By Daniel Lim
Mon 07 Aug 2006

Singapore, 3rd August 2006 -- Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre today premiered the first surround sound system for Xbox 360 with the introduction of a 5.1 channel surround sound speaker system officially licensed for the video game and entertainment system.
IDC projects the installed base of next generation videogame consoles in Japan alone to grow from nearly 4 million in 2006 to over 16 million in 2010. *

To match the more than 5 million Xbox 360 game consoles already shipped worldwide, Pioneer's new high performance surround sound speaker system, the HTP-GS1, will elevate gaming from stereo television sound to a high powered, multi-channel home theater audio experience.

The HTP-GS1 is designed with the Xbox 360 gamer in mind featuring the same sleek colour and cosmetics of the game console. The speaker system complements the bright, sharp and accurate picture of a Pioneer PureVision plasma television, while delivering high impact, precise sound for Xbox 360 for an ultimate next generation digital gaming and high definition entertainment experience at home. Today's systems are becoming a primary source for high definition entertainment in the living room.

"The gaming arena here is predicted to grow and we anticipate gamers demanding for enhanced gaming packages that deliver enhanced content and dynamic audio experiences,ā€¯ said Mr Kiyokazu Igarashi, Senior General Manager, Sales & Marketing Group, Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre Pte Ltd. "The HTP-GS1 delivers the same impressive sound accuracy to music and video played through the game console for an amazing entertainment experience."


HTP-GS1


High impact audio gamers with limited space will appreciate the system's compact speakers and integrated 5.1-channel receiver subwoofer, which delivers a colossal 600 watts total system power (RMS), 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 which is included.

To ensure the gamer is in the center of the action, the HTP-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 complete high definition digital entertainment experience to the user with progressive-scan DVD playback, CD ripping, the ability to stream digital media content such as music, photos and video from portable music players, PCs running Windows XP Home or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. Users can access high definition games and entertainment content from, Xbox Live, the leader in online games and entertainment community with more than three million members worldwide.

The HTP-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 HTP-GS1 and the preset TV function for times when the Xbox 360 is being used for things other than gaming.


Additional system features include:


* Built-in DTS and Dolby Digital Surround Decoders via the three digital inputs

* Dolby Pro Logic II for analog or 2 channel digital sources

* Sound Retriever for near CD sound quality of all compressed audio files stored in networked from a home PC or the consoles' hard drive

* 3-spot Front Surround for a 5.1 channel surround experience even with all speakers placed at 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 HTP-GS1 recommended pricing is S$699 and will be available in Aug 2006.

Source: www.hardwarezone.com