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« November 2006 |
| February 2007 »
A groundbreaking home that uses the latest smart technology to give people with dementia and other serious long-term health conditions greater independence will be showcased for the first time in Bristol tomorrow.
The technology, which has been developed by the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (BIME) in the School for Health at the University of Bath, has been designed to help people readjust to living on their own after a stay in hospital, and aims to reduce the risk of users being readmitted to hospital or going into long term care.
It uses special sensors that can wirelessly ‘talk’ to devices, such as the cooker, taps and light switches, in response to the behaviour of the resident. By monitoring movement within the home, the system is able to respond to many different situations without having to contact care staff, often just using simple voice prompts, which could be recorded by family members.
For example, if the occupant was detected opening the main door at inappropriate times they would be given a prompt to let them know the time and encourage them to go back to bed. Similarly, if the occupant got out of bed at night, the bedroom lights would be gently faded up. (Other examples can be found in the notes below.)
The system provides a very quick response and gives residents a greater feeling of control and independence as it doesn't rely on people coming in from outside to resolve problems, with outside help only called in for real emergencies.
The technology in the ‘enabling smart home’ at the Hillside Court ‘very sheltered’ housing scheme in St George, Bristol, has been developed over several years in consultation with people with dementia and their carers.
It is a joint project between BIME, Bristol City Council's Adult Community Care service, Bristol PCT's Intermediate Care Service, Dementia Voice (dementia services development centre for the south west) and Housing 21 (a national provider of housing with care and support for older people).
“The really smart thing about the wireless technology we have used in this flat is that we can take the elements that clients find particularly useful in the smart home and install them in their own home,” said Professor Roger Orpwood, Director of BIME.
“The whole installation is quite unique because it is designed to empower the resident rather than relying on outside help to deal with problems.
“The idea is that residents will stay in the smart home for a short period of around three months, before returning to their own home.”
The flat has been set up as a two year pilot to assess how the technology helps give people more independence and control, reducing the risk of users being readmitted to hospital or going into long term care.
Individual components of the system have been tested by people with dementia, but the complete installation has previously only been used at one other Housing 21 property in Lewisham, south London.
David Self, Dementia Services Advisor at Dementia Voice, said: “The work we have already done in Lewisham has shown that by using technology we can improve independence and quality of life for people with dementia and reduce anxieties for relatives, without increasing the burden on care staff.
“We hope this latest project will take things a step further with the opportunity to install the successful 'smart' elements of the flat in people's own homes.”
Councillor John Kiely, Executive Member for Housing and Adult Community Care at Bristol City Council, added: “Smart technology doesn't just monitor people to make sure they stay safe, it also has the potential to preserve the dignity and independence of people with dementia who want to continue living in their own homes.”
NetStreams DigiLinX IP-Based Multi-Room Audio System Honored at the Consumer Electronics Show
AUSTIN TX – January 19, 2007 – NetStreams®, the global leader in networked entertainment systems and technology based on Internet Protocol (IP), announced the DigiLinX™ Audio Distribution system was named co-winner of the Multi-Room A/V Product of the Year award by Sound & Vision, the world’s largest entertainment magazine. DigiLinX is the world’s first fully IP-Based Multi-Room Audio Distribution system. As an entertainment system based on computer networking technology, DigiLinX offers advantages in performance, cost, and ease of installation, systems integration, and scalability.
DigiLinX was one of just 22 products chosen by the magazine’s editors and reviewers from the scores of products the magazine’s editors tested throughout the year. To select the award winners, Sound & Vision asked its staff to nominate products that stand out by virtue of their innovation, performance, build quality and value. This list is then whittled down in editorial meetings where each product’s merits are defended and debated. NetStreams IP-Based DigiLinX product line received top honors in the Multi- Room A/V category. Also receiving top honors was the Polk Audio LC265i, an advanced IP-Based loudspeaker designed with NetStreams’ StreamNet™ technology.
