Hitachi Software in the News

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Hitachi Software StarBoard® Version 6.2 Software Makes Channel Debut at NSCA Expo 2005

New StarBoard Software Release 6.2 adds new electronic inks, advanced user interface and personal video conferencing.

“Making StarBoard more end-user friendly makes it more integrator friendly,” says Ralph Zak, Director, Hitachi Software Engineering America.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA, March 10, 2005 — Reaffirming its commitment to make its StarBoard family of interactive communications technologies as intuitive and easy to use as possible, Hitachi Software today introduced StarBoard Software Version 6.2 to the systems integration community at the 2005 NSCA Expo. StarBoard software powers Hitachi Software’s line of interactive communications devices including LCD tablets and displays, rear-screen and plasma displays and interactive whiteboard products. The newest iteration provides dozens of new features, streamlines the user interface to make it intuitive, and provides support for videoconferencing across the Web. A new self-teaching training CD will be shipping with the new software release.

“Having the market’s most sophisticated interactive communications tools is of little value to systems integrators or their customers if it require a PhD in computer science to operate the system,” noted Ralph Zak, Director, Hitachi Software Engineering America. “StarBoard Software Version 6.2 offers the best of both worlds — adding more features and benefits yet making our systems easier to use than any competitive technologies available.”

Release 6.2 of StarBoard Software takes interactive presentation to a new plane. In the release are the following new capabilities:

• All functions are easily accessible with a new arrangement of pull down menus with less than three mouse clicks


• Any function can be made one button accessible by simply dragging the menu item to the on screen toolbar


• Support for reading and writing .pdf files


• Viewing files of applications with printing capability such as Microsoft(R) Visio(R) and Microsoft(R) Project


• Support Emergency Briefing System (EBS) 1.0, a new application for emergency services such as police and fire departments


• The number of available electronic inks has been increased from four to six — with new fill inks and 3D inks


• Personal videoconferencing is added to StarBoard's inherent data conferencing through support of the IEEE H.323 standard. Adding any web cam and microphone allows two StarBoard systems to hold videoconferencing


• Three different pen types can all be interchangeably used in giving a presentation: the standard annotation pen, the Intelli-pen which converts freehand geometric objects to drafted objects, and a new Laser-ink pen which provides temporary annotations and highlights with any ink type


• Multiple StarBoard sessions using different presentations or Windows applications can be run simultaneously


• Annotations can be made over running video or animations with web pages or PowerPoint presentations


• StarBoard sessions can move between “annotation mode” and “mouse mode” freely without losing annotations or any requirement to save data

The new StarBoard Software used with any of the StarBoard hardware devices including interactive LCDs, plasma displays or interactive whiteboards, permit presenters to operate and annotate any Windows-based computer application from the pen-driven StarBoard system. The annotated images may be simultaneously displayed on rear projection or plasma displays, or any size traditional screens using LCD projectors. The systems are ideal for meeting rooms, classroom and auditorium podiums, and mobile presentations when used in conjunction with laptop computers. When used on a desktop with web cam and microphone, the system is ideal for interactive personal videoconferences using the new videoconference features in StarBoard Software, Release 6.2.

Annotated data can be saved in several file formats including .html files for easy viewing with any web browser software. These panels are the latest technology for interactive presentations in conference rooms, classrooms, training facilities, lecture halls, trade shows and symposiums.

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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