Pioneer Introduces Technical Audio Devices Laboratories Inc. to Bring Studio Grade Audio to High-End Home Entertainment

Business Wire, Jan 6, 2008

Celebrating 70 Years of Stereophonic Manufacturing, Pioneer Launches New Subsidiary

LAS VEGAS -- Pioneer Corporation today announces the formation of Technical Audio Devices (TAD[TM]) Laboratories Inc., a new subsidiary developed to elevate the standard of performance for high fidelity audio equipment. This new company will represent the highest expression of Pioneer technology in all categories evolving what TAD[TM] has meant in the professional recording studio for over 30 years to the world of high-end home. At the Consumer Electronics Show, TAD Labs Inc. will showcase its current Reference One loudspeaker and a new power amplifier. At the booth, TAD will have on display its award-winning line of EX Series Speakers.

TAD has been a department within Pioneer for the past thirty years, dedicated to providing the highest expression of audio technology. Pioneer is leveraging its 70-year history in speaker production with the official incorporation of TAD as a subsidiary designed to introduce studio quality loudspeakers for high definition home entertainment. TAD Labs Inc. will undertake the development, manufacturing and commercialization of new high-end speakers and electronics. Headed by Andrew Jones, director of speakers for Technical Audio Devices and Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., TAD Labs Inc. plans to bring to market high precision equipment including a power amplifier in 2008.

"For more than 30 years, TAD speakers have become synonymous with dynamic stereo reproduction that heightens the impact studio engineers have worked to create. We are building on this speaker heritage with the formal launch of TAD Labs Inc., which will allow us to develop the most-advanced home audio equipment and continue to elevate the emotional experience for audio enthusiasts everywhere," said Jones.

Product Development and Introductions

Building on its engineering expertise and breadth of cutting-edge audio products, the development of TAD Labs Inc. introduces an unrivaled audio performance in professional studios as well as for home listening. In its unwavering desire to bring high performance sound, TAD Labs Inc. allows audiophiles to finally realize realistic, natural sound, as if they were at a live performance, in the comfort of their homes.

Recognized with some of the world's revolutionary components, TAD products are developed from superior materials and sophisticated manufacturing processes. TAD Labs Inc. is planning to release its first power amplifier, the most advanced piece of equipment in Pioneer's sophisticated audio technology history. The new amplifier is painstakingly engineered with hand-selected parts to ensure uncompromised performance.

As a result, TAD Labs Inc. will unveil one of the industry's most efficient Class-A power amplifiers that realizes a 70% reduction in energy consumption. TAD Labs Inc. will announce these commercially-available products in the upcoming future.

In honor of Pioneer's 70th anniversary in speaker manufacturing, TAD released its first consumer model loudspeaker, TAD Reference One. Reference One represents TAD's commitment to groundbreaking precision performance that will exhilarate even the most discerning audiophiles. The TAD Reference One Loudspeaker is currently available.

Technical Audio Devices is a leading manufacturer of quality loudspeakers for professional and general consumer markets. Since 1975, TAD Pro Audio loudspeakers have been used in recording studios and professional sound production environments worldwide. With the establishment of TAD Home Audio the company's new flagship Reference One speaker, incorporating features including TAD's proprietary Beryllium diaphragms, now deliver professional studio audio quality to consumers.

Pioneer Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of consumer- and business-use electronics products such as audio, video and car electronics. Its shares are traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.

TAD is a trademark of Pioneer Corporation.