“We are honored and elated to receive the Sound & Vision award,” said Herman Cárdenas, Founder and Chairman of the Company. “NetStreams has lead the industry into the emerging era of IP-Based entertainment systems, and will continue to deliver on this promise in 2007 when we deliver IP-Based Video and HDTV distribution to the DigiLinX system. We appreciate Sound and Vision’s recognition with this most prestigious award and also for the recognition of Polk Audio’s outstanding IP Speaker, which also uses NetStreams technology.” In honoring DigiLinX as the Multi-Room product of the year, Sound & Vision cited it as, “breaking new ground in both innovation and performance . . . [offering] an exciting glimpse of audio distribution’s future.”
About DigiLinX
NetStreams DigiLinX family of IP-Based products offer distributed entertainment and control with capabilities never seen before. DigiLinX features plug and play architecture with a rich user experience only available in highly custom systems today. DigiLinX delivers on the promise of convergence -- effectively marrying networking technologies with hi-fidelity audio and video -- leading the way in 'Networked Digital Entertainment'.
About NetStreams
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NetStreams is the world leader in digital entertainment networks, based on Internet protocol (IP) technology. NetStreams' IP-Based systems, are designed for residential and commercial use, and offer new levels of affordability, simplicity, reliability, and expandability, benefiting both installers and end-users with lower costs for installation and set-up, with an intuitive and rich user experience.
By utilizing its patent-pending StreamNet™ technology, NetStreams systems enables true plugn- play integration with other products for entertainment, automation, security, and communications. NetStreams is committed to utilizing cutting-edge human factors engineering to create entertainment systems that are truly user-friendly and future compatible. NetStreams is enabling the future of IP-Based entertainment today.
For additional information on NetStreams and its innovative products, please visit www.netstreams.com.
About Sound & Vision
Established in 1958, Sound & Vision has led the category in the coverage of consumer electronics products for nearly 50 years. From early adopters to everyday shoppers, people come to Sound & Vision for the latest product reviews, recommendations and information on home theater, high-definition TV, digital surround sound, and more. Published ten times per year, the title has a rate base of 200,000.
NetStreams, DigiLinX, and StreamNet are trademarks of NetStreams L.L.C. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners
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Pioneering European HDTV Service Utilizes Benefits of Advanced MPEG-4 Audio Solution to Provide Surround Sound and Multilingual HDTV
Agoura Hills, CA – DTS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSI): Pioneering HDTV service Euro1080 has announced that it will implement aacPlus/DTS multi-channel audio with its switch from MPEG-2 to higher quality MPEG-4 HD transmissions.
The broadcaster, which switched to the higher quality MPEG-4 transmissions across all of its channels on January 2nd, will deliver aacPlus multi-channel audio over the satellite to consumer’s new generation of MPEG-4 set top boxes for HDTV, where it is transcoded to DTS Digital Surround, for decoding in home theatre systems in the usual way.
Commenting, Jacques Schepers, Technical Director at Euro1080, said, “Euro1080 has been the leading technical innovator in implementing European HD broadcast services. We have always been ahead of the rest of the industry, and first in the world to broadcast using the MPEG-4 standard. Now we are adopting MPEG-4 compression across all of our channels, we intend to incorporate the advantages inherent in the aacPlus/DTS broadcast solution in our service plan, going forward into 2007.
“In some countries we have a requirement to transmit the audio in more than one language. This was a major reason why we required a more efficient solution than was currently available for multi-channel audio to accompany MPEG-4 pictures.”
Until now, the barrier to broadcasters implementing the latest high efficiency aacPlus audio codec for multi-channel HDTV broadcast has been the lack of ability for consumers to decode the surround sound in the home. Working with Coding Technologies in Europe, DTS has enabled the ‘transcoding’ of the advanced aacPlus MPEG-4 audio codec to DTS Digital Surround in the set-top box.
