New Pioneer Blu-ray Home Cinema Systems Coming in Europe
Pioneer Europe will introduce a range of nine new Blu-ray home cinema systems in June 2012.
Pioneers new Blu-ray Disc systems are based around a main system unit, combined with various speaker options. Two systems in the line-up are equipped with unique "sound wing" HVT (Horizontal-Vertical Transforming) technology speakers that create a wide listening area, while their slim design allows flexible layout.
All nine models are capable of playing back Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, CDs and SACDs and offer compatibility with the most widespread formats, including DivX Plus HD, FLV, MKV and FLAC files from both disc and USB. Users will also be able to stream YouTube videos and digital photos stored on Picasa directly from their internet-connected Blu-ray system to their HDTV without any additional devices.
The main differentiating points between the systems are iPod and iPhone connectivity (using a cradle) and WiFi: both features are found on the "advanced" line, while not on the "regular" models. All offerings feature high power output, up to 1100 W in a 5.1 configuration and 550 W in a 2.1 set-up. Each system is Bluetooth ready and supports DLNA connectivity . Two HDMI inputs, a microphone input for karaoke singing, a mini-jack audio connector for portable music players and USB connector with CD ripping function complete the connectivity.
To reinforce the impact of 3D movies, Pioneer developed Virtual 3D Sound, a technology which creates a virtual sound field behind the screen. Downloads, recordings or user-generated content can all be enjoyed in hioghsound quality thanks to the Advanced Sound Retriever function which enhances compressed music formats and restores these files to their original quality. The Net Contents Mode improves compressed video files by reducing compression noise and establishing more detailed, finer images. This technology is especially helpful with low bit-rate video sources originally intended for viewing on small screens such as smartphones.
Here are the new "advanced" models:
BCS-HW929 - 2.1 channel with bar-style Sound Wing speaker and a slim subwoofer. At just 25,5 mm thick and 900 x 66 x 93 mm large, this bar-style Sound Wing speaker is a match for any flat screen TV. It integrates two 57 x 30 mm double sided drivers with HVT technology and two soft dome tweeters, one set pointing forwards and one set backwards, at either side of the wing. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-HF828 - 2.1 channel with 2 satellite Sound Wing speakers and a slim subwoofer. The discrete satellite speakers are only 37 mm thick. With total dimensions of 207 x 91 x 37 mm (foot not included), they will easily blend into the interior. The system is equipped with 57 x 30 mm double sided drivers with HVT technology and a soft dome tweeter on both sides. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-727 - 5.1 channel with 4 tall speakers, a centre speaker and a slim subwoofer. Including four tall speakers, this system is perfect for those wishing to make home cinema core to their living space. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-323 - 5.1 channel with 4 compact satellite speakers, a centre speaker and slim subwoofer. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-SB626 - 2.1 channel with a sound bar speaker and a slim subwoofer. This 2 channel sound bar speaker with metal punched grill will fit nicely underneath virtually any flat screen TV. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-FS525 - 2.1 channel with 2 slim speakers and a slim subwoofer. This systems powerful yet slim front speakers feature a metal punched grill and can be set either vertically or horizontally. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
"Regular" models:
BCS-424 - 5.1 channel with 4 tall speakers, centre speaker and a large subwoofer. It has four black tallboy speakers. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-222 - 5.1 channel with 4 compact satellite speakers, centre speaker and a large subwoofer. This systems compact satellite speakers are small enough to be mounted in the living room. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-FS121 - 2.1 channel with 2 compact satellite speakers and a large subwoofer. This system combines power and value for the entry level home cinema user. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
The BCS-424, BCS-222 and BCS-FS121 Blu-ray home cinema systems will be available from June 2012 onwards. The BCS-HW929, BCS-HF828, BCS-727, BCS-323, BCS-SB626 and BCS-FS525 will be available in July 2012.
All nine models are capable of playing back Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, CDs and SACDs and offer compatibility with the most widespread formats, including DivX Plus HD, FLV, MKV and FLAC files from both disc and USB. Users will also be able to stream YouTube videos and digital photos stored on Picasa directly from their internet-connected Blu-ray system to their HDTV without any additional devices.
The main differentiating points between the systems are iPod and iPhone connectivity (using a cradle) and WiFi: both features are found on the "advanced" line, while not on the "regular" models. All offerings feature high power output, up to 1100 W in a 5.1 configuration and 550 W in a 2.1 set-up. Each system is Bluetooth ready and supports DLNA connectivity . Two HDMI inputs, a microphone input for karaoke singing, a mini-jack audio connector for portable music players and USB connector with CD ripping function complete the connectivity.
To reinforce the impact of 3D movies, Pioneer developed Virtual 3D Sound, a technology which creates a virtual sound field behind the screen. Downloads, recordings or user-generated content can all be enjoyed in hioghsound quality thanks to the Advanced Sound Retriever function which enhances compressed music formats and restores these files to their original quality. The Net Contents Mode improves compressed video files by reducing compression noise and establishing more detailed, finer images. This technology is especially helpful with low bit-rate video sources originally intended for viewing on small screens such as smartphones.
Here are the new "advanced" models:
BCS-HW929 - 2.1 channel with bar-style Sound Wing speaker and a slim subwoofer. At just 25,5 mm thick and 900 x 66 x 93 mm large, this bar-style Sound Wing speaker is a match for any flat screen TV. It integrates two 57 x 30 mm double sided drivers with HVT technology and two soft dome tweeters, one set pointing forwards and one set backwards, at either side of the wing. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-HF828 - 2.1 channel with 2 satellite Sound Wing speakers and a slim subwoofer. The discrete satellite speakers are only 37 mm thick. With total dimensions of 207 x 91 x 37 mm (foot not included), they will easily blend into the interior. The system is equipped with 57 x 30 mm double sided drivers with HVT technology and a soft dome tweeter on both sides. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-727 - 5.1 channel with 4 tall speakers, a centre speaker and a slim subwoofer. Including four tall speakers, this system is perfect for those wishing to make home cinema core to their living space. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-323 - 5.1 channel with 4 compact satellite speakers, a centre speaker and slim subwoofer. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-SB626 - 2.1 channel with a sound bar speaker and a slim subwoofer. This 2 channel sound bar speaker with metal punched grill will fit nicely underneath virtually any flat screen TV. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-FS525 - 2.1 channel with 2 slim speakers and a slim subwoofer. This systems powerful yet slim front speakers feature a metal punched grill and can be set either vertically or horizontally. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
"Regular" models:
BCS-424 - 5.1 channel with 4 tall speakers, centre speaker and a large subwoofer. It has four black tallboy speakers. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-222 - 5.1 channel with 4 compact satellite speakers, centre speaker and a large subwoofer. This systems compact satellite speakers are small enough to be mounted in the living room. Combined performance is 150 W x 4 + centre 250 W + subwoofer 250 W.
BCS-FS121 - 2.1 channel with 2 compact satellite speakers and a large subwoofer. This system combines power and value for the entry level home cinema user. Combined performance is 150 W x 2 + subwoofer 250 W.
The BCS-424, BCS-222 and BCS-FS121 Blu-ray home cinema systems will be available from June 2012 onwards. The BCS-HW929, BCS-HF828, BCS-727, BCS-323, BCS-SB626 and BCS-FS525 will be available in July 2012.
