New Pioneer Elite PureVision Plasma Televisions

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New Plasmas Set the Mark for Excellence in HDTV with Increased Contrast Ratio and Excellent Black Levels

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduced two new Pioneer Elite PureVision high-definition plasma televisions that take three-dimensional high-definition imaging to a new level with best-in-class picture clarity and color accuracy. The new 43" and 50" plasmas take advantage of newly developed glass and enhanced video processing circuitry that push closer to "absolute black" than ever before.

"The drive to reach absolute black is the gold standard of high-definition video quality. That's the measure for a television's ability to deliver the highest possible degree of color accuracy, picture clarity and amazing detail in imagery. The technology advances in the new Pioneer Elite plasmas offer a significant increase in black levels," said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of marketing for home entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

The PRO-930HD and PRO-1130HD both have a sleek new design and offer full functionality including the TV Guide On Screen® interactive program guide, Digital Cable Ready functionality with CableCARD™ slot and Home Gallery™ for viewing digital photos. The bezel around both plasma models is 27 percent slimmer than previous models, giving viewers more picture and less frame. This makes it easier to fit the televisions in small spaces. The slim frame fades into the background so picture quality truly shines.

JAW DROPPING IMAGE QUALITY
Any consumer in the market for an HDTV is looking for the jaw-dropping image quality that comes with high definition television. Pioneer's 6th generation glass combined with its PureDrive II video processing technologies create that edge-of-your-seat excitement TV watchers desire. PureDrive II includes:

• A Crystal Emissive Layer sandwiched between the plasma glass and the individual light cells that helps conduct energy more efficiently so that each cell can be charged and discharged three times faster than before. The result is blacker blacks and sharper detail in dark scenes.
• Working together with the Crystal Emissive Layer is an Advanced Continuous Emission IV technology that reduces the visual steps between the levels of color, making color transitions smoother than before. With its newest enhancements, the plasma can identify the type of content shown on screen (fast vs. slow motion scenes, dark vs. light scenes, etc.) and dynamically adjust the grayscale to create the optimum viewing qualities.
• Consistent contrast that helps the picture really pop can be attributed to the Active Dynamic Range Expander (DRE). This constantly monitors the video signal and boosts white only where needed and not across the entire picture, which delivers better contrast within the colors displayed.
• For the most brilliant lifelike colors possible, the First Surface Pure Color Filter improves the picture quality and reduces ambient light reflections, resulting in sharper, more accurate color images. Since the filter is bonded directly to the plasma glass, instead of utilizing an additional layer of glass, there is less reflection, less overall television weight and less future environmental waste impact. The reduction of the extra glass may, however, create a slight increase in audio noise from the plasma.
• Brighter images are easily achieved with Pioneer’s Deep Encased Cell Structure, which allows the company to use more phosphor in each cell without 'leaking' light into the neighboring cells. This creates a sharp, bright image
• Advanced PureCinema™ with 3:3 pulldown at 72 Hz is a cornerstone of Pioneer’s proprietary video processing that creates natural images that are a faithful and accurate presentation of film content.

While networks are increasing their high definition content, there are still occasions when a consumer may watch standard definition television programming. The proprietary technologies that are part of PureDrive II also enhance standard definition digital and analog signals.

MORE THAN JUST A PICTURE
Image quality is a key driver of consumer demand for new flat panel high definition televisions. Pioneer provides the best-in-class image quality along with convenience features that transform an average display into a great plasma television. Pioneer's new Elite televisions are full-featured sets that include:

• Enhanced ISF C3: This capability allows a certified calibrator to perform advanced color calibration with never-before-achieved simplicity, accuracy and reliability. It includes a detailed gamma selection with eight steps.
• Home Gallery: Digital photos can be viewed on the plasma by inserting a PC card into the plasma’s media receiver with the memory card from most digital cameras. Home Gallery allows a user to rotate, scroll, zoom in and out of pictures, display thumbnails for easy navigation, and watch a slideshow for easy viewing.
• TV Guide On Screen® Interactive Program Guide: This interactive program guide helps guide consumers through the multitude of programming currently available. The program guide will offer up to eight days of future programming at no cost.
• Separate Media Receiver: This two-piece plasma television offers the sleek, slim wall-hanging display with a separate media receiver that can be stored in a cabinet below the set and connected to other components in a home theater system.
• Dual NTSC/Single ATSC/Digital Cable Ready (DCR) with CableCARD™ Slot: Consumers who subscribe to cable television can utilize a CableCARD to receive high and standard definition broadcasts instead of using a traditional cable set-top box. The CableCARD provided by the cable company is inserted into the media receiver.
• Multiple HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminals allow for direct digital connection of video and audio signals using a single cable, offering viewers full-digital images and sound without signal degradation.
• SRS TruSurround® features three surround modes to deliver true-to-life reproduction of sound. The system includes detachable speakers and a subwoofer output for enhanced audio quality.

Sixty thousand hours (20 years at 8 hours per day) is an approximate time for the display panel to reach half of its original luminescence. This approximation may vary depending on source and type of content, settings, environment and use. This approximation does not provide or imply any warranty beyond the manufacturer's standard limited warranty.

The Pioneer Elite PRO-1130HD and PRO-930HD will be available in September with an estimated market price of $6,500 and $5,000 respectively.

Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is a leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, CD players and CD recorders, speakers and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including Digital Network Entertainment. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Pioneer Elite products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment™ and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) employs more than 39,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.