Hitachi Software in the News

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Hitachi Software Rounds Out Winning StarBoard® Lineup: Adds New Bluetooth Tablet To Enable Wireless StarBoard System Control

ORLANDO, FLORIDA, March 10, 2005 — In an introduction that further bolsters the industry's most comprehensive interactive presentation technologies product line, Hitachi Software today unveiled its new StarBoard BT-1 BlueTooth Tablet to the systems integration community at the 2005 NSCA Expo. The ergonomically engineered StarBoard BT-1 BlueTooth Tablet is a lightweight 9.5” X 10” X 1” pen operated panel. The device can be easily carried around lecture halls, schoolrooms, boardrooms and other presentation environments and provides presenters with the roaming capacity to run, annotate, highlight and manage third-party applications using a simple pen-type device from any location in the room.

“Because it's cost-effective, easy-to-use and highly-robust, the new BT-1 BlueTooth Tablet facilitates increased access to the productivity and collaboration tools inherent in the StarBoard platform,” explained Ralph Zak , Director, Hitachi Software Engineering America. “As a result, systems integrators and dealers have a whole new opportunity to include StarBoard technologies such as interactive plasma displays, whiteboard or tablets in their systems design.

The BT-1 connects to a PC running the presentation via a wireless USB plug-in receiver. The PC will also typically drive a stationary StarBoard interactive presentation system such as the StarBoard T-15XL and T-18SX interactive LCDs, the StarBoard P-55X or P-50X interactive plasma displays, or the F-60 or F-75 Starboard interactive whiteboards. Featuring the latest Bluetooth 2.4G Class II technology , the new BT-1 BlueTooth Tablet has a range of over 30 feet and a product weight of just 1 lb. that enables comfortable use for extended periods.

The BT-1 BlueTooth Tablet features a writing/work surface of 6” X 4.5” with a resolution of 500 Lines Per Inch (LPI) and accuracy of +/- 2mm, which also helps ensure ergonomic use. Included with the unit is a wireless USB BlueTooth receiver and a USB cable that connects directly to the BT-1 for wired operation. Powered by two rechargeable AA batteries, the BT-1 is accompanied by a battery charger and a three-button pen device that requires one AAA battery and features a minimum proximity of just 8mm.

Available immediately and priced at $295.00, the new StarBoard BT-1 has applications in the education, business sales and training presentations and trade show & exhibitions markets. “Just as the introduction of the mouse in the 1970's began a new paradigm in computer control, the wireless tablet will become the new standard for presentation control,” Zak continued. “The new StarBoard BT-1 is the perfect companion product to our other StarBoard products and we look forward to working with our channel partners to bring it to all of the markets we serve.”

The StarBoard family includes the StarBoard P-Series Interactive Plasma Displays, often used in boardroom or small classroom applications and is ideal for rich media conferencing; the StarBoard F-Series Interactive Whiteboards, popular for K-12 and small business applications; the StarBoard T-Series Interactive Tablet Displays, which are widely used with projectors in lecture halls or larger rooms or otherwise on their own for interactive training and education; and the StarBoard BT-1 BlueTooth Tablet that complements other StarBoard systems offering educators, trainers and presenters a mobile alternative for system control.

All StarBoard presentation technologies are powered by StarBoard Software's intuitive icon-driven user-interface. The software enables presenters and educators to easily operate and annotate right over Windows applications or digital video on the plasma display. Inherent networking software enables the StarBoard systems to easily communicate with other StarBoard systems and allows for simultaneous viewing and annotation by multiple systems connected either locally or across the Internet. Five different electronic ink types provide a large palette of attractive and eye-catching colors to make annotations standout on the display and add life to the presentation.

About Hitachi Software
Founded in 1971, Hitachi Software Engineering is a major global supplier of solutions-oriented IT services, employing over 5600 people worldwide with current sales of over $2.1 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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