Pioneer Ships First 3D Blu-ray Players

For consumers looking to recreate a theater experience in their homes, Pioneer Corp. is now shipping its first line of Blu-ray 3D players, the company said Wednesday.

The Pioneer BDP-430 and two Elite models, the BDP-41FD and BDP-43FD make 3D video available through the latest HDMI standard, 1.4a, providing passage of the high data transfer rate required by the Blu-ray 3D format, the company said.

Optimum image processing and clear, sharp images with reduced image noise are delivered by Pioneer’s PureCinema technology, which “up-converts standard definition video sources to 1080p,” Pioneer said.

Additionally, “smooth gradation steps with more accurate color precision” are added to the overall color reproduction quality through 36-bit Deep Color support with compatible content and displays.

The latest audio formats including DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD are also supported by the 3D Blu-ray models, Pioneer said. The systems’ audio is enhanced by Pioneer’s proprietary technologies to complete the fully immersive 3D experience, the company said, along with the Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) to provide a jitter-free reproduction of Blu-ray Disc, DVD and CD content.

PQLS precisely syncs the audio signals between components when paired with a compatible Pioneer A/V receiver for a true-to-life listening experience, the consumer electronics maker said.

The new Blu-ray players also feature the ability to access content from streaming video services such as YouTube, Netflix and Pandora with an Ethernet connection or wirelessly through the AS-WL200 wireless adapter sold separately. Wi-Fi connectivity is featured on all three of the models with an optional adaptor for a wireless connection so users can access home networks, stream content services, BD-Live content and receive automatic notification of firmware updates.

One expanded feature of the players is Continue Mode, which lets users stop and then resume watching Blu-ray discs, including most BD-J titles. A “Continued” key on the remote lets a user mark a movie and let them resume playback in the same spot if the disc is not removed before turning off the power, Pioneer said.

iPhone and iPod Touch devices can double as remote controls for the new 3D Blu-ray players when integrated with Pioneer’s free iControlAV app. The app lets users control basic functions of the players when they are connected via Ethernet to a wireless router. The app is available from the App store on iPhone and iPad Touch or from iTunes.

The Pioneer BDP-430 has a suggested retail price of $299. The Elite BDP-41FD retails for $399 and the elite BDP-43FD is priced at $499.

In other Blu-ray news, earlier this month Pioneer launched an HD BDXL internal Blu-ray disc (BD) drive that the company said more than doubles current maximum BD storage capacity.