With the efficiency and audio quality of the aacPlus codec, consumers can now receive much more HDTV programming in high quality surround sound, allowing broadcasters to deliver more movies, more sports, more documentaries and more dramas in 5.1-channels than ever before. They can also provide programming with multiple language surround soundtracks, as on DVD releases, and can now do so with immediate access to the entire installed base of DTS-enabled home theater systems.
aacPlus employs a number of advanced open standard techniques developed by Coding Technologies, which create significant bandwidth efficiencies while maintaining or improving the perceived listening quality. This reduces transmission costs for broadcasters, allowing them to provide surround sound transmissions on a greater range of programming.
About Euro1080
Euro1080 plays a pioneering role in the field of HDTV in Europe and began transmitting on 1st January 2004. For a long time, Euro1080’s HD1 was the first and the only HDTV station to broadcast in Europe.
In 2005, the Belgium-based high definition media company launched two additional HDTV stations: HD2 and HD5. HD2, the “focused” channel, does not only broadcast exclusive concerts, sports and other special events to cinemas, theatres and households, but is also very well suited for B2B purposes. HD5 is a demo and instruction channel. In 2006, Euro1080 started with EXQI, the HD culture channels. www.euro1080.tv
About Coding Technologies
Coding Technologies provides the best audio compression for mobile, broadcasting, and Internet. SBR™ (Spectral Band Replication) from Coding Technologies is a backward and forward compatible method to enhance the efficiency of any audio codec; putting the "PRO" in mp3PRO and the "Plus" in aacPlus. Parametric Stereo from Coding Technologies and Philips again significantly increases the efficiency of audio codecs for stereo signals at low bit rates. Products from Coding Technologies are fundamental enablers of open standards such as 3GPP, 3GPP2, MPEG, DVB, Digital Radio Mondiale, HD Radio, and the DVD Forum.
Coding Technologies is a privately held company with offices in Sweden, Germany, China and the USA. Founded in 1997 in Stockholm, the company later merged with a spin-off of the renowned Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, the inventor of MP3. Coding Technologies’ customers include America Online, EMP, iBiquity Digital, KDDI, O2, Nokia, Orange, RealNetworks, SK Telecom, Sprint, T-Mobile, Thomson, Texas Instruments, Vodafone, and XM Satellite Radio. For more information, visit www.codingtechnologies.com or www.both-worlds.biz.
About DTS
DTS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSI) is a digital technology company dedicated to delivering the ultimate entertainment experience. DTS decoders are in virtually every major brand of 5.1-channel surround processor, and there are hundreds of millions of DTS-licensed consumer electronics products available worldwide. A pioneer in multi-channel audio, DTS technology is in home theatre, car audio, PC and game console products, as well as DVD-Video, Surround Music and DVD-ROM software. DTS audio products are featured on more than 27,000 motion picture screens worldwide. Additionally, DTS provides imaging technology and services for the motion picture industry; DTS Digital Images, formerly Lowry Digital Images, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DTS and an industry leader in image restoration and enhancement. Founded in 1993, DTS is headquartered in Agoura Hills, California and has offices in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and China. For further information, please visit www.dts.com.
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This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which, if they do not materialize or prove correct, could cause DTS' results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words “planned,” “expects,” “believes,” “strategy,” “opportunity,” “anticipates” and similar words. These statements may include, among others, plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding proposed new products, services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or financial or operating performance; statements of belief and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual growth and results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the rapidly changing and competitive nature of the digital audio, consumer electronics and entertainment markets, the company's inclusion in or exclusion from governmental and industry standards, customer acceptance of the company’s technology, products, services and pricing, risks related to ownership and enforcement of intellectual property, the continued release and availability of entertainment content containing DTS audio soundtracks, changes in domestic and international market and political conditions, risks related to integrating acquisitions and other risks and uncertainties more fully described in DTS’ public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at www.sec.gov. DTS assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it was made.
DTS Press Contacts:
KGa marketing & media
+44 (0) 20 7607 6386
dts@kgamarketing.co.uk
Kristin Thomson
Director, Public Relations
DTS, Inc.
