The Elite KURO Signature Series are finally shipping. Life is good. This long-awaited line of monitors takes the KURO to the next level. The Signature Series are handpicked at the factory for the deepest blacks and highest levels of color accuracy, with a signed certificate of authenticity (get it, Signature Series?) "validating Pioneer's commitment to providing only the best-in-class panels for this limited run series."
Notice that these are limited run sets. They offer extensive controls through an online site available when the serial number is submitted. The Elite KUROs offer self-diagnostics, signal support and more that give installers complete control, so the custom installer-folks are grabbing them up.
The PRO-101FD (50-inch class) is selling for $5,500, and the PRO-141FD
(60-inch class) monitors has a suggested price of $7,000.
Keep reading for the complete press release.
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is now shipping its highly-anticipated
line of Elite® KURO™ Signature Series monitors designed to deliver
KURO’s reference-class picture quality with a bevy of features designed
and built for high-end home theater installations. Each Signature
Series monitor is carefully selected at the factory, representing the
highest-level of Pioneer® technology and craftsmanship. Every monitor
is accompanied by a signed certificate further validating the Company’s
commitment to providing only the best-in-class panels for this limited
run series.
“The development of our new Signature Series monitors began over two
years ago when we set out to deliver a panel that addressed the
specific needs of high-end custom installers,” said Paul Meyhoefer,
vice president of displays for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Our
Signature Series line embodies the unsurpassed KURO black levels
combined with a wide range of advanced installation features that offer
complete flexibility and control for our customers.”
Signed by Pioneer KURO Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Yoichi Sato
Packaged with an elegantly-boxed certificate of authenticity unique to
each panel, the Signature Series monitors assure custom installers that
each monitor will perform and can be calibrated with the finest
increments for the most precise picture possible. The new Elite monitor
line embodies Pioneer’s highest performance standards by exceeding
capabilities and settings found in the highly acclaimed line of KURO
televisions. Many of the precision parts used in the monitor line are
carefully selected by factory engineers and undergo further hand and
machine inspection, including measuring for the deepest black levels,
peak brightness, white balance and heightened color accuracy that
collectively are vital for extensive professional in-home calibration.
A Monitor Worthy of Professionals
Long known for its best-in-class picture performance, Pioneer takes the
lead again with the new Signature Series line. With pinpoint accuracy
at the forefront, studio and movie professionals are seeking the new
line of monitors as their new reference standard and a replacement to
the CRT in editing. Sighting the ability to produce intense black
levels combined with the power to finely tune each picture setting to
the precise measurement studio professionals agonize over for days in
production.
Flexibility, Control and Customization at the Forefront
Pioneer has addressed the needs of custom installers by building a
monitor equipped to handle the demands of the most complex
installations. With a host of control options, including IP control,
integrators are able to set up, monitor and run self-diagnostics on the panel for an entirely new
level of customer service. A broad range of signal support, multiple
menu structures and finer steps of adjustment for picture and gamma
widen the gap between the new line of monitors and Pioneer’s KURO
televisions, giving custom installers another alternative within
Pioneer’s offerings.
“Pioneer Elite continues to set the benchmark in video performance,
and the new Signature Series monitors will raise the bar even higher -
they could be the finest flat-panel products ever offered,” said Joe
Barrett, president of Barrett Home Theater. “It’s great Pioneer is
taking the Elite brand to the next level with these Signature Series
monitors, addressing the discerning needs of the upscale custom client
who is always looking for best-in-class products.”
Built for Installers from the Inside Out
Pioneer designed its Signature Series monitors with an
integration-friendly design for improved versatility and consumer
convenience:
-Slimmer Profile – With a depth of only 2.5-inches, the new
monitors are 35% thinner than Pioneer’s KURO televisions. A thinner
design gives installers maximum flexibility for a variety of high-end
home theater spaces. This enhanced form factor also brings Pioneer one
step closer to its ultimate goal of producing a stunning picture that
appears to be floating on a wall.
- Slimmer Wall Mounts – To maintain the sleek installation appearance,
Pioneer brings to market a uniquely designed optional wall mount that
maintains the monitor’s minimal design and aesthetics.
-White Balance Certification – Using the unique serial number,
Signature Series owners can access the white balance their monitors had
when leaving the factory. This microsite gives owners the confidence in
knowing their monitor is a one-of-a-kind piece offering optimum
performance.
The Elite KURO Signature Series PRO-101FD (50-inch class) and
PRO-141FD (60-inch class) monitors are now shipping for the suggested
price of $5500 and $7000, respectively. —Leslie Shapiro
