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Pioneer & Sharp Blu-ray joint venture officially official
Pioneer and Sharp have officially finalized their deal to combine Blu-ray operations, completing the joint venture planned since Pioneer began navigating its way out of several businesses including its Kuro plasma HDTVs. The official PDF has all the details, but the salient points are that Pioneer will have 66% ownership and 3 of 5 seats on the board of the 450-employee joint venture, ready to start up on schedule October 1, for the development, design, manufacture and sale of optical disc products, primarily Blu-ray.
Pioneer uses WiMAX to buffer content into your commute
What the world needs now is another distraction to keep a driver's eyes off the road, and Pioneer is ensuring wheelmen of the future will have something other than the asphalt to focus on with what it's calling the Network AV playback system. It relies on WiMAX to send your entire backlog of Knight Rider episodes straight to your Trans Am, and could stream every track from the Ronin Original Motion Picture Soundtrack too. Pioneer also envisions its technology beaming data to your backyard and anywhere else you can get a WiMAX connection -- which, right now, isn't too many places. But, hey, at least with this tech you can drive somewhere that does. Optimistic video after the break. [Via DigInfo]
Pioneer explodes your dashboard with new AVIC U, X and Z-series in-dash navigation systems
Pioneer isn't going for subtle here: the company just unleashed a flurry of in-dash navigators, with a considerable amount of accoutrements on display. The units range through the flagship AVIC-Z110BT (pictured), "midrange" AVIC-X710BT and X910BT, and the AVIC-U310BT for rich people on a budget. Seriously, with a starting price of $599, none of this is suited for the cheap-and-simple set, but at least Pioneer backs up those pricetags with serious functionality. In the high end, the Z110BT includes an tilt-out XGA 7-inch touchscreen, MSN Direct tuner (for traffic and other live info), 4GB of internal storage, CD and DVD playback, and Bluetooth. Comforts include both voice recognition ("Find the nearest Starbucks") and text-to-speech ("I wouldn't do that, Dave"), along with iPod control and support for optional rear seat monitors and wireless headphones. Of course, all those perks aren't cheap: the device retails for $1,600. The other units include smaller screens and subsets of the specs, on down to the 4.3-inch U310BT.Read - AVIC-Z110BTRead - AVIC-X710BT and AVIC-X910BTRead - AVIC-U310BT
Pioneer's Blu-ray player trio gets official in the US
Well, that didn't take long, now did it? Right on the heels of the UK announcement, Pioneer's trifecta of Profile 2.0 Blu-ray decks -- the BDP-120, BDP-320 and pictured BDP-23FD (known as the BDP-LX52 in European trim) -- got their official US intro to the tune of $299, $399 and $599, respectively. The specs from the January peek at these models remain intact, but covering three price brackets requires some points of differentiation; in this case provided by various video processing magic, onboard persistent storage for the BDP-320 and BDP-23FD, and missing 7.1-channel analog outs on the BDP-120. Oh yeah, and you just know that the BDP-23FD gets that swank Elite badging.
Computex: Pioneer's 3D interactive display brings you one step closer to seeing a girl in her knickers
Among the expected netbooks and digiframes encountered at this year's Computex, the gang at Engadget Chinese have stumbled across this beauty. Pioneer's unnamed 3D imaging / sensing device contains a wholesome, dancing three dimensional figure. The camera in the top of the cannister keeps an eye out for contact, and if the operator touches the figure, her clothes disappear... behaving much like the avatars you meet up with in the "red light district" of Second Life. No, this thing doesn't appear to be available commercially -- and shame on you for even asking! Video after the break.
Pioneer brings more affordable Blu-ray options to UK
Pioneer has introduced a familiar trio of Blu-ray players to the British market -- entry-level, midrange and a high-end LX model. The company is going to kick things off in the middle in June when the BDP-320 (pictured) shows up on shelves wearing a £400 MSRP, followed in July by the appearance of the £550 BDP-LX52 and £270 BDP-120 for those who need more luxury or cash, respectively. All models are Profile 2.0 and lossless codec support, but it doesn't look like the UK-spec models of the BDP-120 and 320 don't seem to carry the 7.1-channel analog output thats the US models do, so it's either pony up for the LX52 or go the Bitstream route, friends. Persistent storage is handled by an 2GB USB flash drive for BDP-120 buyers, the other two models have onboard storage.
Pioneer BDP-V6000 is a Blu-ray player for the pros
Filling your need for 1080p sources in digital signage, museums, video walls, houses of worship, public displays, nightclubs, opium dens and broadcast, Pioneer has taken the wraps off of the BDP-V6000 professional Blu-ray disc player, complete with RS-232C support, "enhanced search" through a disc's menus and time code, Pro GUI, BD-Live and rack mount kit. No price, though interested buyers should expect a September launch, though you can get an in-person demo at Infocomm later this month. If you prefer your high res video from SD/SDHC cards, Pioneer's also announced the HD-V9000, ready for stand alone operation or control via RS-232C or over a network for high end applications, no price tag or final specs on that one, though it is due in early 2010.
