StarBoard Link EZ turns any flat surface into a fully functioning Interactive Whiteboard

London, UK, June 23, 2011 – Hitachi Solutions Europe, Ltd., today announced the introduction of StarBoard Link EZ – a unit type Interactive whiteboard system, which transforms any flat surface into a fully functioning interactive whiteboard.  The system consists of digitizer and reflective bars, which can be easily attached to a wall or an existing dry erase board. Once attached, it is connected to computer and projector. Following a quick set up routine it is ready to use. The StarBoard Link EZ is based on finger-driven technology, which means that all operations can be performed by the touch of a finger.

The size of interactive area is easily adjustable to any surface or room size – from 45 inches for limited surfaces, to 90 inches for rooms where a bigger size of projection and work-space is required. 

The main advantage of StarBoard Link EZ is its affordability.  The system can be used with any existing whiteboard and projector. As all commands can be given by the touch of a finger, this eases any concerns about electronic pens which can be easily lost or broken in a school environment – you can always write with a finger or any other object.  Finally, the compact packing size of StarBoard Link significantly reduces the cost of transportation and maintenance. 

“With more than 10-years experience on IWB's market, we carefully listened to our customers, especially in national education, and found out their requirement – affordable technology, that is easy to install and use. The StarBoard Link EZ responds to all these needs,” comments Malcolm Wenborn, General Manager of Hitachi Solutions Europe, Ltd. “Even an old classroom whiteboard can be transformed into a touch-screen. The StarBoard Link EZ has been used in pilot schools and teachers have highly appreciated the concept of this product for its simplicity - in fact, they can continue to use it as an ordinary whiteboard, even write on the projection surface and simultaneously use the most advanced interactive features-.”

The StarBoard Link EZ is delivered as standard with the Hitachi StarBoard software, a dynamic set of teaching and lesson building tools designed for educators.

Product highlights:

Finger-driven technology. Use your finger, stylus or any object to easily navigate through activities, websites, and multi-media content.

Multi-touch hand gestures. Use your finger to annotate, fist to scroll and two fingers to erase or zoom in and out.

Multi-user input. Students can collaborate on the surface simultaneously or engage in competitive activities.

Easy installation.  StarBoard Link EZ secures to any flat surface in minutes to transform a static wall into an interactive environment.


About HITACHI
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2009 (ended March 31, 2010) consolidated revenues totaled 8,968 billion yen (.4 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

About Hitachi Solutions, Ltd.  
Hitachi Solutions Ltd. is one of the leading companies in the IT service and software industry. Its Interactive Media Solutions Division has gained a reputation as an innovator in hardware and software products for interactive communications, delivering innovative solutions founded on the most advanced technologies in the market.

The company provides a full range of innovative solutions including interactive whiteboards and displays, as well as software solutions for free-hand annotations and teleconferencing. The main application sectors are education, business, training centers and emergency services. For more information on Hitachi Solutions, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachisolutions-eu.com.