Hitachi Ltd. has teamed up with Hitachi Information Systems Ltd. and digital video company CAD Center Corp. to start a business selling 3-D digital signage.

They plan to market digital signs to places like train stations, airports and large commercial buildings, using technologies for the delivery of 3-D graphics to display maps, routes and building information in more engaging ways.

The domestic market for digital signs was worth some 20 billion yen (US$188.32 million) in fiscal 2007 and is expected to grow 20 per cent a year as the next-generation network technologies capable of high-speed delivery of high-resolution video are put into place.

Hitachi now has what it estimates at 13 per cent of the market for digital signs. But by leveraging the appeal of 3-D images, the company hopes to have this figure up to 20 per cent in 2010.

Hitachi and Hitachi Information Systems will develop and market the hardware and the networks for content delivery to the digital signs. CAD Center will develop the 3-D content.

These 3-D digital signs will have touch-panel controls so that users will be able to switch between overhead views and feet-on-floor line-of-sight views, and to move what is displayed on-screen to read vicinity map information and follow routes to planned destinations.

All major companies involved in content production, edition and delivery attend the fair (with the exception of Apple; they have some meetings around the city and a strong presence through the i-Phone which is everywhere). Key-subjects include high definition, new media, 3D, tapeless production workflows, digital asset management and digital signage (i.e. digital public points of information & advertising). Lots of conferences on the future of broadcasting and media enrich the fair; I´ve attended a couple of interesting ones on mobile TV, IPTV and social media. What caught my eyes so far?

- lots of small companies are already involved in the mobile TV space. Everybody´s waiting for the digital dividend. Will it bring enough for all those guys, especially all those competing in the delivery process? By the way, there is room enough for better business models and more value consistency across the value chain.
- IPTV is across the whole place and it´s difficult to understand the ecosystem.
- 3D is the next big thing and both the broadcasting and consumer industries take the subject seriously. It is a brand new thing with a strong value proposal for consumers. I guess it will have a stronger traction than HD and the subject will start maturing as soon as 2010. I was very impressed by the 3D demonstration on the Quantel booth (live capture in 3D, editing and delivery without changing the delivery infrastructure)
- As far as gadgets are concerned, I found a must have micro beamer (you plug on you mobile phone and you´re ready for the big presentation in one second). I also enjoyed special glasses delivering a unique virtual experience where you feel like standing in front of a cinema screen. Last but not least, a tiny accessory helped me get the DVB-H signal and forward the TV programs to my normal mobile phone per wireless connection.

New Orders Expand Provision’s Presence in Europe, South America and Asia, announced today that it has received several purchase orders for Provision’s 3D holographic display systems worth more than $100,000 from companies in Europe. Another purchase order from Brazil opens the door to potential sales of up to $2 million of the 3D holographic display systems by year’s end. Provision also announced today it has signed a new distribution agreement with a New Delhi-based company to market its products in Asia.

“Digital, out-of-home advertising is expected to increase globally during the next few years,” said Curt Thornton, President and CEO of Provision. “These new orders show that companies eager to expand their digital advertising capabilities want to do that with Provision’s innovative products.”

Screen Digest forecasts that digital, out-of-home advertising revenues in Western Europe alone will quadruple by 2012.
Provision has received a purchase order for more than $100,000 from New Vision Trade Company to deliver Provision’s patented HL40D product. New Vision purchased demo products earlier this year, and has now purchased ten systems that will launch a digital signage network in Eastern Europe. Russian-based, New Vision Trade Company was established this year to develop digital signage networks. This order is expected to be the catalyst for several other digital signage networks New Vision will be developing throughout Europe.

“We were looking for a digital signage product that would really make a difference in sales,” said Elena Yaroshenko of New Vision. “Provision’s cutting edge technology truly stops consumers in their tracks. This is why we feel the HL40D will be successful for us.”

Also this week, Provision received a purchase order from pending Brazilian distributor, Midia Planet, for several of Provision’s patented HL40D products. Midia Planet is focused on digital media applications in Brazilian markets.
Provision’s U.K. distributor Wonderworks also has ordered more HL17 units from the company, demonstrating that Provision’s presence in the international marketplace continues to strengthen. Wonderworks is working with several groups interested in installing networks in retail settings.

Finally, Provision has signed a new Distribution Agreement with New Delhi-based Alsys Solutions. Under the terms of the agreement, Alsys will begin a strong marketing campaign focused on digital signage in Asia. While terms of the agreement are confidential, Alsys has purchased products for its marketing campaign that are scheduled to be delivered later this month.
With these hardware sales and the Company’s expansion of its advertising sales program, Provision expects to see revenues increase significantly during next 12 to 18 months.
About Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc.