Pioneer's VSX-819H, VSX-819AH and VSX-1019AH officially available
Much to the unofficial surprise of owners who have been using Pioneer's new receiver models since early this month, they're now officially available. If you've been holding out for seamless integration between the receiver and your iPod/iPhone devices (you do have more than one, right?), you'll take some comfort in the "Works with iPhone" and "Made for iPod" labeling on Pioneer's VSX-819H, VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH (pictured) models that come in at $299, $399 and $499, respectively. In a nod to lifestyle convenience, Pioneer's press release skips over the HT specs for these receivers and plays up the Advanced Sound Retriever and Auto Level Control features that promise to put some life back into your lossy encoded music. We're a little sad to see the HT side of things didn't get more ink -- these units offer good complements of features, especially at their respective price points; if you've been playing with one of these, let us know what you think below.
Plasma market getting smaller and higher-end, but it's still alive
Pioneer's decision to axe the Kuro earlier this year set off a wave of gloomy predictions about the future of plasma, but we've never really bought into it -- and it sounds like the product planners at LG, Samsung, and Panasonic haven't either. HD Guru asked reps from each company for their thoughts on the state of the plasma market, and the responses were pretty similar across the board: plasma remains the connoisseur's choice overall, and it still makes up just about half of 50-inch and bigger sales. Of course, that means that plasma's niche is shrinking and moving higher-end while LCDs more or less take over the rest of HDTV market, but until something like OLED develops into a true competitor we think plasma's around for a while. Check out the full company responses at the read link.
AVReview pits four high-end receivers against each other
Despite the trickle down of advanced features on many manufacturers' lower-end receivers, there's still plenty of room for their upper-echelon offerings as well, and the UK's AVReview put four £1,200 - £1,500 ($1,750 - $2,200) receivers in a matchup. Entering the ring were the Onkyo TX-NR906, Pioneer SC-LX71 (SC-07 in the US), Sony STR-DA5400ES and Yamaha RX-V3900; we only wish models from Denon and Marantz would have made it to the contest as well. That said, matching up four receivers is not to be taken lightly, and it sounds like each of the contestants would serve you well in both features and absolute performance. We won't spoil the ending for you, but even though only one receiver snagged the overall crown, at this price point you should know that things are more nuanced than a single "winner;" your personal priorities are going to be the biggest variable in choosing the best model for you.[Boxing glove image courtesy germes-online]
Pioneer gives its PDX-Z10 SACD player an iPod boost
We're not sure about how well the SACD (Super Audio CD) format is doing in Japan, but if it's anything like it is here in the US, then the iPod input on Pioneer Japan's PDX-Z10 SACD player will be a welcome addition to those audiophiles who actually want a wide selection of content. To be fair, the PDX-Z10 packs a fair bit of audio utility into its sleek chassis, with a 2x50-Watt amp, USB input, and an ethernet port for DLNA access to media stored around your local network. The PDX-Z10 is set for a late May release, but the ¥150,000 ($1500) pricetag is going to relegate this piece of gear to the executive offices. Again, we're not intimately familiar with the Japanese market, but we're scratching our heads over how Pioneer could shutter the Kuro displays, but keep a light on for SACD.
Pioneer debuts $249.99 8x BDR-2203 internal Blu-ray burner
Slowly but surely, these internal Blu-ray drive prices are sinking down to levels we'd consider to be "halfway reasonable." For instance, have a look at Pioneer's latest, the BDR-2203. An 8x BD writer that's totally capable of toasting DVDs and CDs when the BD-R spindle runs dry and very eager to play back Blu-ray Discs on your newfangled HTPC. It's all set to ship this month for a very manageable $249.99, and don't be shocked to see it moving for even less on the streets. Just be careful out there, cool?
Pioneer, Sharp agree to joint Blu-ray venture
As mentioned during Pioneer's reorganization, it's combining forces in the optical disc biz with Sharp, and have signed a basic agreement to start combined operations October 1. The aim is to strengthen the joint venture's stance in the Blu-ray market, but what exactly this means for Pioneer's Elite line of players is unknown. Negotiations are still underway and we should likely hear more by the time a final agreement is reached, anticipated by June 25. [Warning: PDF read link]
Pioneer KRP-600M plasma showing up with cracked screens?
