Pioneer Multi-Channel Audio Systems Offer Range of Speaker Packages fo

    Business Editors/Entertainment Editors
    2005 International CES
    Booth #9826

    LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2005--Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., a leader in home entertainment, today introduced three new multi-channel audio systems, HTP-2600, HTP-3600 and HTP-4600, for consumers seeking the best high-power audio experience. Advanced home theater requires exceptional picture quality, a well-engineered source unit and superb surround sound. Pioneer's audio systems easily deliver on the sound, and the triad can be completed with a Pioneer PureVision(TM) plasma television and DVD player.
    "Consumers are now looking for high-powered multi-channel solutions to complement their HDTV and DVD player. These new component-based systems offer style and functionality with surround sound being offered wirelessly, standard, or originating the sound in the front of the room," said Dave Bales, audio manager for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "These are some of the most powerful and technologically advanced value added systems we have offered to date."
    DVD players/recorders, gaming systems, computers and high-definition televisions are more commonplace than ever before, increasing the demand from consumers to connect any and all of these sources to their multi-channel audio system. As a result, the packaged home theater systems are maturing, offering consumers high power and performance without the need of an integrated DVD player. All three of these new systems offer specific surround sound solutions to keep the most discerning shopper satisfied.
    Each system includes a high-powered receiver as well as surround sound speakers. The receiver for all three systems offers Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic II, DTS decoding and a 96/24 DAC. It features Pioneer's accurate imaging technology, which offers six channels of high-quality, equal power amplification for 167-watts (DIN Music Power) of amplifier power to all channels, eliminating the possibility of one channel dominating a particular sound field. It is designed to handle the full bandwidth of Dolby Digital and DTS encoded software.
    Three different speaker packages are designed to meet different consumer needs.
    Designed with Plasma TV In Mind (HTP-3600): With new thin plasma televisions increasing in popularity, Pioneer is altering the form factor of the speakers included with the component-based systems to match. The HTP-3600 1000-watt home theater system is designed with tall, floor-standing cylindrical speakers that are designed to match flat panel displays. The package also includes detachable satellite speakers for the back of the room, a center channel speaker and a subwoofer.
    An alternate set-up for this system includes the use of front-stage surround sound technology. In this configuration, the consumer uses the two floor-standing speakers and surround speakers placed on top in the front to create both front and rear surround sound. The center channel and subwoofer remain the same, but the front-stage surround sound creates true 5.1 enveloping surround sound effects without the need to run wires to the rear of the room. The satellite surround sound speakers can be docked and locked on top of the front speakers. Conventional 5.1 surround sound is also an option.
    Wireless Options (HTP-4600): This surround sound system also utilizes tall, floor-standing cylindrical speakers that match the form factor of the plasma display, but the HTP-4600 also offers a wireless configuration. In this case, the rear surround sound is created through a single wireless speaker located at the back of the room. A transmitter at the front of the room near the receiver sends information to the wireless speaker, encompassing the listening area with high quality audio for either surround sound or two-channel stereo. The 2.4-GHz transmitter provides noiseless, non-compressed CD quality digital audio.
    Just the Basics (HTP-2600): At 1000 watts of total power (DIN music power), this value-priced system is great for those who already own a DVD player or DVD based gaming system. The HTP-2600 component receiver and surround sound speaker package is the perfect addition to create a high-powered cutting-edge multi-channel audio. This system accurately reproduces the audio from favorite movies, concerts, or video game competitions, immersing the listener in the fun.
    The HTP-3600, HTP-4600 and HTP-2600 will be available in April with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $425, $650 and $250 respectively.
    Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is the 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 and cable television equipment for the home, car and business markets. Pioneer Corporation focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM) and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) and its affiliates employ more than 36,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Specifications HTP-4600 HTP-3600 HTP-2600 ----------------------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- Total Power 1000 watts 1000 watts 1000 watts Wireless Speaker 36 watts ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Digital Inputs 3 3 3 ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Dolby Digital yes yes yes ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- DTS yes yes yes ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Tall Speakers yes yes - ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Wireless yes - - ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Front-stage surround yes yes - ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Availability April April April ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------- Price $650 $425 $250 ----------------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------

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CONTACT: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Aaron Levine, 310-952-2401 aaron.levine@pioneer-usa.com or Callie Jernigan, 323-761-7430 cjernigan@gcigroup.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA NEVADA JAPAN INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC TRACK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD RETAIL COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS TELEVISION/RADIO CABLE TRADESHOW PRODUCT SOURCE: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

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