Pioneer announces its latest Home Theater Receivers and Blu-ray Disc players designed to complement high definition home theater. Pioneer is offering two new Blu-ray Disc players, the BDP-51FD and the Elite BDP-05FD. Both players have many features in common, such as: Bonus View (Profile 1.1), On-board Decoding and Bitstream output capability for all audio formats (Note: DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and bitstream output to be implemented by Firmware Upgrade), HDMI 1.3a and 7.1 channel analog audio outputs, and a new, easier-to-use GUI (graphic user interface). In addition, the BDP-05FD also features a more solid build with aluminum front panel, gold plated connectors, capacitance touch keys, and a two-year warranty.

However, two functions that are featured on the currently available Pioneer BDP-95FD Blu-ray Disc player will be eliminated on the new players: Home Media Gallery and direct internet download capability for firmware upgrades.

The new Blu-ray Disc players will be priced at $599 (BDP-51FD) and $799 (BDP-05FD), which is substantially lower than the currently available $999 BDP-95FD.

Pioneer is also releasing a new line of Elite Home Theater Receivers: Elite SC-07 ($2,200) and SC-05 ($1,800), VSX-03TXH ($1,000), and VSX-01TXH ($750) that all feature the following: 7.1 Channel configuration, HDMI 1.3a connections, on-board decoding for all Dolby and DTS audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, Faroudja video processing, MCACC, XM and Sirius satellite radio connectivity, iPod connectivity and control, and multi-room capability. In addition, the two top-of-the-line receivers in the series: the SC-07 and SC-05 will also feature Pioneer's Home Media Gallery feature, Neural THX Surround Processing, and a new Precision Quartz Locking System (PQLS) that synchronizes CD data more accurately when played back on Pioneer Blu-ray Disc players using the HDMI connection. Also, the SC-07 also features two HDMI outputs.

For more details on Pioneer's new Blu-ray Disc Players and Receivers, including availability, check out the Official Pioneer Blu-ray Disc Player and Home Theater Receiver Announcements. Stay tuned for further info, profiles, and reviews of these products as they reach dealer shelves throughout the Summer. Photo on Top Right: BDP-51FD Blu-ray Disc Player, Photo on Bottom Left: Pioneer Elite SC-07 Receiver - (c) Pioneer Electronics, USA