Pioneer Announces New Blu-ray Players

[HD Man]

I have been following this site for awhile and just saw this release.

NEW YORK - (May 7, 2008) - Elevating the high definition experience in home theaters, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announces the Elite® BDP-05FD and Pioneer® BDP-51FD BonusView Blu-ray Disc® players that exceed the capabilities of current players in the market with support of next generation high resolution audio and video formats that fulfill the emotional experience of high end entertainment. Featuring picture-in-picture interactivity and a redesigned platform that significantly improves overall performance, the new players work in tandem with Pioneer's KURO displays and A/V receivers to provide film enthusiasts the most true-to-life reproduction of HD feature films.

"Our new Blu-ray Disc players continue to demonstrate Pioneer's unwavering commitment to delivering an immersive seeing and hearing experience for those who want the absolute best in form and function," said Chris Walker, senior manager of marketing and product planning for Blu-ray Disc at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "In offering a full line of players, we are solidifying Pioneer's reputation as a brand that is continually meeting the needs of consumers who are designing or upgrading their home theaters."

Cinematic Picture Quality
Taking advantage of HDMI® 1.3a technology, Pioneer brings film aficionados to the frontier of next generation entertainment with the most cutting edge video processing available. Both players support 12-bit video digital-to-analog converter (DAC) providing exceptional analog video performance. 12-Bit Deep Color is implemented on both models to deliver an unprecedented range of hues and shades resulting in pristine, realistic imagery that was not possible with previous generations. For early technology adopters, both players are a great investment that will continually meet the advancements of HD home entertainment technology.

With Pioneer's 1080p / True 24 frames per second (fps) video output, the two models offer smooth performance of film based Blu-ray Disc movies that greatly reduce image judder. By preserving the feature film scene cadence in which Blu-ray Disc titles are authored and feature films are captured, viewers gain a natural, high quality movie viewing experience just as they would in the theater.

Pioneer has continued to enhance high performance DVD playback in the new players with the inclusion of the proprietary and advanced PureCinema Deinterlacer, which essentially eliminates lines that can negatively affect the viewing experience. DVDs can be scaled to a 1080p resolution for improved picture quality and compatibility with HDTVs.

Dynamic Audio Enhances Emotional Experience
Pioneer recognizes the vital importance that sound plays in creating an emotional home entertainment experience and for film aficionados who want to gain the full impact of high resolution movie soundtracks.

The two new players are the industry's first to support all advanced audio formats, with the ability to decode Dolby® TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus, DTS® HD* and DTS HD Master* high resolution audio formats, which also enables advanced connectivity that makes compatibility a minimal concern. Consumers will hear the subtle nuances and deep bass in their favorite films to bring an unprecedented listening experience that transcends what was previously thought possible in home theater.

Typically utilized by high end audio manufacturers and professional audio equipment, Pioneer selected the professional quality Wolfson Digital Audio Converters (DACs) in the new players to ensure the highest level audio performance that sound engineers intended audiences to experience.

Robust Build Quality
Pioneer's two BonusView Blu-ray Disc players feature a supreme build construction and attention to detail to ensure unrivaled content performance. The BDP-05FD and BDP-51FD define premium performance with high quality parts, a center loading tray which helps reduce vibration as well as dedicated audio and video boards for smooth operation and uninterrupted playback of discs.

The Elite BDP-05FD features gold-plated connection ports, capacitance touch key buttons and an aluminum front panel that will have audiophiles and videophiles eager to use and display within their high end home theater décor.

Pioneer Home Theater Synergy
Performing in concert with KURO displays and the upcoming Elite A/V receivers (SC-05 or SC-07), the new Blu-ray Disc players complete the home entertainment experience, allowing consumers to immerse themselves in stunning HD content.

Pioneer engineers developed unique performance settings in both players to ensure subtle details, vivid colors and deep shadows are accurately reproduced when shown on KURO displays. When selecting the "Pioneer PDP" in the video adjust mode, the new players will output the appropriate signal to a connected KURO and deliver the best possible image possible for viewers.

In line with the premium movie experience its products provide, Pioneer sought to create jitter-free playback and dynamic sound quality for music CDs. When connected to a new Elite receiver (SC-05 or SC-07) via HDMI, the BDP-05FD enhances CD playback with the proprietary Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS). This advanced feature synchronizes music data coming from the Blu-ray Disc player to the receiver giving music fanatics a revolutionary high resolution listening experience far exceeding traditional methods.

Consumer Convenience
Due to the exclusive chip set design and build quality Pioneer is now utilizing, significant strides in speed performance have been made with the new players to now rival the rapid playback rate consumers have come to experience when using their DVD players. This platform greatly improves disc load, power on, power off and disc eject times.

With a continued focus on unifying the appearance and enhancing the operation of its home theater products, Pioneer has integrated the same graphic user interface found on its KURO displays and new Elite receivers. Through the player, users can customize their viewing experience via the A/V Selection menu, which provides a series of image modifications (LCD, PDP, Pioneer PDP, projector and professional) to optimize the picture displayed on a connected HDTV. Pioneer takes image quality a step further with the exclusive Picture Control Suite, which is comprised of an additional 13 video adjustments that allow viewers to fine tune small picture details of a film and deliver an experience that best suits a user's viewing preferences.

The Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD and BDP-51FD BonusView Blu-ray Disc players will begin shipping this summer for suggested prices of $799 and $599, respectively.

*DTS HD and DTS HD Master Internal Decoding requires future firmware upgrade
http://gizmodo.com/387893/pioneer-co...ming-this-fall

[Mr. Cinema]

Who would have thought a Pioneer BD player costing less than a Panasonic. That BDP-51FD looks very tempting at less than $600.

