Hitachi, Ltd.(TSE:6501) today announced that it will release the C52-LC1 BIGSLIM 52,
a 52-inch LCD projection TV with a high-brightness and high-contrast picture which
are made possible by liquid-coupled cooling system applied for LCD projection TV first
in the industry. It will be released in Japan on July 1.
By liquid coolant between LCD panel and lens, this system reduces reflection and this
provides a major improvement in contrast, resulting in high picture quality. Moreover,
despite its large screen size, the C52-LC1 is very compact, its depth of 51 centimeters
being on a par with that of a conventional 29-inch TV in a corner placement.
(comparison based on Hitachi's C29-FV100).
The technology used in the C52-LC1 merges Hitachi's own optical projection
technology with the latest digital video technology, forming a core technology that
creates a new television market. Hitachi intends to develop this on a world-wide scale
for the coming era of full-blown digital video.
In recent years the pace of development toward digital video and digital broadcasting
has been rapid. This is producing a global expansion of the market for large-screen
home theater systems used with AV sources such as DVD that deliver high-quality,
digital sound and vision. For this market, Hitachi is combining its optical video
projection technology, developed over the years for the world's markets, with advanced
digital image processing technology such as that typified by Hitachi's progressive-scan
LSIs, with the aim of creating a new type of theater television that the company will
market around the world.
The 52-inch screen of the BIGSLIM 52 provides easy viewing pleasure in a living-room
for the whole family. The high brightness and high contrast of the BIGSLIM 52 is
achieved by using the industry's first liquid coupled cooling system for LCD projection
TV. The display uses 1.6-inch liquid-crystal panel having 1.44 million dots. The
BIGSLIM 52, 51 centimeters in depth, combines its large screen size with a compact
footprint, being as deep as that of a conventional 29-inch TV (Hitachi's C29-FV100) in
a corner placement. Hitachi has developed a very wide angle, high-focus lens system for
the C52-LC1. The focal distance of the projection system is reduced by optimizing the
configuration of the 11 aspherical plastic and glass lenses. This results in high-
brightness and compactness.
There are two sets of component inputs for interfacing with future digital broadcast
devices and digital video equipment. One of these sets of inputs includes a D3 socket,
now in the process of being implemented as an industry standard. Looking ahead to the
start of digital satellite broadcast services, due to commence in 2000, the C52-LC1 is
ready for 1080i, 480p and 480i format signals. The C52-LC1 uses progressive scanning
to display NTSC signals, which makes viewing more comfortable by reducing flicker.
The C52-LC1 is part of the "Message S Strategy" being promoted by the Consumer
Products Group and the Digital Media Group, and is the first of the products to be
released to commemorate Hitachi's 90th anniversary in 2000.
Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global
electronics companies, with fiscal 1997 (ended March 31, 1998) consolidated sales of
8,417 billion yen ($63.8 billion*). 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.
* At an exchange rate of 132 yen to the dollar.
Model and Pricing
Type LCD projection TV
Screen size 52 inches
Model C52-LC1
Release date July 1
Price 580,000 yen
Initial monthly production 3,000units
Features
1. High-brightness, high-contrast optical unit
1) Industry's first liquid coupled cooling system
In conventional projection TVs, the space between lens and LCD panel is usually air-
cooled, using fans. In the case of the C52-LC1, a liquid having approximately same
refractive index as glass is used as coolant ,which couples the lens to the LCD panel.
This dramatically reduces unnecessary light reflection at surfaces, resulting in high
picture quality. A heat radiation plate is also used to efficiently cool the liquid-crystal
panel and polarization plate which enables the C52-LC1 to realize both high picture
quality and high reliability.
2) Short focal length projection system provides high brightness and compactness
Hitachi has developed a very wide angle, high-focus lens system for the C52-LC1.
The focal distance of the projection system is reduced by optimizing the configuration
of the 11 aspherical plastic and glass lenses. This results in high-brightness and
compactness.
3) New high-contrast screen
The screen is provided with a wavelength-selective filter and integrated with a fine-
pitch (0.16 mm) black-stripe type lenticular lens. This improves contrast by reducing
the reflection of ambient light. It also provides a much wider viewing angle than that of
the C39-WE40, Hitachi's previous projection TV.
4) Single-panel 1.6-inch polysilicon TFT active-matrix LCD panel eliminates color
deviation and un-uniformity
The 1.44-million-dot display of the C52-LC1 comprises 1.6-inch, [(800X600) X
3]liquid-crystal panel. The single-panel arrangement eliminates the need to synthesize
colors, reducing color deviation and un-uniformity on the projected images. Colors
are not affected by the terrestrial magnetism.
2. Digital image processing delivers high-resolution picture quality
1) Two sets of component inputs for digital satellite broadcast formats
The C52-LC1 is equipped with two sets of component inputs (one set being D3 inputs),
making it ready for digital satellite broadcasting scheduled to start in 2000. These
inputs can be used to connect adapters for receiving digital satellite broadcasts, CS
digital tuners, DVD players and other such devices. The C52-LC1 can automatically
display digital broadcast signal input such as 1080i, 480p or 480i format.
2) Progressive scanning for comfortable viewing
A high quality picture that can be viewed without fatigue is ensured by progressive-scan
LSIs developed by Hitachi. Because it provides a major decrease in flicker, progressive
scanning is particularly beneficial when viewing detailed graphics and small characters.
Hitachi's PII-LSIs are also used to provide an even sharper picture by reducing noise
caused by signal instability in the case of terrestrial broadcasts, and by contour
correction of the luminance and color signal components.
3. High sound quality for the home theater
1) 8.5-liter bass-reflex speakers and tweeters
The C52-LC1 has 8.5-liter bass-reflex woofers and tweeters, and with the two-way
speakers, for a total of four speakers, can deliver the type of room-filling, dynamic
sound that befits the large screen.
2) The industry's first use of "( )FOCUS*," a new concept in dynamic sound
technology that increases realism by integrating the sound with the screen images
Based on the practical application of analyses of how people hear sounds, FOCUS
technology makes it seem as if sounds from a speaker under the screen are coming from
the center of the screen. This integration of sound and vision enhances the realism of the
audio, and in the case of a movie or news broadcast or the like, makes it easier to
distinguish which person is talking.
4. Lightweight, compact design
1) Big-screen TV in a compact design
The use of short focal length projection system makes it possible provide a large screen
size of 52 inches combined with a slimline depth of just 51 cm. With its sculpted back
cover, when used in a corner the C52-LC1 takes up only about the same space as a 29-
inch TV (Hitachi's C29-FV100).
2) Lightweight hybrid cabinet and recyclable material
The screen frame and back cover are made of highly recyclable material. The use of a
hybrid cabinet realizes light weight and easy disassembling.
*1: FOCUS and the()symbol are trademarks of SRS Labs, Inc.
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