-- The presentation tools are being used predominately in the school's Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault. --

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, www.hitachi.us, October 1, 2006 - Showcasing the ease of use and interoperability of Hitachi Starboard interactive panels and Hitachi 3LCD projectors, Northern Illinois University recently installed CP-X1250 and CP-X443 projectors, along with T-17SXL Starboard panels. The presentation tools, sold through Troxell Communications, are being used at the University's Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault.

The Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault provides training to both undergraduate and graduate students and to professionals in current methods of assessing and treating perpetrators and victims of family violence and sexual assault. The center also provides consultation services and workshops for agencies and professionals engaged in treating victims and perpetrators of family violence and sexual assault. For the Center's numerous classes and workshops, an effective presentation and display system was imperative.

In addition to the CP-X1250 projectors, a number of CP-X443 projectors were installed. In total, there are approximately 30 Hitachi projectors located throughout the Northern Illinois University campus. "We've dealt with Troxell for a number of years and they told us of Hitachi's low failure rate," said Steve Freels, instructional media systems technician for Northern Illinois University. "We gave it a try and have been quite satisfied. Their customer support is second to none and the prices are very competitive."

In a unique demonstration of Hitachi's commitment to customer support, Hitachi worked with Dale Thurman, information systems coordinator, Northern Illinois University to develop software that was customized to the specific needs of the school's instructors. The software allows users to control all the functions of the projectors from two pages on a Windows interface. One page controls the basic features of the projectors, such as on/off, while the other screen handles more advanced functions.

"The software allows us to control the equipment in the room via RS-232 or the Internet," Mr. Thurman said. "We were also able to incorporate macros into the software, which gives us more flexibility. If you know there are three functions that need to be controlled on a regular basis, one macro let us perform those all at once."

Additionally, Northern Illinois University installed two Hitachi Software Starboard T-17SXL interactive LCD displays. "The ease of use of the software is a definite plus for the end user," Mr. Freels said. "The interface is very straightforward and intuitive, and it takes very little time to become familiarized with the product. It also runs efficiently. We've had no glitches or lockups."

About Hitachi
Hitachi America, Ltd., Ubiquitous Platform Systems Division, produces and markets a wide variety of digital products for business and consumers. The division's Consumer Group markets high-definition plasma televisions and monitors, LCD projection and flat panel HDTVs, LCD projectors, and DVD camcorders and DVD players. The division's Business Group markets LCD projectors, professional plasma monitors, interactive panels and whiteboards and security and observation system products through value added resellers, system integrators, distributors and OEM.

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 consumer products, please visit www.hitachi.us/tv. For business products, please visit www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia. For more information about electronic whiteboards and Starboard software, please visit Hitachi Software at www.hitachi-soft.com. Hitachi brand business products are connected through Hitachi's OneVision program, which makes it possible for any Hitachi business unit dealer to sell Hitachi products from other Hitachi business units.

Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, and consumer electronics, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For more information, visit www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 356,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2005 (ended March 31, 2006) consolidated sales totaled 9,464 billion yen ($80.9 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 www.hitachi.com.

For more detailed specifications and connections, check out our Hitachi CP-X1250 projector page.