Pioneer Electronics
(310) 952-2286
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PIONEER'S LASERACTIVE ARRIVES,
SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR INTERACTIVE HOME ENTERTAINMENT
NEW YORK, September 13, 1993 -- Marking its entry into the
multimedia and videogame arena, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
announces the retail launch of LaserActive -- the industry's first
multi-platform system to combine high-quality full motion video,
digital sound and interactive capabilities.
More than a sophisticated alternative to CD-ROM based systems,
LaserActive utilizes superior quality analog video that is the
hallmark of the LaserDisc format, and a high density data
storage capacity to provide consumers with the most advanced and
versatile interactive entertainment system on the market today.
Available October 1, LaserActive will be sold through national
and specialty retailers in New York, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth,
Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco. Pioneer will offer an
initial selection of Mega LD and LD-ROM2 titles including I Will,
Pyramid Patrol, Econosaurus and The Great Pyramid. Eight (or ten)
additional titles are scheduled for release in November and December
of this year.
"LaserActive offers an unprecedented level of interactive performance",
said Sho Yamada, president and CEO of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
"It achieves the highest quality full motion interactive video
possible and realizes the potential for future compatibility with other
multimedia formats. Based on its future viability, LaserActive will
not only expand the LaserDisc business, but will create an
industry-wide demand for more sophisticated interactive home
entertainment."
Hardware
The system, which consists of a main unit (a combination
LaserDisc/CD player), the CLD-A100, and one of three optional
control packs, was developed in technical cooperation with SEGA
Enterprises and NEC Home Electronics. The PAC-S10, developed in
conjunction with SEGA Enterprises, will enable users to play
eight- and 12-inch LaserActive Mega LD discs, in addition to existing
SEGA CDs and Genesis ROM cartridges, and standard CD+G discs.
The PAC-N10, developed in conjunction with NEC Home Electronics,
will allow consumers to play eight- and 12-inch LaserActive
LD-ROM discs, as well as current Turbo Graphx CD-ROM discs and
game cartridges and CD+G discs. The PAC-K1 will provide
compatibility with over 200 available LaserKaraoke titles.
Designed to take full advantage of existing software libraries
including more than 50,000 CDs, 7,500 movie titles, xxx
videogames and 2,000 LaserKaraoke hit songs, LaserActive extends
the utility and performance level of a multimedia product
beyond current competing formats.
"Given the high degree of software compatibility and tangible
consumer benefits, we're confident about LaserActive's market
acceptance," said Mike Fidler, senior vice president of Pioneer's
home electronics marketing division.
"The emergence of digital based interactive systems, with
limited and non-compatible specifications, has created a lot of
confusion at both the retail and consumer level. LaserActive,
which is based on LaserDisc technology, offers consumers a
familiar product with advanced performance capabilities, an
existing software base and a strong dealer support network."
Software
LaserActive offers not only the superior sound and picture
quality of LaserDisc, but the necessary storage for advanced,
interactive software applications. Existing interactive formats
digitally store an application program plus images, sound and
other data within a 540 megabyte area. LaserActive consists of
the same 540 megabyte area, plus a separate 60-minute analog
image and FM audio storage area, which allows the 540 megabyte
area to be used exclusively for interactive data capabilities.
Due to the use of existing photographic imagery, LaserActive
software can be easily produced without the need for digitization.
The LaserActive Mega LD authoring system combines commercially
available equipment (including a personal computer, in-circuit
emulator, Pioneer's rewriteable video disc recorder and interface
board) and a SEGA CD authoring system, enabling developers to
integrate both analog and digital information. This production
capability creates an abundance of software possibilities and
contributes to budget, time and manpower savings for developers
and multimedia publishers.
Software Development
Pioneer is currently discussing software development and
production opportunities with leading U.S. multimedia developers
including the New Learning Project, Virgin Games, Digital
Pictures and SEGA of America. Additionally, the company plans
to establish a special division at its headquarters in Long
Beach, Calif., that will be responsible for LaserActive software
development in the United States.
One of the division's responsibilities will be to organize a
"Multimedia Creators Network," which will consist of individual
computer graphic experts, musicians, film producers, directors
and academic researchers, who have expressed interest in
developing LaserActive software. This U.S.-based Network will
be modeled after the Multimedia Creators Network in Japan,
recently established by Pioneer Electronic Corp.
SEGA Enterprises and NEC's Home Electronics division will grant
respective licenses for their MEGA LD and LD-ROM formats. Pioneer
will grant licenses for both formats, while all three companies will
continue to encourage LaserActive software development by third
party domestic and foreign collaborators.
Advertising and Promotions
To coincide with the market introduction, Pioneer will
implement a national print advertising campaign targeting
high-profile consumer and industry publications, as well as
major metropolitan newspapers within each market. Direct mail
and in-store point-of-purchase materials will be used to
reinforce the versatility and superior performance of LaserActive
among consumer and retail audiences. Pioneer also will provide regional
advertising and dealer event support in the major markets.
Product Availability
The LaserActive player and control packs will be available in
October 1993 at the following suggested retail prices:
CLD-A100 $970
PAC-S10 $600
PAC-N10 $600
PAC-K1 $350
LaserActive software will retail for $120 per title.
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