Hitachiís Highly Anticipated 61-Inch High Definition TV Available In September 1999
The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), today announced the retail availability of its 61-inch High Definition TV (61HDX98B) in select outlets later this month. Hitachiís High Definition TV is the pinnacle of the companyís three-tiered UltraVision Digital lineup, which will include High Definition TV Ready and Digital TV Ready models. Hitachi began delivering shipments to retail outlets for display in late August 1999. ""By rescheduling our product launch in line with the new Fall HDTV broadcast programming, we are able to offer an added benefit - a greater viewing selection - to our consumers which in turn, gives us a greater opportunity to demonstrate our advanced HDTV display capabilities,"" noted Gary Bennett, Executive Vice President of Sales for Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division. ""Enhanced with Hitachiís exclusive technology in lenses, PRTs and convergence, along with convenience features like Magic Focus, the 61HDX98B allows us to really show off the latest improvements in broadcast signal quality and to provide an unforgettable viewing experience for home theatre enthusiasts."" Video ? Hitachiís 61HDX98B offers viewers an extended widescreen format, 16:9 (1.78:1) ratio, to take advantage of the full HDTV experience. ? The companyís advanced projection optics uses a six-element lens system, designed with high-quality optical materials and a wider electron gun, and creates more clear, sharper images. ? Magic Focus, an exclusive Hitachi feature, offers automatic corner-to-corner image convergence at the press of a button. ? Picture quality and resolution are maximized for all available sources: local digital channels (ATSC), standard and high definition satellite programs and current analog formats (NTSC). High definition broadcasts are displayed at the highest level available, 1080i, while all other formats including standard definition digital broadcasts and analog TV and video sources, are automatically upconverted and displayed in enhanced 540p. ? Pedestal-like architecture and fine-furniture quality materials presents a flawless fit and finish to the Hitachi HDTV cabinetry. Audio ? The built-in Dolby Digital AC-3 Decoder reads digital audio accurately - providing true sound separation with six discrete channels including a subwoofer - and allows viewers to hear movies the way directors intended. ? Hitachiís 61-inch HDTV offers a variety of surround sound configurations including Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic. ? A 60-watt Bass Reflex speaker system with built-in center channel speakers have also been added to create a movie-theatre quality sound-system. Broadcast And Programming Receives signals from all four broadcasting sources: ATSC (local digital), NTSC (standard analog), standard DirecTV and high definition DirecTV. ? 61HDX98B features a built-in DirecTV PLUS receiver that accepts both standard DirecTVÆ and 1080i high-definition DirecTV signals, delivering premium satellite programming ranging from Hollywood-hit movies to sporting events. ? Built-in 8 VSB digital decoder allows the set to receive all 18 ATSC digital broadcasting formats transmitted by more than 70 stations across the country. ? Standard analog TV broadcast signals are upconverted and displayed at 540p to maintain a premium viewing experience at every level. Price And Availability Hitachi will offer 61HDX98B at the suggested retail price of $7,999 and will be available through select retail outlets in late September 1999. For more information, please visit the Hitachi Web site at www.hitachi.com.