Hitachi Home Electronics (America), today announced its new line of 2008 Plasma HDTV?s, which showcase elegant new designs, advanced technologies and industry-leading features.

The new Hitachi HDTV?s come in high gloss Japan black and high gloss crystal frames with manual swivel stands or unique remote controlled power swivel stands. The new UltraBlack Panels boxed cell structure promice to produce darker blacks and the new proprietary phosphor formulations produce rich colors.

The new PictureMaster VI digital video processor features the second generation of Hitachi?s Reel60 technology, a patented innovation that eliminates "judder" for smooth motion. The new HDTV?s also debut a new feature for film fans called Cinema48. Working exclusively with 24p HDMI inputs, Cinema48 provides viewers with the same visual timing and feeling that they experience in movie theaters.

Available in two screen sizes (42-inch and 50-inch), other features of Hitachi?s 2008 HDTV?s include Energy Star qualification with an automatic ambient room light sensor, deep-black stripe filters for real world contrast and anti-reflective properties, the ability to disable or dim the power indicator light, , a game mode and a TV Guide On Screen Interactive Program Guide.

Pricing and Availability

The 50-inch Director?s Series model (P50X902) and the V-Series (P50V702) will be available in August. The 42-inch A-Series (P42A202) will be available in July. The 50-inch S-Series (P50S602) and A-Series (P50A402 and P50A202) are available now.

The Hitachi 2008 Plasma Display Panels are priced as follows. In all instances below, pricing indicated is the Manufacturer?s Advertised Price (MAP):

42-inch A-Series (model P42A402): $1,399
50-inch A-Series (model P50A202): $1,799
50-inch A-Series (model P50A402): $1,899
50-inch S-Series (model P50S602): $2,699
50-inch V-Series (model P50V702): $3,199
50-inch X-Series (model P50X902): $3,699