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HTS-GS1

HTS-GS1

Written by Ben Berry on 6/20/2006 for 360  
More On: HTS-GS1
Pioneer shot us over some info on some of their upcoming producs and we thought we'd share them with you.  Enjoy some Pioneer press goodies.



Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. brings the gaming experience full circle today with the introduction of a 5.1 surround sound speaker system officially licensed for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system.  To match the more than 1.5 million Xbox 360™ game consoles already shipped, Pioneer's new high performance surround sound speaker system, the HTS-GS1, elevates gaming from stereo television sound to a high powered, multi-channel home theater audio experience.

Video gaming has evolved dramatically from coin-operated machines at the local arcade to sophisticated high definition, multi-channel, multimedia, networking consoles like Xbox 360™.  Today's systems are becoming a primary source for high definition entertainment in the living room. The HTS-GS1 complements the bright, sharp and accurate picture of a Pioneer PureVision plasma television, while delivering high impact, precise sound for Xbox 360™ for an ultimate high definition gaming experience at home. The HTS-GS1 is designed with the Xbox 360™ gamer in mind featuring the same sleek color and cosmetics of the game console.

"Game makers put the same amount, if not more, detail in audio quality as they do in the video graphics of the game, which emphasizes the need for an audio system that's up for the challenge," said David Bales, marketing and product planning manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.  "The HTS-GS1 delivers the same impressive sound accuracy to music and video played through the game console for an unbelievably versatile entertainment experience."

High Impact Audio Gamers with limited space will appreciate the system's compact speakers and integrated 6-channel receiver subwoofer, which delivers a colossal 600 watts total system power (RMS), 155 watts total system power (FTC) for robust, three-dimensional audio.  The receiver subwoofer offers advanced connectivity with all five-speaker connections, 3 digital inputs (1 coaxial, 2 optical), an analog input, tuner, and control ports located at the back of the subwoofer.  The receiver subwoofer system can be monitored with the separate display that is included. 

To ensure the gamer is in the center of the action, the HTS-GS1 features Pioneer's proprietary Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) typically found in Pioneer's higher-end A/V receiver.  MCACC utilizes a room calibration microphone to adjust each speaker for distance, volume and room equalization.  The self-calibration feature delivers sound to the listener's ear at the same time, at the same volume level and digitally compensates for a wide variety of room induced acoustic inaccuracies.  The result is no-hassle, real time sonic three-dimensional acoustic accuracy for games, video and music.

Universal Media Remote Control

The Xbox 360™ offers a number of digital entertainment features including, progressive-scan DVD playback, CD ripping, the ability to stream content such as music, photos and video from portable music players, PCs running Windows® XP Home or Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005, as well as access to downloadable games and entertainment content from, Xbox Live® Marketplace.  The HTS-GS1's universal media remote control features the Xbox® Guide button, Media Center button, cursor and enter, as well as the Y, X, A, B control buttons.  The remote operates the Xbox 360™ multimedia capabilities, Windows Media® Center (through the extender capabilities in the Xbox 360™ as well as the HTS-GS1 and the reset TV function for times when the Xbox 360™ is being used for things other than gaming. 

Additional system features include:

  • Built-in DTS® and Dolby® Digital Surround Decoders via the three digital inputs
  • Dolby Pro Logic II for analog or 2 channel digital sources
  • Sound Retriever for improved sound quality of compressed audio files stored in the consoles' hard drive or networked from a home PC
  • Front Stage Surround for a 5.1 surround experience even with all speakers placed in the front of the room
  • Eight Advanced Surround Sound enhancing modes: digital surround processing for enhanced sound from your music, movies, theater, TV, sporting events, games, virtual surround and 5-channel stereo
  • SR+ Terminal for integration and control of the surround sound system when connected to a Pioneer PureVision plasma TV
  • FM/AM Presets

The HTS-GS1 has a suggested price of $499 and will be available in June 2006.

Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is a leading marketer of plasma televisions and monitors, Blu-ray Disc, DVD players and DVD recorders, A/V receivers, speakers and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including Digital Network Entertainment. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Pioneer Elite products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com.  Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets.  The company focuses on four core business domains including optical disc, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(tm) and components. 

The Windows logo, Windows Media, Xbox 360 and the Xbox logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and are used under license from Microsoft.

*TM Dolby Laboratories

* The product in this article was sent to us by the developer/company.

HTS-GS1

About Author

On my 12th birthday, I got a floppy drive, I stayed up all night playing Stock Market for Commodore 64. I owned everyone I knew at the various NHL titles for Genesis. I first learned how to code in LPC in the middle of the night from a heroine addict on the campus of Michigan State University back in 1992 when MUDding was the only ORPG there was. I was a journalism major my first time through college, and have been writing off and on since, and programmed up until 5 years ago, when I put down the tools of ignorance to become a business analyst. I'm a member of several gaming 12 step programs for MMO's, and I don't game nearly as much as I used to. I'm mostly on the lookout for items you haven't already seen reviewed 50 times, whether they are games, or just things a gamer might use. I'm now work out of GN's east coast office in Boston, and looking forward to spending the weekends my fiancee is away with Boston University Women's Hockey playing games while the snow falls. View Profile