3DsoundSurge Press Release: Hitachi Expands DVD Product Line to Include New DVD-RAM, DVD-R Recorder

Hitachi Expands DVD Product Line to Include New DVD-RAM, DVD-R Recorder

Full-Featured DVRX5000U Meets Needs of Growing Recordable DVD Market

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 16, 2003--The Home Electronics Division of Hitachi America Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT), www.hitachi.com/tv, today announced the addition of a DVD recorder to its 2003 product line, the DVRX5000U. Hitachi's first-generation DVD recorder, the DVD-RAM, DVD-R compatible DVRX5000U, is a progressive scan DVD player that records to DVD-R disks, considered the most universal of recordable DVD formats, and DVD-RAM, a format that uniquely allows users to watch the beginning of a recording while the DVD recorder is still recording the end of the program.

The DVRX5000U can play back in a range of formats, including DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-Video, CD-Audio, Video CD and CD-R/RW. The unit also features functions such as chasing playback, time slip recording, and simultaneous recording and playback -- all of which provide the user with more convenient viewing and recording options.

"With the introduction of the DVRX5000U, Hitachi is delivering a high performance DVD-based player and recorder solution," said Bill Whalen, senior product and marketing manager, Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division. "Coupled with Hitachi's DVDCAM, the DVRX5000U enables users to watch DVD-based home movies by just dropping in the DVD-RAM or DVD-R disc from the camcorder. You can also convert your existing library of tapes to the higher-quality and longer-lasting DVD format."

The DVRX5000U features four recording modes (XP/SP/LP/EP) and a range of connectivity options, including component (Y, Pb, Pr), S-video and composite video outputs. Additional features include a multi-brand TV remote control, built-in 125 channel tuner with auto tuner presetting, VCR+ Programming and play list playback, a quick and easy way to delete and rearrange recorded material.

The DVRX50000U is scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2003 and will retail for $549.99.

About Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division

The Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division markets a variety of consumer electronics including rear projection high definition television monitors in both 16:9 and 4:3 configurations, plasma televisions, plasma display panels, DVD players, DVD camcorders and DVD recorders, as well as security and observation system products. The company's premium products are sold under the Hitachi UltraVision and UltraVision Digital brand names.

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

Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT - News), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2001 (ended March 31, 2002) consolidated sales totaled 7,994 billion yen ($60.1 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://global.hitachi.com.

Contact:

     Weber Shandwick
     Greg Belloni, 415/248-3414
     gbelloni@webershandwick.com
     Kryssa Guntrum, 415/248-3422
     kguntrum@webershandwick.com

Source: Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division