XBOX-HQ.COM - Pioneer Introduces Full Circle Audio Experience for Xbox 360

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. brings the gaming experience full circle today with the introduction of a 5.1 surround sound speaker system officially licensed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. To match the more than 1.5 million Xbox 360 game consoles already shipped, Pioneer's new high performance surround sound speaker system, the HTS-GS1, elevates gaming from stereo television sound to a high powered, multi-channel home theater audio experience.

"Game makers put the same amount, if not more, detail in audio quality as they do in the video graphics of the game, which emphasizes the need for an audio system that's up for the challenge," said David Bales, marketing and product planning manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "The HTS-GS1 delivers the same impressive sound accuracy to music and video played through the game console for an unbelievably versatile entertainment experience."

Gamers with limited space will appreciate the system's compact speakers and integrated 6-channel receiver subwoofer, which delivers a colossal 600 watts total system power (RMS), 155 watts total system power (FTC) for robust, three-dimensional audio. The receiver subwoofer offers advanced connectivity with all five-speaker connections, 3 digital inputs (1 coaxial, 2 optical), an analog input, tuner, and control ports located at the back of the subwoofer. The receiver subwoofer system can be monitored with the separate display that is included.

To ensure the gamer is in the center of the action, the HTS-GS1 features Pioneer's proprietary Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) typically found in Pioneer's higher-end A/V receiver. MCACC utilizes a room calibration microphone to adjust each speaker for distance, volume and room equalization. The self-calibration feature delivers sound to the listener's ear at the same time, at the same volume level and digitally compensates for a wide variety of room induced acoustic inaccuracies. The result is no-hassle, real time sonic three-dimensional acoustic accuracy for games, video and music.

Universal Media Remote Control
The Xbox 360 offers a number of digital entertainment features, including progressive-scan DVD playback, CD ripping, the ability to stream content such as music, photos and video from portable music players, PCs running Windows XP Home or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, as well as access to downloadable games and entertainment content from Xbox Live Marketplace. The HTS-GS1's universal media remote control features the Xbox Guide button, Media Center button, cursor and enter, as well as the Y, X, A, B control buttons. The remote operates the Xbox 360 multimedia capabilities, Windows Media Center (through the extender capabilities in the Xbox 360), as well as the HTS-GS1 and the reset TV function for times when the Xbox 360 is being used for things other than gaming.

Additional system features include:
- Built-in DTS(R) and Dolby(R) Digital Surround Decoders via the three digital inputs
- Dolby Pro Logic II for analog or 2 channel digital sources
- Sound Retriever for improved sound quality of compressed audio files stored in the consoles' hard drive or networked from a home PC
- Front Stage Surround for a 5.1 surround experience even with all speakers placed in the front of the room
- Eight Advanced Surround Sound enhancing modes: digital surround processing for enhanced sound from your music, movies, theater, TV, sporting events, games, virtual surround and 5-channel stereo
- SR+ Terminal for integration and control of the surround sound system when connected to a Pioneer PureVision plasma TV
- FM/AM Presets

The HTS-GS1 has a suggested price of $499 and will be available in June 2006.

News-Source: http://home.businesswire.com (Official Press Release)
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