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Hitachi announced a new progressive scan DVD player along with the rest of the company's new DVD and VCR line at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show today. Also highlighting the new line is Hitachi's new DVD Home Theater in a box system and a dual deck DVD-VCR player.

DVD Player Line

Featuring two new models for 2002, the DV-P325U and DV-P725U, Hitachi's DVD player line features expanded functionality and new industrial design without sacrificing quality. Both units incorporate a dual laser pickup providing compatibility with DVD, DVD-R, VideoCD, CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs as well as MP3 playback capabilities, front panel shuttle, virtual surround sound, DTS digital out and multi-brand remote. The line's new sleek design makes it a handsome addition to any home theater rack and features an array of video connectivity options including component, S-video and composite outputs.

The UltraVision Digital DV-P725U model adds progressive scan processing output that up-converts content to 480p for high definition displays. The model also includes a headphone jack with volume control for consumers who want the option of private listening.

The DV-P325U is scheduled for release in March 2002, retailing for $139.95, while the DV-P725U is scheduled for release in April 2002, priced at $189.95.

DVD-VCR Combo Player and New VCR Player

New to Hitachi's line for 2002 is a combination DVD-VCR player (DV-PF2). The DV-PF2 offers the same dual laser pick up and multi-disc feature as Hitachi's other new DVD players along with MP3 playback capabilities, DTS digital out and coaxial digital audio out. The deck also features a full-function hi-fi stereo VCR with front AV input.

Hitachi will also offer a full-chassis stand-alone VCR, the VT-FX695A, with auto head cleaner, auto clock set, multi-brand remote and clock display. The DV-PF2 retails for $249.95 and will ship in April 2002, while the VT-FX695A, available in March 2002, will sell for $74.95.

Home Theater-in-a-Box

Offering consumers a complete DVD home theater experience, Hitachi's new home theater-in-a-box system, the DV-S522U, includes AM/FM receiver with 240W of total output power, built-in progressive scan output DVD player with dual laser pickup and multi-disc capabilities. The system also features MP3 compatibility, built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoders and a six speaker package including five satellites and a sub-woofer. The system comes complete with component and composite video out, S-video, two AV inputs and a multi-brand joy-stick remote. The DV-S522U is currently shipping with a retail price of $429.95.