THE EDGE GROUP AND NEC ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO SERVE CUSTOM INSTALL MARKET

Chicago, Ill. and Aurora, Colorado. -- January 8, 2004 -- The Edge Group, a nationwide coalition of distributors serving the custom installation and retail markets, today announced a strategic partnership that enables home theater enthusiasts to obtain NEC’s award-winning products specifically for residential use, including new FCC certified Class-B plasma displays. The Edge Group will begin selling the available models immediately, offering training and sales support for its dealers nationwide.

"This new partnership with NEC epitomizes The Edge Group’s mission as a nationwide distribution arm for the custom installation channel. NEC’s commitment to new technology and customer service mirrors The Edge Group’s philosophy, and we are excited to join forces with them. We have great confidence in NEC’s products and services and look forward to rolling out this new offering to our customers," said Michael Levy, President of The Edge Group.

"The partnership marks NEC’s official entry into the professional home entertainment market, and our dedication to providing the discerning home theater aficionado with top quality plasma displays, projectors and customer service through a highly skilled network of distributors and dealers. The Edge Group is an ideal NEC partner, offering custom installation expertise and a commitment to training and support, which affords residential end users limitless home theater options," said Ron Gillies, senior vice president, NEC Solutions, Visual Systems Division.

The Edge Group will distribute the following NEC products:

• 42”, 50” and 61” FCC certified Class-B plasma displays
• WT600 lensless projector
• XT4100 and SX4000 DLP-based HLO (High Light Output) projectors.
• HT1000 entertainment projector

The Edge Group
The Edge Group (www.edgegroup.org) consists of 12 regional distributors primarily serving the premium US custom installation market as well as select retailers with the finest custom installation product available. The Edge Group salespeople are in constant communication with their customers providing service, information and support. 12 distribution centers serve the US market with the finest products and same-day shipments. For more information, contact Ron Harker (866) 396 - 6531 or ronh@edgegroup.org.

NEC Solutions America
NEC Solutions (America), Inc. is a premier provider of integrated solutions for the Connected Enterprise in North America. As an affiliate of NEC Corporation (NASDAQ:NIPNY) (FTSE: 6701q.1), NEC Solutions America taps into a global resource network to help clients leverage technology to achieve a competitive edge. From mobile enterprise computing systems, biometric security solutions, business intelligence, projector and plasma display solutions, business service management and IT professional services, the expertise is delivered with the personal attention needed to address individual situations. With headquarters in Rancho Cordova, California, NEC Solutions America maintains research, marketing, sales and support facilities throughout the United States. Information regarding NEC Solutions America can be found at www.necsam.com.