818 706 3525
Kristin.thomson@dts.com
Coding Technologies Press Contact:
Gerald Moser
Manager Marketing Communications
Coding Technologies GmbH
+49 (0) 911 9 28 91 14
press@codingtechnologies.com
Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 Honored at CES 2007 by Sound and Vision Magazine and Ultimate AV
Long Beach January 15, 2007
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is honored to announce that the company’s 1080p plasma television was awarded Product of the Year by both Sound and Vision Magazine and Ultimate AV at last week’s International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Pioneer Elite® PureVision™ PRO-FHD1 is the world’s first 50” 1080p plasma display and a technological milestone with images that burst off the display for a near 3-D effect.
“At Pioneer, we consider the Sound and Vision and Ultimate AV Product of the Year awards a crowning achievement for a product that reflects Pioneer’s premium brand position,” said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of marketing and product planning for home entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Our 1080p plasma was built by and for those who demand the very best high definition experience using more than a dozen years experience developing plasma technology.”
The challenge in creating a 50-inch plasma display that could display a 1080p signal was to reduce the pixel size by half in order to fit more than 2 million pixels in the screen. Pioneer developed the world’s smallest pixels measuring .576 millimeters, resulting in a stunning on-screen picture. The depth of picture, particularly when viewing original content in 1080p, such as a movie on Blu-ray Disc, gives a truly 3-D effect.
“In a year when LCD manufacturers were raving about 1080p displays, it’s validation of the superior picture quality of plasma displays to receive these two prestigious awards,” Johnston said.
The Pioneer Elite® PureVision™ PRO-FHD1 has a suggested price of $7,999.
Pioneer's Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group is a leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, Blu-ray Disc® and DVD products, A/V receivers, 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.
Allwired Technologies is an authorized Pioneer Elite dealer.
Binghamton, NY, January 8, 2007—McIntosh Laboratory, a world leader in home entertainment systems for over 57 years, introduces the MX136 A/V Control Center. The MX136 is a complete system Control Center that combines the legendary McIntosh analog two channel performance with the latest digital audio and video formats. Video or Music may be enjoyed and optimized in a variety of listening environments.
The newest video switching architecture is provided with four assignable High Definition-HDMI digital inputs and five Component video inputs. Each of the eleven MX136 inputs have both audio and video signal paths.
Multiple modes of video are supported including digital video conversion of legacy video sources. Analog video sources with Composite or ‘S’ outputs may be converted to Component video to match modern display technology. When using a High Definition video display, all analog inputs may be further scaled to digital 720p HDMI output. Pure HD HDMI sources are switched and supported at the highest 1080p line rate.
Audiophiles need not give up sound quality for flexibility with an MX136. Pure analog and two-channel bypass modes are provided, as is low noise MM phono preamp. Balanced and unbalanced connections are provided.
Add the TM-1 AM/FM module and enjoy the best AM and FM can offer.
New DLA-HD1 offers native contrast ratio of 15,000:1, the industry’s highest.
LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2007 – JVC has announced a new home theater front projector that offers unprecedented performance and brings its exclusive D-ILA technology to a new, broader audience. The new DLA-HD1 is a full HD front projector with a native contrast ratio of 15,000:1 – the industry’s highest (as of December 14, 2006) native contrast ratio and a level that ensures outstanding black reproduction without sacrificing picture brightness since there is no iris mechanism.
The high native contrast ratio is achieved through the combined use of a new 0.7-inch full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) D-ILA device and a new optical engine. Like all D-ILA-based JVC front projectors and rear projection televisions, the DLA-HD1 uses three D-ILA devices – one each for red, green and blue color reproduction.
Expected to sell for about $6,300, the DLA-HD1 targets the home theater enthusiast who might not have considered a front projector in the past because of cost.
“High definition TV content is now widely available and a growing number of consumers are ready to move up to screen sizes that only a front projector system can provide,” explained Mike Holmes, Vice President, Consumer Display Division, JVC Company of America. “With the introduction of our DLA-HD1, a top-performing front projection system is now a real alternative for a broad range of consumers.”
To further enhance the projector’s appeal to a wide audience, it offers a 2x zoom lens, a lens shift mechanism, and front fan intake and exhaust for placement flexibility, so its use is not limited to a dedicated home theater room. In addition, the ultra high pressure mercury lamp is easily accessible from a side panel.
