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Hardware and Software Make a Winning Combination

The compact and portable SD Card is quickly becoming the preferred global medium for high-capacity digital music storage and Pioneer is meeting the demand by offering the SD technology in its newest player. Compatible with CDDA, CD-R, CD-RW and SD Card, the DMP-555 has a dual synchronous play function that enables play back from both CD and SD card sources. This allows DJs to mix authorized MP3 loops and samples stored on their SD card with the CD audio output, or to play any music files from CD.

Hardware highlights

The sleek metallic finish of the DMP-555 stylishly encases many of Pioneer's signature features including Seamless Loop, BPM Sync and the Master Tempo Control that can be used to slow down or speed up audio without affecting pitch. The unit also includes the world's first Isolator, a revolutionary feature that allows users to mute the low, mid or high ranges of a track on either CD or SD Card.

When the SD Card is used for mixes, the DMP-555 effectively becomes a Loop Sampler thanks to two ingenious new features. The SD Card Syncro Button will match and lock SD Card BPM to CD play-out BPM, so that MP3 loops can be fired on cue. The SD Card Mixout can be used for mixing MP3 audio with CD audio play-out, ensuring that transitions and mixes play out smoothly.

Convergence Provides Greater Application Satisfaction

The multi-language DJ Booth software bundled with the DMP-555 simulates a set-up with two Pioneer CDJ players and a mixer, giving users the flexibility to mix loops and tracks stored on PC. Once the DMP-555 is connected to the PC via the supplied USB cable, it can be used to control both virtual players in DJ Play and Create modes of the software, further enhancing ease of use.

DJ Booth software allows DJs to transfer tracks to both SD Card and CD, and also includes access to online support at the click of a button. DJ Booth also will be available as a separate Pioneer Pro DJ product, designed for PC music enthusiasts. The DMP-555 is compatible with Windows 98SE / Me / 2000 / XP Home and XP Professional.(1)

The DMP-555 will be available at the end of June for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,499.

     Specifications of DMP-555

     -- Power Requirements:  AC120 V (60Hz)
     -- Media: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and SD Card
     -- Format: CD-DA, CD-ROM (ISO9660), SD-Audio
     -- Codec: MP3
     -- Useable capacity of SD Card: 8 - 256 MB
     -- Dimensions: 9-7/8" x 14-3/16" x 4-3/4" (250 x 360 x 103.5 mm)
     -- Net Weight: 6.8 lbs (3.1hg)
     -- Frequency Response: 4 Hz - 20 kHz
     -- Signal To Noise Ratio: 102 dB or more
     -- Distortion: 0.003% or less
     -- Output Terminal:         - Mix Audio Out x 1 (RCA)
                                 - Card Monitor Audio Out x 1 (RCA)
                                 - Digital Out x 1(RCA)
     -- Other Terminal:          - Control x 1 (3.5 mini jack)
                                 - USB x 1 (Type B)
     -- Accessories Included:    - Operating Manual for DMP-555 x 1
                                 - Operating Manual for DJ Booth x 1
                                 - Registration Sheet x 1
                                 - Serial Number Sheet x 1
                                 - RCA Pin Cable x 2
                                 - USB cable x 1
                                 - 16MB SD Card x 1
                                 - DJ Booth (application software) x 1

Pioneer offers a complete line of Pro DJ Equipment through its Pro Audio Group. Pro Audio products purchased from authorized dealers have a one-year, limited warranty and are distributed nationally through distributors and retailers. For more information: www.PioneerProDj.com .

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(TM) and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation employs more than 31,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: PIO). Pioneer's U.S. headquarters is located in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com . (1) Windows 2000 needs an ASPI driver for CD-R/RW support.

For further information, please contact Brian Buonassissi, +1-310-952-2108, bbuonassissi@pioneer-usa.com, or Aaron Levine, +1-310-952-2401, alevine@pioneer-usa.com, both of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

SOURCE: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.