Pioneer Car Stereos Make Driving Fun Again with Integration to Portable Devices.

LAS VEGAS -- Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduced new car audio systems that meet the growing demand for MP3 playback by allowing consumers to connect portable music players directly to their car stereos. The new line of Pioneer and Premier[R] car stereos include six models with iPod Direct capability, eight with USB connectivity, and eight with Bluetooth[R] compatibility, four of which have Bluetooth direct. The entire line is compatible with either XM[R] or SIRIUS[R] Satellite Radio. Whether it's a cellular phone, music player or USB flash memory, Pioneer is helping consumers integrate today's technologies into their cars.

"Americans want and need information and entertainment 24 hours a day. As a result, the car has become as much of a hub for entertainment and communication as the home or office. Pioneer is making that process easier for consumers with stereos that easily connect to portable music players, cell phones and even USB drives. The result is a more connected and happier consumer," said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

From the entry level to the flagship models, Pioneer and Premier single CD players have been cosmetically redesigned for improved in dash integration. The headunits utilize rotary volume control, which offers ease of use and versatility to scroll through audio and function menus. On the entry level models LED displays were used while mid and upper end models take advantage of Pioneer's signature Organic EL display technology.

For added convenience, a rotary commander is used in most Pioneer players to control 90 percent of the features and functions of the unit. The rotary commander combines the operation of a rotary knob, joystick and button to control most audio and function features. This is particularly helpful in swift retrieval of music files.

Pioneer and Pioneer Premier in-car CD players include the following connectivity features:

-- USB Control - Pioneer's DEH-P6900UB and Pioneer Premier DEH-P690UB have an input for the popular USB drives often utilized with computers. A user can connect the USB drive itself or most portable music players and iPods with a USB connection directly to the car stereo for direct control without any special adapter. Connected products are fully controlled by the Pioneer headunits at high speed including those that have iTunes DRM (Fairplay) and WMDRM content.

-- iPod Direct Control - As the iPod continues to be the most popular compressed audio player in the market, Pioneer is bringing more iPod control capabilities into its headunits. A total of six Pioneer and Premier headunits have built-in iPod Direct control, making it extremely fast to retrieve the music information from an iPod. Models with this feature also include multi-line display for more music information displayed directly on the screen of the Pioneer stereos.

-- BLUETOOTH[R] Wireless Technology - The DEH-P7900BT and Premier DEH-P790BT have built-in Bluetooth enabling hands-free cellular operation utilizing the speakers in the car and supplied microphone. The car stereo headunit connects to as many as five Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones. In featured units, the car stereo holds an entire phone book for voice activated phone calls, caller ID and hands-free operation.

-- Audio Streaming - Bluetooth audio streaming allows users to transmit music wirelessly and control (play, stop, pause, track up/down/forward/rewind) Bluetooth enabled portable audio players through the Pioneer car stereo headunit using Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP).

-- Auxiliary Input - Integration of other portable devices is easy with built-in auxiliary inputs. Each unit features a mini-jack port for quick connection of any portable device allowing the user to hear content from a portable music player through the Pioneer stereo.

-- Satellite Radio Ready - Most of the CD players are XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio ready, giving consumers a choice in service. Access to more than 170 channels of music, sports and news are available with both services using an optional tuner and paid subscription.

Pioneer's Mobile Entertainment Division is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, advanced connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier electronic 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 and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment.[TM]

PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.

PREMIER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.

BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

IPOD is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

XM is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

SIRIUS is a registered trademark of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

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