Pioneer Unveils Special Edition Digital Turntables for DJs

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Pioneer Electronics has announced a new special edition digital turntable and mixer in a special black color. The CDJ-400-K and the DJM-400-K are now available in a limited edition black color. The limited edition version comes with a special badge and has the digital turntable and 400-K 2-channel mixer in a sleeker appearance.

The products are all black with blue trim and blue LEDs for accent lighting. The CDJ-400-K has USB integration, MP3 playback, MIDI support, scratching capability, scratch job effect and a variety of loop functions. The DJM-400-K has high quality sound reproduction. Read more

Posted on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer BDR-205 Blu-ray Drive for PCs Unveiled

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The first Blu-ray burner for desktop computers that I got my hands on a few years back was well over $1000. Today you can buy a computer with a Blu-ray player for about the same amount. Pioneer has unveiled a new Blu-ray burner for desktop computers called the BDR-205.

The drive is a 5.25-inch desktop drive made to go inside a computer. The cool part about the new drive is that it is the first Blu-ray writer to hit 12x speeds. If you have ever burned a full Blu-ray disc of data, you know how long it takes to write 50Gb of data. Read more

Posted on Thu, 1 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer offers iPhone App for in-dash Navigation Systems

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Pioneer Electronics has introduced a new iPhone app that allows users of its AVIC-U310BT and AVIC-Z110BT in-dash navigation systems to set up a link between the navigation devices and their iPhone. The app allows the user to search for routes and select points of interest via their iPhone.

Once selected on the iPhone a Bluetooth connection can be launched allowing the saved data to be carried over automatically to the navigation device from the iPhone. The iPhone can be used for other things like calls or games when the data is moved from the phone to the nav device. Read more

Posted on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer Debuts CDJ Digital Turntables for DJs

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Whether you are a DJ or just want to be a DJ, you need some gear to lay down your beats. Pioneer makes a full line of DJ gear and has announced its latest DJ products called the CDJ-2000 and the CDJ-900. Both products feature technology like rekordbox music management, Pro DJ Link, Needle Search, and USB and SD card connectivity.

The products are compatible with MP3, AAC, WAV, and AIFF audio fills from CDs and USB drives with CDJ0-2000 adding the SD capability. The rekordbox software built into the turntables allows users to analyze the beats per minute and visualize waveform data. Read more

Posted on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer Offers Tiny External Optical Drive

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Pioneer has announced a new external DVD/CD burner called the DVR-XD09 that is one of the smallest external optical drives around. The drive weighs a mere 8 ounces and has an overall size only slightly larger than a CD case. The drive connects to the Pc via USB.

Pioneer is aiming the tiny optical drive at the users of netbooks, which typically lack an optical drive. The big downside to most external solutions is that they are very large but the XD09 gets around that easily. The drive is able to write to multiple formats of CDs and DVDs. Read more

Posted on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer Unveils Two More In-dash Nav Devices

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If the Pioneer in-dash nav device I talked about before was too rich for your blood, Pioneer has also announced a pair of slightly lower cost devices. The AVIC-X710BT and X910BT both offer many of the same features with turn-by-turn driving directions, audio, and video capability.

Maps for both units are provided by Tele Atlas and cover the US, Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii. Maps can be viewed in 2D and 3D modes. Highway signs are represented on the screen for easy navigation and the maps include 3D icons for major hotels and other stops. Read more

Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer Unveils In-Dash Car Navigation Device

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Pioneer Electronics is a big name in car and home theater products. The company had announced its latest in-car navigation device called the AVIC-Z110BT. The top-of-the-line in-dash navigation system allows simulations map and route guidance.

The unit allows users to control and iPod or iPhone and a Bluetooth enabled cell phone at the same time. Traffic, weather, and local information are provided via MSN Direct tuner integration. The large 7-inch touchscreen is motorized and has CD and DVD playback capability. Read more

Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:40:47 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer Blu-ray Players Available at Retail Outlets

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Pioneer has announced that its three new Blu-ray players are now available at retail outlets around the country. The three new Blu-ray players include the Elite BDP-23FD, BDP-120, and the BDP-320 models. All of the players are fitted with advanced video processing to deliver vibrant colors, detailed pictures and high resolution surround sound.

The 23FD was designed to meet the needs of custom home theater installers and has integrated functions for control and technology in the home theater. The player has KURO Link Picture Mode and a precision quartz lock system for jittery free playback when used with the new line of Pioneer receivers and Kuro TVs. The 23FD sells for $599. Read more

Posted on Fri, 5 Jun 2009 10:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer Announces iPhone and iPod touch A/V Receivers

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Pioneer Electronics has announced a new line of A/V receivers that are compatible with the iPhone and the iPod touch. The new receivers include the VSX-810AH, VSX-919AH, and the VSX-1019AH receivers. The three receivers are all certified for the Works with iPhone and Made for iPod programs.

The receivers allow the user to plug their iPhone or iPod in and use the full color GUI complete with album art and a central remote control to navigate through play lists on the iPhone or the touch. The receivers automatically mute the music when a call comes in over the iPhone. Read more

Posted on Wed, 27 May 2009 11:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer BDR-2203 Blu-ray Writer Offers DL Burning

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Pioneer has announced a new 5.25-inch Blu-ray drive for desktop computers called the BDR-2203. The internal Blu-ray writer offers 8x write speed for dual-layer BD-R Blu-ray media and the drive includes software to allow for creative and professional needs.

Pioneer says that the writer can write a full 25GB Blu-ray disc on about 15 minutes and a dual-layer 50GB disc takes 30 minutes. The internal writer is set to ship in April for $249.99. Read more

Posted on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer quitting TV Business in 2010 and cuts 10,000 Employees

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The recent rumor that Pioneer would stop making TVs turned out to be true. Pioneer will exit the TV business by March 2010. To battle the losses Pioneer also announced plans to cut 10,000 employees, which amounts to about 16% of its workforce.

That is the end of the exceptional Pioneer Plasma HDTVs. Read more

Posted on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 03:00:40 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Pioneer rumored to exit TV Business

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If this rumor is true than an icon in the TV segment is vanishing. According to Reuters Pioneer mulls exiting the TV business. Pioneer is looking at a projected loss of $848.6 million for the year ending March 31st. Their highly regarded Plasma HDTVs are a loss maker for Pioneer these days.

Pioneer has a high brand value for TVs. The quality of their KURO line of Plasma HDTVs is amazing. It would be very sad to lose them. On the other hand Pioneer has to go with the times. If other TV makers can create affordable LCD TVs with image quality closing in on Pioneer KURO Plasma HDTVs than Pioneer needs to innovate or indeed die. Read more

Posted on Sat, 7 Feb 2009 12:20:23 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Pioneer's new Pro DJ Display Says Touch Me

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When I was a kid, I thought all of the record scratching that the rappers did on MTV was pretty cool. I even tried it a bit on my dad's old turntable and managed to do nothing but scratch up dads Earth, Wind, & Fire album while simultaneously being grounded.

Pioneer has announced a new display for its pro DJ gear that allows DJs, or those who want to be DJs to get their hands on the gear. The display is called the Pro DJ Retail Experience and it has the full line of Pioneer Pro DJ products inside from mixers to CD and turntables. Read more

Posted on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer BDP-120, BDP-320 and Elite BDP-23F Blu-ray Player debut at CES 2009

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Pioneer Electronics today unveils three new Blu-ray players at the CES 2009. The BD-Live supporting Blu-ray Disc players are aimed at entertainment junkies who seek cinematic-quality performance along with a premium and unique user experience.

The two Pioneer BDP-120 and BDP-320 models and the Elite BDP-23FD are outfitted with expandable or built-in memory to deliver on the promise of BD-Live right out of the box.

Pioneer’s players combine supreme features, sophisticated internal construction with a rigid chassis design ensuring the highest quality playback of Blu-ray Disc, DVD and CD entertainment. With RS-232, the Elite BDP-23FD offers seamless home automation design that simplifies custom installation projects. Read more

Posted on Thu, 8 Jan 2009 15:00:00 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-111FD Review

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Our review partner Digital Trends tested the Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-111FD 50 inch Plasma. This high-end Plasma gained the Digital Trends Editor's Choice Award with quote: "There’s no question that the Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro-111FD is a new benchmark for plasma HDTVs—picture quality is that good."

Quote from the full review: "We get bleary-eyed checking out all the new HDTVs. Bigger, better and cheaper are this year’s watchwords in a nutshell. And yet, if you walk into a decent retailer (i.e. Magnolia in your local Best Buy) and gaze over a wide expanse of higher-end flat panels, one series always stands out: Pioneer’s Kuro plasma HDTV line. Read more

Posted on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:00:00 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Pioneer transforms Black Friday into Kuro Friday

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Pioneer has great Plasma HDTVs with exceptional image quality like our Top 100 Gift Tip selection Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD. Pioneer's PR department went a bit overboard piggybacking on Black Friday with calling out KURO Friday.
Quote from the press-release: "With consumers planning to staycation and take more vacations at home this year, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is re-coining Black Friday, “KURO Friday” to celebrate the unsung heroes in Hollywood who help deliver amazing entertainment, rich with color and dynamic sound." Read more

Posted on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Pioneer KURO 60-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV is I4U Top 100 Gift Tip #87

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Home theater enthusiasts looking for a big picture and HD resolution have several ways they can go. You can opt for a LCD HDTV, plasma HDTV or a projector. The Projector route usually requires more space and bother than many are willing to go through leaving plasma and LCD HDTVs.

There are more LCD TVs on the market currently than there are plasma's making the LCD the more popular item. However many feel that you get better image quality from a plasma TV than you get from an LCD TV. I have found plasma's typically offer brighter picture, deeper blacks and just look better overall than LCD TVs in similar price ranges. Read more

Posted on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:50:25 CST | by Shane McGlaun

Microsoft and Pioneer Enter Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

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Microsoft and Pioneer Electronics announced today that they have entered into a patent cross-licensing agreement that will help develop both companies' product lines. The agreement covers a broad range of consumer products according to the firms.

Products covered include Pioneers auto navigation products and TVs along with Microsoft software products. It's easy to imagine that Pioneer will get some flavor of Windows for its GPS devices, Microsoft will get to build its new TV platform, and media center software into TVs. Read more

Posted on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:36:03 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Pioneer Elite X-Z9 Review

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Our review partner Digital Trends published a review of the Pioneer Elite X-Z9 all-in-one stereo system. The Pioneer Elite X-Z9 scored an Editors' Choice Award.

Quote from the review: "Pioneer has introduced a system that appeals to not only the distinguished ear of the audiophile, but to those that are willing to spend a little more for a lot more sound. Read more

Posted on Tue, 8 Jul 2008 17:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Pioneer Launches Pair of New DVD/CD Writers

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Pioneer announced a pair of new DVD/CD burners today that are both designed to be internal drives. The pair can write DVD-R/+R discs at up to 20x speed. The drives are the Pioneer DVR-116D and the Pioneer DVR-216D.

The new drives feature Optimal Write Speed technology to determine the best speed for the media inserted. Both drives will ship in July 2008. The drives are designed to be quiet and feature an anti dust internal mechanism. The difference between the two drives is that the 216D uses SATA interface and the 116D uses the PATA interface. Read more

Posted on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:49:33 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

New Pioneer PDP-5020FD and PDP-6020FD Plasma HDTVs

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Pioneer announced a new line of KURO Plasma TVs featuring black levels five times deeper than the previous award-winning KURO.

The philosophy behind Pioneer’s Project KURO and the driving force is to achieve absolute, pure black. True, deep black creates a picture unlike any other that possesses finer detail, greater contrast, and more importantly, the ability to produce deeper colors not achievable before. This year, Pioneer pushes ever closer to their goal of absolute black by further reducing the idle luminance and improving black levels five times over the previous 2007 KURO models. This has enabled Pioneer to accurately reproduce deeper colors within the high-definition color spectrum and outdistance other display manufacturers. Read more

Posted on Wed, 7 May 2008 17:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr