Pioneer Definitions


AMP SECTION
Amplifier Gain Controls-
This adjustment tool is not a volume control. Gain Control adjustment is provided to match the amplifier's input with the source unit's output. Proper adjustment ensures less noise and distortion.
Balanced Isolator Circuit-
Prevents ground voltage flows from interfering with the signal. Pioneer improved existing designs by seperating the left and right channel grounds. This puts each channel's signal wave in phase, which helps cancel noise components within the grounds. The output is cleaner, with less interference.
Bass Boost and Variable Bass Boost-
Allows bass frequencies to be boosted for each equipped amplifier. This allows the installer/user to set the optimal bass level for the speakers connected to that individual amplifier; allowing the user to best utilize the headunit's tone controls for all speakers in the system. Variable Bass Boost improves over our standard system by offering a range of frequency adjustment for the boost level.
Class-A Operation-
Refers to an amplifier that maintains full operational output over a wider range of it's operation. This feature dramatically reduces switching distortion and provides true audiophile performance.
Low Impedance Load Capability (High Current)-
Refers to power amplifiers that provides 1-1/2 times the power output of standard 4-ohm operation at 2-ohms. Since they have the power to drive more speakers, these amps also increase system flexibility by enabling the hook-up of multiple pairs of speakers.
PW/M Power Supply-
During the process of DC-to-DC step-up transforming, the voltage at the secondary winding must be kept stable despite voltage fluctuations at the primary and secondary windings, or loads fluctuations at the secondary winding. Our PW/M (Pulse Width Modulation) power supply design maintains stability between both windings, and uses an MOSFET to switch the power supply on and off very quickly in response to input. This translates into cleaner output with less distortion.

CASSETTE SECTION
Blank Skip-
Automatically skips over long portions of unrecorded passages (at the end of one side, for example). Blank Skip makes sure you're listening to music instead of blank tape, without having to divert your attention from the road.
Dolby® B-
A noise reduction system used with most pre-recorded tapes. Pressing the Dolby B button improves the signal-to-noise ratio by greatly reducing background "hiss".
Dolby® C-
An improved noise reduction system usually found on home recording cassette decks. When Dolby C -encoded tapes are played back with Dolby C engaged, the signal-to- noise ratio is even better than Dolby B performance.
FLEX (Frequency Level Expander)-
This Pioneer feature restores high frequency reponse to older or poorly recorded cassette tapes. FLEX analyzes the tape's dynamic output so that optimum enhancement is provided-regardless of tape quality.
Full-Logic Control-
Full-Logic cassette decks feature feather-touch, electronic control buttons that make cassette operation easier. A "Logic" system ensures that when you press "forward" the deck will always move forward, regardless which side of the tape is currently playing.
HPX Head-
A hard Permalloy Tape Head utilizing the Stabilized Hyperbolic Curve (SHC) Design. This dual-groove design improves overall frequency response performance by increasing the pressure per square inch at the contact area, which creates a stronger magnetic field and minimizes dust adhesion. The stronger magnetic field increases high frequency response and signal-to-noise ratio.
Key-Off Pinch Roller Release-
Automatically disengages the cassette drive mechanism from the tape when the car's ignition is turned off. This protects the tape and the pinch roller from developing flat spots that can cause uneven playback speed.
Metal/70µs Tape Selector-
While metal and chrome tapes have vastly improved frequency response and signal-to- noise ratio performance, they require different equilization compared to standard bias tapes. Pioneer units feature either an "Auto Metal" capability which automatically engages the appropriate equalization for proper playback, or a manual Metal button. Either feature provides optimum playback equalization on metal, chrome (both 70µs) and normal (12oµs) cassette tape formulations.
Music Search-
Locates the beginning of the next song on fast forward, or the beginning of the preset song on tape rewind. Music search enables easy selection of cuts from a cassette tape.
Music Repeat-
Automatically repeats a selected favorite song during cassette playback.
New Soft Load/Power Eject-
Loads and Ejects the tape via a power mechanism for improved performance and quality operation. Additionally all tape transport controls operate more smoothly with less resistance much more like a full-logic tape transport.
Radio Intercept (RI)-
This feature keeps the music playing by allowing you to listen to the tuner while rewinding tapes.
