News Release

Hitachi debuts the world's
first Blu-Ray Camcorder

Two New Camcorders Can Record 1920x1080 Full High Definition Video on a Blu-ray Disc

Mississauga - Aug. 2, 2007 - With today's introduction of not just one, but two versions of the world's first Blu-ray™ disc camcorder, Hitachi continues its long-standing tradition of being first to market with landscape-changing consumer electronics products.

The new DZ-BD70A is a single drive camcorder which can record approximately one hour of Full HD 1920x1080 video (two hours of HD 1440x1080 video) on an 8cm single-sided Blu-ray disc (BD-R and BD-RE). For even more recording flexibility the DZ-BD70A also allows video to be recorded in standard definition quality to DVD discs (DVD-R/-RW/-RAM). Lifelike image reproduction and rich, immersive color are a result of Hitachi's 5.3 mega pixel CMOS image sensor and HD quality 12-element lens system. Not only can the DZ-BD70A record high definition video to Blu-ray discs, it also comes with an SD™ card slot for storing digital still photos at 4.32 mega pixel max resolution. A unique Hitachi feature called Photo Capture allows users to search though recordings on a Blu-ray disc, grab any still frame of video and save it as a photo to the SD card slot in 2.1 mega pixel resolution.

Adding to the excitement for consumers will be the flagship DZ-BD7HA Hybrid model, which incorporates Blu-ray disc recording capability and a 30 gigabyte (GB) Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The integrated 30GB HDD can record approximately four hours of Full HD1920x1080 video (HX mode) or up to eight hours of HD 1440x1080 video (HS mode). Also, with the simple push of a button, it can copy the contents from HDD to BD within the camcorder itself, a major convenience feature for on-the-go consumers who can now bypass external devices (PCs, docking stations, etc.) altogether to quickly dub a highlight reel. Easy editing functions such as split, delete and connect can also be made right in the camcorder before using the 1-touch dubbing function to burn Blu-ray disc copies.

Beyond the ability to transfer high definition video from the HDD to Blu-ray discs, there is also a new transcoding feature which allows users to select high definition video stored on the HDD to be transferred to standard definition DVD copies using the 1-touch dubbing feature. This provides users with the choice and flexibility to burn either high definition (Blu-ray) copies or standard definition (DVD) copies, so it is fast and simple - everything is done within the camcorder itself -- to share home movie memories with friends and family members who may not yet own a Blu-ray playback device.

"Hitachi introduced the world's first DVD camcorder in 2000 and once again we are very proud to introduce the next generation of high definition recording with the world's first Blu-ray disc camcorder." said Kevin Nascimben, Hitachi Canada Product Manager. "These 2 new Blu-ray camcorders represent the ultimate in full high definition video recording and flexibility. With the ability to record in high definition, standard definition and to 5 different disc formats plus hard drive, it provides consumers with valuable options and a "future-proof" solution when choose a camcorder. That a camcorder can have all these features and performance in such a compact, sleek design is pretty cool."

State-of-the-Art Blu-ray Camcorder Features Based on Hitachi Breakthrough Technologies.
Building upon its legacy of technology breakthroughs, Hitachi offers the following state-of-the-art features in its new BD camcorders:

8cm BD/DVD Drive - Hitachi developed a compact, low power consuming, quiet and highly reliable 8cm BD/DVD drive which is compatible with five types of industry standard discs: BD-RE/-R, DVD-RAM/-RW/-R. The drive has two optical pick-ups for BD and DVD and a flat pick-up with compact aberration correction function for BD.

High Definition, Distortion-less Lens - The camcorders feature a 10x zoom, non-spherical lens that helps keep the form factor especially compact. The lens is multi-coated to prevent reflection, flare or ghost images, and it has gradation ND (neutral density) filter to prevent degrading of resolution caused by the aperture of the iris.

CMOS Image Sensor - The Hitachi camcorders feature a 5.3 mega pixel CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor capable of capturing the true nature of an object by reading the pixel area at a very rapid speed. This is essential for HD video imaging. Approximately 4.32 mega pixel still photos can be recorded on a SD memory card.

Full Connectivity and Playback Options - An HDMI port is included on both BD models to maximize the HD experience when viewing directly from the camcorder to your TV (Component and AV/S is also available). A USB port is included to provide seamless communication for watching or editing video on your computer and Blu-ray discs can be viewed on a number of supported players, including video game consoles.

Simple and Innovative Designs - The new BD camcorders are also distinguished from conventional camcorders by a smooth-flowing, elegant and innovative design. The large-aperture lens expresses the camcorders' high quality. The sleek, round body is a unique Hitachi motif that is particularly eye-catching, especially for consumers with an appreciation of artful aesthetics. A portion of the camcorder is UV coated to protect the body from scratches and to maintain its luster.

Interactive User Guide
Both cameras come with an Interactive Guide built-in so that even people who have never used a camcorder can quickly begin using and enjoying the device.

For more information on these new Blu-ray camcorders, visit Hitachi Canada's website at:
http://www.hitachi.ca/blu-ray

Availability
Both the DZ-BD70 and DZ-BD7H camcorders will be available in North America in October 2007.

About Hitachi Canada Ltd.
Hitachi Canada Ltd.., Digital Media Division markets a wide variety of digital products. The division's Consumer Group markets high-definition plasma televisions and monitors, LCD projection and flat panel HDTVs, LCD projectors, and DVD camcorders. The division's Business Group markets LCD projectors, professional plasma monitors, interactive panels and whiteboards.

Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace by manufacturing and developing its own core technologies to provide consumers and businesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi's product categories.

For complete information on the products offered by Hitachi Canada Ltd. visit http://www.hitachi.ca/.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 384,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 (ended March 31, 2007) consolidated revenues totaled 10,247 billion yen ($86.8 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

# # #

© 2007, Hitachi, Ltd.
All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Hitachi
Inspire the Next

Contacts:
Kevin Nascimben
Hitachi Canada Ltd.
905.819.4475
Kevin.nascimben@hitachi.ca

Jean-Pierre Jutras
905.819-4459
jpjutras@hitachi.ca

Related topics in the Sources Subject Index:
Camcorders
Video Technology

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