Create the Magic of Surround Sound Movies with New Wireless Speaker from Pioneer.

LAS VEGAS -- Create the magic of the movies at home with a wireless speaker from Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. that brings high-quality surround sound right into the living room. Despite the popularity of DVD players with their tremendous audio capabilities, there are still only 32 percent of American households that have a working surround sound system according to the Consumer Electronics Association. Consumer research conducted by Pioneer indicates that many people who have purchased a home theater system have not set up the rear speakers because they don't want to run wires to the back of a room. Pioneer's newly introduced XW-HT1 wireless speaker will enable almost anyone to set up a surround sound system with ease, either with an existing receiver and speakers or just with a TV.

"Often consumers don't want to run speaker wires across the room, but still would like to experience surround sound in their home. This new wireless speaker provides the theater experience consumers desire with simple set up," said Dave Bales, audio marketing manager for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "It's also a great accent for gaming systems to maximize the sound effects of today's hottest new video games."

There are three simple ways a consumer can use the XW-HT1 to add surround sound to the home. The wireless speaker can be used with a television and DVD player alone; with a gaming system; or with a DVD player, audio/video receiver and front speakers. No wires are run from the front to the back of the room, although a power outlet for the rear speaker is required.

How the Magic Works

A transmitter is located at the front of the room to process the surround sound information. A technology called Circle Surround II(TM) from SRS Inc. does the processing to create the movie magic. Circle Surround II offers two different processing modes: CS2 Movie and CS2 Music. The CS2 Movie mode helps to create the surround effect, CS2 Music mode produces stereo sound. The 2.4-GHz transmitter provides noiseless, non-compressed digital audio.

Once the processing is complete, the transmitter sends the signal to the wireless speaker at the back of the room as well as to the speakers in the television or any other speakers connected through an A/V receiver. Two speaker drivers inside the wireless speaker produce left and right surround. The result encompasses the listening area with high quality audio for either surround sound or two-channel stereo.

The XW-HT1 will be available in February at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $250.

Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is the leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, CD players and CD recorders, speakers and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies, including Digital Network Entertainment. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Pioneer Elite products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable television equipment for the home, car and business markets. Pioneer Corporation focuses on four core business domains, including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM) and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) and its affiliates employ more than 36,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.