Pioneer Single-CD Players Combine Looks, Performance And Value

Pioneer Electronics, the established leader in car electronics products, introduces an exciting new line of 15 single-CD players for 2001, with a revamped look, improved displays and a variety of features including many Pioneer-exclusive technologies:

• Organic Electroluminescence (OEL) is a self-illuminating, extremely bright display with 3-D capability. Some models will allow users to customize the display of the radio with personal photos or images;
• Soft Key Operation uses fewer buttons, each with multiple functions that change dependent on the source (CD, MCD, radio) to create an easier-to-use system;
• XM-Ready Satellite Radio products are capable of receiving digital satellite signals with a GEX-P900XM tuner;
• Easy EQ and Sound Focus EQ are top-level, preset equalizers for better sound control; and
• MOSFET50 is a powerful MOSFET amplifier chip providing 50 watts of power per channel.

"This year, we've concentrated on giving consumers the biggest bang for their buck. Consumers will find more value-added features than they're looking for," said Keith Burnett, vice president of marketing, Pioneer Car Electronics Division.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics in all price points were enhanced with a symmetrical design. This year's rotary volume knob has a more precise and tactile feel while the other controls were reconfigured and simplified for ease of use.

Display

On the entry-level models, LEDs were used to increase visibility and enhance cosmetics. The already popular Organic EL display technology was incorporated in products from the mid-price point. Flagship models, DEH-P930 and DEH-P9300, inherited a larger viewing area of 256 x 80, compared to 256 x 52 in last year's models. In addition, Organic EL is taken to the next level, with the ability to personalize the face of both flagship models.

Consumers, with the help of their dealer, can add a photo or image of their own to be displayed like a screensaver on the face of their radio. "This year's model have a sleek and sophisticated look that will appeal to consumers who want something unique and exciting. Pioneer made history with the brightness of the Organic EL display and now we've taken it even further with the ability to create your own personalized screen savers," said Burnett.

One of the benefits of OEL display is the ability to create a Soft Key Operation which allow multiple functions to be controlled with a limited number of buttons on the face of the unit. Menu icons displayed above a single set of control buttons will change depending on the function in use. For example, when the CD player is in use, menu icons will be displayed for repeat, random and track scan. If the car radio is in use, the icons will change to display local and best station memory. Limiting the number of buttons on the face of the radio results in a larger viewable display area for safety and easier use.

Digital Satellite Radio

To be prepared for the launch of digital satellite radio this summer, Pioneer has made all of its mid-range and flagship single-CD players XM-ready. XM will be broadcasting clear digital signal transmitted by two powerful satellites and will offer up to 100 channels of brand name content. Pioneer will be one of the few manufacturers with the capability of receiving XM Satellite signals. With a simple plug-in through the IP-Bus and with an add-on Pioneer XM tuner (GEX-P900XM), the new line of single CD players will receive uninterrupted digital quality sound.

The innovative Easy EQ feature gives the user "top level" adjustments of sound quality with five factory and one custom equalizer presets. The various settings enable the user to meet his or her sound preference. Settings include super bass, powerful, natural, vocal, flat and custom vocal. Easy EQ, which is available in all 2001 Pioneer models, can now be adjusted with the touch of a button.

Sound Quality

The innovative Easy EQ feature gives the user "top level" adjustments of sound quality with five factory and one custom equalizer presets. The various settings enable the user to meet his or her sound preference. Settings include super bass, powerful, natural, vocal, flat and custom vocal. Easy EQ, which is available in all 2001 Pioneer models, can now be adjusted with the touch of a button.

To supplement Easy EQ, Pioneer added a feature called Sound Focus EQ (SFEQ), which allows the user individual control of bass and treble output between the front and rear speakers. SFEQ offers five different presets (Front 1-H, Front 1-L, Front 2-H, Front 2-L and a custom preset) to manipulate sound to the user's preference. In addition, SFEQ emphasizes specific frequencies to maximize performance of each speaker in the car. With the combination of Easy EQ and Sound Focus EQ, users can optimize their existing system for their musical preferences.

The 2001 line of Pioneer single-CD players were engineered with higher power output using the new MOSFET50 amplifier chip, producing as much as 50 watts of power to four speakers. Unlike a standard power IC chip, MOSFET50 operates at low impedance, has higher current capability, produces less distortion and plays a wider frequency range. With the ability to operate at low impedance levels, subwoofers can be driven directly from the headunit power.

Pioneer Single-CD Players

Pioneer Premier Single-CD Players