Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc. (MDEA) Announces New "Totally Digital" Television Product Line-up

IRVINE, CA — April 8, 2002 — At its national news conference and dealer line show, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America (MDEA) announced its "Totally Digital" television product line-up, which eliminates all analog (NTSC only) televisions from its product offerings. This revolutionary line-up of digital televisions consists of 17 projection televisions, ranging in size from 42" to 73" (diagonal), including a breakthrough 42" true-tabletop high-performance model as well as an enhanced DLPä projection television. About half of these models include Integrated Digital Tuners, IEEE 1394 Interfaces, and Mitsubishi’s unique NetCommandä icon-based onscreen home theater control system. In addition, the company also announced a full line-up of home theater components including DVD players, D-VHS High-Definition VCRs, and conventional VCRs. In a separate announcement, the company introduced its HD-Upgradeable plasma display with separate receiver.

"Once again MDEA is announcing a breakthrough slate of products to meet the needs of consumers and retailers as our country completes its transition to digital broadcasting," said Max Wasinger, senior vice-president of sales and marketing at MDEA. "We truly believe the consumer benefits of the new digital world – stunning pictures, life-like surround sound coupled with easy digital control - creates new excitement in home theater."

MDEA also announced the addition of a second D-VHS High-Definition VCR at a record-breaking suggested value price of $749, and three DVD players and three analog VCRs.

"As the 2006 deadline for the termination of analog television broadcasting comes closer, consumers who buy televisions, which are long-term purchases, are even more interested in purchasing digital televisions with integrated digital receivers. This deadline, combined with consumer realization that televisions and home theater products will be transitioning to digital interfaces such as IEEE 1394 that support content protection, home recording and networking is creating tremendous interest in the new digital connections as well," said Robert A. Perry, vice-president of marketing for MDEA. "In the initial years of the digital television transition, consumers were thrilled by great pictures and sound. Now they are interested in recording the increasing amount of HD programming and sharing it throughout the home. This trend is driving far-sighted retailers to demonstrate home theater products in a networked environment, so consumers can actually experience these new capabilities. And with the IEEE 1394 capability of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system, computers can be simultaneously networked on the same infrastructure," Perry added.

Important Media Note: Available by request is a separate fact sheet detailing the models, key features and price points of the products being introduced at the National News Conference on April 6, 2002, and to MDEA’s dealers at the National Line Show directly following the News Conference.

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. manufactures and markets a comprehensive line of premium quality high-definition projection televisions, plasma displays, satellite receivers, DVD players, and digital and analog VCRs for consumer home theater use. Recognized as the world leader and innovator of big screen and digital television receiver technology, MDEA develops AV products that lead the industry in performance, ease-of-use and system integration. For additional information about MDEA, visit http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com.

For More Information:
Cayce Blanchard
Mitsubishi Electric News Bureau
714/229-3837
cayce.blanchard@meus.mea.com