News Release：Pioneer Introduces the "DV-S9" DVD-Video Player

DV-S9

TOKYO, Japan, November 10, 1997 ----- Pioneer announced its
introduction of the "DV-S9" DVD-Video player (price: ¥190,000 / launch schedule: mid Dec.1997 / production: 1,000pcs per month), positioned to be the flagship model of its consumer use DVD-Video product line-up, to the Japanese domestic market.

< Planning Concept >

After a year has passed since DVD was introduced to the Japanese market, the number of DVD software titles have been increasing at a high pitch with predictions of approximately 500 titles by the end of 1997. Not only the software market, but also the DVD market as a whole is growing day by day.

In November 1996, Pioneer introduced five consumer use DVD players, 3 DVD-Video players and 2 DVD Karaoke players, which is the largest line-up found in the industry. With the use of State-of-the-Art technologies and user-friendly features in its products, Pioneer has made its way to be the top share brand in the industry.

Pioneer has developed the DV-S9 DVD-Video player to answer the needs of the main DVD buyer, the so-called "Enthusiastic User", who expect on a much higher performance model.

The DV-S9 applies all the Optical Disc and Audio-Video technology Pioneer has fostered over years. Newly developed LSIs are adopted to devotedly reproduce picture with full fidelity. For audio sound features, the technologies developed for high-end CD players are incorporated to achieve hi-quality sound. All, which make the DV-S9 a true flagship, model in Pioneer's DVD-Video line-up.

< Main Features >

1 ) Four Newly Developed LSI Chips to Reproduce Hi-quality Picture and Audio

• Viter-bi RF Decoder
  The data processing LSI contains Pioneer's original error correction system to improve correcting ability up to a maximum 1/1000 data error level, by using statically analyzed parameters through RF (Radio Frequency) data reading.
• AV1 Chip MPEG Decoder
  The AV1 Chip MPEG Decoder combines the MPEG2 decoder and audio decoder into a single chip resulting to reproduction of a hi-quality picture and audio with no interference to analog signals.
• Component Frame DNR IC
  The Component Frame DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) IC provides a drastic reduction of video noise, and a cleaner more articulated on-screen image.
• 10bit Accurate NTSC Encoder and 10bit Video DAC IC
  The NTSC Encoder and Video DAC (digital to analog converter) IC will provide a consistent D/A conversion process of 10bit video data into equivalent analog signals to result in a high picture quality. The adoption of a 10bit type has made even more precise calculation compared to a conventional 9bit type.

2 ) Parameter Control Technologies for Clarity and High Quality Images

• Component Frame DNR
  It is essentially the same as a 3-dimensional frame correlative DNR, featuring a frame memory to store the data for a frame previous to the current one. The DNR compares the previous frame in memory to the current frame, point for matched point, to detect noise. If the difference between the matched points in the compared frames is less than a reference value, it represents noise. The difference signal is then subtracted from the current frame, while it's also output to and stored in the frame memory for noise detection in the next frame. If, on the other hand, the difference between two compared points is greater than the reference level, the DNR assumes that the image is moving and the difference signal is simply output to the current frame. With the DV-S9, Luminance (Y), Chroma blue (Cb), and Chroma red (Cr) components of a video signal undergo the process of noise reduction individually.
• Y/C(Chroma) Timing Adjuster
  The DV-S9 features the Y/C Timing Adjuster to compensate for the difference of phase between luminance and chroma signals recorded on a disc.
• Sharpness Control
  The circuit enhances the level of a low-level signal the DNR identifies as a visual signal, and adds sharpness and detail to the picture (both vertical and horizontal resolution can be adjusted individually in 9 levels).
• D-Extension Control
  The circuit makes black still blacker. By extending down the signal toward the black level, it adds depth to images and also improves contrast.
• Noise Reduction
  Special noises that get emphasized when motion picture software is digitally edited will be reduced.

Chrominance Level Control
Fine Chrominance level adjustment can be made in 9 levels.

3 ) Hi-Accuracy 10-bit/27MHz Processor and D/A Converter for reproduction of a "REAL" picture.

4 ) 96kHz/24-Multi-bit Audio D/A Converter

DVD employs linear PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) with three types of quantization bit rates (16-/20-/24-bit) and two types of sampling rates (48/96kHz) for recording. The DV-S9 features 96kHz/24-Multi-bit DAC wide-band technology, superb 24-bit resolution, and sampling at a rate of up to 96kHz. Multi-bit DAC does not generate requantization noise, so it exhibits superior hi-response and perfectly reproduces the original sound quality of all 96kHz/24-bit discs.

5 ) Hi-bit Legato Link Conversion S

The CD and DVD recording process cuts off signals bellow 16 and 20-bits, increasing quantization noise and creating a jagged waveform, so that the reproduced sound is different from the original. The built in a Hi-Bit Legato Link Conversion S processor will restore the lost signals by expanding the original waveform up to the 24-bit level using DVD/CD data. This expands dynamic range up to an audible 140dB, smoothening waveforms to restore fidelity to the original sound, in all of its naturalism and subtlety.

6 ) Full-Featured Special Effect DVD Play & Heads-Up GUI Remote with One-Touch Jog/Shuttle Control

The 8MB memory (DRAM) offers a variety of frame advance/reverse and slow motion play in forward and reverse directions. Combined with the Heads-Up Remote Control, jog/shuttle control and the GUI-based operating environment, special effects playback brings about exceptional versatility and comfort to DVD operation.

7 ) DAC Mode Feature

The DV-S9 can be used as a D/A converter when digital connection is made with other digital sources (DAT, CD, etc.). With the built-in Hi-bit Legato Link Version S, 96kHz/24-bit Multi-bit DAC section, and solid body construction (3-Box 4 Chamber), a Hi-quality audio sound can be realized from an outside digital source.

8 ) Hi-quality Audio Double-Power Transformer

Separation of the main power transformer from the analog audio transformer minimizes digital noise to allow a stable power source.

9 ) 3-Box 4 Chamber Shield Construction

Individual construction of 3 signal blocks (main circuit, audio circuit, power supply) with full shielding prevents the mutual signal interference and reinforces solidity of construction.

10 ) "Quadraplex Chassis" & "Full-Aluminum Body and Top-Panel" Body Structure

Three additional 1.6mm thick steel plates are applied in the chassis; to form a 4-layered construction added to a plate formally used in the bottom part of the player. Also, a tough and low electrified aluminum steel material has been adopted in the cabinet to surely minimize the vibration generated from inner and outer causes.

11 ) Double Air-Lock Shield Door

By adopting a double-door system to cover the disc-tray part, mechanical noises can be completely concealed within the player, to promise a pleasant quietness during playback.

< Main Specifications >

* Component Video Output Terminal;
Individual Y, Cb, and Cr output terminals for direct connection to video projectors.