Hitachi is still supporting both LCD and plasma displays, with the star of their show being new Ultra Thin models. LCD is here now, plasma is coming next year.
LCD Screens
Hitachi claims that their new "ultra thin" TVs (which we announced back in October) are the thinnest LCDs available anywhere, measuring just 1.5 inches deep. That's thinner than some of the picture frames hanging on my walls, and of course is one of the primary reasons for the new crop of "ultra thin" designs arriving from Japan.
Initially, the Ultra Thin 1.5 Series (pictured) will be available in 32, 37, and 42-inch screen sizes. Evidently, Hitachi are keen that their TVs look good from all angles, so when it's not being attached to a wall, its lines and aesthetics should look good from behind. "Does my bum look big on this stand?" is not something you'll hear coming from these TVs, evidently.
Importantly, the weight has been kept down too. The 32-incher comes in at just over 24lbs.
Tech-wise, the sets are full 1080p with Deep Colour, have Hitachi's "Anti Judder" Reel120 technology (120Hz to you and me), and PictureMaster Full HD technology which provides advanced dynamic contrast, 3D colour management, and an Advanced Dynamic Enhancer.
To finish things off, Hitachi's new enclosed-type stereo speakers are located at the bottom of the screen, and feature various audio modes including "clear voice", "surround", and "bass boost".
They'll be available this month in the US, with pricing to be confirmed.
Plasma screens
Unfortunately I don't yet have images for Hitachi's new plasma TV offerings, probably because it's all a bit "hush hush" at present.
Unlike the LCD equivalent, the Ultra Thin PDP is not yet commercially available, and won't be until at least 2009. The press release hints at a 50 inch model, then yarns that it was "developed using highly proprietary and innovative technology from Hitachi, which is so secretive and highly competitive it cannot be revealed".
Could be spin, could be reality, but either way, there's not much else to say about it. Expect it to hit Japan first, though.
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