SLX Head-
A tape head which employs the same advantages as the HPX head and goes one step further. A special coating helps the SLX head further improve high frequency performance and signal-to-noise ratio.
Tape Guard-
Protects cassettes and tape decks from damage by automatically tightening any cassette before engaging play mode. Tape Guard spins the reels in opposite directions, taking up the slack that can develop when cassettes are transported or stored. This ensures that tape spools are fully wound before cassette playback commences, which helps prevent tape jams.

CD SECTION
ADPS (Automatic Disc Program Selection)-
This memory/programming system lets you program your favorite songs on up to 100 discs. The system "remembers" the discs and can automatically recall the programmed tracks upon subsequents playback. ADPS allows the automatic recall of programmed playback for up to 99 Tracks per disc for up to 100 Discs.
AMPS (Automatic Magazine Programming Selection)-
Lets you program your favorite tracks on a maximum of 16 CD magazines for automatic recall each time that magazine is played. AMPS can remember up to 32 programmed steps per magazine, and a total of 16 magazines for a total of 512 steps.
AGC (Automatic Gain Control)-
(MCD and CD). Self-Correcting feature that makes adjustments each time a CD is inserted into a Pioneer unit or the CD source is selected. By constantly adjusting the player for top performance, AGC greatly improves tracking performance-as welll as the unit's ability to play poorly manufactured discs. AGC also offers superior compensation for the dust and dirt that builds up on the laser optics as the unit ages.
AUX Input Capability for External Music Sources-
All Pioneer P-Bus CD Control units allow the connection of external music sources (with RCA outputs), such as portable recorders, micro-cassettes, etc., through the MCD bus connection. Two adapters are available: the CD-RB10 for a single external unit and the CD-RB20 for an external unit and a Pioneer MCD Changer.
1-Bit D/A Converter-
Conversion of digital information as recorded into analog signals that are then reproduced as the sound you hear, 1-bit conversion ensures a smooth sound without harshness.
CD Pause-
Temporarily suspends CD play, then resumes from the point where playback was paused. So you can instantly stop and resume CD play with the push of a button, rather than turning the unit off when needed (for a cellular call, drive-up window, etc.).
8fs Digital Filter-
This 8x over-sampling filter pushes sampling noise created during digital/analog conversion up the frequency band into an inaudible range. By effectively eliminating sampling noise, the 8fs digital filter improves the response curve and delivers smoother sound.
Direct Disc Selection-
Eases the selection of discs loaded in an MCD Changer by allowing the user to directly access each disc via the preset button 1-6 or 1-12 located on the headunit.
Disc List-
Greatly enhances the ease of disc selection with Pioneer MCD Changer. By working with Disc Title Memory, Disc List allows the user to cycle through a list of entered titles for the current loaded magazine. Once the desired disc is found the user can go directly to that disc.
Disc Title Memory-
Gives you the ability to program an 8-digit descriptive title to be dislayed when that CD is selected. Up to 48 titles may be entered with many Pioneer Single-Play CD units and up to 100 titles with Pioneer MCD Changers.
Double Floating Anti-Vibration System-
For stable, skip-free performance and superior tracking, this dual independent transport damping system is on all Pioneer multi-play CD changers and single- play units. One system uses springs to support the CD mechanism while the second uses silicone-filled dampers to "float" the entire mehchanism.
High Performance Ultra Slim Laser Pickup-
Incorporates a specially designed focal aspherical molded glass lens. This lens eliminates the need for a collimator lens, which improves laser pickup performance and also decreases the pickup's size by almost 50 percent. This pickup improves CD tracking performance and reliability.
ITP (Instant Track Programming)-
Gives you the choice of programming any sequence of your favorite CD tracks for up to 32 tracks per magazine. These selections can then be conveniently recalled for each disc using AMPS and the "Program" button.
ITS (Instant Track Selection)-
Gives you the choice of programming any of your favorite CD tracks for up to 24 tracks per disc. Selections are the played back utilizing ADPS and the "Program" button.
Last Position Memory-
If there's ever any interruption to CD play (like turning your car off or switching to another source), Last Position Memory automatically resumes CD play from where you left off.
Metal Chassis-
Standard on every Pioneer changer. A metal chassis resists electric and static noise three times better than a plastic chassis. It's also more durable and more resistant to outside interference.