Main Features
1. Native contrast ratio of 15,000:1; true black reproduction without an iris mechanism.
The new JVC DLA-HD1 features a new 0.7-inch full HD D-ILA device with a device contrast ratio of 20,000:1. Combined with a new optical engine, the projector achieves a contrast ratio of 15,000:1, the industry’s highest without the use of an iris.
a. New 0.7-in. full HD D-ILA device. JVC’s new D-ILA device exhibits a significant reduction in stray light caused by, among other factors, the dispersion and diffraction of reflected light. JVC decreased orientation irregularities by flattening the gaps between pixels, adopted improved liquid crystals and used new orientation technologies. This enabled the device to achieve a device contrast ratio of 20,000:1.
b. New optical engine uses wire grid polarizers.
The new optical engine dramatically improves the precision of light polarization, preventing light leakage into the projection lens, thus allowing the closest to true black reproduction.
2. Flexible setup enabled by high performance 2x zoom lens and front fan intake and exhaust.
a. The projection lens features a large diameter, all-glass lens with 16 elements in 13 groups made by Fujinon Corporation. The lens significantly reduces chromatic aberration and ensures a high resolution picture, with every point on the screen perfectly in focus. Also, the high performance 2x zoom lens enables users to enjoy a powerful, large image even in smaller rooms that do not permit typical recommended distances to the screen.
b. The projection system features a ±80% vertical and ±34% horizontal lens shift function, allowing a wide range of placement flexibility. As a result, the projector can easily be used either ceiling mounted, on a tabletop or on a shelf.
c. Using a front fan intake and exhaust for the cooling system allows placement options. The simple and clean design leaves only interface connections on the back panel, giving users flexibility in deciding where to put the projector. For example, the DLA-HD1 can be placed next to a wall if ceiling mounting is not possible. Furthermore, the lamp is easy to access and replace from the side panel wherever the projector is located — ceiling mount or tabletop.
3. Gennum Corporation video processor reproduces high quality images faithfully.
At the core of the DLA-HD1’s video processing is the GF9351, a video processor by Gennum Corporation. The video processor ensures the faithful reproduction of high-quality images thanks to a high-precision scaling function and four VXP™ technologies:
a. FineEdge™
Edge correction technology that gets rid of the jaggy artifacts so common to diagonal lines, creating instead smooth outlines.
b. FidelityEngine™
Imaging technology that improves detail while reducing noise. This technology ensures a clear, detailed playback picture even for video sources with lower resolutions.
c. TruMotionHD™
De-interlacing technology that supports HD signals (1080i), converting them to high-quality 1080p signals for playback.
d. RealityExpansion™
10-bit image processing technology. This technology can upsample 4:2:2 (Y:Cb:Cr) video signals to 4:4:4 format, and delivers outstanding image processing at a level comparable to that of broadcast masters.
4. Improved user friendliness through convenient and detailed video adjustment menu and illuminated remote control.
a. The DLA-HD1 features a convenient video adjustment menu that allows users to adjust the picture according to the source video and their own preferences.
b. The buttons on the remote control light up, making it easy to operate even in a dark room. The remote control includes direct keys to adjust frequently used functions such as contrast and brightness, in addition to video input selection.
5. Luxurious and stylish design
The projector’s body is black and silver, and features a sleek, symmetric form that integrates well with any room’s interior decoration.
The JVC DLA-HD1 will be available in February at an approximate retail price of $6,299.95.
About JVC Company of America
JVC Company of America, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan Ltd., and a holding company for JVC companies located in North, Central, and South America. JVC distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment, including high definition displays, camcorders, DVD players and recorders, satellite systems, home and portable audio equipment, mobile entertainment products and recording media. For further product information, visit JVC’s Web site at http://www.jvc.com or call 800-526-5308.
Please contact Allwired Technologies for availability of this front projector.
