Pioneer Launches Blu-ray Home Cinema Systems

Pioneer Europe announced nine new Blu-ray Disc (BD) home cinema systems.

For more information visit: www.pioneer.eu


Unedited press release follows:

New Pioneer Blu-ray home cinema systems take the 3D Experience to a new level

New Blu-ray home cinema systems provide real 3D surround sound to home video entertainment.

16 May, 2012 — Pioneer Europe introduces a range of nine new Blu-ray home cinema systems that makes the 3D experience even more compelling with an advanced, sound-enhancing Virtual 3D Sound mode that takes 3D audio to a whole new level. All systems provide compatibility with a host of file formats and are tastefully designed to match any home entertainment space.

Pioneer’s new Blu-ray Disc systems are based around a main system unit, combined with various speaker options to guarantee maximum coverage of different users’ needs. Two systems in the line-up are equipped with unique “sound wing” HVT (Horizontal-Vertical Transforming) technology speakers that create a wide listening area, while their ultra-slim design allows hassle-free and flexible layout.

All nine models are capable of playing back Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, CDs and SACDs and offer compatibility with the most widespread formats, including DivX Plus HD, FLV, MKV and FLAC files from both disc and USB. Users will also be able to stream YouTube videos and digital photos stored on Picasa directly from their internet-connected Blu-ray system to their HDTV without any additional devices.

Well connected
The main differentiating points between the systems are iPod and iPhone connectivity1 (using a cradle) and WiFi: both features are found on the “advanced” line, while not on the “regular” models. All offerings feature high power output, up to 1100 W in a 5.1 configuration and 550 W in a 2.1 set-up. Each system is Bluetooth2 ready and supports DLNA connectivity allowing users to play movies, photos and music content from a DLNA-compatible digital media server. Two HDMI inputs, a microphone input for karaoke singing, a mini-jack audio connector for portable music players and USB connector with CD ripping function complete the connectivity.

Enhanced sound and video
To reinforce the impact of 3D movies, Pioneer developed Virtual 3D Sound, a technology which creates a virtual sound field behind the screen — a perfect match for 3D video contents, for a lively synergy of sound and vision. Downloads, recordings or user-generated content can all be enjoyed in outstanding sound quality thanks to the Advanced Sound Retriever function which enhances compressed music formats and restores these files to their original quality and richness. The Net Contents Mode improves compressed video files by reducing compression noise and establishing more detailed, finer images. This technology is especially helpful with low bit-rate video sources originally intended for viewing on small screens such as smartphones.

Model configuration
Pioneer’s new Blu-ray home cinema systems offer various speaker formations to fit any home entertainment space.

• BCS-HW929 – 2.1 channel with bar-style Sound Wing speaker and a slim subwoofer. At just 25,5 mm thick and 900 x 66 x 93 mm large, this bar-style Sound Wing speaker is the ideal match for any flat screen TV. It integrates two 57 x 30 mm double sided drivers with HVT technology and two soft dome tweeters, one set pointing forwards and one set backwards, at either side of the wing. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.

• BCS-HF828 – 2.1 channel with 2 satellite Sound Wing speakers and a slim subwoofer. The discrete satellite speakers are very compact and only 37 mm thick. With total dimensions of 207 x 91 x 37 mm (foot not included), they will easily blend into the interior. Equipped with 57 x 30 mm double sided drivers with HVT technology and a soft dome tweeter on both sides, the sound is truly incredible for such a small package. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.

• BCS-727 – 5.1 channel with 4 tall speakers, a centre speaker and a slim subwoofer. Including four sophisticated tall speakers, this system is perfect for those wishing to make home cinema core to their living space. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.

• BCS-323 – 5.1 channel with 4 compact satellite speakers, a centre speaker and slim subwoofer. Combining performance and a stylish finish in a more compact design, this system is a great option for those who enjoy 5.1 channel surround sound, but prefer smaller speakers that blend into the environment. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.

• BCS-SB626 – 2.1 channel with a sound bar speaker and a slim subwoofer. This 2 channel sound bar speaker with metal punched grill will fit nicely underneath virtually any flat screen TV. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.

• BCS-FS525 – 2.1 channel with 2 slim speakers and a slim subwoofer. This system’s powerful yet slim front speakers feature a metal punched grill and can be set either vertically or horizontally. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.

Regular models:

• BCS-424 – 5.1 channel with 4 tall speakers, centre speaker and a large subwoofer. With four black tallboy speakers, this system makes an imposing statement in the living room. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.

• BCS-222 – 5.1 channel with 4 compact satellite speakers, centre speaker and a large subwoofer. This system’s compact satellite speakers are small enough to be mounted unobtrusively in the living room. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.

• BCS-FS121 – 2.1 channel with 2 compact satellite speakers and a large subwoofer. This system combines power and value for the entry level home cinema user. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.

Availability
The BCS-424, BCS-222 and BCS-FS121 Blu-ray home cinema systems will be available from June 2012 onwards.
The BCS-HW929, BCS-HF828, BCS-727, BCS-323, BCS-SB626 and BCS-FS525 will be available in July 2012.

Notes to editors
1 – Compatible with iPhone 4/4S, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPod touch (all generations), iPod classic and iPod nano (2nd – 6th generation)
2 – With optional Pioneer AS-BT200 Bluetooth adaptor.