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Digital Sound Projector to Replace Traditional Surround Sound Speaker Configuration

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020628/PIONLOGO )

Until now, the surround sound on DVD soundtracks could only be fully experienced by adding a separate system with five or more conventional speakers and enduring the problems associated with wiring and installing all this in a typical room. In contrast, a single digital sound projector produces full surround sound by controlling separate beams of sound. Sound beams for each audio channel are reflected from the walls and ceiling of the room to replace the left, right, and rear speakers.

"The sound quality of the digital sound projectors is stunning. It will revolutionize the speaker industry not only because of its sound quality, but by eliminating the need to set up and wire multiple speakers," said Craig McManis, vice president of marketing for the Home Entertainment Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

"Since it's only five inches thick, it is a perfect compliment to Pioneer's line of plasma display televisions. As the shape of the American television changes from a large, square box to a slim panel, the other components of the home theatre system must change as well," McManis added.

The PDSP-1 uses 254 small speakers, which are accurately controlled to produce true 5.1 surround sound. The speaker produces tight focused beams of sound, which are distributed into the room and reflected off surfaces to create a multi-channel sound field. Once the speaker has been installed it can be easily tuned to the specific room environment by using the remote control. This process does not use psycho-acoustic techniques found in many virtual surround sound effects systems.

The panel connects directly to a DVD or CD player. The digital surround sound processing typically performed through a separate audio/video receiver is completed inside the speaker panel.

The PDSP-1 will be available early in 2003.

1 Ltd is a technology development and licensing company based in Cambridge, UK and Tokyo. 1 provides competitive advantage for its commercial partners through access to its patents and 'know how.' 1 has developed a number of world leading technologies including proprietary digital signal processing, embodied within the revolutionary Digital Sound Projector(TM), and its range of Helimorph® ceramic actuators that have compelling advantages over conventional electro-magnetic transducers.

www.1limited.com

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

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com . Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE: PIO - News), is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable television equipment for the home, car and business markets. Pioneer Corporation focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM) and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation and its affiliates employ more than 31,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: PIO - News).

Digital Sound Projector(TM) and Helimorph® are trademarks of 1 Ltd.

For further information, please contact Aaron Levine of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., +1-310-952-2401, alevine@pioneer-usa.com; or Julie Jaqua of GCI Group, +1-323-761-7405, Jjaqua@gcigroup.com, for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

 Source: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.