Hitachi Introduces An Affordable All-In-One Solution With The New “Stimulus Bundle”

-- Bundle Offers Highly Affordable Solution For Those Looking To Deploy Interactive Presentation Technology --

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, June 9, 2010 – Hitachi America, Ltd. today announced its new CP-D10+FX-77GII Bundle, named the “Stimulus Bundle”, offering a complete, low-cost solution.

The Stimulus Bundle combines the Hitachi CP-D10 short-throw projector, the Hitachi StarBoard FX-77GII 77-inch interactive whiteboard, and a custom-designed Premier Mounts wall arm which together comprise a complete solution. Mounted on the wall arm, the CP-D10’s short-throw capability greatly reduces the shadow cast on the FX-77GII from the presenter and offers a better viewing experience.  Now offered as a complete package, the bundle is the premier low-cost option for educational and corporate environments.

“The Stimulus Bundle was developed to bring a complete Hitachi solution to users who previously wouldn’t have had access to this technology because of the price point,” said John Glad, product manager, Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group.  “By combining our most cost-effective short-throw projector and interactive whiteboard with the Premier wall arm, corporate or educational environments of any size can benefit from Hitachi’s industry leading interactive presentation technology.”

The Hitachi CP-D10 projector is ideal for use in classrooms that utilize an interactive whiteboard, as well as small meeting rooms where space may be limited. The projector features a short throw distance of three feet that projects an 80-inch image, eliminating image obstruction in front of the screen. The CP-D10 offers a brightness of 2,000 ANSI lumens and XGA resolution. It also includes a 4,000-hour hybrid filter for easy maintenance.

The FX-77GII has all of the capabilities that have been revolutionized by Hitachi, but, with this model, interaction is facilitated by use of an electronic pen. The wireless 2-button pen device, included with the StarBoard, functions as a mouse that operates and annotates on the board.

The board features an electronic-free surface for more durable use and remains fully operational even if there are scratches or dents on the surface space.

Hitachi Software Upgrades StarBoard Software For Mac With Snow Leopard Compatibility

Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd. today announced that its StarBoard Software 9.0.1 for Mac will now support Apple’s Snow Leopard operating system. The upgrade will ensure that the greatest population of StarBoard users with Mac hardware are able to effectively and easily deploy the StarBoard software.

Featuring an easy to use interface, StarBoard Software 9.0.1 was designed with an eye on the industry-wide trend surrounding operating systems that are migrating towards utilizing touch capability.  The software’s icons are more intuitive and provide users with a natural sense of functionality.

Hitachi StarBoard Software 9.0.1 for Mac offers users similar functionality as its Windows version, including a top menu bar for easy accessibility, a side bar menu that can toggle to either side of the screen, drag-and-drop tools to create a shortcut button on a page and a customizable color palette.

“Hitachi is committed to providing Mac users with the capability to take full advantage of the StarBoard Software. We will continue to ensure our software is aligned with current operating systems and give Hitachi StarBoard customers the greatest ease of use with our products,” stated John Glad, Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division, Business Solutions Group. 

Oregon State University Deploys Hitachi Software StarBoards For New Interactive Learning Environment

Immediately positioning itself as a leader in higher education classroom technology, Oregon State University has chosen Hitachi Software StarBoard interactive whiteboards for its new interactive learning environment in Physics classrooms. Purchased through Troxell Communications, the University is deploying the Hitachi FXDUO-77 model StarBoards along with the award-winning Hitachi CP-A100 3LCD ultra-short-throw projector as part of the Hitachi Ultra Short Throw Bundle solution.

Don DeMello, coordinator for classroom technology services at Oregon State University, explained the decision to choose Hitachi. “The shortcut buttons on both sides of the StarBoard, allowing a user to operate programmed functions from either side of the board, was a major feature.  Additionally, the StarBoard doesn’t require any pens to annotate on the surface and when our faculty evaluated the StarBoard versus other interactive whiteboards, the consensus was that Hitachi’s solution was more intuitive in the feature controls.”

In addition to the technology advantages, Mr. DeMello believed the training and support offered by Hitachi was also instrumental in the University effectively implementing the technology. “Molly Montoya, education and training consultant for Hitachi Software, provided our faculty with three hour-long introduction sessions in the fall and we had over 30 faculty members attend the training sessions,” stated Mr. DeMello.

Beginning in the Spring 2010 term, the Physics Department will have officially begun teaching its calculus-based Physics courses, while utilizing the new Hitachi interactive whiteboard technology.

“I strongly believe that if students are actively engaged in the learning environment, it allows them to use and practice skills and lessons they are being introduced to. Also, the ability to witness others work in a collaborative environment provides them with a better perspective,” added Mr. DeMello.

