Pioneer Unveils 3D Blu-ray Players

Pioneer 3D Blu-ray Player

Home entertainment company Pioneer Electronics Thursday unveiled a line of Blu-ray 3D-enabled players with expanded online connectivity Thursday at the 2010 Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo.

The line includes one Pioneer-branded device and two models under its Elite label, which will have streaming content from partners including Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora. Besides the new Blu-ray 3D players, Pioneer is also debuting at the show iPhone-certified A/V receivers, iPhone/iPod docks, headphones, Hi-Fi two-channel audio components, and high-end speakers in is TAD and EX lines.

"We understand how important it is for consumers to be able to seamlessly connect their personal technology devices to their home theater,'' said Russ Johnston, executive VP of home entertainment and business solutions group at Pioneer Electronics USA, in a statement. "While we are certainly not the least expensive, we are always pursuing our goal to be the best. Consumers should not have to sacrifice convenience for a quality audio experience."

The entire 2010 line of Pioneer and Elite branded receivers are iPhone certified, the company said, and range in price from $329 to $2,200. This is also the first time Pioneer has entered the iPhone/iPhone dock category with its new Audition, Duo, and HTD series. The company hasn't revealed what 3D technology the players are using or whether active shutter glasses will be required.

The electronics company makes audio and home theater products including A/V receivers, Blu-ray and DVD players, and speakers. Pioneer did not release pricing or availability for the new players. While it also has a TV line, Pioneer has not yet launched any 3D televisions, although any 3D Blu-ray player can be connected to a 3D TV.

Also at CEDIA Expo, Sony and Mitsubishi both displayed new 3D-capable home theater projectors using Sony's X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD) technology to provide full high-definition, 3D content. Sony's model, the VPL-VW90ES, comes with 3D shutter glasses and will be available in November for around $10,000. Mitsubishi did not release pricing or availability for its Diamond 3D 1080p projector.

The CEDIA trade show, which showcases electronic systems for the residential market, is being held in Atlanta through Sept. 26.