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By Patrick Avenell
Hitachi TVs are back in the Australian marketplace under a new distribution agreement with Tempo Australia.
In a short statement to Current.com.au, a Tempo spokesperson confirmed the arrangement with Hitachi’s head office in Japan.
“Tempo (AUST) Pty Limited has been appointed to distribute the Hitachi TV product range in Australia through a network of Australia’s leading electrical retailers,” said the spokesperson.
“Tempo is delighted to be Hitachi’s exclusive distributor for the innovative TV range. The range embodies Hitachi’s commitment to environmentally friendly product that supports consumer’s quality of life as well as the sustainability of society.”
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There are four new TVs in the Hitachi range: two LED LCD panels and two LCDs.
The LED panels come in 46- and 42-inch sizes, with both offering Full HD 1080p resolution, 100 hertz refresh rate, USB recording and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The 46-inch model (LE46EC05AU) is RRP $1,299 and the 42-inch model (LE42EC05AU) is RRP $999.
The LCD range is also Full HD and is available in 42-inch (L42FC05AU, RRP $799) and 32-inch models (L32FC05AU, RRP $499). Both of these models have USB recording.
Hitachi TVs were originally distributed in Australia by a local office led by general manager Geoff Hannaford. The brand exited the business in January 2008, despite strong sales.
“The Australian consumer product team should be proud of their achievements and this year we are enjoying a record year, especially in our major category – flat panel display – plasma and LCD,” said Hannaford at the time.
“Our company managing director for Australia, Mr Sugihara, should be acknowledged for the support now in place for our staff, retailers, consumers, sales agents and business partners who exercised their loyalty and commitment to the Hitachi Australia team, so we can exit the market in a professional manner.”
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The new Hitachi TV packaging.
