Pioneer Introduces Three New Elite HD Rear-Projection Monitors

Sept. 2002 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing a commitment to the high-definition (HD) television format, Pioneer introduces three new rear projection monitors in its Pioneer Elite line (PRO-530HD 53-inch, PRO-630HD 58-inch, and PRO-730HD 64-inch) with significant picture quality advancements.

Pioneer's new televisions offer multiple Digital Video Interface (DVI) with High Definition Copy Protection (HDCP) connections. This feature allows a digital connection between set-top boxes and the monitor, creating a more vibrant image. DVI HDCP technology allows content providers the ability to utilize the full bandwidth of high definition signals.

Exclusive technologies in the new line of projection televisions include: New PureCinemaIII film detection, a five element lens system with an achromatic lens on the blue gun, and Reference Theater Mode Pro. All models are built with a 16:9 aspect ration to maintain compatibility with today's video sources. They also feature five different NTSC screen mode settings.

"This year's televisions offer the most impressive overall advancements in our PTV line since we began manufacturing them in 1985," said Craig McManis, vice president of marketing, Home Entertainment Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Pioneer's PureCinemaIII I/P converter incorporates such features as 2:3 pulldown film detection and NTSC to 1080i conversion with output selectability. This newly enhanced circuit uses progressive conversion to boost the NTSC picture quality from sources such as DVD, LaserDisc and satellite. To accomplish this, it first doubles the interlaced signal to a VGA level or 480i or 480p. It then doubles the information content both vertically and horizontally twice, moving the original signal to 540p or 1080i resulting in an amazing increase in original signal density. Once the video signal has been upconverted the user now has the freedom to choose which signal they would like to view, either 480p or 1080i.

Pioneer's new five-element lens system maintains the color purity of the red and green guns and adds an achromatic blue gun to the system. The addition of the achromatic blue gun sharpens the focus of the lens ultimately reducing the blooming/flaring and halo effect usually associated with projection televisions.

Reference Theater Mode Pro (RTM Pro) allows the HD projection monitor to realize the ideal reproduction of film materials for movie aficionados. When RTM Pro is selected the "color temperature" is set to 6500 degrees Kelvin, enabling the viewing device to reproduce film materials with the most perfect white balance. RTM Pro also automatically turns off the scan velocity modulation, sharpness, fleshtone and black level expansion circuitry. These adjustments enable the viewing device to reproduce film materials with natural outlines without artifacts or ringing normally associated with broadcast reproductions. Users now have the ability to adjust the white balance and customize RTM Pro features.

The PRO-530HD, PRO-630HD, and PRO-730HD, 53-, 58-, and 64-inch, rear- projection monitors will be available in November at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $5,900, $6,900 and $7,900 respectively.

For more information visit http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/.