Pioneer PureVision Plasmas Add 6th Generation Panels

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Aug. 10, 2005 - Two new PureVision plasma televisions introduced today by Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. take a leap forward in picture quality with enhanced black level detail and brilliant image quality to deliver amazingly sharp, bright, accurate picture quality that lets sports fans, gamers and movie buffs experience the best of what HDTV programming is meant to deliver.

A newly designed Crystal Emissive Layer combines with Pioneer's PureDrive II circuitry to deliver improved contrast ratios that create the best black levels ever seen in a Pioneer plasma television.

"We are committed to driving innovation in plasma technology with every new product we develop, and to offering consumers a truly compelling high definition viewing experience. Engineering excellence in plasma means delivering a realistic picture that has an extremely high degree of color accuracy, giving viewers an incredible level of detail in both light and dark scenes, and delivering a consistently bright, clear picture," said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of marketing for home entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

The Pioneer PDP-5060HD (50") and PDP-4360HD (43") utilize newly developed sixth generation plasma glass combined with Pioneer's proprietary new PureDrive II video processing -- a combination of technologies all designed to create blacker blacks, smoother transitions and generally sharper, brighter and more accurate images than previous models.

Exclusive Glass Technology

• Crystal Emissive Layer is sandwiched between the plasma glass and the individual light cells to increase the speed at which each cell is charged and discharged. The result is an extremely smooth transition from color to black, providing more detail in dark scenes and reducing the overall energy consumption.
• To reproduce the most brilliant lifelike colors, Pioneer uses a First Surface Pure Color Filter. This filter is bonded directly to the plasma glass instead of adding an additional layer of glass, thereby reducing environmental waste while enhancing the image quality. Since there are fewer layers of glass, there is less refraction of light to distort the images; however, there may be a slight increase in audio noise from the plasma.
• Pioneer uses a Deep Encased Cell Structure so each cell contains more phosphor creating a more efficient, brighter picture.

PureDrive II

• Advanced Continuous Emission IV detects the type of content shown on the screen and dynamically adjusts the grayscale to create optimum viewing qualities creating great detail within black areas.
• To ensure a faithful and accurate presentation of film content, Pioneer created Advanced PureCinema(TM) II also known as 3:3 pulldown.
• In addition to the enhanced image quality, the new plasmas have numerous features, including:
• TV Guide(TM) On Screen(R) interactive electronic program guide, giving the viewer an opportunity to surf through up to eight days of programming.
• Dual NTSC/Single ATSC/Digital Cable Ready (DCR) with CableCARD(TM) slot. A CableCARD device can be obtained from the local cable provider to use in place of a standard cable set-top box.
• Multiple HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminals allow for direct digital connection of video and audio signals using a single cable, offering viewers full-digital images and sound without signal degradation.
• SRS TruSurround(R) features three surround modes to deliver true-to-life reproduction of sound. The system includes detachable speakers and a subwoofer output for enhanced audio quality.
• Multi-Screen makes full use of the large screen to display images in 50/50 split screen or P-in-P.
• A slimmer bezel allows the excellent picture quality to really stand out while the frame fades into the background.

Pioneer introduced the world's first high definition plasma television in 1997. Continual research and development enable the company to offer innovative technologies that enhance the viewing experience, add features for ease-of-use and reduce power consumption.

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 Pioneer PDP-5060HD and PDP-4360HD will be available in September for an estimated market price of $6,000 and $4,500 respectively.

About Pioneer
Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is a leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, 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(TM). 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 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, computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM) and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) employs more than 39,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.