Player with Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD Playback Capabilities Introduced for First Quarter 2007 Availability
Blending the latest technologies and offering unprecedented flexibility to consumers seeking the convenience of playing both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD high-definition content, LG Electronics (LG), a leader in consumer electronics and mobile communications, today launched the groundbreaking “Super Multi Blue” Player at the 2007 International CES® (Booth #8214, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center).
Launching in the United States during the first quarter of 2007, this advanced dual-format high-definition disc player, LG model BH100, will be the first player on the market with the capability to play both next-generation disc formats, addressing the challenge of the current format war. The new player is ideally suited to LG’s expanded lineup of Full HD 1080p plasma and LCD HDTVs, delivering best video possible in the highest display resolution format.
“We’ve developed the Super Multi Blue Player to end the confusion caused by the current competition between Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. Customers are no longer forced to choose between the two formats,” said Dr. Hee Gook Lee, president and chief technology officer of LG Electronics. “As Full HD TV is already gaining ground, we are hoping that the Super Multi Blue Player will play the trigger role in expanding and advancing both Full HD TV and high-definition DVD market volume together.”
LG Electronics also offers flexibility to consumers in next generation optical disc drives for personal computers. (See separate news release) The GGW-H10N, also available in the first quarter of 2007, is compatible with both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats. The Super Multi Blue 50GB drive is compatible with Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD read/write and HD-DVD-ROM (read), offering the most universal unit available.
“We know our customers want high-definition content for their HDTVs. We also know a format war keeps people on the sidelines,” said Mike Vitelli, senior vice president of merchandising at Best Buy. “With this new dual-format player, LG is offering a viable solution to this dispute. This is the kind of customer-focused approach that Best Buy looks to bring to our customers.”
Warner Home Video President Ron Sanders added, “We enthusiastically welcome LG’s introduction of the Super Multi Blue high-definition disc player. This is a great first step towards resolving consumer confusion and uncertainty due to the two high-definition formats. The Super Multi Blue Player will allow studios to better meet consumers’ growing demand for high-definition content in both the Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats.”
“By providing a high-definition player that supports both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD discs, LG is delivering a product that puts the customer first,” said Randy Wick, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of consumer electronics at Circuit City Stores, Inc. “We applaud the LG customer-friendly approach, as it will serve to alleviate customers’ confusion about the two formats.”
Michael Ahn, president and CEO of LG Electronics North American Headquarters, echoed comments from Hollywood and leading retailers in support of LG’s dual-format approach. “The American consumers’ love affair with HDTV is now even stronger thanks to LG’s marriage of Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD. What’s more, our player upconverts standard DVDs to 1080i resolution, providing compatibility with consumers’ existing movie libraries while improving the picture quality of those discs, too.”
In addition to offering Full HD 1080p picture quality from high-definition discs, the player incorporates interactive functions based on BD-Java, which allows advanced menus and functions to be displayed over the video of Blu-ray discs. And, while the same level of advanced menu interactivity is not available while playing HD DVD discs, the powerful combination of Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD audio-video playback technologies is like no other on the market.
The unit supports various A/V formats, including MPEG-2, VC-1, H.264 video, MPEG1/2 audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital+, DTS and DTS-HD audio, and includes multiple inputs/outputs such as HDMI out, component/composite video outputs, and optical/coaxial/discrete 5.1 channel audio outputs, among others.
The strikingly designed unit incorporates elegant and easy-to-use backlit touch sensor buttons along with an ergonomic remote control that delivers an effortless command of the next-generation home entertainment experience.
LG’s Super Multi Blue Player (BH100), available to U.S. consumers during the first quarter of 2007, is expected to sell for about U.S. $1,199.
Allwired Technologies provides LG electronics to consumers.
LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2007
At the International Consumer Electronics Show today, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. announced the new BDC-202 combination Blu-ray Disc® BD-ROM computer drive with enhanced DVD and CD writing and reading capabilities. The newly designed Pioneer drive offers playback of BD-ROM discs allowing users to view Blu-ray Disc high definition programs directly on a properly configured computer. The Pioneer BDC-202 can play multiple Blu-ray Disc formats, as well as provide high-speed reading and writing of DVD and CD formats.