Music Repeat (Track/Disc/Magazine)-
A convenient assortment of playback options at the push of a single button. "TRACK" repeats the current track continuously; "DISC" repeats the current disc continuously; and "MAGAZINE" repeats the current magazine's contents (when multiple CD changers are used).
One-Piece 3-Beam Laser Pickup-
Features precision laser optics for reliability and better error correction when disc flaws are encountered.
Random Play-
CD playback mode that mixes the order of songs (and entire magazines, in the case of MCD changers), providing a different sequence each time. It's an easy, one-button way to rearrange playback order of songs.
Silicone Oil Damped Rubber Insulators-
Working together with springs in the "Double-Floating Anti-Vibration" mechanism, these insulators act as shock absorbers. They help insulate the laser pickup and transport mechanism of CD players from the bumps of everyday motoring. The result is more stable, skip-free CD play.

HEAD UNIT SECTION
35W × 4 High Power-
Pioneer co-developed and was the first to introduce this internal power chip which allows increased bass response and system clarity. Increased system performance is made possible without requiring additonal amplifiers.
Attenuator-
Located on the Remote Control applicable units. The "Attenuator" button instantly lowers and then restores the volume level. It's not only useful when driving up to a toll booth, teller window or fast food window, it can also prevent others who drive or park your car from playing the stereo system at excessive levels.
APF (Auto Position Follow)-
A Pioneer Exclusive ID Logic® feature that automatically updates the ID Logic location as the user travels from one area to another. While other systems require that the user manually update the ID Logic position when traveling outside of their normal listening area, APF automatically guarantees that the Pioneer unit will always display the correct loacal stations informationl
APS (Auto Position Set)-
Another Pioneer Exclusive ID Logic® feature that makes setup a snap. While other ID Logic systems require grid maps and a complex initial setup procedure, APS simply requires that the user enter the Country and State and then press the APS button. The unit does the rest.
BSM (Best Station Memory)-
An ideal tuner feature for traveling. At the touch of a button, BSM scans the radio band, finds and automatically presets the six strongest stations.
Formal BSM-
Using ID-Logic®, F-BSM automatically presets the 12 strongest stations in the user-selected format (e.g. Country, Classic Rock, jazz).
FIE (Front Image Enhancer)-
Engages a Low Pass Filter (LPF) for the rear speakers that attenuates frequencies above 100Hz. This creates an improved front image and greatly enhances the width and depth of the system's sound stage.
Bass/Mid/Treble Tone Controls-
Adds a tone control for mid-range frequencies-the frequencies representing most vocals. This three-way control makes the tone control more like a three-band equalizer and gives the user more adjustment capability in the vocal range of most music.
EL (Electroluminescence) Display-
Features improved illumination over traditional LCD designs. EL (Electroluminescent) backlighting provides bright, even illumination to improve readability. The display also automatically dims at night to prevent glare from distracting the driver.
Full Detachable Face Security (DFS)-
A theft-deterrent system invented by Pioneer which revolutionized headunit security. With DFS, you simply lift off the front panel (face) of the unit, slip it into a protective case and take it with you. The unit's sensitive electronics remain protected in the dash, however, is a plain black panel that won't attract thieves. This differs from many partially detachable face units offered by competitors, which leave part of the unit's face exposed to would-be thieves.
DFS Alarm-
Takes Detachable Face Security™ to the next level by protecting both the headunit and the car itself. This built-in alarm features an internal alarm through the system's speakers and easy setup and operation. Arming and disarming are accomplished by removing and attaching the detachable face. Features (such as flashing parking lights or sounding horm) can also be easily activated by your Premier® Installation Specialist.
Built-In DSP (Digital Signal Processor)-
Uses digital technology to correct a vehicle's interior acoustics. Additonally the system offers various soundfields to recreate different listening enviornments in your car (Studio, Jazz Club, etc.) Depending on the model selected, Pioneer DSP units offer digital equalizers, parametric bass & treble, listening position selector, soundfields and more to enhance your listening experience.
Hi-Volt Component Headunits-
Offer no built-in power; rather, they offer Hi-Volt RCA Preamp Outputs to provide up to 4 volts of signal output. This high quality output signal provides amplifiers with the best possible input for a greatly decreased noise-floor, decreased distortion and improved dynamic range.