While Oregon State University is still in the beginning stages of working with the StarBoards, Mr. DeMello sees the potential to expand the technology into other areas of the college. “We look to this new Physics lab classroom as it introduces the ‘no front’ collaborative style of teaching to other departments on campus.  Our vision is that more classrooms with this style of interactive teaching will be requested, designed and installed.”

For more information on Troxell Communications visit www.trox.com.

La Joya Community High School Students Put Hitachi StarBoards To The Test

Advanced Placement Biology Students Develop Final Presentations With Hitachi Interactive WhiteBoards

Hitachi, a leader in educational technology, has been chosen to provide interactive whiteboards for the La Joya Community High School in Avondale, Arizona. The school is deploying the Hitachi FXDUO-77 model StarBoards, along with the award-winning Hitachi CP-A100 3LCD ultra-short-throw projector, as part of the Hitachi CPA100+FXDUO bundle.  Furthermore, advanced placement biology students are using the StarBoards as a tool to help facilitate their final exam presentations.

Mike Grace, advanced placement biology teacher at La Joya Community High School, explained the program he developed for his students. “After the students finished with the preparation for their advanced placement exam, we still had some time left in the school year.  Instead of giving the class a traditional written final, I decided to split them into groups for final presentations on specific topics using the StarBoard,” stated Grace.

The presentations on various biology topics were meant to display not only the student’s knowledge of a particular area of science, but also their competency with using all the features of the StarBoard. “We had a representative from Troxell come in and give our students a full training so they would understand all the capabilities of the board and what they would be expected to demonstrate with their presentations.  Students were expected to give up to a 15 minute presentation on their topic that would demonstrate the StarBoard Software, use of video, and links to educational sites online,” added Grace.

One of the stipulations of the assignment was that students whom excelled with their presentations would agree to return to Grace’s class the following year to train new students on how to use the StarBoard.  “This was a great way for students to really learn and engage with the technology.  Additionally, taking the next step and having our older students train our younger students is far more effective because the kids understand the technology better than anyone,” stated Grace.

“As a district, we chose the Hitachi StarBoard for the service and training support we received, along with the competitive pricing.  We have deployed StaBoards in many classrooms within the district and our long term goal is to standardize our district technology with additional interactive whiteboard technology from Hitachi,” stated David Sanders, director of information technology for the Tolleson Union High School District.

For more information on Troxell Communications, visit www.trox.com.

Hitachi Software Upgrades Interactive Learning Opportunities With 500 New Lessons For StarBoards

New Lessons Cover Multiple Subject Areas and Grade Levels --

CHULA VISTA, California, November 3, 2009 – In an effort to provide increased interactivity and an enhanced learning experience with the award-winning StarBoard, Hitachi Software today announced the addition of 500 new lessons to its online library of educational software.  The new lessons are available immediately for all StarBoard users.

Encompassing grades K-9 and covering math, language arts and science, the new lessons are designed to take full advantage of the FXDUO technology.  Hitachi Software’s library now features nearly 1,000 unique lessons in the major subject areas.  Educators can search through the database of lessons by grade, language and state standards to find specific lessons that fit their needs.      

The new lessons are available through the online Hitachi Educator Resource Center, including all available StarBoard lessons, software tutorials, the StarBoard Community Forum and links to interactive sites for classrooms.

“We are proud to provide our end users in the education market with more tools than ever before so they can take full advantage of the StarBoard’s industry-leading technology. We believe these additional lessons will lead to greater efficiency for teachers and help to keep students more engaged in the learning experience,” stated John Glad, product manager for Hitachi America, Inc., Business Group.

Further engaging educators and empowering them with the capabilities of Hitachi StarBoards, Hitachi now also offers the capability for anyone to upload their lessons and share with the global community of StarBoard users.

To access all available lesson content, please visit Hitachi online at http://www.hitachi-soft.com/.  

Moses Lake School District Selects Hitachi StarBoards For District-Wide Technology Upgrade

-- Washington School District Purchases Over 100 Hitachi Interactive Whiteboards For Student Curriculum For All Grade Levels and Subject Areas --

Moses Lake School District in Moses Lake, Washington has chosen Hitachi Software StarBoards for its student curriculum for all grade levels and subject areas, providing a district-wide technology upgrade that truly enhances the overall educational experience. Purchased through Troxell Communications, the school has allocated over 100 Hitachi FXDUO-77 model StarBoards along with the award-winning Hitachi CP-A100 3LCD ultra-short-throw projector as part of the Hitachi CPA100+FXDUO bundle.

