Four Delta Media Servers used to supply immersive audio and video to new Nature Research Center

Demonstrating its ability to customise its Delta media-server product to match the image-manipulation of show-control needs of demanding environments, 7thSense has supplied core technology to the Daily Planet – an immersive dome experience opened this week by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, NC.

An 80,000-square foot extension to the Museum the Nature Research Center (NRC) has been designed to bring research scientists and their work into the public eye. The Museum hopes that it will demystify research and inspire a new generation of scientists to follow in the footsteps of those whose work it showcases.

The centrepiece of the NRC – both physically and conceptually – is the SECU Daily Planet, a hemispherical dome that uses multimedia technology to link the virtual and natural worlds together. At regular intervals during the day, scientists will use the 40ft high, high-definition curved screen of the dome to present their latest research and its impact on current issues. This marks something of a departure from the majority of domed environments intended for consumer presentations, where the content follows a pre-arranged pattern that does not vary from day to day.

“The system design is unique,� confirms Ian Macpherson, Director, 7thSense. “We supplied a single Delta server to drive all six of the Christie projectors for the main display wall, with 2K x 2K uncompressed media resolution and real-time warp-and-blend to make a single, continuous canvas. A second Delta server then feeds another timeline into the live inputs of the first one. This allows the show-control system to drop media in real time onto this server as Timeline B, while Timeline A is playing the primary Delta.

“In effect, this means that both Delta servers can be re-programmed on the fly while the audience is watching the show, depending on the needs of the NRC and without any of the operators requiring any show-programming expertise.�

A seamless transition between the two timelines, known internally as Ambient Mode, is ensured by the provision of luma-key transition movies created by batwin+robin productions – which was responsible for the creative concept and content execution at the Daily Planet. 7thSense worked closely with b+r throughout, with AV systems contractor Electrosonic and show-control provider Smart Monkeys also playing pivotal roles in the realisation of the project.

As well as Ambient Mode, NRC staff can select other modes from the Smart Monkeys GUI which allows a choice of different mixes of live presentation windows and backgrounds. This allows a flexible use of the display system, moving from randomised playback to a more interactive experience.

Another unusual aspect of the Daily Planet is that its screen can be viewed from any one of three floors within the dome. The creative and technology teams have used this to their advantage, adding four Barco movable video projectors which move around the thin bands between the floors at the rear of the space, creating a composite video and lighting projection that extends way off the screen and onto other parts of the Planet’s architecture. Both Barco projectors are driven by a single Delta server , fully synchronised to the main show-control system.

“This exhibit pushes Delta very hard,� adds 7thSense’s Macpherson. “We have some 2,700 resources on our timeline, with additional real-time inserted media and up to four live captured inputs on-screen from various live presenters within the dome.

“The randomised and real-time inserted nature of the content means the Delta system has to provide seamless playback, even though it’s transitioning from one server to another, so that the ‘hidden’ server can be queued up for its next topic.

“There is a constant two-way communication between Delta and the Smart Monkeys show controller, and many new features were added to Delta specifically for this project.�

“The show programming was accomplished by 7thSense and Smart Monkeys over four weeks of intense on-site activity,� adds Gary Barnes Project Manager of Electrosonic. “In total the Delta servers are providing six channels of HD video and 16 channels of audio, together with time-accurate commands to trigger lighting and the selection of the next show.

“Since the Daily Planet opened, the systems have performed faultlessly, and we could not have asked for more conscientious and more creative partners than 7thSense Design. Between us we have created a unique experience, which combines the best of immersive multi-image technology with the freshness of a live and spontaneous theatre show. Seeing is believing!�

www.7thsensedesign.com

Having established a dominance in the North American market with remote monitoring and servicing of more than 2,500 locations and 110,000 devices, Christie® Managed Services is now expanding upon the world stage. Using its growing international cinema partnerships, it will bring the Network Operations Center (NOC) and its proven technology and solutions-driven service to the global exhibition community.

Initial partnership announcements include Time Antaeus Media Group, a digital cinema industry leader with whom Christie launched China’s largest commercial d-cinema deployment in 2010; DOR International, a Christie certified reseller that designs, installs and maintains cinemas and professional audio video systems throughout Mexico; and the Independent Cinema Association of Australia (ICAA), the association of record for Australian independent cinemas.

