Next Generation Home Entertainment Software from Pioneer Enables AV Home Networking, High-Definition 3D Graphics and Interactive Cable Content

Pioneer Research Center USA Demonstrates Advanced Software Capabilities

As DVD players and flat panel televisions become more common among American households, consumer electronics manufacturers are using software to help differentiate their products and add value to consumers. Pioneer Research Center USA, Inc., with nearly 100 programmers and developers in San Jose and San Diego, California, works on next generation software development for many of the products sold by Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. By enhancing the software and on-screen graphic user interface, Pioneer believes it offers consumers a choice of products that are more appealing and easier to use. This is being demonstrated this week at Pioneer’s Consumer Electronics Show exhibit, where the company is showcasing an entire wall of “Future Technologies” powered by next generation software. This software enables home networking and interactive television, two areas that are heavily dependent on software for seamless integration in the home environment.

DigitaLibrary Home Networking

Pioneer’s demonstration shows how easily consumers can experience a truly connected home, streaming high definition television content, music and photos with a wide variety of electronics products that can be either wired or wireless based on user preference. The end result is great flexibility in creating a multi-room, multi-source environment that delivers and shares high definition content on a network that is simple, reliable, and secure, and that offers the best quality audio and video available. Pioneer will demonstrate this capability and will show how an easy-to-understand graphic interface can make the difference in customer acceptance.

Pioneer’s demonstration utilizes products developed according to the Digital Living Networking Alliance (DLNA) home network guidelines. DLNA certification ensures a device has been tested to be interoperable among various consumer electronics, personal computer and mobile devices.

High Definition 3D Graphics

Pioneer will display a new form of TV navigation system that uses a powerful high-definition 3D graphics engine for a more ‘active’ user experience. These graphics are similar to those used for today’s video game applications, making the user feel that he/she is part of the action.

“Today’s TV navigation is static. We are working to change that. With high-end 3D graphics and HDTV video, we are finding ways to mix the two mediums, producing results that will significantly raise the bar for TV navigation. We want the TV to come alive on screen.” says John Gildred, vice president of engineering at Pioneer Research Center USA, Inc.

Interactive Television

Next-generation technologies such as the bi-directional OpenCable, Application Platform (OCAP) for interactive digital cable TV for t-commerce, audience participation, and advanced gaming requires a highly optimized OCAP software engine. Pioneer will showcase its OCAP-capable plasma TV system with the ability to offer more feature rich program guides, interactive news and game shows, on-screen voting, Video on Demand and more.

Pioneer Research Center USA, Inc., with offices in San Jose and San Diego, California, is one of the North American subsidiaries of Pioneer Corporation in Japan. Pioneer Corporation is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable 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 36,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.