Rick Rose, director of technology for the Moses Lake School District, explained that the features of the Hitachi StarBoard were a major factor in the purchase decision. “We compared all of the competing brands and the DUO technology was the most impressive feature. In fact, Hitachi was the only interactive whiteboard company that offered this technology.” Mr. Rose also noted that Hitachi’s all-in-one solution was a deciding factor. “Given that we purchased a large quantity, it was critically important that we received seamless technology from one provider. We knew Hitachi had built the StarBoard and projector with this type of integration in mind.”

For Moses Lake, the StarBoard investment has already shown immediate results. “I’ve found that the majority of my students are completely engaged when the StarBoard is being used, especially when they know they have the opportunity to go up in front of the class,” stated fourth grade teacher Monica McAtee. Ms. McAtee also believes the features of the StarBoard make her lessons more efficient. “I love the Google search feature. I believe the learning process for students is significantly improved when I can quickly and conveniently search Google images to give students visual representation of what we are studying.”

Moses Lake Middle School math teacher Mark Thompson has also quickly found success using the StarBoard. “With the StarBoard I am able to take any piece of material, such as a page out of a math textbook, manipulate it with the navigation tool and then make annotations. When I’m finished I can save what I have started and continue the lesson the next day with the option of clearing the notes and starting fresh.”

Moses Lake has also deployed the new StarBoard Software 9.0 for Mac on the StarBoards in many classrooms within the district. “Our ultimate goal is to have interactive whiteboard technology in all classrooms. Since we are a dual-platform district with 40 percent of our district running on Macs, we can deploy the StarBoard in any classroom throughout the district knowing all our teachers will be getting the same performance.”

For more information on Troxell Communications visit www.trox.com

Lewis-Palmer School District Enhances Visual Learning At High School Level With Hitachi Software StarBoards

Colorado School District Utilizes Hitachi Interactive Whiteboards To Enhance Learning In All Major Subject Areas

In order to develop next generation educational programs, Lewis-Palmer School District, in Monument, Colorado, selected Hitachi Software StarBoard interactive whiteboards. Purchased through Troxell Communications, the district utilizes twenty-four of the FXDUO-77 model StarBoards at the elementary and high school levels.

The StarBoards are currently being utilized by teachers in all major subject areas at the high school level. “The StarBoard is a great tool to teach students how to edit and revise their writing. We take students writing and work on editing exercises using the StarBoard software in front of the entire class. Having the ability to visualize in this format makes it a much more valuable learning experience for the students,” stated Kathleen Raphael, English teacher in the Lewis-Palmer School District. “Our students are in a generation where technology is used in almost every aspect of their lives. It is how they communicate with their peers. Using technology to make learning more accessible and more authentic for them is vital.”

Ms. Raphael also believes there is confidence gained in having students come up to the StarBoard individually. “By using this tool, we model excellent communication and presentation skills. These skills will absolutely be invaluable to them in their chosen career fields.”

“Students have a hard time believing certain properties in Geometry because they cannot visualize what is happening. They tend to get stuck on certain types of pictures and struggle to transfer certain concepts when diagrams change. The StarBoard allows a teacher to make these illustrations come to life. It is great to have the ability to build and manipulate shapes in front of the students, instead of being tied to my desk and computer,” stated Marc Johnson, Math teacher in the Lewis-Palmer School District.

Tracey Lehman, Director of Educational Technology in the district, also feels the Hitachi StarBoards have become a major asset for the students in their visual learning.

“Classes like Geometry and Trigonometry have come alive with student interactivity. Right now we are also in the process of creating a high-tech multi-purpose room where students can collaborate about a project using the StarBoard as the center point of their discussions. It has definitely changed teaching and learning for students and teachers.”

For more information on Troxell Communications visit www.troxell.com.

Hitachi StarBoards Expand Curriculum Tools and Educational Content Through RM Easiteach Partnership

-- Hitachi integrates its FXDUO interactive whiteboard with RM Easiteach’s educational content and curriculum toolbars --

Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd. today announced a partnership with RM Education in an effort to offer more curriculum tools and educational content for its StarBoard FXDUO interactive whiteboards.

RM Easiteach software is now being included free of charge with the purchase of any Hitachi FXDUO whiteboard. The purpose of this combination is to expand Hitachi’s existing library of educator resources with RM Easiteach’s signature toolbars for math, language arts, science, and social studies. The toolbars are designed by education experts to present familiar teaching concepts through the touch interaction provided by the StarBoard FXDUO interactive whiteboard.

