Hitachi Software in the News

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Hitachi Software Interactive Communications Group Unveils Interactive 55" Plasma Display with Highly Compacted Digitizer at InfoComm 2004

StarBoard P-55X System Targets Pro-A/V Market for Video Conference Rooms and High-End Meeting Environments, Sports Teams and Broadcasting

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, June 9, 2004 — Demonstrating its dedication to providing both businesses and educational facilities with the most advanced tools for interactive presentations and training, Hitachi Software’s Interactive Communications Group today introduced at InfoComm Booth #2537 the StarBoard P-55X, an interactive 55” plasma display. The StarBoard P-55X is the latest addition to Hitachi Software’s StarBoard family of interactive communication devices. It consists of a sleek bezel frame with integrated sensors that fit tightly over the new Hitachi Model TH-55HDM71 55” display monitor.

The Hitachi Model TH-55HDM71 monitor is a full 16:9 HDTV quality monitor with 1366x768 resolution, 1.07 billion color display equipped with split screen and picture-in-picture modes, high contrast black rib structure, screensaver and life extension functions and the capability to support multiple video and computer inputs. It is ideal for viewing videoconferences along with computer-based data.

The advanced interactive digitizer requires no overlay on the 55” screen, leaving behind no air gaps on the surface of the screen. This ultimately works to reduce the effects of parallax. The tight, compacted digitizer of the StarBoard P-55X, designed to be an integral part of the display, provides an extremely fast “think-time” response to any type of stylus applied to the surface.

With the StarBoard Software, the P-55X enables presenters to run and annotate computer applications or digital video right on the plasma screen using a supplied pen or any form of non-electronic stylus — even the presenter’s finger. Annotated data can be saved in several file formats including .html files for easy viewing with any web browser software.

StarBoard interactive plasma panels are ideal for boardroom, customer meeting rooms, training, distance learning and videoconference settings. They are also excellent tools for weather broadcasting by providing an environment for annotating weather maps, and for annotating diagrams and maps in news broadcasting. Coaches of athletic teams can use the system to review game and practice films and commentators in sports broadcasting can annotate on digital footage or chalktalk right on the sports field and court backgrounds supplied with the software.

“By combining Hitachi Software’s cutting-edge presentation technology with Hitachi’s plasma monitor, we can deliver a compelling package for every high-end conference room, video conference center and sports training facility,” explained Ralph Zak, Director, Hitachi Software Engineering Interactive Communications Group. “We are uniquely positioned to provide professional communicators with tools that are intuitive, high performing and set a lower cost of ownership than any competitive system.”

The newly updated StarBoard Software Release 6.0 powers the StarBoard P-55X. This latest version of the software permits end users to easily operate and annotate right over Windows applications or digital video on the plasma display. Inherent networking software enables the P-55X to easily communicate with other StarBoard systems and allows for simultaneous viewing and annotation by multiple systems connected either locally or across the Internet. Six different electronic ink types provide a large palette of attractive and eye-catching colors to make annotations stand out on the display and add life to the presentation.

The new systems are available in an attractive ergonomic display with an optional stand with a keyboard tray and a lower shelf for a computer. Software support for the StarBoard P-55X is provided with the new StarBoard Software, Release 6.0. The StarBoard P-55X will be available for shipment in the third quarter of 2004. MSRP is under $15,000. The StarBoard P-55X bezel frame with sensors is available as a standalone device with StarBoard Software for customers who purchase the 55” monitor from other channels.

About Hitachi Software
Founded in 1971, Hitachi Software Engineering is a major global supplier of solutions-oriented IT services, employing over 8,000 people worldwide with current sales of over $1.6 billion annually. Hitachi Software provides services using technology to enhance its customers' businesses through value-added professional services, consulting and support; and state-of-the-art multi-media presentation & conferencing systems.

For more specifications and information about the Interactive Communications Group and Hitachi Software's StarBoard family of products, visit www.hitachi-soft.com, or call 888-615-9600.

All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.

 

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