Hitachi is very excited about their new statement product, the Ultra Thin LCD. "1.5" is both the brand and the depth (in inches) of these new LCDs, available in screen sizes of 32, 37, and 42 inches. The 37- and 42-inch models have a 1920 x 1080 resolution, while the 32-inch model has a 1366 x 768 resolution. In traditional Hitachi form, the line is divided into three series: The Director's Series and V Series are HD monitors only, with HDMI 1.3 and RGB inputs but no internal tuners. The S Series comes with an outboard Audio Video Center that includes ATSC/NTSC tuners, three HDMI 1.3 inputs, and two component video inputs. The Audio Video Center can be purchased separately, as well. All of the models use Hitachi's In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel to improve viewing angle and Reel120 120-Hz technology to reduce judder.

By the way, Hitachi isn't limiting the statement to LCD; they also showed a 50-inch plasma prototype that also measures just 1.5 inches deep, scheduled for 2009 release. The first 1.5 LCD model to hit the stores will be the 32-inch Director's Series UT32X802, arriving sometime in the first quarter of this year. The remaining models are expected to ship in Q2. Pricing has yet to be announced, but Hitachi did say they're targeting the highly affluent consumer who seeks luxury. I think we all know what that means.