Pioneer PDP-50MXE1 and PDP-43MXE1 Press Release
Stoke Poges, 18 March 2004 - Pioneer, a global leader in plasma display technology, today unveils its new 50-inch professional plasma display that will be followed by the launch of a new 43-inch display in the summer of 2004. Introducing Pioneer's unique PURE Drive digital image processing to the industrial sector, the PDP-50MXE1 and PDP-43MXE1 produce extremely clear, vibrant images with over a billion colours and are the brightest screens available in their category. The addition of open architecture video and ‘communications' expansion slots to the stylish yet functional display extends the flexibility of professional plasma applications.
“We retain two plasma R&D units for consumer and industrial sectors. This specialist focus is clear in our new displays that improve on virtually every critical performance factor for professional users. PURE Drive Digital technology, exclusive to Pioneer, provides improved image quality and the lowest power consumption levels in the industry. We have improved contrast and brightness performance by 10 percent over our previous screens. Image noise has been almost eradicated thanks to our digital signal processing and a range of technologies increase durability while lowering power consumption to class leading levels. With unparalleled connectivity options, Pioneer's fourth generation screens deliver exceptional performance with strong return on investment,” observes Jim Catcheside, Product Manager, Home Entertainment and Multimedia Division, Pioneer GB Limited.
New PDP panel
Pioneer has enhanced the unique ‘Deep Encased Cell' structure of its plasma cells. Complemented by its traditional focus on true-XGA resolution, the panels deliver highly accurate image reproduction. Improving the green phosphor to support better colour balance and superior greyscale performance has enhanced the performance of the new panels. The screens deliver class leading brightness levels of 1000cd/m2 for the PDP-50MXE1 and 1100cd/m2 for the PDP-43MXE1 and superior contrast of 1100:1 for the 50-inch panel and 1200:1 for the 43-inch panel.
PURE Drive – digital image processor
PURE Drive encompasses a range of technologies that deliver exemplary image reproduction by reducing noise, delivering sharp, vivid images and improving image rendering . Complementing the PURE Drive technologies is the new Pure Colour Filter II. This ensures minimal reflection, producing deeper blacks and true-to-life colours; achieved by reducing the unnecessary frequency components of red, green and blue signals to faithfully reproduce all the colours of the original image.
Expanding connectivity
Pioneer has further addressed the particular demands of professional users by developing its Expansion Solution (ES) concept. In addition to the standard 15 Pin D-sub and DVI-D connector the displays include two open architecture expansion slots. One slot is dedicated for signal input with two optional Pioneer expansion cards available to handle all of the major video signals. The second is a unique communications slot that includes an RS-232C expansion card as standard. With their open architecture, these slots enable interchangeable cards to be designed by third party developers to handle all current and future analogue, digital and communications signals. They also provide the flexibility for systems integrators to design plasma installations to customers' exact specifications.
Power consumption and display durability
Improvements in display performance have not resulted in an increase in power consumption. The displays achieve the lowest ratings in the industrial sector of 360W for the 50-inch and 288W for the 43-inch and also offer power reduction features. These include an automatic brightness facility that adjusts output depending on ambient light conditions and a very low power demand of 1W for the sleep mode.
Life cycle management is improved on the PDP-50MXE1 and PDP-43MXE1 with the introduction of a new range of screen management features. With professional display applications an ‘orbiter function' subtly moves the position of stationary images. Although this is not visible, it prevents the PDP from being overworked in one particular area of the screen to significantly extend the working life of the display. The brightness level of the screens ensures that the displays do not have to be driven at full power to match the output of competitor products. Four brightness modes can be selected either manually or using the automatic ambient light adjustment feature. If any problems arise with the displays in installation environments, the RS-232C connection can ensure that the screens communicate with a central computer system to check what is being shown, how the displays are operating and if any technical problems are developing. Engineers can solve technical glitches before these become apparent to viewers.
Additional features
In tune with the particular demands of professional users a range of additional features have been added to the new displays. Multi Picture Display mode has three variants allowing images to be shown side by side, ‘picture within picture' and ‘picture out picture'. Up to four displays can be connected together (2X2 mode). There are two settings, ‘Normal' and ‘Adjusted' mode. In ‘Normal Mode' static information can be displayed without losing text within the bezel areas. The second mode is designed to improve plasma wall displays. In a plasma wall, moving images can become distorted as the linked displays are unable to take into account the width of the bezels that surround each individual screen. ‘Adjusted Mode' overcomes this problem to deliver a smooth progression of the image across the display. All four screens can be managed as one unit. Installation has been improved through an updated and highly intuitive graphical user interface and the intelligent auto set up or auto adjust enable seamless PC set-up. A new remote control provides all of the key commands – including buttons for picture in picture modes and has been designed to be a robust and easy to use handset.
Availability
The PDP-50MXE1 will be available in Spring and the PDP-43MXE1 in early summer. The displays are available in silver and dark grey finishes and include carrying handles for easy installation. Full specification details can be found at the end of this document.
About Pioneer
Pioneer Corporation is one of the leading manufacturers of consumer and business electronics products such as audio, video and car electronics on a global scale. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol PIO), Euronext Amsterdam, Tokyo Stock Exchange, and Osaka Securities Exchange.