With a focus on BD-ROM playback, the new Pioneer combination computer drive will be a significant contributor in the emergence of the Blu-ray Disc format for both professional and consumer use on computers. In addition to BD-ROM playback, the BDC-202 allows users to access and transfer A/V and data files rapidly to DVD and CD.
“Pioneer believes in the continued growth of the Blu-ray Disc high definition video format, so the primary focus of the BDC-202 combo drive is to enable Blu-ray content playback on personal computers. With seven of the eight major Hollywood studios now supporting Blu-ray Disc, users should soon have hundreds of film titles to choose from, all in spectacular high definition,” said Andy Parsons, senior vice president at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
With up to 50GB of storage capacity, the Blu-ray Disc format allows for copious amounts of high definition video and audio content on a single disc, including advanced interactive features and extensive bonus materials. The BDC-202 drive allows computer system builders to provide a cost effective playback solution for advanced Blu-ray content as well as DVD and CD recording and playback.
The Pioneer BDC-202 combines fast DVD and CD recording speeds with enhanced BD-ROM playback to the delight of audio video enthusiasts who now have the capability to view recently released film titles directly on a computer for times when they are not in a home theater environment.
The BDC-202 is expected to begin shipping in the second quarter of 2007, and is targeted at computer OEMs and system builders.
Pioneer has been an innovator of optical disc technology since it brought LaserDisc, the precursor to DVD, to market in 1980. Pioneer went on to introduce the first DVD writer for computer use in 1997, the first DVD recorder as a VCR replacement in 1999, the first DVD/CD writer for home computer users in 2001 and the first Blu-ray Disc writer in 2006. Pioneer Corporation is one of the Blu-ray Disc Founders.
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 and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment™.
Allwired Technologies is an authorized Pioneer dealer.
LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2007
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is making it easier for home theater enthusiasts to bring the movie theater experience into their living rooms with a trio of audio video products that faithfully deliver 1080p 24Hz picture performance. The Pioneer Elite® PureVision™ 50” 1080p plasma display, Blu-ray Disc® player and A/V receivers work together to handle the 1080p 24Hz rate needed to preserve a feature film’s original sequence. Pioneer is the only manufacturer with this trio of products that provide audio video enthusiasts the cinematic picture performance of 1080p 24 Hz in the comfort of their own homes.
“Every piece of technology and engineering that goes into Pioneer products is created with the intention of providing a high definition entertainment experience in its purest form, said Paul Meyhoefer, vice president of displays for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “We’ve continued to refine each generation of plasma and have reached the pinnacle with the combination of a PRO-FHD1 plasma display combined with a Blu-ray Disc player and A/V receiver.”
The majority of feature film titles are mastered on discs at 24 film frames per second (fps or Hz) with a 1080p signal. Since most televisions are unable to accept the 1080p 24Hz format, many employ a technique known as Inverse Telecine. Also know as 3:2 pulldown, this process converts 24fps into 30fp by inserting six additional film frames per second. While an improvement in the playback performance, the scene sequence is compromised and a slight jutter may appear during motion action. Pioneer delivers a new dimension in high definition with its high end audio video products that resolve and improve feature film playback.
Advanced PureCinema: The HD Solution
Industry-leading technologies and refined engineering have made Pioneer plasmas the only HDTV able to showcase 1080p 24Hz. Specifically, the PRO-FHD1 takes advantage of exclusive Advanced PureCinema or 3:3 pulldown. With Advanced PureCinema, each film frame is shown three times every 24th of a second for an extremely smooth picture performance that now equals 72 frames per picture. Unseen by the human eye, by “flashing” each film frame three times, this process improves on-screen imagery that now appears more natural and synchronized with the original film for unmatched picture precision.
Pioneer Products Ensure Premium Playback
Blu-ray Disc movie titles are also mastered at 1080p 24 Hz to ensure the film’s original sequence is preserved and viewers enjoy the stunning picture quality the emerging technology provides. The Pioneer Elite BDP-HD1 Blu-ray Disc player is engineered to handle and output a pure 1080p 24Hz signal for natural, high quality film reproduction of Blu-ray Disc titles.
The Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS and VSX-84TXSi A/V receivers feature sophisticated engineering and several HDMI inputs for the specific purpose of transferring large amounts of high definition such that a 1080p signal provides. When connected to a 1080p HDTV, the entire signal can be passed in its purest form straight to the display.
Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is a leading marketer of plasma televisions and monitors, Blu-ray Disc, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, 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 Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with 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 and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment™.
Allwired Technologies is an authorized Pioneer dealer.
Acoustic Furniture Seamlessly Merges Quality Sound with a Perfect Foundation for a Plasma TV
Long Beach, CA January 7, 2007
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. has a distinguished reputation for excellence in the world of audio, and that expertise has now extended into new territory: high-end furnishing. With two U.S. patents pending, the Pioneer credenza is a stunning piece of furniture that features built-in premium audio equipment to match its exterior. Two precisely placed speakers are hidden in its sleek design and actually work with the contours of the credenza to produce accentuated, accurate and robust sound. The clean lines of its universal design create a timeless look that is easily incorporated into many living room aesthetics, with the ability to hold a 42”, 50” or 60” PureVision® plasma television. Motorized doors hide most audio/video components and open with the wave of a hand or the touch of the remote control. Yet, the real beauty lies in the superb craftsmanship and flexibility required to hand design each piece.
Surround Sounds Meets Feng Shui
Pioneer’s core focus on sound quality with all products remains true with this acoustically friendly furniture. Designers used an exceptionally pleasing aesthetic design to create superior sound quality. The curves and design of the credenza allow the high and low frequencies to be accurately reproduced thus eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer. The credenza creates a large sound stage that encompasses the listening audience in a near concert hall environment, allowing everyone in the room to enjoy quality music and vocals. As plasma televisions have begun to replace traditional TVs, consumers are facing new interior design challenges. With the credenza, audio video components, speakers and most importantly speaker wires are not visible to the audience, so as to enhance rather than detract from the room’s décor.
“There are so many pieces of A/V equipment required for most homes today, it is important not to let your home décor get overshadowed by unsightly, mismatched components,” said Craig McManis, vice president of direct sales for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “This beautifully crafted, self-contained entertainment center will leave your guests wondering what speakers are delivering such amazing sound.”
Pioneer engineers painstakingly selected woods with optimum acoustic properties to produce full, rich sounds. Units can be customized with more than 15 different authentic veneers to match existing interior designs, on three premium hardwoods including European spruce, maple and cherry.
Open Sesame
On the cutting edge of technology, the exclusive Pioneer-built credenza also incorporates linear motorized doors that are controlled by motion sensor or remote control. The unified, universal remote control offers a full-color LCD touch-screen that enables users to effortlessly control all A/V components, sound levels as well as the credenza’s automatic doors.
The Pioneer credenza is a precision piece of furniture with superb craftsmanship to back it up. It has been rigorously tested for heat generated by A/V components, each shelf has been weight-tested, and it has even been drop-tested from different heights to ensure durability. In fact, test-models’ automatic doors were opened and closed more than one hundred thousand times before determining the final design. Every aspect from design and planning to engineering and assembly has been environmentally tested to adhere to Pioneer’s stringent environmental policies.
The credenza is available only at the new Pioneer Store located at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA. The interactive environment of the retail store is the idyllic opportunity for consumers to get complete manufacturer support. Pioneer places a premium on customer service and feedback by offering after purchase service, including delivery and set up.
The Pioneer credenza is currently available by special order at the Pioneer Store and at www.pioneerelectronics.com, at a price of $5999, or without motorized doors for $4500. The Hamada Package is also available which includes the PDP-6070HD 60” plasma TV, an A/V receiver, and DVD player for $16,000.
Pioneer Stores (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and currently sells through a retail location at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA or online at www.shoppioneer.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment.
Allwired Technologies is an authorized Pioneer dealer.
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