2 Advanced Blu-ray 3D players complete our line-up

At the eve of IFA 2011 we complete the release of our new line-up of 3D Blu-ray Disc players with 2 advanced models that combine 3D playback with advanced networking features and various enhancements for exceptional visual and sonic performance.

We are equipping our new Blu-ray Disc players with full 3D playback for an amazing, life-like action experience on a 3D-capable display. An HDMI output offers high definition connectivity for optimal integration in the most demanding HD audio and 3D video set-up.

The BDP-LX55 features dual HDMI outputs for additional flexibility: the HDMI main out can be dedicated to video output to connect to a TV monitor or projector, while the HDMI sub out is optimised for audio output to connect to an audio component such as an AV receiver, in order to realise a superb video and audio experience.

Content and networking opportunities

The new line-up provides connectivity to a local network and the internet, opening up a host of new content and networking opportunities. In addition to an Ethernet port for regular wired integration, the players can each connect easily to a wireless home network via an optional converter. The equipment is therefore able to unlock additional movie-related content from the web via BD-Live.

Through the familiar user interface, you will also be able to enjoy YouTube videos and Picasa photo albums. Being DLNA certified, playback of audio, video and photo content stored on a compatible network PC or media server is likewise available.

Support for a whole range of formats including MKV, DivX Plus HD, WMV, WMA and MP3 playback, plus a JPEG viewer for photo slideshows make each of the players flexible content companions, regardless of the source medium – be it CD, DVD, USB or LAN.

iControlAV2 - app based remote control

You can control the BDP-140, BDP-440 and BDP-LX55 with a free app that transforms your mobile device into a remote control. When the players are connected to an existing wireless router (via Ethernet or Wireless LAN), the app allows wireless control of playback and navigation functions. In addition, the iControlAV2 app integrates advanced and original control for many of our recently announced AV receivers.

Refined sonic performance

Able to play a broad range of audio and video disc types, the new players deliver the most advanced multi-channel audio experience. The latest high-definition audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio are supported, which they can either output as native bitstream or decode internally and output as uncompressed multi-channel LPCM on HDMI to give Blu-ray Disc movies a compelling soundtrack.

All 3 new models also double as a refined audio player, including support for Super Audio CD whereby the output over HDMI is automatically negotiated between the Blu-ray Disc player and the AV receiver depending on the latter’s capabilities, and can either be the DSD 1-bit signal, or PCM up to hi-res 88.2 kHz / 24 bit.

The BDP-440 and BDP-LX55 add to this the capability to playback DVD-Audio discs, making them true “universal” disc players. Further enforcing these models’ audio capabilities is support for the FLAC audio format which has gained substantial support amongst audiophiles.

They also feature Pioneer’s Precision Quartz Lock System - PQLS. When used in combination with a compatible Pioneer AV receiver connected through HDMI, it eliminates audio distortion caused by timing errors (jitter), resulting in playback with dynamic sound quality.

The BDP-LX55 has been further enforced to take its sonic performance to the ultimate: an advanced anti-vibration construction design and the use of selected acoustic capacitors and a high performance power supply guarantee superior processing. Gold-plated HDMI terminals make sure the high-quality output is transferred under the best conditions. A 32 bit / 192 kHz and DSD capable DAC completes the offering.

True-to-life picture quality

The players are capable of showing movies with great richness and detail thanks to their ability to play Blu-ray Discs in 1080p full high-definition at a smooth, cinema-like 24 fps and up convert standard DVDs to near HD quality. Taking advantage of HDMI connectivity, they provide pure, natural images that deliver the full emotional impact of Blu-ray Disc films as the director intended.

Taking video quality to an even higher level, the BDP-LX55 integrates an extra video processing IC and offers video enthusiasts access to a plethora of control parameters to personalise and fine-tune the output to match their video reproduction system.

Pioneer AV receiver - Blu-ray Disc player smart link benefits

Users owning a new Pioneer SC-LX85 or SC-LX75 AV receiver will have 2 more benefits.

• Stream Smoother Link (video) - When lower bit-rate video (e.g. from on-line sources) is played from a new generation Pioneer Blu-ray Disc player connected via HDMI, the AV receiver will not only receive the decoded video data, but also have access to information on the original file format. Using this info, the Stream Smoother engine will be optimised for the best enriched image quality for that file.
• Sound Retriever Link (audio) - When lossy compressed MP3/WMA/AAC music files are played from a new generation Pioneer Blu-ray Disc player connected via HDMI, the AV receiver will not only receive the decoded audio data, but also have access to information on the original file format. Using this info, the Sound Retriever engine will be optimised for the best enriched sound quality for that file.

Availability

The BDP-440 will be available in October 2011, followed by the BDP-LX55 in November 2011.
The BDP-140 Blu-ray Disc player is available now.

For more

• A closer look at the BDP-140
• iControlAV2 in the App Store

Where to buy