Gadgets and Gizmos

Hitachi Launches Ultra-Thin HDTVs in US Market

Hitachi introduced an ultra-thin line of high-definition TV monitors for the U.S. market, joining rivals in trying to lure high-end buyers with sleek designs.

Hitachi branded the line called “1.5,” that reflects the new products’ one-and-a-half-inch thick display, making it suited for hanging on a wall. The new liquid crystal displays (LCD) will be available in retailers starting in the first quarter of this year.

Hitachi says these new HDTVs are not for the average consumer, but rather the “luxury consumer.” Hitachi even claims the frame on the display has a “subtle bevel to present the picture as if it were a work of art.” Clearly, lots of work went in to designing these new displays.

And I must say, I’m a hard critic, but you have to give credit where credit is due. And Hitachi certainly deserves praise for their new line of thin HDTVs. The Ultra Thin 1.5 design features a translucent “crystal frame” surrounding the picture with a semi-transparent inner frame enhancing the impression of precision and feather lightweight.

The thinness and lightness (the 32” HDTV Monitor weighs just over 24 lbs) of the displays was achieved using micro-lens light diffusion, electronic component miniaturization and a proprietary silent cooling system. These technologies, combined with In Plane Switching (IPS) LCD technology and External Electrode Fluorescent Lamp (EEFL) technologies, create a display that offers greater power efficiency, better and more flexible color accuracy and a longer overall life span.

It is already released in Japan and is expected to arrive in North America late in Q1 2008 pricing has yet to be determined. The Ultra Thin 1.5 models will include three screen sizes (32 inches, 37 inches, and 42 inches) and three distinct model lines Director’s Series, Ultra Vision V Series, and Ultra Vision S series.

The Director’s Series and V Series are technically HDTV monitors as they lack digital tuners but they do feature one HDMI v1.3 port as well as a VGA input for PC use. However, an optional external Audio Video Center can be added that adds three HDMI v1.3 ports, two component video inputs, as well as an ATSC/NTSC tuner.

The S Series models include the Audio Video Center. The company is currently slating deliveries for the end of March on its 32-inch model, April on its 37-inch model and May for its 42-inch model. The 37- and 42-inch models will offer 1,920 by 1080p pixel resolution, while resolution on the 32-inch model will be 1,366 by 768.

The Ultra Thin line will use a new External Electrode Fluorescent Lamp back-lighting technology, which enabled Hitachi to achieve the thin dimensions. The lighting system is also said to deliver greater power efficiency, “better and more flexible color accuracy” and a longer overall lifespan.