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Non-Stop Entertainment With Pioneer's In-Car Navigation System

   PIONEER ELECTRONICS LOGO
Pioneer Electronics logo. (PRNewsFoto)[AS]
LONG BEACH, CA USA
   AVIC-N1 Offers A/V Entertainment, Vehicle Dynamics and Memory Navigation
                             in a Single Product

    LAS VEGAS, SEMA Booth #20028 & Proving Ground, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ --
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., the established leader in mobile entertainment
products, today launched the industry's first audio/video/navigation system
that merges entertainment, information and vehicle dynamics technologies into
one product.  The revolutionary AVIC-N1 offers simple touch panel or voice
command letting consumers simultaneously access Memory Navigation information
(route guidance, electronic mapping, points of interests, etc.), entertainment
(audio entertainment for front seat passengers, DVD-video entertainment for
rear seat passengers) and vehicle dynamics (speed, acceleration, lateral
G-Force, angular velocity, slope, angle, etc.).
    (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020628/PIONLOGO )
    For the first time consumers can obtain route guidance information, listen
to AM/FM/XM satellite radio, play DVD movies for rear passengers and monitor
the performance of the vehicle, all at the same time.  Users can quickly
switch views between different sources available -- navigation, vehicle
dynamics and DVD video.  Pioneer's AVIC-N1 is the most advanced in-car
navigation system in the market.
    "Consumer acceptance of navigation has grown dramatically -- 63 percent
year to date(1).  We're responding to consumer demand by adding and combining
unique features that are most important to drivers today," said Michael
Townsen, vice president of marketing for mobile entertainment at Pioneer
Electronics (USA) Inc.  "The AVIC-N1 bridges technologies and features never
seen before in a single product."
    The AVIC-N1 is designed for ease of use, driver safety and convenience,
featuring an innovative touch panel control that combines multiple user
screens with voice command.  "It allows consumers to replace three of the most
popular mobile entertainment products with a single device providing the
latest technologies and features available today in navigation, audio/video
and vehicle dynamics," said Townsen.

    The Navigation System
    In-car navigation does more than just show consumers where they are on a
map.  It offers step-by-step instructions to get from point A to point B, with
a choice of multiple different routes and the ability to locate stores,
restaurants and gas stations along the way.  All of this is done through
simple one-touch menus on-screen or through voice activation (microphone sold
separately) to make the AVIC-N1 easy and safe to use.
    The AVIC-N1 provides accurate detailed route guidance for the entire
United States and Canada.  Once a consumer selects a destination, the
AVIC-N1's extremely fast processor calculates a route in approximately 10
seconds and provides directions via voice prompts.  A separate positioning CPU
is used for accurate vehicle positioning on detailed mapping that displays the
route on a 6.5-inch LCD touch screen monitor.  By using separate CPUs for
these two functions, Pioneer's navigation system is faster and more accurate
than other systems.
    The 6.5-inch LCD monitor can be folded away while the driver follows voice
prompts to his or her final destination, or it can be used to display detailed
maps.  The touch screen monitor has extremely fast response rates and a wide
viewing angle.
    The driver can choose from seven enhanced modes that can be displayed on
the screen, including:

     --  Standard map view mode
     --  Driver's view mode (3-D view of map)
     --  Guide view mode (split screen between map and guide arrow)
     --  Route view mode (split screen between map and list of upcoming
         streets)
     --  A/V status mode (split screen between map and standard radio/CD
         display)
     --  Rear view split screen (split screen between rear camera view and
         overhead map)
     --  Vehicle dynamics mode (performance gauges)

    The system also includes a camera input so owners of large vehicles can
view an image from a rear camera on the screen.  This feature allows owners of
SUVs and RVs to see a boat or vehicle they may be towing for added safety.
    The system uses a massive 12-million points of interest (POI) database
with more than 248 different categories so consumers can search for the
nearest gas station, ATM or restaurant.  As users are guided along their
route, points of interest are overlaid onto the map, which is particularly
helpful when driving in unfamiliar areas.  Easy-to-recognize icons are used to
identify hotels, restaurants, banks and even specific chain store locations
such as KFC(R) or Starbucks(R).