The Christie NOC is a 24/7/365 facility where experienced Christie technicians remotely monitor clients’ visual display systems, making sure they are running smoothly, getting timely maintenance and receiving any necessary software upgrades. Christie Managed Services and its new NOC partners will provide the same network operations center services that are currently offered in North America to China, Mexico and Australasia. These NOC services include comprehensive remote monitoring and management of devices, along with technical phone support solutions to local exhibitors around the world. Christie will accomplish this by extending the core functionalities of its NOC to support customers and systems in the local languages, utilizing Christie’s proven suite of tools.

“As the world goes digital, the need for comprehensive technical support becomes more critical,� observed Jack Kline, president and COO of Christie Digital Systems, USA. “The NOC is a Christie innovation that anticipated the needs of the market in the early stages of the digital cinema revolution to ensure that our customers received, not just the latest, quality products, but also expert technical support for those products. Now we are ready to bring it to our customers worldwide.�

“The Christie NOC has been the backbone of service for the exhibition industry in North America,� noted Kathryn Cress, vice president, global & corporate marketing, Christie. “With Christie commanding more than 50 percent of the world’s digital cinema installations, it is a logical evolution to bring our technical expertise to our customers regardless of location. This includes providing them with the same high standards of service and commitment to our customers that helped us dominate the North American digital cinema market.�

Time Antaeus and Christie Form Universal Cinema Services (UCS) in China
A collaboration that began at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games, when Time Antaeus purchased 120 Christie CP2000-ZX models to power the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies, the Christie and Time Antaeus relationship has blossomed into a highly productive partnership, now working together to lead China’s cinema revolution that has seen the market grow dramatically in recent years.

The new Network Operations Center joint venture with Universal Cinema Services will be the country’s first service center modeled upon the North America-based NOC. It will offer hardware, software, remote monitoring, and local parts availability, making the partnership one of the most efficient and reliable in the region.

“Working with a partner you can trust is very important in a rapidly evolving marketplace like digital cinema,� says Mr. Zhang Baoquan, Chairman of the Board for Time Antaeus Media Group. “Our relationship with Christie has been a long and highly rewarding one. The introduction of the NOC in China shows they stand behind the products they sell, and further proves their loyalty in helping us better serve our digital cinema customers.�

“We are pleased to work with Time Antaeus to introduce China’s first NOC fully modeled on the proven technology of our North American facility. This unique new partnership will further increase the diversity and depth of services we can provide our customers in the Asia/Pacific region,� said Sean James, vice president, managed services at Christie.

Mexico’s DOR Internacional and Christie
In business for more than 14 years, DOR Internacional, headquartered in Guadalajara, is at the vanguard of design, sales, installation and maintenance of cinemas and professional audio video systems throughout Mexico. Along with its partners, it has installed more than 300 Christie digital cinema systems. Now, through its partnership with Christie, DOR Internacional will develop a Network Operations Center in Mexico City, following the North American model.

“Christie has provided us with the equipment and conducted training; and now, we are completing the installation of permanent connectivity in order to open the facility and provide the full range of tools, technical support and functionality to current customers as well as all the new ones,� said Jacques Dornbierer Hogan, Director General and Chief Executive Officer, DOR Internacional SA DE C.V.

Independent Cinema Association of Australia and Christie (ICAA)
ICAA members toured the Christie NOC in Los Angeles during CinemaCon, entering into the final phase to establish a node of the facility in Australia to support its members’ digital cinemas installations in Australia and New Zealand.

As part of the partnership, Christie has provide ICAA with extensive training and additional services through Christie Managed Services to take the benefits they provide members to the next level.

