News

Pioneer Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Elite with New Products and Online Resources for Specialty Retailers and Custom Installers (1/10/2005)

As Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Elite brand, the company showcases new Elite products as well as an online resource for the specialty retail and custom installation market. The Elite brand was developed as a way to bring new technology to market through specialty retailers that provide the consumer education and installation services desired by early technology adopters. Pioneer today announced new Elite plasmas, a DVD player and A/V receivers that bring technology advances in source, sound and display to the early adopter market. An online resource center at www.pioneerelectronics.com offers detailed product information required by the custom installation market.

The Service and Support menu of Pioneer's Web site now offers critical product information, including IR codes, RS-232C codes, Pronto ccf files and links to third-party control partners that provide Pioneer Elite control modules. This custom installer resource center is an all-in-one stop for installers designing advanced home theater systems for their customers. A dedicated e-mail box at custominstalls@pioneer-usa.com will answer custom installer questions.

"As a founding and current member of CEDIA, Pioneer recognizes the importance of supporting the custom installation market. It is the backbone of our industry, where new technologies can be introduced in a way that ensures eventual long-term acceptance in the mainstream market. We're pleased to celebrate 20 years of the Elite brand and we fully intend to continue the product innovation that makes Elite one of the most sought after product lines in the market," said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of marketing and product planning for home entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Since developed in 1985, Elite-branded products incorporate Pioneer's newest research and development. To assist the custom installer, they frequently offer features such as multi-room/multi-source capability, RS-232C and third-party control support. Distribution of Elite-branded products has always been on a limited basis to specialty retailers with the expertise to present the high end line of products appropriately.

Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is a leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, CD players and CD recorders, speakers, and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies, including Digital Network Entertainment. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Pioneer Elite products.

www.pioneerelectronics.com