    The Vehicle Dynamics Monitor
    With the growing trend among the youth "Tuner" market to modify their
vehicles with upgraded tires, wheels, suspension and other aftermarket
equipment, the vehicle dynamics is expected to be a popular feature, offering
an easy, fun and accurate method to assess a car's performance with stock
equipment versus aftermarket parts.
    The rich navigation features enable the system to monitor key performance
attributes and provide users with vehicle dynamics in real time. Analog and
digital gauges are available on the 6.5-inch LCD monitor to track performance
measures.
    Measurements include simple features such as voltage, compass and clock as
well as dynamic features such as:

     *  Acceleration to measure forward and backward G-Force
     *  Lateral G-Force to measure maximum cornering force
     *  Angular velocity to measure turn rate
     *  Slope to measure the incline

    The Acceleration and Lateral G-Force gauges can perform peak holds so
users are able to see and track their vehicle's performance.  Performance
minded automobile enthusiasts will enjoy the ability to assess vehicle
dynamics and compare results to what is often reported in the latest
automobile magazines.

    The Audio Video Entertainment System
    Memory Navigation is an industry-first mapping technology that allows
consumers to access all the features of both the navigation and A/V system
simultaneously rather than facing an either-or choice.  The state-of-the art
audio/video entertainment system provides full dual zone capabilities, as well
as DVD video playback, single CD, MP3 CDs and AM/FM/XM satellite radio all
with maximum power and sound performance.
    "Pioneer's AVIC-N1 provides maximum flexibility and performance across all
aspects of mobile entertainment for any driver.  For example, a family driving
from Los Angeles to San Francisco can have their entire route mapped in the
memory of the navigation system and still entertain rear seat passengers with
DVD movies for the length of the trip," said Townsen.
    Much like its top-line headunit counterparts, the AVIC-N1 is a high
quality audio system with MOSFET50 (50 watts X 4 amplifier), three pre-amp
outputs and three band parametric equalizer.  The system can be expanded with
other sources such as XM satellite radio, CD changer, DVD changer and TV
tuner.  All sources are direct access using its touch screen display.
    The single-DIN Pioneer AVIC-N1 headunit will be available in March 2004.

    Pioneer's Mobile Entertainment Division is the leading manufacturer of
audio, video and information products for in-car use. Its focus is on the
development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and
satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car
audio enthusiasts and competitors.  The company markets its products under the
Pioneer and Premier brand names.  When purchased from an authorized dealer,
consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and
two years for Premier products.

    Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and
its U.S. Web address is http://www.pioneerelectronics.com .  Its parent company,
Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent
manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable equipment
for the home, car and business markets.  The company focuses on four core
business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network
Entertainment and components.  Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation
(NYSE: PIO) employs more than 34,000 people worldwide.  Its shares are traded
on the New York Stock Exchange.

    For further information, please contact: Jaed Arzadon of Pioneer
Electronics (USA) Inc., +1-310-952-2451, jaed.arzadon@pioneer-usa.com ; or
Steve Bonsignore, +1-212-537-8094, sbonsignore@gcigroup.com , for Pioneer
Electronics (USA) Inc.

     (1) Electronic Industries Alliance


SOURCE Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.




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Related links:
  • http://www.pioneerelectronics.com
    Photo Notes:
    NewsCom: 
    http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020628/PIONLOGO
    AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
    PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
    CONTACT:
    Jaed Arzadon of Pioneer Electronics (USA)
    Inc., +1-310-952-2451, jaed.arzadon@pioneer-usa.com ; or Steve
    Bonsignore, +1-212-537-8094, sbonsignore@gcigroup.com , for
    Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.