Provision Interactive Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of the publicly traded company Provision Holding, Inc., is the leading purveyor of intelligent interactive 3D holographic display technologies, software, and integrated solutions for both commercial and consumer focused applications. Provision’s 3D holographic display systems are based on revolutionary, patented and patent-pending technologies that provide the projection of full-color, high-resolution videos into space, detached from the screen, without any special glasses. Provision is currently the market leader in true 3D consumer advertising display products being implemented by innovative, consumer-focused Fortune 1000 companies. For more information, please visit Provision at www.provision.tv.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. These risks, assumptions and uncertainties include: the ability to complete systems within currently estimated time frames and budgets; the ability to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving and price competitive marketplace; changes in the nature of telecommunications regulation in the United States and other countries; the ability to develop customers and market expertise; changes in business strategy; the successful integration of newly acquired businesses; the impact of technological change; and other risks referenced from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

CONTACT
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(212) 300-2132

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Alioscopy® USA, a leader in 3D display technologies, today announced it will showcase its new, state-of-the-art, 3DHD-40 autostereoscopic (no glasses required) 3D LCD display technology alongside key software vendors, Softimage and Autodesk, at SIGGRAPH 2008. The 3DHD-40 made its first public debut earlier this year at InfoComm 2008, where it was awarded a coveted “Best Buzz” award, a top honor bestowed each year on new products or technologies deemed exciting and that generated the most “buzz” with analysts, press and conference attendees. Demonstrations of the 3DHD-40 displaying custom 3D entertainment-related content will be shown daily during SIGGRAPH at Autodesk’s MasterClasses, and at Softimage’s education and training events, as well as in the Softimage SIGGRAPH press room.

Alioscopy USA’s CEO, Philippe Roche, is eager to demonstrate the 3DHD-40’s powerful 3D visualization capabilities to SIGGRAPH attendees, noting, “The general public, and especially those working within the media and entertainment industry, have been extremely patient while waiting for 3D display technology to hit its stride. It’s my great pleasure to let them know that the wait is finally over. The 3DHD-40 delivers a level of clarity and depth that far outshines anything else on the market today; opening up an entirely new realm for content development and providing the ultimate showcase for bringing that content to life.”

The 3DHD-40, developed and manufactured by Alioscopy, features a highly specialized lenticular lens that boasts unmatched quality, clarity and depth resulting in a truly immersive and memorable experience for the viewer. When running real-time applications the experience can be enhanced even further allowing the viewer to interact with the 3D content as it is displayed. The 3DHD-40 is particularly well suited for situations that require a high degree of impact or “wow” factor, such as presentations with important clients, interactive video games, advertising campaigns, and tradeshow signage and displays sure to draw a crowd.

Alioscopy’s underlying open architecture provides an end-to-end solution that allows standard video to be shown and 3D content to be developed and rendered with leading 3D software applications such as Autodesk® 3ds® Max, Autodesk® Maya®, SOFTIMAGE|XSI®, MAXON CINEMA 4D and NewTek Lightwave 3D®. Display of 3D content on the 3DHD-40 is well suited for applications in a variety of industries, including media and entertainment (film, video, casino gaming and advertising/digital signage), scientific, medical, architectural and design. The technology also makes 3D display on industry-specific devices, including those that are hand-held and mobile, a reality—enabling countless new avenues for 3D content development and licensing opportunities.

“It’s gratifying to have the support of respected 3D software industry veterans like Autodesk and Softimage as we make our SIGGRAPH debut,” said Pia Maffei, director of operations for Alioscopy. “Our technology was built from the ground-up with an open architecture that is compatible with nearly every 3D software application on the market; something competitive solutions can’t claim. I’ve no doubt that once the astounding quality of the 3DHD-40 is experienced first-hand, 3D content developers in the media and entertainment space will be very eager to leverage the technology to showcase their content to its fullest potential.”

About the 3DHD-40

The 3DHD-40 is a 40” LCD autostereoscopic display. Its technology is based on the NEC Multeos M40 widescreen display and supports both 2D and 3D content in full HD resolution (1920 x 1080p). The 3DHD-40 delivers best-in-class clarity, contrast and depth for the industry’s most dynamic, entertaining and high impact 3D visual experience.

Recently Alioscopy entered into a distribution agreement with Agenda Media, a leading distributor and software developer of digital asset management solutions and a resource to the media and entertainment industry. Under terms of the agreement, Agenda Media will sell Alioscopy solutions and sign and train resellers in various vertical markets across the country. In addition, the Alioscopy Production Kit will be on display in Agenda Media‘s showroom in Encino, Calif., where potential clients can see the autostereoscopic screen and get live demonstrations.

Pricing and Availability

The 3DHD-40 monitor is available now at MSRP $14,500 from Alioscopy USA and select distributors. To order the product, or for pricing information, please contact: info@alioscopyusa.com

About Alioscopy

Alioscopy was founded in Paris, France by Pierre Allio, a highly acclaimed sculptor who saw immense potential in advancing the capabilities of 3D display. In 1994, determined to make the advances reality, Allio teamed with a group of distinguished 3D engineers whose efforts ultimately produced the core technology that drives Alioscopy’s flagship product, the 3DHD-40, and resulted in the industry’s most significant leap forward in autostereoscopic technology to-date. Alioscopy is actively looking for specialized partner relationships with resellers, distributors, and manufacturers and is also focused on building a strong network of 3D software specialists to aid in training customers and developing the very best 3D content. The company also provides custom 3D content development and consulting services. Alioscopy is headquartered in Paris, France with offices in San Diego, CA and Singapore.

[Members of the Press: A complete schedule of Alioscopy demonstration dates and locations at SIGGRAPH 2008 is available at: www.virtualpressoffice.com/press/index.jsp?pressId=1215381710197&showI d=0 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) To schedule a specific press briefing with Alioscopy executives at SIGGRAPH, please contact Vicky Gray-Clark, Ambient Public Relations, 408-243-8880, vicky@ambientpr.com, or Laurie Guarino, 408-876-7064, lguarinopr@yahoo.com.]