Pioneer Introduces Two New High Definition Rear-Projection Monitors With Plans For Three Pioneer Elite Models This Fall

11-Jul-01

To reinforce its market leadership and commitment to the high definition (HD) television format for home theatre, Pioneer introduces two new rear-projection TVs in its Pioneer line (SD-533HD5 and SD-643HD5) and plans for the introduction of three new models under the Pioneer Elite name (PRO-520HD, PRO-620HD, and PRO-720HD) this fall. As more families indicate they are staying home for entertainment instead of going out, the big-screen television has become a center of the American household. Among the industry's most highly developed HDTV rear-projection monitors, Pioneer's new televisions offer exclusive technologies including: PureCinemaô film detection, screen mode manipulation regardless of input, four-element lens system (alternate lens system on SD-533HD5), a fine pitch lenticular screen, Reference Theater Mode, multi-scan high resolution CRTs, and a 6500 Kelvin color temperature setting. All models are built with a 16:9 aspect ratio to maintain compatibility with today's video sources. They also feature five different NTSC screen mode settings. ""With the growing acceptance of HDTVs, we have taken the onus to offer consumers choices in size and functionality with improved technology,"" said Matthew Dever, Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning, Pioneer Home Entertainment. ""By maintaining our technology leadership, Pioneer offers consumers the very best quality and reliability in a projection television."" Pioneer's acclaimed IP converter has gone through a dramatic change this year incorporating advanced features such as 2:3 pull-down film detection and NTSC to 480 progressive conversion. This newly enhanced circuit uses progressive conversion to boost the NTSC picture quality from sources such as DVD, LaserDisc, and satellite. To accomplish this, it first doubles the interlaced signal to a VGA level (640x480). It then doubles the information content both vertically and horizontally, resulting in an increase in original signal density. Another new feature, Reference Theater Mode (RTM), allows the HD projection monitor to realize the ideal reproduction of film materials for movie aficionados. When RTM is selected the ""color temperature"" is set to 6500 Kelvin. RTM also automatically turns off the scan velocity modulation, sharpness, fleshtone, and black level expansion circuitry. These adjustments enable the viewing device to reproduce film materials with natural outlines without artifacts or ringing normally associated with broadcast reproductions. An adjustable progressive screen mode has been added. In the past when a 480p or 1080i signal was input to the monitor, the screen mode was limited to the full mode. The new circuitry has been designed for the latest HD monitors that will allow for the manipulation of the screen mode regardless of the signal input. The SD-533HD5, 53-inch, rear-projection monitor will be available in August at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $3,499. The SD-643HD5, 64-inch, rear-projection monitor will be available in August at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $4,799. The entire new line of Pioneer Elite monitors will be available in the fall of 2001. Other video features of the Pioneer projection TV line include: - Dual NTSC tuners with picture-out-of-picture, split-screen displays, and three or nine multi-channel display - Adjustable scan velocity modulation which provides three settings: off, mid, and high - Adjustable three-dimensional comb filter (five levels) - Adjustable three-dimensional noise reduction (five Levels) - Color noise reduction (on or off) - Auto flesh-tone for non 31.5 kHz sources to provide accurate flesh tones from over-the-air broadcasts - .72mm fine pitch screen for razor-sharp image reproduction - Auto screen mode, which automatically senses the incoming signal and chooses the correct screen mode - 72-point digital convergence - TruSurroundô Virtual Dolby processing for providing a three dimensional sound stage for surround-encoded material - Sound Retrieval System (SRSÆ) for enjoying extended surround for two-channel stereo sources - New four-element lens system (SD-643HD5) - Dual 181-channel NTSC tuners with automatic preset - Sleep timer Other video features for the Pioneer Elite projection TVs include: - .52mm super fine pitch screen for razor-sharp image reproduction - New four-element lens system - 1,400 lines resolution - Advanced super bright lenticular screen - Dynamic picture optimizer - Chromatically pure red and green lens - Detachable tinted protection screen - Five-step 3D Y/C level set with S-Video only - Improved corner focus - Improved contrast ratio - Detachable bottom rail for custom install flexability - High gloss black finish For more information about Pioneer Corporation, visit www.pioneerelectronics.com.

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