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Three New Rear-Projection Televisions Showcase Pioneer Elite's Commitment To High Definition Television

CEDIA Booth #324 9/7/2001

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduced three new rear projection TVs in its Pioneer Elite line, reinforcing its commitment to the high-definition television format. The three new units (PRO-520HD, PRO-620HD and PRO-720HD) offer consumers the choice of 53-inch, 58-inch or 64-inch screen sizes and will be available this fall. As more families indicate they are staying home for entertainment instead of going out, the big screen television has become a centerpiece of the American household.

Among the industry's most highly developed HDTV rear projection monitors, Pioneer's new televisions offer exclusive technologies including: PureCinemaII™ film detection; screen mode manipulation regardless of input; four element lens system; a super 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 and feature five different NTSC screen mode settings.

"With the growing acceptance of HDTV and the increased use of DVD players, consumers have an even greater appreciation for the brightness, contrast ration and sharp image reproduction of our projection TVs. We've taken the appropriate steps to offer choices in size and functionality with improved technology," said Matthew Dever, vice president of marketing and product planning, Pioneer Electronics Home Entertainment Division Pioneer's PureCinema™ IP converter has gone through a dramatic change this year incorporating advanced features such as 2:3 pulldown film detection and NTSC to 480 progressive conversion. This newly enhanced circuit, Pioneer's PureCinemaII™ 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 amazing increase in original signal density. Combined with the high-definition resolution of the CRTs, this technology ensures an exceptionally smooth and stunning picture.

Reference Theater Mode (RTM) allows the HD projection monitor to turn off all image enhancing circuits that were developed for the interlaced NTSC standards, allowing for optimally adjusting of the ideal reproduction of film materials for movie aficionados. When RTM is selected the "color temperature" is set to 6500° Kelvin, enabling the viewing device to reproduce film materials with the most perfect white balance. 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, sometimes associated with broadcast reproductions.

An adjustable progressive screen mode has been added. In the past when a 480p signal was input to the monitor, the screen mode was "locked" in to the full mode. The new circuitry has been designed to allow for the manipulation of the screen mode regardless of the signal input.

The PRO-520, 53 inch, rear-projection monitor will be available in October 2001 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $5,900. The PRO-620, 58 inch, rear projection monitor will be available in October 2001 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $6,900. The PRO-720, 64 inch, rear-projection monitor will be available in October 2001 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $7,900. 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 industrial markets. Its Vision 2005 business plan focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment™ and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation employs more than 29,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PIO). Its U.S. headquarters is located in Long Beach, California.

Pioneer Elite Rear Projection Televisions

PRO-520HD, PRO-620HD, PRO-720HD Video Features:

Dual 181 channel NTSC tuners with picture-out-of-picture, split screen displays, three or nine multi-channel display and automatic preset
Adjustable scan velocity modulation which provides three settings off, mid, high
Adjustable three-dimensional comb filter (five levels)
Adjustable three-dimensional noise reduction (five levels)
Flesh-tone for standard (NTSC) sources to provide accurate flesh tones from over-the-air broadcasts
.52mm super fine pitch screen for razor-sharp image reproduction
72 point digital convergence
New four element lens system
1,400 lines resolution (PRO-720HD)
1250 lines (PRO-620HD)
1150 lines (PRO-520HD)
1080i native resolution for high-definition content
Advanced super bright lenticular screen
Two step selectable room light sensor (RLS)
Chromatically pure red and green lens
Detachable high contrast tinted protection screen
Five-Step 3D Y/C adjustment
Improved corner focus
Improved contrast ratio
Detachable bottom rail for custom install flexability
High gloss black finish

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