“The Christie NOC is a cutting edge facility that allows Christie technicians to spot potential trouble and solve it with the utmost speed and competency,� noted ICAA chief executive officer, Adrianne Pecotic. “We are pleased to join in partnership with Christie because their cinema expertise is essential in helping our members make the transition to digital as seamless and painless as possible.�

“ICAA is a visionary organization whose digital cinema solutions embrace all independent exhibitors in Australia seeking to transition from 35mm film to digital cinema technology,� continued James. “It is a testament to their commitment to their members that they have now stepped up to address the critical need of making the digital transition as efficiently and as cost effectively as possible, and to be ready to support that transition with the highest level of service available anywhere.�

Added James: “We are looking forward to creating many new partnerships, and to working with the tens of thousands of exhibitors across the globe that recognize the importance of having a rock-solid foundation of technical support beneath them as they launch their next phase of service to moviegoers in the digital cinema frontier.�

Ready for the high frame rate (HFR) revolution with the ultimate in reliability and compatibility, Christie® announced that its new Integrated Media Block (IMB) has been validated as DCI-compliant by Aegisolve, one of only three entities in the world fully licensed for compliance testing by the Digital Cinema Initiatives, LLC (DCI).

The Christie® IMB is the first IMB to pass the DCI Compliance Test Plan (CTP) in a 4K DLP Cinema® projector, in both 2K and 4K modes of operation. It joins the DCI-compliant Christie Series 2 Solaria projectors, making this the world’s only, single-manufacturer DLP Cinema projector and IMB combination that meets the DCI specifications. As part of this testing process, the Christie IMB was also tested to the rigorous FIPS 140-2 security tests mandated by DCI in the CTP.

Building upon Christie’s expertise in D-Cinema technology, the Christie IMB has been designed by Christie engineers as a standalone IMB, meaning that everything it needs for control and content decryption/decoding is part of the IMB itself, and is the first such IMB to achieve DCI compliance. The only external hardware needed to operate the IMB is a compatible storage solution, which can range from a simple Network Attached Storage (NAS) or Direct Attached Storage (DAS) device all the way to a networked central storage system, depending on the needs of the exhibitor.

“With the largest share of the world’s digital cinema projection market, Christie offers exhibitors proven quality, reliability, and performance,� said Don Shaw, senior director, product management, Entertainment Solutions, Christie. “Having achieved full DCI-compliance on our IMB, Christie now offers a complete digital cinema solution that provides exhibitors the highest level of technical performance and value, producing the brightest and sharpest image and the most reliable HFR solution.�

“We are very pleased to confirm that the Christie IMB has passed all applicable CTP requirements for DCI compliance,” said Travis Spann, President of Aegisolve, based in Mountain View, California. “As an accredited and trusted third party, we are committed to providing our customers with rigorous, unbiased and efficient testing processes.”

The new Christie IMB provides the most reliable and secure digital cinema projection system design in the industry and unlocks the high frame rate and 4K potential in Christie Series 2 Solaria projectors. Manufactured by Christie and installed inside the projector, the single-brand digital cinema solution removes the limitations of proprietary external storage/decoding solutions connected to the projector via bandwidth-limited video cables. The Christie IMB allows HFR or 4K content to pass directly to the projector electronics, completely uncompromised and exactly reproducing the colour palette and stylistic intent of the content creator.

Christie’s Commitment to HFR
The two main goals of Christie’s HFR activities are to help the industry develop the best HFR content and the best delivery system for HFR content. The first goal involves assisting leading-edge filmmakers and post-production companies in perfecting HFR movie creation, so the industry has the most engaging, entertaining content possible. The second goal is to assist exhibitors in showing these 3D HFR movies in all their glory. To these ends, Christie is helping create the standards for 3D HFR movies through formal and informal technology-development alliances with major producers and directors, post production facilities, studios and technology partners. On the exhibitor’s front, Christie provides one stop shopping for all the hardware, software and services that enable exhibitors to deliver a filmmaker’s vision in stunning 3D HFR quality. For more information visit http://www.higherframerates.com.

For the more than ten million passengers who rely on transit in Champaign, Illinois, and the surrounding areas, the new Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD) control room provides peace of mind as dispatchers monitor and respond more quickly to activities en route with a large Christie visual display wall.

As part of its Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the CUMTD’s newly-built, larger headquarters includes a control room equipped with 10 state-of-the-art Christie FHD551-X LCD full-HD flat panels –ideal for control room solutions requiring larger, brighter video walls for a clearer view of information.

“The new Christie video wall is at the center of information sharing. It’s on 20 hours a day, seven days a week to monitor bus activities in the city,� noted Karl Gnadt, director of market development, CUMTD. “Christie’s flat panels are reliable and provide excellent image quality.�

Zdi, Inc, the systems integration company headquartered in Normal, Illinois, who won the contract commissioned by the CUMTD, partnered with AECOM to design the new control room, and selected Christie’s solutions and visual display products. “It’s the quality of the products, the ease of installation and the service that I knew I would get from Christie that made the decision easy. They were all spot on, and we will definitely use Christie products again,� said Jay McArdle, lead engineer with Zdi, Inc.

