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Pioneer Unveils New Line Of Bd-Live Blu-Ray Disc Players (2/7/2009)

Pioneer is proud to introduce three new BD-Live Blu-ray Disc players that will provide ultimate interactive entertainment to the most discerning movie lovers. The high-end BDP-LX52, the mid-range BDP-320 and the entry-level BDP-120 offer a cinematic-quality performance and premium user experience. Integrating advanced features, the new players ensure the highest quality playback of Blu-ray discs, DVDs and CDs.

The higher class models, BDP-320 and BDP-LX52, support a KURO LINK Video Adjust System, which automatically adjusts the preset settings of the player depending on the type of Pioneer display connected. For other displays the user can simply select the type of display connected from a list to benefit from the presets defined by Pioneer’s display and video experts. Another key feature is Pioneer’s Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS), which aims to remove jitter when connected to a PQLS-compatible AV receiver. Both players provide a jitterless transmission of uncompressed LPCM audio over HDMI, resulting in strikingly clear sound. With a solid front aluminium panel, ice blue illumination and an aluminium pre-set remote control, the BDP-LX52 represents the best in both form and function.

The entry-level BDP-120 supports BD-Live and is equipped with a USB-port for connecting external devices and ships with a two gigabyte flash drive. The model supports playback of 1080p high-definition video as well as advanced audio standards Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio Essential. With its Quick Start function the BDP-120 is able to switch from standby mode to an active state in just 0.8 seconds.

BD-live for true interactive entertainment Depending on the film studio's offering, BD-Live combines content on Blu-ray discs with downloadable content from the internet and online connectivity with other movie fans, giving home audiences the opportunity to download images and bonus trailers, join in live chat sessions, participate in online gaming and much more. An integrated USB port in all three players allows connection to flash drives, whereas the top two models can also be connected to hard drives for additional BD-Live storage. To deliver on the promise of BD-Live right out of the box, the BDP-120 comes with a two gigabyte (GB) flash drive for its USB port, while the BDP-320 and BDP-LX52 both feature internal memory. BDP-320 and BDP-LX52 owners will be able to upgrade their player with the latest firmware updates directly via the Internet.

Cinematic picture quality With their ability to handle 1080p 24 frames per second (fps) reproduction rate, the new models guarantee a lifelike cinematic experience when viewed on a compatible display. Taking advantage of HDMI connectivity, they provide pure, natural images to deliver the full emotional impact of Blu-ray disc films as the director intended.

By improving subtle colour gradations, 36-bit Deep Colour support for the BDP 120, and 48-bit Deep Colour support for the BDP-320 and BDP-LX52 result in lively colours and smooth transitions between different gradation steps on 48-bit/36-bit capable displays. Both higher class models come with a Video Adjust mode that allows users to tweak 13 video adjustments to create a finely tuned image. Among those 13 the Triple HD Noise Reduction offers three modification options to upgrade the image quality by removing various artifacts that may have been induced during the digitization of the video images.

Studio-quality sound at home

In addition to exceptional picture quality, consumers will benefit from the highest quality audio. Vibrant colours and refined picture reproduction are reinforced by true-to-the-original digital audio formats DTS HD Master Audio Essential and Dolby TrueHD. All models can either output these audio formats native bitstream or decode them internally and output as uncompressed multi-channel LPCM via HDMI. The use of professional-grade digital audio decoders (DACs) in the BDP-320 and BDP-LX52 has also contributed to great improvements in audio quality. Pioneer’s Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) offers jitterless transmission of uncompressed LPCM audio over HDMI to compatible Pioneer AV receivers. The BDP-320 is able to utilise the PQLS technology for jitterless sound processing for 2-channel LPCM sound sources such as an audio CD. The BDP-LX52 features the world’s first multi-channel PQLS, operating between the Blu-ray Disc player and a multi-channel PQLS-equipped Pioneer receiver by synchronising both components’ digital clocks for optimal audio playback.

Optimum integration

In addition to regular KURO LINK (featured on all models), which allows users to easily control Pioneer devices connected via HDMI to a KURO flat screen TV with the KURO remote, the BDP-LX52 and BDP 320 will optimise video reproduction to match the type of flat screen TV connected, thereby compensating for the weaker points common for that particular display type. Moreover, both models feature an attractive-looking Graphical User Interface (GUI) with HD graphics that will undoubtedly enhance user pleasure even further.

www.pioneer.co.uk