“I am delighted to announce a partnership between RM Education and Hitachi Software. With the introduction of the Starboard FXDUO, Hitachi is driving enhancements in whiteboards that reflect the way our digital natives learn. The inclusion of RM Easiteach with these StarBoards means that schools will see the value of the technology much sooner through curriculum driven toolbars that maximize interactivity,” stated Kevin Pawsey, International Managing Director for RM Education

RM Easiteach is rapidly becoming the most popular interactive whiteboard curriculum solution with a 150,000 plus user base, and an online resource community that also allows non-RM Easiteach users to download and share lessons on the RM Education website, a similar value and vision that Hitachi Software supports with their StarBoard resource center. The company’s wide teacher acceptance and long participation in the education community are the key drivers for Hitachi Software’s decision to partner with RM Education.

“This partnership is the result of listening to feedback from our customers, and our commitment to enhance the learning experience with Hitachi interactive whiteboards,” stated Ray Soltys, Director of Sales for Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Business Group.

The official kick-off for the FXDUO and RM Easiteach combination will occur at the TCEA show in Austin, TX. For more information on this partnership and live demonstrations please visit the Troxell Communications booth.

Hitachi StarBoards Add Up For Kamiakin High School

- Washington High School Is Utilizing Hitachi StarBoards To Enhance Mathematics Education --

Math class has never been as exciting since Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, Washington upgraded classroom technology with Hitachi Software StarBoard interactive whiteboards. Purchased through Troxell Communications, the school utilizes the Hitachi FXDUO-77 model StarBoard.

Jenny Byrd, a mathematics teacher at Kamiakin, is utilizing the StarBoard in all of her classes. “Typically I have notes including pictures, definitions, examples and practice problems that I display onto my board. The Hitachi interactive whiteboard improves what I have previously done in many ways. I love that when I move on to the next page, the board has saved my work on the prior page. This allows me to switch back and forth to the example problem if the students are struggling on a practice problem,” stated Ms. Byrd.

According to Byrd she has also found ways to use the interactive whiteboard with other technologies. “I use the board in conjunction with my calculator software to display graphs. It allows the students to actually see me touching the buttons and their location on the board.”

Additionally, the interactive whiteboards have become an asset in the rare circumstance that the teacher is absent. “When I have a substitute, I record my voice and interactions into the board for the sub to play. The students no longer fall behind if the sub is not familiar with the type of mathematics the students are learning. It also allows for a more productive class with the students because the sub doesn’t have to try as hard to keep them engaged in a worksheet. The students now have a video to watch and notes to take and I can still give students practice problems to solve,” stated Ms. Byrd.

According to Ms. Byrd she looks forward to finding new and exciting ways to integrate the StarBoard into lessons. “There are many applications I look forward to adding to my classroom as time goes by. For example, I would like to add more interactive lessons, where students come up to the board and physically translate, rotate, dilate a shape or learn about fraction addition. There are also many math applications we could perform on the board to strengthen student understanding.”

University of Idaho Utilizes Hitachi StarBoards To Create 21st Century Educational Experience In Science Classes

- Science Classes Use Hitachi Interactive Whiteboards to Enhance Teaching Materials and Learning Objects -

Professors at the University of Idaho have chosen Hitachi interactive whiteboards in a move that greatly enhances the school’s science class and laboratory teaching technology. Purchased through Troxell Communications, the school utilizes the FXDUO-77 model StarBoard along with the award winning Hitachi CP-A100 3LCD projector as part of the Hitachi CP-A100+FXDUO bundle.

The professors immediately noticed the benefits of utilizing the combination of the Hitachi projector with the interactive whiteboard. “Before when we were utilizing a traditional projector, there was always a shadow which created a distraction when presenting,” stated Ronald Robberecht, Professor of Rangeland Ecology at the University of Idaho. “Utilizing the Hitachi short throw projector has resulted in completely eliminating the shadow effect.”

According to Robberecht his students have enjoyed the addition of the interactive whiteboard into lectures in the lab setting. “Utilizing the StarBoard makes a difference to the students, they like it and it certainly adds value to the lectures. We can view ecological topics in a very interactive manner where images, videos, and text can be easily combined with the powerful dynamic annotation features of the Starboard.”

Robberecht noted that other professors use the Starboards for courses on geographical information systems (GIS) where various information such as soil types, species, forests and grasslands, and related geographical information can be shown in interacting layers of a landscape.

“Also, having a StarBoard in my office allows me to hold research meetings there. Rather than having all the students crouch around a desktop monitor. Now they can look at the images and lecture material comfortably on the large screen. Using the Starboard really allows for a natural interactive teaching interface.”

The university has also utilized StarBoards for numerous other applications. “We have one StarBoard that is being connected with a field campus where they are teaching ecology to fifth and sixth graders,” stated Robberecht.

