At the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. and DivX, Inc. announced a groundbreaking partnership set to redefine home entertainment. Pioneer unveiled its new line of DivX Certified DVD players and DVD recorders for the US market, marking a significant step in bringing digital media experiences beyond the confines of personal computers and into living rooms. This collaboration promised consumers enhanced versatility and high-performance playback, all underpinned by the reliability of DivX technology.
Pioneer’s introduction of DivX Certified DVD players, including models DV-393-S, DV-490V-S, and DV-696AV-K, alongside the DVR-640H-S DVD recorder, signaled a commitment to catering to the evolving needs of digital media consumers. These devices were engineered not only for superior DVD playback but also to seamlessly integrate digital music into home theater systems. The DVD recorder further boasted tri-format recording and playback, highlighting Pioneer’s dedication to versatile technology. These products were slated for availability across major retail outlets, ensuring widespread access for consumers seeking to upgrade their home entertainment setups.
Gary Bauhard, Director of Product Planning and Marketing for Home Entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., emphasized the consumer-centric approach behind this integration. “By incorporating DivX technology in Pioneer’s DVD players and DVD recorder, we are offering consumers a feature-rich, versatile product that provides a true ‘convergence’ experience,” Bauhard stated. He further elaborated on the vision of extending viewing capabilities, allowing users to enjoy a diverse range of digital films comfortably in their living rooms, away from the traditional computer screen setup. This underscored the intent to bridge the gap between PC-centric digital media and the more relaxed, communal environment of home entertainment.
The DivX Certified logo itself is a hallmark of quality and reliability. Products bearing this certification undergo rigorous testing to guarantee interoperability, robust security, and exceptional visual quality. This certification assures consumers that DivX Certified devices are capable of creating, playing, and sharing high-quality video content across various devices and platforms without compatibility concerns. The widespread adoption of DivX technology is evidenced by over 50 million DivX Certified chips powering numerous consumer electronics devices from leading global brands. Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. had already taken its first step into this arena with its initial DivX Certified model showcased at CES 2005, setting the stage for this more comprehensive integration in 2006.
Bill Holmes, Vice President of Consumer Electronics at DivX Inc., acknowledged Pioneer’s leadership in the DVD market and praised the integration of DivX across their new home entertainment product line as a continuation of this leadership. “As consumer demand for DivX content and devices continues to grow, DivX Certification is quickly becoming a must-have feature across the consumer electronics ecosystem,” Holmes noted. This statement highlighted the increasing importance of DivX in the consumer electronics landscape and positioned Pioneer’s adoption as a strategic move to meet market demands and maintain its competitive edge.
Pioneer demonstrated these new DivX Certified devices at CES, offering attendees a firsthand look at the technology at booth #9827 in the Central Hall. This public showcase allowed industry professionals and media representatives to experience the capabilities of Pioneer Divx products and understand the impact of this partnership on the future of home entertainment. For those interested in delving deeper into the DivX Certification program, resources were made available online, further emphasizing the transparency and accessibility of the initiative.
About Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is a subsidiary of Pioneer Corporation, a global leader in optical disc technology. With a strong focus on DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM), and components, Pioneer is a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, and computer equipment for home, car, and business sectors.
About DivX, Inc.
DivX, Inc., based in San Diego, California, stands at the forefront of multimedia convergence as a digital entertainment company. Its core technology, the DivX video codec, is globally recognized as a leading video compression technology, boasting over 250 million downloads. DivX technology enables high-quality video at significantly greater compression rates than MPEG-2, facilitating the storage of full-length films on CDs and efficient delivery over broadband connections. DivX technology is integral to various applications across the digital entertainment value chain, from secure IP-based video-on-demand solutions to next-generation consumer electronics and video software.
