Pioneer A/V Receivers Bring the Best Audio and Video Processing to the Home Entertainment Experience

Business Wire, Jan 5, 2005

LAS VEGAS -- The ultimate audio and video home entertainment experience is at consumers' fingertips with the new line of digital audio/video receivers introduced today by Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. The VSX-1015TX, VSX-915, VSX-815 and VSX-515 highly advanced receivers offer a full complement of sound processing ability, including Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Dolby Pro Logic IIx and Windows Media Audio 9 Professional(TM). Windows Media Audio 9 (WMA-9) Professional decoding allows the user to listen to increasingly popular two-channel and multi-channel WMA compressed audio files. WMA-9 has become the standard for streaming audio.

The top-of-the-line VSX-1015TX is the world's first receiver to process THX Select 2(TM) for high impact multi-channel audio for cinema, concerts and gaming in rooms of up to two thousand square feet. It also offers enhanced video processing with video conversion of composite and S-video connected sources to component video. The VSX-915 provides video conversion of composite connected sources to S-video. This makes connecting a receiver to a television simple, and takes full advantage of the receiver's advanced switching capabilities.

All new models come with either a standard remote or a LCD preset/learning remote and Quick Setup feature for easy room setup.

"With the excitement surrounding today's video technologies and especially HDTV, it's easy for a consumer to overlook audio products. But we're starting to see a rebound in the audio category as more homeowners realize the significant audio and video improvements they can appreciate with a good quality audio/video receiver," said Dave Bales, marketing manager of audio products for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

A Room That Sounds Like No Other

While most consumers know when they hear a great home theater system, they don't necessarily have the experience to fine tune the sound system on their own. Pioneer's VSX-1015TX and VSX-815 receivers offer automatic room tuning with a five-band EQ for each channel, making this an easy yet efficient way to set up your speakers.

Quality Uncompromised

All of Pioneer's A/V receivers offer equal, high-power amplification to each channel, eliminating the possibility of one channel dominating a particular sound field. The VSX-1015TX offers 120 watts of power for all seven channels, the VSX-915 offers 110 watts of power for all seven channels, while the VSX-815 offers 100 watts of power for all seven channels, and finally the VSX-515 offers 110 watts per each of its six channels of amplification. The VSX-1015TX is equipped with advanced direct energy MOSFET amplification, giving reliable power output through all channels, exceptional sound quality, and clarity in every audible detail, even at low impedance.

Pioneer's receivers offer component and S-video switching to allow both progressive and interlaced NTSC and HDTV signals to be passed to the television or monitor. To maintain future compatibility, all of the receivers have multiple, assignable digital inputs (both coaxial and optical).

The VSX-1015TX and VSX-915 will be available in April, while the VSX-815 and VSX-515 will be available in March at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $650, $475, $365, and $275, 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.