Advanced Hitachi Microscope Joins the Cast of CSI; New Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope Adds to CSI Team Tool Kit.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Hitachi High Technologies America, Inc. today announced that "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," the hit CBS TV show will feature its latest variable pressure scanning electron microscope (VP-SEM) the S-3400N. The S-3400N is the newest star of the popular CSI show and will be shown on three consecutive episodes beginning Thursday, January 5, 2006.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" depicts a team of forensic investigators from the Las Vegas, Nevada crime lab who use both advanced laboratory equipment and traditional police work to solve crimes. The show will highlight the Hitachi S-3400N variable pressure electron microscope in the next three episodes to solve a variety of unusual crime situations.

In the first episode of the New Year "Werewolves," investigators are able to determine the composition of the evidence with the aid of the sophisticated Hitachi electron microscope. Not to give away too much of the story line -- this discovery leads the team to the true perpetrator of the crime.

The S-3400N VPSEM is the first instrument to deliver unsurpassed beam current well suited for low voltage imaging and X-ray analysis as used in the latest "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" episode. The system is ideal for oily, wet or contaminated, non-conductive specimens that are commonly associated with forensic applications.

"The new analytical chamber was designed to handle a variety of samples. The S-3400 VP SEM is ideal for forensic labs because the process is non-destructive and it is important not to contaminate or alter evidence," said Shigekazu Kato, executive vice president and general manager at Hitachi High Technologies America, a Pleasanton, California supplier of electron microscopes. "The microscope is flexible and easy to use resulting in the quick processing of data which is essential in helping to solve crimes."

The S-3400N VP-SEM featured on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" is installed in numerous crime labs throughout the United States.

For more information on the S-3400N, please visit: www.hitachi-hta.com/pageloader~type~product~id~388~orgid~42.html

Hitachi High Technologies America, Inc. (HTA), headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, sells and services a full range of products for metrology, etch, defect review, inspection and failure analysis. HTA is comprised of nine business units: Electron Microscope, Semiconductor Equipment, Life Sciences, Information Systems, Electronics Applied Systems, Electronic Components, Electronic Products, Hard Drive Manufacturing Systems and Advanced Materials. For further information, visit http://www.hitachi-hta.com.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE:HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 347,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2004 (ended March 31, 2005) consolidated sales totaled 9,027.0 billion yen ($84.4 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 http://www.hitachi.com.