Hitachi introduced two new lines of plasma TV and one model with a new screen resolution. Also announced were new 1080p rear projection television and new LCD flat panels.

Plasma TV

New models were introduced in two series, the P42401 42” ; P50401 50” and the P55401 55” models. They also introduced the step up 501 series in the same screen sizes (42”50”,55”) All TVs have built digital tuners, three HDMI inputs, built in stereo bottom mounted speakers a included table stand.

The big news is the 50” size. This is Hitachi’s fist plasma TV in this screen size. It is also the introduction of a new resolution for plasma 1280 x 1080i. This means there is no vertical scaling* for 1080i signals and no horizontal scaling for 720p signals.

If this is not confusing enough for you, the 42” models have a native resolution of 1024 x 1080i and the 55” is 1366 x 768p .

Hitachi announced the price of its 401 series 50” model at under $2500 with a February 2007 ship date. Also shipping in the first half of 2007 will be Hitachi’s new CineFormTM T501 Series with 42-inch, 50-inch and 55-inch models. The T501 series includes all of the technologies and features of the H401 series while offering an all black design. Additional performance enhancements will include a high-contrast anti-reflective glass screen, an SD Card Photo Viewer to view digital photographs, a deluxe multi-function remote, a split screen capability and a swivel tabletop stand.

The P50T501 model will be available in February 2007, followed by the 42-inch model in April and the 55-inch model in July.

Hitachi also showed full native 1080i plasmas with 1920 x 1080i resolution. Price and availailty were not announced, though I expect these step up models to be available in the 2nd half or 2007.

*(scaling: converting the broadcast HDTV signal from its HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 for 1080i signals or 1280×720 for 720p signals)

LCD Flat Panel.
Hitachi showed two new lines of LCD flat panels. The press release states:
“Both series will feature a new industrial design, showcasing the widescreen image with a sleek, modern frame. Both series include 32-inch and 37-inch models, with all models featuring 1366×768 resolution.

The H201 Series models feature the PictureMasterTM IV 1080p processor, Quickstart seamless ATSC, QAM and NTSC tuner for optimal HD performance, a black and titanium gray ID, and three 1080p compatible HDMITM inputs with SimplayHDTM certification and separate day, day dynamic and night picture memories with customizable timers.

The powerful T301 series also displays the most accurate motion performance on an LCD, harnessing Hitachi’s IPS-PRO 120Hz technology. This technology doubles the frequency of images from 60Hz to 120Hz and inserts a black frame between each normal frame, allowing the on-screen images to refresh twice as fast for clear fast action sequences. The T301 models also feature an all black industrial design.

The 37-inch H201 and T301 models will be available in May 2007, followed by the 32-inch models in June.”

LCD Rear Projection
Hitachi announced 50-inch, 55-inch, and 62-inch sets will be will be introduced in 2007. These models will utilize 3-LCD technology with a 3-panel light engine.. Hitachi’s Full HD1080 (1920 x1080p) LCD RP models will be available in late 2007 with prices to be announced at introduction.

Hitachi’s M50P801, M55P801 and M62P801 will be available in May, June and July 2007, respectively.

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