February 22, 2004
By: Yoshi Kamota
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com
Computer Technology And Car Audio Converge In Pioneer Single CD Player
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., today unveils the first
AM/FM/CD player with built-in 10 GB hard disk drive for in-car use. The DEH-P90HDD
features a MagicGateä Memory Stickâ player, an integrated Gracenote CDDBÔ Database and
Music Recognition Service, MP3 playback and is XM Satellite Radio ready.
The DEH-P90HDD’s built-in 10GB hard disk can accommodate up to 200 CDs of music. Music
can be ripped directly from the built-in CD player or over-the-air broadcasts at real-time speed.
It can be transferred at two different bit rates (132kbps/105kbps) using ATRAC3 compression,
which offers excellent replay clarity while maintaining small file sizes. A built-in MagicGateä
Memory Stickâ player enables compatibility between Memory-Stick-ready computers, home
audio systems, portable audio and the DEH-P90HDD.
The player offers the industry’s first built-in Gracenote CDDBä Music Recognition Service,
which automatically provides information including the artist name, song title and CD title for
each track that has been recorded to the hard drive.
The Gracenote database currently includes
more than 13 million songs. The database in the DEH-P90HDD can be updated through the
Memory Stick player as new information is available.
The DEH-P90HDD converges computer technology with car audio, said Michael Townsen,
vice president of marketing for mobile entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
Consumers can now store their favorite albums in their cars without having to swap CDs in their
CD player. Memory Stick makes the transportability of music much more convenient.
Music stored on the hard drive can be organized by creating up to six custom playlists or by
using the playlists automatically generated by the DEH-P90HDD. This makes the unit extremely
easy to use.
All major copyright protection standards are adhered to, including the Serial Copy Management
System and the Secure Digital Music Initiative. The DEH-P90HDD employs
MagicGate encryption and authorization technology, which prohibits unauthorized copying.
With its Soft Key operation, Pioneer’s intuitive operating system makes navigation, selection and
programming of music simple. A large 256 by 80 pixel display shows 3D images as well as
multiple lines of text for quick visual identification of commonly-used features. Ease of use is
advanced further with an extremely bright, easy-to-read Organic Electroluminescent
display, which offers:
· Fast refresh rate for vivid three-dimensional images
· Wide viewing angle with high visibility under any brightness condition
· A self-emitting device, OEL eliminates the need for back lighting
· Very low voltage requirements (<5 volts)
The DEH-P90HDD also features the following technologies:
· Easy EQ, 13-band graphic equalizer, Auto EQ, Time Alignment, Pro Mode
· MOSFET50 50 Watts x 4, Hi-Volt outputs
· Automatic Sound Levelizer
· Steering Wheel Remote, Flap Face, Detachable Face Security
The DEH-P90HDD is available at an estimated market price of $2,000.
Pioneer’s Mobile Entertainment Division is the leading manufacturer of audio, video and
information products for in-car use.
The Company markets its products under the Pioneer and
Premier brand names. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including
visual/audio, navigation, and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for
car audio enthusiasts and competitors.
About
The Author:
Yoshi Kamota is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.
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