DENVER --(Business Wire)-- Sept. 14, 2006 Three new Pioneer Elite(R) PureVision(TM) plasma televisions introduced today send a clear message to consumers that the time is right to purchase one of the most technologically advanced plasmas available on the market. The new Elite 42" PRO-940HD, 50" PRO-1140HD and 60" PRO-1540HD televisions incorporate the latest innovations in proprietary plasma technologies that deliver brighter, sharper and richer images unmatched in the industry.

Several Pioneer exclusive technologies work in tandem to give consumers an unparalleled picture and home theatre experience. Newly designed glass and the First Surface PRO Color Filter improve picture contrast and provide greater detail in darker scenes, resulting in a purer more accurate picture on screen. A Redesigned Deep Encased Cell Structure and improved red and blue phosphor technology improve overall brightness, while a Crystal Emissive Layer bonded directly to the plasma glass is responsible for improved panel efficiency and better contrast.

The new Elite models are the first Pioneer plasmas to incorporate an exclusive home networking program, Home Media Gallery(TM), that easily connects to an existing home network via Ethernet or USB. This feature provides users direct access to movies, music and photos stored on a networked PC or any other DLNA compliant device for immediate viewing on the plasma in stunning HD quality.

"Pioneer has combined the latest cutting edge plasma technologies with sleek cosmetics to bring a true theatre experience into the consumer's home," said Paul Meyhoefer, vice president of displays for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "With nearly ten years of plasma engineering firsts, these Elite plasmas are another example of best-in-class picture, engineering excellence and performance you won't find anywhere else."

PLASMA, A HOME THEATRE MASTERPIECE
Plasma technology is at the forefront in providing significant benefits over less accomplished display technologies. Plasma televisions are the ideal choice for discerning consumers, displaying true to life color, the widest viewing angles (without color shift or distortion) and the ability to provide virtually no motion blur during fast action scenes. Pioneer continues to create technology that makes a difference, upping the ante with each new model of plasma introduced and incorporating more industry first features and benefits than its competitors.

For ease of use, Pioneer plasmas offer TV Guide(TM) OnScreen(R) electronic program guides with eight days of programming. The televisions have dual standard definition (NTSC) and a single high definition (ATSC) tuner built in. They are Digital Cable Ready (DCR) and include a CableCARD(TM) slot for standard and high definition broadcasts. Dual independent HDMI connectivity rounds off a stellar host of standard input and output options, for seamless connection to practically any source or signal.

Pioneer Elite televisions offer the option of ISF calibration. This feature allows consumers to have a trained professional finely tune their plasma, adjusting color, brightness and contrast all to the specific tastes of the owner and the room in which it resides. Settings include two additional viewing modes for both day and night viewing.

Audio is equally important to the ultimate high definition experience. A fully integrated one-body design on the 42" plasma and side-mounted, detachable speakers on the 50" and 60" televisions use SRS(WOW)(TM) technology, which includes SRS Surround, TruBass(R) and Focus(TM) for superior audio quality. SRS (WOW) offers a trio of surround sound modes and with an additional sub-woofer connection the home theatre experience is complete.

Sixty thousand hours (20 years at 8 hours per day) is an approximate time for the display panel to reach half of its original luminescence. This approximation may vary depending on source and type of content, settings, environment and use. This approximation does not provide or imply any warranty beyond the manufacturer's standard limited warranty.

The full Pioneer line of Elite plasmas (PRO-940HD, PRO-1140HD and PRO-1540HD) are now available and shipping for suggested prices of $4,000, $5,500 and $8,000, respectively.

Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is a leading marketer of plasma televisions and monitors, Blu-ray Disc, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, speakers and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including Digital Network Entertainment(TM). The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Elite products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is http://www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment(TM).

PIONEER and PUREVISION are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.
PIONEER and ELITE are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.
BLU-RAY DISC is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.
CableCARD(TM) is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
SRS WOW, SRS, TruBass and FOCUS and the symbol are trademarks of SRS Labs, Inc.
In the United States, TV Guide and other related marks are registered marks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or one of its affiliates.