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Pioneer's 3D Blu-ray compatible, Netflix streaming player triumvirate now shipping

After debuting quietly at CEDIA Pioneer's 2010 line of Blu-ray players is finally available for purchase, including the low end BDP-430 and its two Elite cousins, the BDP-41FD and BDP-43FD. Other than the obvious addition of Blu-ray 3D compatibility, key upgrades from 2009 include WiFi readiness with optional dongle, streaming from YouTube (after a firmware update), Netflix and Pandora, an expanded continue mode to make sure you start The Twilight Saga: Eclipse right where you left it and the return of Pioneer's iControlAV remote app for iOS devices. Starting price? $299 for the BDP-430, $399 for the BDP-41FD and its home automation-friendly RS-232 port, while $499 is required to bring home the "armored chassis" of the BDP-43FD




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Pioneer Ships Widely Anticipated Blu-ray 3D Player Line
Company's Commitment to Quality and Connectivity Showcased in New Models

Long Beach, CALIF. 12/22/2010

To the delight of avid movie lovers, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today begins shipping its first line of Blu-ray 3D™ players for those who want to recreate a state-of-the-art theatrical experience in the comfort of their own homes. Unveiled at the 2010 CEDIA Expo, the line includes the Pioneer BDP-430 and two Elite models, BDP-41FD and BDP-43FD, which provide unrivaled picture and audio quality consumers expect from the Pioneer brand in addition to faster load times, streaming compatibility, WiFi ready, a BD-J resume feature and the iControlAV App.

Built with a focus on high quality audio and video reproduction, with a compatible TV, the new line offers pristine 3D video via the latest HDMI standard, 1.4a, allowing for passage of the high data transfer rate required by the Blu-ray 3D format. Additionally, Pioneer's PureCinema technology upconverts standard definition video sources to 1080p for optimum image processing and delivering clear, sharp images with reduced image noise. Additionally, 36-Bit Deep Color support with compatible content and displays features smooth gradation steps with more accurate color precision and adds to overall high quality color reproduction.

The 3D models also support the latest high-quality audio formats including DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. Pioneer-exclusive technologies also improve the audio experience, a critical component to complete a fully immersive 3D experience. The three new models employ the Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) for jitter-free reproduction of Blu-ray Disc, DVD and CD content. When paired with a compatible Pioneer A/V receiver, PQLS precisely syncs the audio signals between the components for a true-to-life listening experience.

Consumers are no longer limited to their own movie library. Once connected to an Ethernet connection or wirelessly through the AS-WL200 wireless adaptor (sold separately) consumers can access content from streaming services such as YouTube*, Netflix and Pandora. All models are WiFi Ready with an optional adaptor for a wireless connection to home networks, streaming content services, BD-Live content and over-the-air, auto-notification of firmware updates.

Continue Mode, a newly expanded feature, now allows users to easily resume watching Blu-ray Discs, including most BD-J titles, where they left off. A movie is marked using the "Continued" key on the remote, and if the disc is not removed before turning the power off, users can resume playback at the same place.

For convenient integration of personal devices with a home theater system, Pioneer's free iControlAV App turns iPhone™ and iPod touch™ devices into a fully functioning remote control for the new Blu-ray 3D players*. When the players are connected via Ethernet to a wireless router, the app allows users to control basic functions of the players. Pioneer's iControlAV App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

The Pioneer BDP-430 is currently available for a suggested retail prices of $299. The Elite BDP-41FD, featuring an RS-232 port for custom installation access and control, is available for a SRP of $399. Featuring an armored chassis and high grade parts, the Elite BDP-43FD is currently available for a SRP of $499.

* With future firmware update

PIONEER, the PIONEER logo and the ELITE logo are registered trademarks of the Pioneer Corporation.
Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and BD-Live are trademarks of Blu-ray Disc Association.
Apple, iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
DTS and DTS Digital Surround are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
DOLBY and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

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