All models include the new Video-to-Photo Frame Grab Tool, which allows users to pull a photo still from video and route to SD memory card. This prevents taking video without switching the "still mode" on and off and enables users to easily create the photo image of any desired scene after recording onto DVD. Additionally, all models offer enhanced Super Digital Zoom, a large 2.7-inch 16x9 widescreen LCD, and a "Quick Mode" Menu System that features Hitachi Disc Navigation to instantly access desired scenes via thumbnail images without having to fast forward or rewind.

"Hitachi continues to enhance its original technologies to create a new line of DVD camcorders that breaks ground with superior picture quality and convenience features," said Jeff Fochtman, product manager for Hitachi America, Ltd., Home Electronics Division. "As the first company to bring a DVD camcorder to market, Hitachi once again proves itself as the industry leader by answering consumers needs for the most refined and fully-featured line available – and all at a competitive price."

Ranging from $399 to $799, the new models exceed Hitachi's goal of providing high-quality, cutting-edge technology at an affordable price. Superior imaging is made possible with the company's new CinemaRes™ Advanced Image Processing with "Oversampling" high resolution capture, an exclusive technology that uses the entire CCD to capture both video and still images before converting to DVD format, utilizing the camcorder's entire capacity to create a sharper, more detailed picture.

New this year, Hitachi introduces its first line of DVD camcorder accessories, including the CAMKIT2 that features a Hitachi-branded nylon camcorder bag, two-hour battery and three DVD-R discs, as well as the Hitachi Video Light, 2x Telephoto Zoom Lens, and a Media Pack with a mini DVD disc wallet.

ULTRAVISION® DZGX3300A AND DZGX3200A – SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN
Hitachi's top-of-the-line UltraVision® DZGX3300A DVD Camcorder offers a 3.3 mega pixel resolution with a maximum photo resolution of 2016 x 1512 and 10x optical zoom. New to the line, this unit features a polished smoked-chrome finish and aerodynamic design for a dramatically contemporary styling. The DZGX3200A follows with 2.12 mega pixels at 1600 x 1200 and 10x optical zoom.

Both models feature PC and Mac compatibility for the first time ever and include a powered accessory port (hot shoe) as well as Composite and S-Video Inputs.

The DZGX3200A will be available in March for a suggested retail price of $599 and the DZGX3300A will be available in April at a suggested retail price of $799.

ULTRAVISION® DZGX3100A AND DZBX35A – HIGH QUALITY, REAL VALUE
The UltraVision® DZGX3100A DVD Camcorder sports a 1.3 mega pixel resolution at 1280 x 960 and 15x Optical Zoom and 800x Super Digital Zoom. The unit comes with a 700mAh slim battery that records for over an hour with the widescreen LCD open, Composite and S-Video Inputs, a USB 2.0 cable and PC and Macintosh compatibility. The DZGX3100A will be available in April at a suggested retail price of $499.

With 680K pixel resolution at 640 x 480 and a 25x optical/1200x super digital lens, the UltraVision® DZBX35A rounds out Hitachi's DVD camcorder product line. Retailing at just $399, the DZBX35A provides unprecedented value. The DZBX35A will be available in March.

ABOUT HITACHI AMERICA, LTD., HOME ELECTRONICS DIVISION
Hitachi America, Ltd. Home Electronics Division produces and markets a wide variety of consumer electronics products, including high-definition plasma televisions and monitors, LCD projection and flat panel HDTVs, CRT televisions, as well as DVD camcorders and DVD players. In addition to consumer products, Hitachi also markets professional plasma monitors for business applications as well as security and observation system products.

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. 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 http://www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 347,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2004 (ended March 31, 2005) consolidated sales totaled 9,027.0 billion yen ($84.4 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 Web sites at http://www.hitachi.com or http://www.hitachi.us/tv.

Hitachi DZGX3300A DVD Camcorder Features Include: