News Release：Pioneer Introduces Highly Advanced 4th Generation Plasma TVs

PDP-504HD

PDP-434HD

July 23, 2003, Tokyo, Japan - Pioneer Corporation has announced today that it will introduce two new "PureVision" high-definition Plasma TV models in Japan, the 43-inch PDP-434HD in the middle of August, and the 50-inch PDP-504HD in late September, with the suggested retail prices of 850,000 yen and 1,100,000 yen, respectively. Pioneer plans to produce 3,500 units a month for each model.

Because of its high-quality picture and slim profile (a definite advantage for interior-conscious consumers), the demand for plasma TV has begun to widespread as a technology to replace the conventional CRT (cathode-ray-tube) TV in the near future.
Since the release of the world's first high-definition (XGA) plasma TV, the PDP-501HD at the end of 1997, Pioneer has led the plasma TV market, both in Japan and overseas. The third generation models, the PDP-503HD and the PDP-433HD, which were released at the end of 2001, together with their subsequent advanced models, have garnered widespread consumer support due to their superb picture quality and power-saving design that Pioneer achieved through the application of many of its proprietary technologies.
Pioneer has incorporated its expertise and new technologies fully to develop the 4th generation models, and intends to take another lead in the rapidly expanding PDP market worldwide.

Main features(common for both models):

1 ) Newly developed "P.U.R.E.* Drive" circuit provides total digital image processing to reproduce high quality images.

(1) "Clear" images are achieved by removing noise completely.

• The total digital image processing restrains both the generation of noise and the signal degradation.
• The newly developed, high-precision cyclic "Digital Noise Reduction" (DNR) effectively reduces random noise.
• The industry's first "MPEG Noise Reduction" effectively reduces mosquito noise unique to MPEG images.

(2) "Vivid" and contrasty pictures are achieved.

• The "Dynamic HD Converter" converts the images' format into most suitable one for the high-definition panel.
• The "Natural Enhancer" function highlights picture outlines without causing any ill effects such as edges in disarray.
• The "Dynamic Range Expander" function reproduces contrasty, sharp pictures to be brighter in bright, darker in dark location.
• The "Color Management" function enables individual adjustments for six basic colors for user's preference.

(3) Adopts "Super CLEAR Drive Technology" developed by Pioneer.
More than 1.07 billion colors can be reproduced by a smooth, fine graduation of 1,024 steps per each color of RGB.

2 ) Newly developed "P.U.R.E* Panel" reproduces subtle color differences vividly

(1) Pioneer's original "Deep-Encased Cell Structure" panel uses new fluorescent materials and improved efficiency to achieve the industry's highest level of panel brightness (white peak)-1100 cd/m² for the 43-inch model and 1000 cd/m² for the 50-inch model.

(2) Reflectivity of external light is reduced and color reproduction was improved using the newly developed "Pure Color Filter II." Contrast when viewed in bright locations is improved 20 percent by the synergic effect of the increased panel brightness.

3 ) Environment-friendly design, with approximately 30% reduction of annual power consumption compared with Pioneer's former models

The two new models come with a host of elaborate energy-saving functions to reduce power consumption rates. Stand-by power consumption has come down to 0.6W. As a result, annual power consumption has been dramatically reduced - 385kW/h per year with PDP-504HD, 340kW/h per year with PDP-434HD, down 131kW/h and 149kW/h, respectively, when compared with former Pioneer models. The above annual power consumption is equivalent to or even smaller than that of LCD TVs on a comparable "per square inch" basis.

4 ) Functions that facilitate "fun" and "ease of use"

(1) The world's first "Advanced PureCinema" function reproduces the beauty and smooth motion of the original film-based media by sequentially converting images composed of 24 frames per second into 60 frames per second.

(2) The "Multi-Screen" function displays every image that can be input onto a dual, "PinP" screen.

(3) The "SRS WOS" function features three sound modes, and delivers enjoyable true-to-life reproduction of sounds.

(4) The "Home Gallery" function permits high-resolution display of images recorded in SD cards and reproduction of voice in AAC format.

(5) Two remote controllers are attached for the convenience of uses, the newly developed "Main Remote Controller" for a full function, and the "Simple Remote Controller" for a convenient basic function.

5 ) "Stylish" design

(1) "2-Way Attachment Mode Speakers" can be mounted on the sides or under the main display.

(2) The slim profile impression is enhanced by the new "layered" design.

(3) The media receiver is only 297 mm deep, and it can be placed either horizontally or vertically.

Peripherals released simultaneously

Pioneer will also release optional peripherals, including tabletop stand, wall-mountable unit, and 10m- and 30m-long cables.

Also announced were "PureVision Theater"-series home theater systems, as companion home theater systems of the "PureVision" Plasma TVs.
The "PureVision Theater 900" is a full package of DVD/CD/tuner head unit and six speaker systems. Available in mid September in Japan, its DVD 5.1-channel surround system features the NXT flat-panel technology developed by New Transducers Limited, for the front and rear speaker systems and center speaker.
The "PureVision Theater 501," available in late September, is comprised of AV amplifier, the VSA-C501-S, speaker system, the S-VSL3, and the powered subwoofer, the S-VW5.

Main Specification