“We attached a web cam to the StarBoard so now we utilize it as a tool for video conferencing as well.”

Based on experiences thus far the university will certainly be considering Hitachi for future technology needs. “As our smaller classrooms and seminar rooms are renovated the new Hitachi Starboards will be integral to the renovations because the price is right, the technology is great, and the service and support we have received has been excellent,” said Robberecht.

Neumann College Selects Hitachi StarBoards As A Valuable Tool To Further Higher Education

-- Neumann College Utilizes Hitachi StarBoards for Professor and Student Education. --

Dedicated to providing students and professors with the best tools in a quest for higher education, Neumann College in Aston, Pennsylvania has purchased Hitachi StarBoards for multiple computer labs on campus. The StarBoards were sold through Troxell Communications. Neumann has installed Hitachi FXDUO77 interactive whiteboards, as well as award winning Hitachi CP-A100 3LCD projectors as part of the Hitachi CP-A100+FXDuo Bundle.

Neumann College is a private Roman Catholic, coeducational college comprised of 3,000 students. The College offers undergraduate degrees in a broad variety of subjects, six graduate programs, and an accelerated bachelor's degree program for adults. Neumann seeks to educate a diverse population of students in a scholarly, supportive, and caring environment.

Neumann understands the value of the StarBoard as an educational tool and has worked to ensure that both professors and students can utilize and benefit from the technology. “We haven’t had the boards for long but they are already very popular and extremely well received by our faculty and students. The boards are being used for programs to educate professors on course management software in addition to integrating them into normal classes that take place in the labs,” stated Neumann College media specialist Dan Smith. “We are particularly impressed with its ease of use.” The Hitachi StarBoard’s high touch resolution also factored into the decision to go with Hitachi. “Other boards we’ve had in the past required some type of tool to perform the interaction. With the Hitachi StarBoard the ability to just use your finger makes it extremely easy to use.”

While Neumann is still in the beginning stages of utilizing the StarBoards Mr. Smith sees the potential to expand the technology into other areas of the college. “There is no doubt that we would look to Hitachi in the future if we were to add additional interactive whiteboards. The StarBoard is a wonderful and productive tool that has been a great addition to the learning environment.”

Casita Center For Science, Technology, and Math Implements Hitachi StarBoards To Take Learning To A Higher Level

-- Casita Center, A California Magnet Elementary School, Has Successfully Created A Fully Integrated Curriculum Using Interactive Whiteboards --

In an effort to provide the best possible learning experience in math and science, the Casita Center has integrated Hitachi StarBoards into classes at the elementary level. Sold through Troxell Communications, Casita has installed Hitachi FXDUO77 interactive whiteboards, as well as Hitachi 3LCD digital projectors CP-X200, CP-X201 and CP-X251 series.

The Vista Unified School District founded Casita Center for Technology, Science, and Math as a magnet school in 1992. As a magnet school, they create new and exciting ways for children to learn and for teachers to teach, in addition to offering an expanded learning experience with a special focus on technology, science and mathematics.

Casita educators have made it their goal to effectively implement the StarBoards into their everyday lessons. “It’s not enough to just have the technology, you need to seek out the content to maximize its potential as an educational tool. Hitachi’s interactive whiteboard content also provides content that I can immediately utilize as part of a lesson plan,” stated science teacher Jamie Hagen-Holt. “In fact, a key priority is to ensure that lessons being taught on the Hitachi StarBoard coincide with physical demonstration students can see, this is the most powerful way to maximize the learning experience.”

Additionally, Hitachi StarBoard’s durability have also proven to be a major selling point for the Casita School. “We knew that if this board was going to be in an elementary school classroom, it needed to be durable,” stated district technology coordinator Scott Hill. Being that the Hitachi board itself contains no electronics, we knew it would be best suited to hold up in this environment.”

Another major factor in selecting Hitachi whiteboards for Casita was due to its large screen. “When you’re dealing with a classroom full of elementary school age students, the size of the screen is crucial. They need to be able to see the detail of everything that is being displayed. While this might not be considered a significant technology feature, for educators it is extremely important,” stated math teacher Sue Ritchie.

Since implementing the Hitachi whiteboards, the teachers have embraced them and enjoyed the new creativity it allows them to bring to their teaching. Our goal is ensure that we have a StarBoard in every classroom,” said Mr. Hill. “We need to make sure we are giving all of our students the same opportunities to enhance their education using the latest in technology.”

Phoenix College Relies On Hitachi’s T-17SXL StarTablet To Maintain Its Flagship Technology Position In The Nation’s Largest Community College

--Hitachi’s T-17SXL StarBoard StarTablet Offers Enhanced Instructor-Facing Engagement With Students And A Scalable Solution For Any Sized Classroom--

Phoenix College prides itself on being the technology flagship for the entire Maricopa Community College District in Arizona – the single largest community college system in the United States and one of the largest in the world, with 10 colleges, two skill centers and numerous other education centers. Underscoring the media department’s mission of “continuously seeking out and implementing, dynamic, innovative leading educational technology,” Phoenix College has consistently turned to Hitachi, the leader in educational AV systems design, for its StarBoard interactive presentation system. In fact, this year, Phoenix College purchased 17 additional Hitachi T-17SXL StarBoard StarTablets through Phoenix based Troxell Communications, bringing the total number of Hitachi StarBoard systems used at the College to 101, including several 15-inch StarBoard models.

For an educational institution at the cutting edge of technology and one that offers its programs via distance learning online as well as in the traditional classroom, the T-17SXL StarBoard StarTablet is an indispensable educational and communications tool.

The Maricopa Community College District is the largest provider of health care workers and job training in Arizona — a major resource for business and industry and for individuals seeking education and job training. It offers approximately 1,000 occupational programs (degrees and certificates), and 37 academic associate degrees, from among 10,254 available courses. As the recognized flagship of this complex school system, Phoenix College takes its technology mandate seriously. “We wanted to create the most comprehensive classroom possible, one that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of innovation and emerging technology by providing an ever expanding professional instructional environment,” explains Mike Poplin, Director of Media Services at Phoenix College. “Most other classrooms in the system have a projector and computer, but our classrooms also include a PadCamera, DVD/VHS combo player, classroom control panel, and inputs for a laptop computer and jump drives. The Hitachi StarBoards have been an integral part of this effort to lead the way in educational technology.”

Poplin says the ongoing acquisition of the Hitachi StarBoards began about four years ago, following a careful evaluation of competitive offerings.. “The buzzwords at the time were ‘smart’ and ‘smart panel,’ but most products have major limitations,” he says, such as the instructor to face away from the class to use the boards and limited projection sizes. The Hitachi StarBoard series, however, addressed all of those shortcomings. “The projection image size is limited only by the size of the projection screen, so it’s a very scalable solution,” he says. “Additionally, instructors can use the StarBoard while they’re facing the class, which really helps communication between instructor and student, and the software is fantastic.”

Hitachi’s software allows conferencing among up to 42 sites or student workstations with character recognition software to run applications with freehand writing and object recognition software that converts freehand geometric objects, such as circles and triangles, to smooth drafting quality geometric objects.

Functionality such as Undo, Redo, Cut, Copy, Paste, color, adjust line width, etc. make for a user-friendly interface as easy and intuitive as most word processing programs. The T-17SXL raises the bar in tablet presentation technology with a 17-inch LCD display screen that boasts SXGA resolution with excellent color and contrast. The T-17SXL also has a thin screen that assures natural, accurate operation. Other technological innovations include built-in video pass-through permitting the connection of projectors and computers with the StarBoard system without requiring an external video splitting amplifier. “The Hitachi StarBoard has been an integral part of keeping Phoenix College at the cutting edge of our school system,” says Poplin. “It’s hard to imagine being there without it.”

For more information on Troxell Communications please visit: www.trox.com

Texas School District Reaches Technology and Professional Goals Aided By Hitachi Technology Solutions

The Lovejoy Independent School District adopted 235 Hitachi StarBoard FXDUO interactive whiteboards for its schools and Hitachi provided complimentary training to promote effective use of the technology

Hitachi, a leader in educational technology, is the chosen supplier of interactive whiteboards for the Lovejoy, Texas Independent School District (ISD). The sale, through Phoenix-based Troxell Communications, will bring a total of 235 Hitachi StarBoard FXDUO 77 interactive whiteboards into the five schools (three elementary, one middle school and one high school) that comprise the north Dallas school district. Furthermore, Hitachi education consultants provided 5 days of instruction at the district’s annual professional development conference, “Learning at Lovejoy.” The goal of the 3-week conference was to prepare teachers for new school year challenges and to effectively integrate educational technology, such as the FXDUO 77 interactive whiteboard into daily instruction.

The Hitachi interactive whiteboards add a new dimension in classroom instruction to Lovejoy ISD, through the collaborative use of the whiteboard technology by both students and teachers. “We wanted to convert our learning environment into a more interactive environment, achieve better student engagement and an improved learning environment,” explains Dennis Womack, Assistant Superintendent for Operations at the Lovejoy ISD. “The Hitachi FXDUO 77 whiteboard is a significant part of the technology we’re using to achieve that. We’ve planned for putting one of the interactive whiteboards into each of the district’s classrooms in order to make them into ‘discovery rooms.’”

After carefully considering the options available on the market, Lovejoy ISD chose the Hitachi FXDUO 77 because of the product’s superior design and construction, noted Womack. “The board is built in such a way to allow for multiple users at one time, which encourages student and teacher collaboration.”

According to Womack, the technology is built around the whiteboard instead of into it, making it far less fragile than other designs, which is important in any school environment

“We also liked the fact that you’re not restricted to a proprietary writing instrument – you can use your finger, the back of your hard, or whatever you want to write on the board. Furthermore, the training received from Hitachi has been excellent.”

The Hitachi FXDUO 77 StarBoard is a 77-inch multi-touch interactive whiteboard that can be operated with finger touch or a pen/stylus, and includes educational software to build and deliver interactive lessons with online and offline library of resources that have been aligned to US educational standards.

ABOUT HITACHI
Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc., Business Group, subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., markets LCD projectors, interactive panels and whiteboards and security and observation system products through value added resellers, system integrators, distributors and OEM.

Hitachi has a unique position in the marketplace by manufacturing and developing its own core technologies to provide consumers and businesses with optimal product performance in each of Hitachi's product categories. For Business products go to www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia. For consumer products, please visit www.hitachi.us/tv.

Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd. develops advanced interactive communications tools for education, training and boardroom applications including interactive whiteboards, plasma displays and tablets all powered by the company’s category-leading StarBoard software. For more information about Hitachi Software, visit www.hitachi-soft.com.

Hitachi America, Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout North America. For more information, visit www.hitachi.us.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501) headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 390,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2007 (ended March 31, 2008) consolidated revenues totaled 11,226 billion yen ($112.2 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at www.hitachi.com.

Hitachi FX Duo Starboard Demo - 2 of 2

Hitachi FX Duo Starboard Demo - 1 of 2

New FX Duo Wireless Kit Offers Freedom and Mobility for Hitachi StarBoard X Duo Interactive Whiteboard Integrators and End-Users

Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd. today introduced a new FX Duo Wireless Kit for its StarBoard FX Duo-series interactive whiteboards at InfoComm 08 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The unit is an add-on wireless device that enables the boards to wirelessly connect with users’ PCs.

The FX Duo Wireless Kit is a compact unit weighing less than a pound with about the same footprint as a small DSL cable modem. When plugged into the FX Duo's USB port, the wireless kit emits a WIFI 802.11g signal, which the PC can then pick up and use to connect to the board. This enables complete control of content on the board as usual, without any wires running between the PC and the board.

“At Hitachi, we’re always looking for ways to expand the usage of our interactive whiteboards,” explained John Glad, Product Manager for Hitachi Business Group. “The FX Duo Wireless Kit opens up a whole new world of freedom for our users. They can connect with their boards across large rooms or lecture halls, and set up their PC wherever they please.”

The FX Duo Wireless Kit can easily be installed using instructions provided along with Windows Connect Now Support. StarBoard FX Duo users simply install the new software, plug the wireless kit into a wall outlet, and connect the FX Duo to the unit via USB cable. They can then locate the board wirelessly using the installed software on their PC.

Using the FX Duo Wireless Kit, presenters and educators have the freedom to place their laptops anywhere in the room. The unit increases the range of connection for rooms where there is significant space between the PC and FX Duo Board.

Additionally, the FX Duo Wireless Kit increases the functionality of the boards. The wireless kit simplifies setup, allowing for a neat and flexible installation that decreases the need for wires and frees USB ports in the PC. In addition, a board equipped with a wireless kit and a rolling stand can be made mobile—perfect for schools or offices that want to be able to use a single board in multiple places.

Hitachi Announces 88-Inch Wide StarBoard FX Duo 88 Multi-touch Interactive Whiteboard

Today at InfoComm 08 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd., a leader in technology innovation, introduced a new interactive whiteboard to its revolutionary StarBoard family of products. The StarBoard FX Duo 88 offers the same multi-touch interaction capabilities found in other boards in the series, with a new 16:10 wide aspect ratio that provides more presentation space and better mirrors screen dimensions of wide aspect PC and laptop display settings.

The FX Duo Series takes interaction to a new level for educators and corporate presenters alike by allowing control using multi-touch hand gestures, as well as use of the presenter’s finger, an electronic pen or any other object. The new 88-inch size offers a larger presentation surface for those who need extra work space to captivate an audience or a classroom.