“The CUMTD required a solution that was up to date and could fit into a challenging space configuration, while providing the pixel density needed to display feeds from 300 new video cameras situated in bus stops, the transfer terminal as well as in maintenance and administration facilities,� said John Stark, Christie’s senior director of Collaborative Visual Solutions. “Christie has a broad range display solutions that lets you monitor, control and interact with all your visual assets – from any source – in real time.�

The Christie FHD551-X is a tiled LCD solution for a wide range of video wall applications, including control rooms, corporate and retail displays, and digital-out-of-home advertising.

This full-HD resolution, narrow bezel, flat-panel display is energy efficient with LED backlighting, and controlled brightness levels that are well suited for indoor environments.

According to Gnadt, “The dispatchers love the new control center, love the screens and their ability to enlarge images and see video feeds more quickly, which increases their response time for all activities.�

Christie®, a global provider of visual display solutions, is proud to announce that the Dolby Theatre(SM), will be equipped with the Christie Duoâ„¢ for its big-screen needs, including the June 18 World Premiere of Disney•Pixar’s “Brave.â€�

The green-carpet event, which marks the grand opening for the Dolby Theatre, is a special presentation for Film Independent’s 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival. Premiering in Dolby’s latest audio innovation, Dolby® Atmos™ and Dolby 3D, a state-of-the-art imaging solution providing audiences with a superior 3D experience, “Brave� is an epic tale set in the mystical Scottish Highlands where the film’s headstrong protagonist, Merida, is forced to discover the meaning of true bravery. The action adventure hits theaters nationwide on June 22, 2012.

“To truly bring audiences into the onscreen adventure at the Dolby Theatre, we are pleased to be working with Christie to deliver a premium Dolby 3D experience,â€� said Doug Darrow, Senior Vice President, Cinema, Dolby Laboratories. “The Dolby Theatre continues our long commitment to Hollywood and the entertainment industry and the World Premiere of Disney•Pixar’s ‘Brave’ in Dolby Atmos and Dolby 3D, with the help of Christie, will transport the audience into the onscreen adventure with the most life-like experience ever offered.â€�

Christie Duo, available for the 2K or 4K Christie Solaria™ Series digital cinema projectors, is an integration kit specially designed to optimize 3D and other special effects on the largest screens. It features a choice of configurations including a compact stacking system for 3D installations, or a physical configuration that exactly aligns every pixel on the screen for optimal 2D and 3D presentations. With automated features that calibrate, align and optimize the images for 2K or 4K projectors, Christie Duo delivers a completely seamless, premium movie experience for the world’s largest screens at a cost that all manner and size of exhibitors can afford.

The Dolby Theatre will be using the configuration of two projectors stacked vertically. Whether used for world premieres or thousands of showings later, the Christie Duo promises the brightest picture quality available for 2D or 3D on premium-size screens.

“Christie is dedicated to giving exhibitors of all types the best projection available for their unique needs, particularly as consumers come to expect 3D and other technical innovations,� said Craig Sholder, vice president, Entertainment Solutions, Christie. “With our technical expertise and worldwide network of installation partners, we can deliver quickly and cost-effectively, allowing our customers to create and deliver their own, branded premium theatre experience.�

The Dolby Theatre(SM), the iconic Hollywood landmark at Hollywood & Highland Center®, will be the world’s stage for entertainment sound and imaging. Dolby has enhanced the venue with Dolby® Atmosâ„¢ and Dolby 3D, to create a world-class showcase for Dolby’s current and future technologies.

The main stage at the Dolby Theatre is one of the largest in the United States, measuring 113 feet (34 m) wide by 60 feet (18 m) deep, and supporting a large, 60 feet by 32 feet white screen. Because it features live events as well as blockbuster movie premieres, the theatre’s projection system needs to adapt easily and quickly to changing needs. The technical quality of Christie’s Solaria™ projector, Christie Duo and Christie’s commitment to fast custom installation, gives the facility new capabilities for premium 3D and 2D projection now and for the future.

