By Patrick Avenell
MELBOURNE, VIC: Pioneer has announced the release of two new Blu-ray players and one new in-car unit.
The new entry level Pioneer Blu-ray player is the BDP-120 (RRP $599). This model features BD-Live, on-board HD audio decoding and quick start mode. This model is 5.8 centimetres high, and has an advertised time of start-up stand-by mode of 0.8 seconds.
At the premium end of the range is the BDP-LX52 (RRP $999). This is the first Pioneer model to feature internal memory at a sub-$1,000 price point. Features include multi-channel jitter-free audio, an RS232 port and triple HD noise reduction.
Also announced today is a new Pioneer in-car navigation and media solution. This in-dash model, the AVIC-F310BT (RRP $1,199), features a 4.3-inch touchscreen, hands free Bluetooth control, iPod and iPhone connectivity.
Pioneer spokesperson Michael Broadhurst explained the advantages of having a built-in navigation unit.
“The AVIC-F310BT not only avoids the dashboard clutter we are now seeing in cars courtesy of portable GPS units, Bluetooth carkits and iPod cables, but also enables navigation, communication and entertainment features to be operated simultaneously and seamlessly,” he said.
The BDP-120 will be available later this month. Both the BDP-LX52 and the AVIC-F310BT will be available in August.