“We created the FX Duo 88 as an option for teachers and presenters looking to make a bigger impact with their presentations,” explained John Glad, Product Manager for Hitachi Business Group. “Not only will the board give users more space to work with, but its wide-format aspect ratio will help them incorporate multimedia into their presentations and make full-screen presentations and film clips look bigger and better!”

StarBoard FX Duo series interactive whiteboards offer a unique combination of Hitachi Software’s durable whiteboard design and cutting-edge software technology. The boards use a camera image sensor system with all electronics contained in a replaceable component at the top of the unit. This provides an electronic-free, more durable surface that remains fully operational even with scratches or dents. And with 24 customizable function buttons, 72 digital ink combinations, and networking features, all the boards are highly adaptable to the specific needs of each user.

“We always say ‘the limits are your imagination and creativity’ when it comes to the potential of our interactive whiteboards,” added Mr. Glad. “Now with the FX Duo 88, that’s truer than before!”

Hitachi Introduces StarBoard FX Duo 63 Multi-Touch Interactive Whiteboard

Announced today at InfoComm 08 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd., a leader in technology innovation, has added the StarBoard FX Duo 63-inch interactive whiteboard to its StarBoard FX Duo series. Responding to industry demand for a more compact option, Hitachi developed the FX Duo 63 with the same multi-touch interaction capabilities found in other boards in the series, but with a size designed to fit smaller classes and boardrooms.

The FX Duo 63 opens a whole new world of presentation and teaching possibilities to rooms that were previously thought too small for this advanced presentation technology. When used in conjunction with an optional rolling stand, it can become a mobile teaching or presentation tool, moving from class to class or between conference rooms.

“The FX Duo 63 is a great option for smaller classrooms and presentation spaces,” explained John Glad, Product Manager for Hitachi Business Group. “In education especially, space is a commodity and schools need to make the most of every square foot. Our new 63-inch board helps them do just that.”

Like the other units in the StarBoard FX Duo series, the FX Duo 63 combines Hitachi Software’s durable whiteboard design and cutting-edge software technology. It takes interaction to a whole new level for both educators and corporate presenters by enabling control through multi-touch hand gestures, as well as use of the presenter’s finger, an electronic pen or any other object.

The FX Duo 63’s durable, electronic-free surface works with a camera image sensor system located at the top of the unit. This gives the board longevity, in that it can remain fully operational even with scratches or dents. And like its predecessors, the FX Duo 63 features 24 customizable function buttons, 72 digital ink combinations, and networking features; making it highly adaptable for any user.

“We developed the FX Duo 63 based on feedback from educators, presenters and installers,” added Mr. Glad. “This new board demonstrates Hitachi’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our users and is a welcome addition to the StarBoard family of products.”

Hitachi Showcases CP-A100+FXDuo Bundle at InfoComm 08

Today at InfoComm 08 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Hitachi Software Engineering America, Ltd. is showcasing its CP-A100+FXDuo Bundle, offering a one-stop solution for systems integrators, educators and presenters.

The CP-A100+FXDuo Bundle combines the Hitachi CP-A100 ultra short-throw projector, the Hitachi FX Duo interactive whiteboard, and a custom-designed wall mount all into one seamless solution. Mounted on the wall arm at the top of the board, the CP-A100’s short-throw capability greatly reduces the shadow cast on the FX Duo from the presenter and offers a better viewing experience for students and audiences. Offered now as a complete package, the bundle is a great option for integrators.

“We developed the CP-A100+FXDuo Bundle to offer the best possible interactive experience for presenters and educators,” said John Glad, Product Manager for Hitachi Business Group. “There are so many choices when it comes to presentation technology, and not everything will work together seamlessly. By combining our industry-leading short-throw projector and our revolutionary FX Duo 77 whiteboard with a dedicated, custom-developed wall mount, we take the guesswork out and ensure the very best experience with minimal effort.”

The CP-A100 boasts an extremely short throw distance of 60 inches at 1.4 feet, preventing shadows from interfering with the image and keeping light from shining in the presenter’s face. The versatile CP-A100 is mounted in an inverted position on bundle’s custom mount, which allows fine-tuning adjustment for perfect alignment with the FX Duo 77.

The FX Duo 77 allows two users to work simultaneously on its surface and gives educators and corporate presenters a whole new range of possibilities. All electronics on the FX Duo 77 interactive whiteboard are contained in a pod located at the top of the unit, keeping the actual surface electronics-free and therefore, more durable.

“Taken together, the products in the CP-A100+FXDuo Bundle offer a sturdy solution that offers dynamic presentation possibilities and is easy to set up,” added Mr. Glad. “We’re pleased to offer the best in presentation technology in one complete package.”