About “Brave�
Set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland, Disney•Pixar’s “Brave� follows the heroic journey of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to change her fate, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane), unleashing chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters), she is granted an ill-fated wish and the ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her resources—including her mischievous triplet brothers—to undo a beastly curse and discover the meaning of true bravery. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave� is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor. Opens on June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters. “Brave� is rated PG by the MPAA. Visit Disney.com/Brave, like us on Facebook, facebook.com/PixarBrave, and follow us on Twitter, twitter.com/disneypixar.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, June 13, 2012 – At InfoComm 2012, Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group is introducing its Solutions Products-a comprehensive line of accessories for use with Hitachi 3LCD projectors. The WTR-1 WHDI Transmitter/Receiver Bundle, MS-1WL Wireless Multifunctional Switcher Bundle, MS-1 Multifunctional Switcher and CS-1WL Wireless Switcher with a document camera enable expanded wireless connectivity between data and video sources and compatible Hitachi LCD projectors.

The WTR-1 Transmitter/Receiver Bundle includes the WT-HD1 transmitter and WR-HD1 receiver. The transmitter connects to a video source such as a laptop and the receiver connects to a projector, enabling wireless transmission of a variety of video formats up to 1080p HD over a distance of up to 22 feet. The WTR-1 supports HDMI mandatory 3D video formats, eight bits-per-color HDMI video transmission and up to six Mbps audio.

The MS-1WL Wireless Multifunctional Switcher Bundle operates in conjunction with the WTR-1 to provide expanded source selection and switching options for connected video devices. It offers 10 inputs including four HDMI, two USB, two RGB, audio, mic, LAN and other connections. In addition, the MS-1WL operates as a remote control for compatible Hitachi projectors, with buttons for menu access, projector on/off, volume, power and other functions.

The MS-1 offers all the functions of the MS-1WL with the exception of wireless operation. It connects to a Hitachi projector using an HDMI cable.

Hitachi’s CS-1 Wireless Switcher With Camera combines a 3-megapixel document camera with versatile switching capability. The CS-1 has a 3-megapixel camera mounted on a moveable jointed arm, and the camera head can rotate up to 180 degrees. In addition, the CS-1 can accept an HDMI or RGB input from an external source.

The CS-1 can operate wirelessly in conjunction with the WR-HD1 receiver, or it can be connected to a Hitachi projector with a HDMI or RGB cable. The CS-1 sends images wirelessly to the projector via the WHDI(tm) (Wireless Home Digital Interface) standard. Adding to its versatility, image frames from the CS-1′s camera can be saved to an SD card.
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For more information on Hitachi visit www.hitachi-america.us/digitalmedia

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About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2011 (ended March 31, 2012) consolidated revenues totaled 9,665 billion yen ($117.8 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, June 13, 2012 – At InfoComm 2012, Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group proves itself as the ideal partner for the large-venue market by showcasing its Installation Series 3LCD projectors. The Installation Series projectors provide ease of installation and ideal functionality for large-venue applications.

The Hitachi Installation Series models being showcased at InfoComm 2012 include the CP-X8150, CP-X8160, CP-WX8240, CP-WX8255, CP-WU8440 and CP-WU8450.

The Installation Series projectors offer several groundbreaking features, including two HDMI inputs, which address the increasing demand for digital connectivity. The Installation Series also features motorized focus, zoom and lens shift, enabling easy adjustment of the image. In addition, several Installation Series models also feature 360-degree off-axis display, which is ideal for creative applications.

High reliability is a hallmark of the Installation Series, as several projector models in the Installation Series are equipped with a high-performance filter that can last up to 20,000 hours without cleaning, saving significant maintenance time. New to Hitachi, the Operation Log Recorder allows users to access internal status and server conditions.

The Installation Series also offers flexible installation, with four optional interchangeable lenses to accommodate for different throw distances. Large lens shift allows users to readjust the position of the image to fit any screen perfectly. The Installation Series’ center lens design also makes it easy to align the projector with the screen. itac

The Installation Series offers a wealth of enhanced features, including a new slim design and 16 Watts of audio (two 8-Watt stereo speakers). Digital keystone (horizontal and vertical) and Perfect Fit also make it easy to properly position the image. Thanks to the wide lens shift and Perfect Fit feature, the Installation Series also offers Versa-Stack, enabling seamless stacking of two projectors through an RS-232 connection. This enables users to double the brightness of the image.

