color decoder, auto color and Hitachi's own Digital Color Management III technology. HLX99 series displays come with a convenient power swivel tabletop stand, TV Guide On-Screen(R) IPG, a Roll and Click(TM) illuminated remote control and separate simple remote control and a two year parts and labor warranty with in-home service, all in addition to the HLS69 series features. The 37HLX99 is now shipping at the suggested retail price of $2,499.

About Hitachi
Hitachi America, Ltd., Ubiquitous Platform Systems Division, produces and markets a wide variety of digital products for business and consumers. The division's Consumer Group markets high-definition plasma televisions and monitors, LCD projection and flat panel HDTVs, LCD projectors, and DVD camcorders and DVD players. The division's Business Group markets LCD projectors, professional plasma monitors, interactive panels and whiteboards and security and observation system products through value added resellers, system integrators, distributors and OEM.

Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace by manufacturing and developing its own core technologies to provide consumers and businesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi's product categories. For consumer products, please visit http://www.hitachi.us/tv. For business products, please visit http://www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia. For more information about electronic whiteboards and Starboard software, please visit Hitachi Software at http://www.hitachi-soft.com. Hitachi brand business products are connected through Hitachi's OneVision program, which makes it possible for any Hitachi business unit dealer to sell Hitachi products from other Hitachi business units.

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) (TOKYO:6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 356,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2005 (ended March 31, 2006) consolidated sales totaled 9,464 billion yen ($80.9 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.