Pioneer introduced a 5.1 surround sound speaker system officially licensed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.
Gamers with limited space will appreciate the system's compact speakers and integrated 6-channel receiver subwoofer, which delivers a 600 watts total system power (RMS), 155 watts total system power (FTC) for three-dimensional audio. The receiver subwoofer offers 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.
The HTS-GS1 also 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 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 MediaCenter (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.