An optional wireless adapter enables users to connect their PC to the projector via a wireless network. This adapter supports IEEE802.11b/g and the latest 11n through a USB adapter.

For more information on Hitachi visit www.hitachi-america.us/digitalmedia

Follow Hitachi on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hitachi-Projectors/131067323636829

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About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2011 (ended March 31, 2012) consolidated revenues totaled 9,665 billion yen ($117.8 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, June 13, 2012 – At InfoComm 2012, Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group today announced the next generation of its Classroom and Conference Room 3LCD projectors: the CP-X2015WN, CP-WX2515WN, CP-X2515WN, CP-X3015WN, CP-X4015WN and CP-WX3015WN. These new models offer networking capability, two USB ports and new ImageCare functionality.

The CP-X2015WN, CP-WX2515WN, CP-X2515WN, CP-X3015WN, CP-X4015WN and CP-WX3015WN all provide networking capability, allowing them to be remotely controlled via a LAN network connection. Hitachi’s exclusive PJMan Projector Management software gives users the ability to operate and monitor the projectors from a remote location, and receive diagnostic information (such as remaining lamp life), making these models ideal for installations where multiple projectors are used, such as an entire building or campus.

Two USB Type A inputs make it possible to use the optional USB wireless adapter and the Hitachi Wireless Pen Tablet (TB-1) USB receiver at the same time. In addition, projector settings can be transferred to other projectors via a USB memory stick. This makes it easy to use other projectors without having to take the time to configure the settings.

The CP-X2015WN, CP-WX2515WN, CP-X2515WN, CP-X3015WN, CP-X4015WN and CP-WX3015WN all feature ImageCare, which is a lamp power control function developed by Philips that will lower the total cost of ownership of the projector. ImageCare decreases energy usage, improves contrast ratio and can lengthen lamp life. Using Image Care technology, Intelligent Eco Mode automatically changes the brightness of the lamp according to the brightness level of the image. This feature gives optimal picture performance with maximum energy savings and can increase lamp life.

The Saver mode, based on ImageCare, reduces lamp power by 70 percent compared to the normal mode, resulting in considerable energy savings. Users can set the time for the Saver mode from one to 30 minutes. If the projected image does not change by the set time, the Saver mode is activated, reducing lamp brightness and lowering power consumption.

With Hitachi’s new Multi Projector function, users can project the same image to up to 12 projectors simultaneously, making it idea for presentations in large venues where a single screen would not be sufficient. In addition, Hitachi’s Moderator Control Mode lets users network 50 computers to the projector, with one computer acting as the moderator. This allows an instructor to use the moderator computer to select and project images from the students’ computers.

Each model includes Hitachi’s Campus Notification System and Network Messenger features for sending campus-wide announcements and important messages. Hitachi’s Projector Control (PJCtrl) application allows users to control the functions of their projector via a toolbar on their PC. Since all the functions for controlling the projector are on the PC, PJCtrl can help reduce costs associated with lost remote controls and battery replacement.

Brightness for each model is as follows:
- CP-X2015WN: 2,400 ANSI Lumens (XGA Resolution)
- CP-WX2515WN: 2,700 ANSI Lumens (WXGA Resolution)
- CP-X2515WN: 2,700 ANSI Lumens (XGA Resolution)
- CP-X3015WN: 3,200 ANSI Lumens (XGA Resolution)
- CP-X4015WN: 4,000 ANSI Lumens (XGA Resolution)
- CP-WX3015WN: 3,000 ANSI Lumens (WXGA Resolution)

For more information on Hitachi visit www.hitachi-america.us/digitalmedia

About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2011 (ended March 31, 2012) consolidated revenues totaled 9,665 billion yen ($117.8 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, June 13, 2012 – Located in Rensselaer NY, the Rensselaer City School District is home to a 278,000-square-foot campus that houses approximately 1,100 students in grades pre-K through 12. Completed in 2008, the fully facility is equipped with a host of audio/video educational tools including more than 50 networkable Hitachi 3LCD projectors.

