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March 9, 1998

Hitachi and EDW to Develop Next-Generation Simulator Ride System

- Merging of know-how to provide simulator ride system like no other -

The aim to merge Hitachi's advanced control, computer graphics (CG), virtual reality (VR) and computer hardware and software technologies with EDW's unrivalled filmmaking expertise to create a next-generation simulator ride system in a class of its own.

The scale of Japan's amusement market, including museums, art galleries, stadiums and other public facilities, already estimated to have reached 1 trillion yen, is likely to see continuing growth, particularly in the theme park and large shopping center sectors. High-tech attractions are enjoying the strongest popularity surge, thanks to advances in CG and VR technologies.

In August 1996, Hitachi added the Amusement System Planning Dept. to its Business Development Office to exploit business opportunities in this promising market. While one mission of this Dept. is to secure orders for conventional infrastructure and computer-related equipment used by show pavilions, image systems, theme parks and the like, another is to utilize Hitachi's extensive range of CG, VR, simulator and image technologies to accelerate the company's entry into new amusement businesses. The Dept. generates new demand mainly through marketing activities directed at theme park and shopping center developers.

EDW is a creative design firm that utilizes state of the art computer and filmmaking technologies in the development and production of new forms of entertainment and related technologies. Hitachi and EDW are committed to overcoming the various drawbacks of current simulator rides regarding cost, maintenance and content renewal, but intend to go considerably beyond these improvements. The next-generation simulator ride system they envision will set itself apart from existing systems with markedly upgraded interactivity, enhanced player VR-image immersion, and improved system expandability and flexibility.

Hitachi and EDW also plan to coproduce middle software for quick, low-cost production of story-based interactive contents, as well as various other forms of interactive contents with high entertainment value for the whole family.

The companies are to demonstrate the products they develop at the IAAPA show to be held in Dallas in November.

Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 1996 (ending March 31, 1997) consolidated sales of 68.7 billion dollars (at an exchange rate of 124 yen to the dollar). The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's Web site at http://www.hitachi. co.jp.

Entertainment Design Workshop, LLC is privately owned company founded in 1997 by visionary filmmaker, innovator and entrepreneur Douglas Trumble, located in Sheffield Massachusetts. EDW specializes in the development and production of feature films, special venue films, theme park attractions and new forms of interactive and location-based entertainment. The company also provides software and hardware engineering and consulting services to the high-tech entertainment industry, with a particular focus on the development of advanced integrated systems for high-resolution digital film production. For more information, please visit EDW's Web site at http://www.edesignw.com.

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