By Chris Nicholls
LONDON: Pioneer’s first Kuro LCD TV has broken cover, appearing on the company’s UK website today.
The long-awaited televisions, made by Sharp, will all be full HD and available in 32, 37 and 46-inch models.
The 46-inch size takes it into territory occupied previously by the firm’s plasma televisions.
All models will feature 100 Hz processing, a “high-contrast front filter” and three HDMI ports. The larger 46-inch size has one HDMI port on the side for easier connectivity.
As with all new HDMI-equipped products, the new Kuro LCD range will use the company’s Kuro Link to allow ‘one remote’ control of all devices.
The two smaller sizes are set for an August release in the UK, with the larger 46-inch model due for release later this year.
It is understood initial predictions of a possible pre-Christmas local launch, made by Pioneer Australia chief executive Yasuo Sakuma in March, may prove difficult to fulfil, though.
Thanks to the use of Sharp panels, Pioneer gains access to that company’s automatic backlight adjustment technology, which changes light levels frame by frame to match the pictures on screen.
An additional ambient light sensor helps adjust light levels further to match the light in the viewing environment.
Viewing angle is a claimed 176 degrees.
Pioneer UK said all models will come with a “brushed titanium” look, eschewing the gloss black so prominent on most flat panel televisions today.
The 32-inch KRL-32V and 37-inch KRL-37V will come with a built-in swivel stand with up to 15 degrees of movement. It was unclear if the 46-inch model will come with a stand.
Both smaller models can be operated by a set of buttons on top of the sets, or the included aluminium remote control.
All models come with integrated under-mount speakers.
The full press release, with an additional image, can be found here http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/content/press/news/kuroLCD.html