“When we began looking at which A/V projectors to purchase, at first we didn’t consider that they could be networked together,” said David Howell, Network Systems Engineer, Rensselaer City School District. “However, once I found out the Hitachi projectors had networking connectivity, I realized the ability to send content and messages throughout the school and coordinate the operation of all the projectors from a single computer would be very attractive features.”

Hitachi projectors are installed throughout the facility in classrooms, plus a large instruction room and an auditorium.

“We particularly like the Live Viewer software with the newer projectors, which captures the image on a PC and sends it to the projectors via either a wired or wireless connection,” Howell added. “This keeps our teachers facing the class and gives them the freedom to be more engaging and interactive with students. We’re finding this to be especially beneficial at the junior and senior high school levels.”

Once installed, Howell found the projectors offered additional benefits. “We have a small staff, and the ability to centrally monitor all the projectors via the network saves us a lot of time,” he said. “The networking capabilities also make maintenance easier and save money on lamp replacement. The Hitachi PJMan Projector Management software tells us when the filters have to be cleaned. We do this faithfully and as a result we’re well exceeding the advertised lamp life on our projectors.”

“The PJMan software also gives us other diagnostic information so we can keep on top of potential problems and make sure the projectors are running at their coolest and most efficient,” Howell continued. “I can also send an emergency notification image to any projector to alert the operator should a problem ever occur.”

The large-venue projector in the auditorium has been a welcome addition as well. “We used to have to roll the A/V equipment in and out all the time and it was quite a hassle and time-consuming,” Howell said. “In addition to the convenience of the projector, it delivers superb image quality.”

“I really didn’t expect everything we’ve gotten from the Hitachi projectors and their networking capabilities, and have been pleasantly surprised,” Howell concluded. “We’ve enjoyed a huge return on our investment.”
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For more information on Hitachi visit www.hitachi-america.us/digitalmedia

Follow Hitachi on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hitachi-Projectors/131067323636829

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About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2011 (ended March 31, 2012) consolidated revenues totaled 9,665 billion yen ($117.8 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, June 13, 2012 – At InfoComm 2012, Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group today introduced the CP-AW2519N Interactive Projector, featuring Hitachi’s proprietary StarBoard Software, which works on Mac and PC platforms. The CP-AW2519N Interactive Projector has all the functionality of an interactive whiteboard built into it, eliminating the need for additional hardware.

The new CP-AW2519N offers easy setup even in rooms where space is limited, with an ultra-short-throw lens that enables it to be mounted close to a wall or projection surface. This prevents obstructed images and shadows, with no light shining in the presenter’s eyes. The CP-AW2519N also comes with a stand to project the image onto a tabletop surface.

For better performance, the CP-AW2519N communicates via IR and Ultrasonic technologies. This increases reliability and eliminates lag time from pen to projection for a more natural writing experience.

The CP-AW2519N Interactive Projector features a simple menu system that provides easy access to many functions. The CP-AW2519N’s Input Source Naming feature, a Hitachi exclusive, lets the user customize the names of input sources if desired. The projector’s remote offers My Memory, My Screen and My Buttons options for fast access to frequently used functions and sources. The CP-AW2519N is designed for easy maintenance, with a hybrid air/fan filter that allows less frequent cleaning (4,000 hours between maintenance), and an easy access lamp compartment.

Hitachi’s exclusive Perfect Fit 2 image adjustment system enables the user to adjust individual corners and sides independently of one another. Perfect Fit 2 provides vertical and horizontal digital correction of either barrel or pin cushion distortions. This feature helps correct geometric and complicated distortions. Perfect Fit 2 allows the projected image to fit correctly to the screen quickly and easily.

The CP-AW2519N offers 2,500 ANSI lumens brightness, WXGA resolution and a throw distance of 10 inches from the edge of the projector for an 80-inch (16:10) diagonal image. The CP-AW2519N also has an RJ-45 Ethernet jack for connection to a local area network (LAN), providing the ability to network, control and maintain the projector from a remote location. A built-in speaker and 10-watt amplifier eliminate the need to connect external speakers. The CP-AW2519N also features an HDMI input.

For more information on Hitachi visit www.hitachi-america.us/digitalmedia

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About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2011 (ended March 31, 2012) consolidated revenues totaled 9,665 billion yen ($117.8 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.