Indianapolis – Pioneer is unveiling at CEDIA Expo 2011 three new
3D Blu-ray Disc players targeted at high-performance enthusiasts.
The new players include one model on the core Pioneer label —
the Pioneer BDP-140 available now for a $199 suggested retail — and two units
under the ultra-high-end Elite line: the BDP-52Fd ($399) and BDP-53FD ($499).
All deliver expanded new feature packages, wireless capability,
improved loading times and audio/video streaming from Pandora, YouTube and Netflix.
Additional features include high-definition audio and video
playback from both USB and DLNA sources.
“These new players let you access audio and video content from a
variety of online and other personal sources so you’re never restricted to just
your disc-based movie library,” said Chris Walker, Pioneer home entertainment A/V
marketing and product planning director.
All models feature HDMI v1.4a outputs and FullHD 1080p 2D and 3D
capability.
Additionally, all three models can up convert standard-definition
video sources to 1080p. Additionally,
36-Bit Deep Color support with compatible content and display features smooth
gradation steps with more accurate color precision and adds to overall
high-quality color reproduction.
Each model also supports the latest enhanced multichannel
surround-sound formats, including DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD and Super
Audio CD.
The Elite models offer a Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) bit
stream multichannel feature for jitter-free reproduction of Blu-ray Disc, DVD
and CD content. When paired with a compatible Pioneer A/V receiver, PQLS syncs
the audio signals between the components.
The Elite models also add a superior build quality and Pioneer’s Sound
Retriever Link and Stream Smoother Link features. These detect the bit rate of
both audio and video content and can send a command to a compatible Pioneer
receiver to activate the Sound Retriever or Stream Smoother feature.
The Sound Retriever feature enhances compressed audio files by
restoring critical data lost during the compression process, while Stream
Smoother enhances compressed video files to reduce compression noise and
establish more detailed, finer images, Pioneer said.
The Stream Smoother technology is said to be especially compelling
when used with low bit-rate video sources originally intended for viewing on
small screens such as smartphones.
The BDP-53FD provides an extra HDMI output, armored chassis construction
and further enhances video quality by integrating a Marvell Qdeo video
processor. Pioneer’s QDEO implementation
allows for greater picture quality adjustments and enhanced up-scaling of lower
bit-rate video content.
To control the home-theater system, Pioneer’s free iControlAV2
App turns various smartphones and tablets into fully functioning remote
controls 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. The feature is
available for iPads, iPhones, iPod Touches and select Android devices.