[Blu Titan]

Those players are sweet.

[HD Man]

Now we just need Sony to release their players. Sounds like the making of a little pricing competition this summer. I've been growing my BR collection while waiting to choose a player.

I was set on the BD-50 until I saw the $700 price tag. Now both of these Pioneers look good. Not that excited about BD-Live, but just want the best video/audio performance. It will be interesting to see what deluxe Elite player Pioneer inteneds to launch later this year.

[kalkin84]

Originally Posted by HD Man

It will be interesting to see what deluxe Elite player Pioneer inteneds to launch later this year.

i will guess it will be competing with the Marantz and the Denon 3800. Solid build, better isolated, nicer components, etc. Maybe a nicer processor, but won't bet on it.

[SquidPuppet]

700 bones and you still need to update firmware to get lossless? WTF?

These should be ready to go right out of the box.

700 bucks aint gunna help adoption rates either.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by HD Man

The two new players are the industry's first to support all advanced audio formats

They are? Are they coming out before the DMP-BD50?

Typically utilized by high end audio manufacturers and professional audio equipment, Pioneer selected the professional quality Wolfson Digital Audio Converters (DACs) in the new players to ensure the highest level audio performance that sound engineers intended audiences to experience.

ZOINKS! Now THAT is impressive. If you think bitstreaming will beat this badboy, you gots another thing coming.

PCM and Wolfson DAC's for the win!

[Whytewash]

OVERPRICED!

this also falls with the new panasonic that was just announced. This is def NOT the way to speed up adoption thats for damn sure

[bkbluray]

Originally Posted by Whytewash

OVERPRICED!

this also falls with the new panasonic that was just announced. This is def NOT the way to speed up adoption thats for damn sure

+1 Especially not with the rising prices of food and gas. Gas just went up another $.13 a gallon to a record here to $3.65. Ugh. Although it would be much worse for people in California paying over $4 a gallon.

[DarkClown]

Originally Posted by bkbluray

+1 Especially not with the rising prices of food and gas. Gas just went up another $.13 a gallon to a record here to $3.65. Ugh. Although it would be much worse for people in California paying over $4 a gallon.

Yep. I just paid $4.08 a gallon at Costco no less.

[GORT]

Originally Posted by Whytewash

OVERPRICED!

this also falls with the new panasonic that was just announced. This is def NOT the way to speed up adoption thats for damn sure

If you look really close it says SUGGESTED PRICE not actual price untill they hit the shelves in stores you wont know the ACTUAL PRICE will you

[bootman]

Originally Posted by FEP3108

If you look really close it says SUGGESTED PRICE not actual price untill they hit the shelves in stores you wont know the ACTUAL PRICE will you

Maybe he likes to pay full retail.

[Riff Magnum]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

They are? Are they coming out before the DMP-BD50?



ZOINKS! Now THAT is impressive. If you think bitstreaming will beat this badboy, you gots another thing coming.

PCM and Wolfson DAC's for the win!

Definitely a big plus, but are we sure both models contain the Wolfsons. The description darts around between the two models and it's kinda vague as to which one is being referenced.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by Riff Magnum

Definitely a big plus, but are we sure both models contain the Wolfsons. The description darts around between the two models and it's kinda vague as to which one is being referenced.

In that particular section it mentions only the players as plural.

I imagine they'll be announcing a Pioneer Blu-ray player soon too, which will not have the Wolfson DAC's.

They're using Wolfson's in the $7,000 SC-09TX receiver, so it's quite a surprise to see them arrive in these Elite players.

However I agree with other posters that $700 for the entry-level Elite is still pretty high.

The DV-45a and 46a for SACD/DVD-A were $400/piece and in 2002 when the DV-45a came out it wasn't exactly a saturated market where universal hirez audio players were concerned.

Having said that, please note I said the price is high for the ENTRY Elite, but there may be another model coming along that's an ELITE with less pricy component so who knows.

You should certainly not expect to see an ELITE player for $200 with Blu-ray capabilities that's for sure.

ELITE is for a higher end crowd for audio and video performance, so no doubt these players will be pretty good.

After all:

ELITE 60" plasma - $6,999
ELITE DV-79AVi - $1,000
ELITE SC-09TX - $7,000

[HD Man]

Here is a comparison between the two. Pioneer_BD_2008_Chart.jpg

[JadedRaverLA]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

PCM and Wolfson DAC's for the win!

Totally agree on the Wolfson DACs -- those are fantastic. However, since the receiver you connect it to will most likely run the analog audio through an ADC in order to apply all soundfield adjustments, and then run it through another set of DACs, it kind of defeats the purpose, no?

Now, if you have a receiver with a TRUE direct mode that bypasses the redigitizing, then... HELL YES! I want this now.

[gvortex7]

Thank you Pioneer and thank you employee discounts. I finally found my next Blu-ray player: BDP-51FD and I'll probably be able to pick it up for $400-450. YESSSSS!

[bootman]

Originally Posted by gvortex7

Thank you Pioneer and thank you employee discounts. I finally found my next Blu-ray player: BDP-51FD and I'll probably be able to pick it up for $400-450. YESSSSS!

That unit should also make a really good source for CD playback.

[bootman]

Wait, these are not 2.0 players!
No ethernet!?!

Worst, no home media player!

[Yeha-Noha]

I'm definitely in the marketplace for a new BD player. My S301 served it's purpose but it is now obsolete being unable to decode DTS-HD MA.

The Pioneer BDP-51FD however is too pricey for $599 and needing a FW update brand new out of the box in order to decode DTS HD MA. That's outrageous!

The Panny DMP BD-50 is the better deal, and won't need a FW update for crying out loud. That's the one for me!