Maybe Pioneer just needs to change shipping companies here, but we're seeing a frighteningly high amount of cracked screens on the KRP-600M over at AVSForum. The problem has become so bad, in fact, that users have started a dedicated thread just to grumble about it. Thus far, 11 responders have seen their precious plasma arrive with a cracked screen, while 18 received theirs in good shape -- not a good ratio in terms of quality control standards. We aren't sounding the fire alarm just yet, but we're curious, have any of you unboxed your shiny new set only to weep for hours due to a busted panel?[Thanks, Gio]
Pioneer outlines KURO plasma exit, insinuates that you should buy one now
Okay, so maybe that harshly translated version of Pioneer's recent KURO-related press release doesn't actually encourage prospective buyers to snag a unit while they still can, but it may as well have. Following up on the outfit's curious decision to abandon a product line that was universally adored, Pioneer has decided that just four of its PDPs will stay in production until April 11th. After 3,000 or so of the KRP-500A, KRP-500M, KRP-600A and KRP-600M units have been produced, the lines will be shut down and we'll all be invited to what will undoubtedly be a tear-filled memorial service. The company has also made clear that warranty service will still be provided for an undisclosed amount of time (at least in Japan), but there has yet to be a statement made specifically regarding the North American market.[Via Slashgear]
Pioneer's SC-07 receiver gets reviewed with an approving nod
The loveliness that trickle-down is, Pioneer's flagship SC-09TX receiver is no longer the only member of the family packing the B&O-sourced ICEpower Class D amplification. The $2,200, 110-Watt 7.1-channel SC-07 went under review at digitaltrends and to no one's surprise, it was liked. Taking top honors were the clean front panel and powerful, warm sound. The remote, however, wasn't so well-liked and much like other reviews, the lack of HDMI video processing didn't slip by unnoticed for this target market or price point. As much as we admire Pioneer's purist approach and even feel that it's likely that a display paired with an SC-07 is probably more than capable of handling HDMI scaling duties, it's a notable missing check mark relative to the competition.
Pioneer reveals 8x BDR-203BK Blu-ray burner in Europe
Blu-ray burners that do their thang at 8x aren't entirely new, but Pioneer is just now deciding to follow those other guys with an 8x BD writer of its own. The BDR-203BK is fully compatible with Blu-ray, DVD-+R/RW, DVD-RAM and CD media, and can toast BD-REs at 2x, DVD-R/+R at 16x, DVD-R DL/+R D at 8x and CD-Rs at 32x. It's available now on an OEM basis across Europe for €250 ($314), but there's no word on when us Yanks can expect a release here on US soil.[Via CDRInfo]
Does the death of KURO signal the end of the plasma?
It's kind of amazing, really. Not even a year ago, Pioneer was busy pimping its second-gen KURO, and by and large, everyone that witnessed one in person came away impressed. So, if Pioneer's plasmas were so spectacular, how on Earth did we find ourselves asking if PDPs even have a future beyond 2010? Not long after the economy began to soften, LCDs began to catch up. Sure, a side-by-side test would likely show that an Elite KURO has deeper blacks than the average LCD, but as GigaOM points out, the average consumer was beyond the point of caring. Since the beginning of this year, we've already seen two plasma players drop out completely, and one must wonder how long those other guys will keep holding on. Is the death of the KURO the tipping point for plasma? We'd love to think otherwise, but our gut is leaning to "yes." What say you, dear readers?
Pioneer exec touches on exit from plasma business
Yeah, it seems like hopping off of the plasma bandwagon is the thing to be doing right now, but Pioneer's exit is startling in more than a few ways. For starters, the company has been pushing its KURO line as the PDP set to get for years, and by and large, it actually has been the best around. It's one thing to leave a market you aren't winning -- it's another entirely to drop off while you're on top. Bruce Schepers, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing at Pioneer Canada, sat down to speak on the departure with Marketnews. Granted, most of his conversation centered around that fact that no other parts of the company's businesses would be shrinking or vanishing, though he did mention that Pioneer would have ninth generation product "up until summer." He also affirmed that support wouldn't be waning for its heralded receivers and Blu-ray players, and that Sharp was a likely candidate for an optical-based joint venture. For the whole interview, give the read link a look.
Pioneer officially leaving the TV biz by March 2010, focusing on audio
Bad news Kuro fans, the rumors were true and Pioneer is leaving the TV manufacturing business. On the upside, the restructuring deadline is March 2010, so a predicted net 130 billion yen ($1.44 billion) loss shouldn't be enough to get between you and the plasma HDTV of your dreams. The company's U.S. and U.K. plants are shutting down by April and February of this year, respectively, and product development for TVs beyond what's currently on the market is ending, seeing no prospects for improving profitability even after combining plasma efforts with Panasonic and LCDs with Sharp. Overall, there will be 10,000 fewer full time and temporary Pioneer employees than there were at the end of last year, while pay and bonuses for execs have been cut. The future for Pioneer? Mostly car audio, including in-car Blu-ray players and networked electronics, while its home electronics business focus on audio, DJ equipment and cable TV boxes, with a focus on using its expertise in improving sound. All other ugly details are contained in the press release, mourning the passing of another plasma supplier is in the comments.[Via Bloomberg and AV Watch, thanks Carl H.]