ID Logic®-
Tuner feature includes a built-in database of useful information for over 7,500 AM and FM stations in the US, Canada and Mexico. This allows the selected station such as Format, Call Sign and more. Additionally the tuner can automatically seek stations according to selected music formats to selected music formats (e.g. Rock, Classical, Jazz, Country, etc.).
Loudness Control-
At low volume levels, low and high frequency sounds in music can be overpowered by ambient noise levels in the vehicle. Loudness control provides a one-button way to boost these frequencies and provide better overall sound at low volume levels.
Multicolor Display with EL Backlighting and Dashlight Illumination Switching-
Organizes display function areas through the use of color to greatly enhance readability.
PNS (Pulse Noise Suppressor)-
"Pulse Noise" is unwanted noise generated by electrical motors. It can come from your car's engine or even someone else's through your car's antenna. PNS provides a cleaner sound by reducing noise that interferes with the FM signal.
Preset Scan-
A push-button function which plays a few seconds of each preset radio station. When a desired station is found, another push cancels the scan. So you can keep your eyes on the road while the tuner does all the work.
Quartz PLL Electronic Tuning-
A precision tuning system which constantly monitors itself to keep selected stations fine-tuned at all times. This tuning system provides maximum stereo separation, miminum distortion and increased sensitivity.
RCA Preout-
The standard connection system to carry sound from a headunit to an amplifier or equalizer. RCA preouts provide easy output for connnection to an outboard amplifier.
RDS (Radio Data System)-
Tuner technology that takes advantage of useful information being broadcast from a growing number of RDS-Equipped radio stations across the United States. RDS units can display station information such as Call Sign and Format much like ID Logic® however, RDS utilizes live broadcast information to ensure up-to-date information. Furthermore RDS offers the ability to capture traffic updates and display additonal sources of information that will be broadcast by equipped stations.
Reminder Beep-
Beeps 4 seconds after the ignition key is removed to remind users to take the detachable face with them. The feature can be overridden on many models (for people that don't forget).
Seek with Selectable Local Seek Tuning-
Improves on standard seek features by providing four selectable tuning sensitivity levels. For example, increasing the sensitivity in rural areas ensures that weaker stations are not passsed over. Conversely, decreasing the sensitivity in urban areas will ensure that only the strongest stations are selected.
RCA Preouts + Subwoofer Output-
This year many Pioneer headunits feature Dual Front and Rear RCA preouts as well as a dedicated Subwoofer output. The availability of 3 RCA outputs greatly increases system possibilities and expansion.
Selectable Preout/Subout-
Several Pioneer units feature a second RCA preout that can be used as either a full-range preout or a subwoofer output. The uit can then offer selectable crossover frequencies (50,80, 125Hz) and an independent subwoofer level control. Selectable Preout/Subout lets you connect an amplifier for a subwoofer without having to purchase a seperate crossover. It also simplifies controls by providing subwoofer crossover and level controls as part of the headunit. So they can be easily adjusted from your listening position.
Source Level Adjuster-
Allows you to independently adjust the volume ratio between all of the headunit's sources (using the FM volume level as a reference), so the start-up volume between sources will always be the same.
Source Tone Memory-
Preserves the last tone control settings for each source and recalls them each time that source is selected. This allows optimal tone control settings to be remembered for each music source (Tuner, CD, Tape, etc.)
SRS® (Sound Retrieval System)-
This new technology allows the user to enhance the audio realism lost by traditional stereo with the press of a button. SRS processing improves the true-to-life qualities of any music source regardless of the listening position in the vehicle.

SPEAKER SECTION
ALCC (Alginate Laminate Composite Cone)-
An exotic cone material that contains a bonding agent, Alginic Acid, which is actually extracted from sea plants. Alginic Acid, which is actually extracted from sea plants. Alginic Acid allows a superior chemical bond with the speaker cone/material that helps provide a warmer, more natural response compared to other paper cones.
Bass Reflex-
A loudspeaker design in which the sound waves generated by the driver's rear surface are allowed to pass through a port in the enclosure to reinforce bass response. This enables smaller drivers to offer increased bass response with less power.
Butyle Rubber-
The "surround", or the rolled edge where the speaker cone meets the frame, is made of a specially blended, highly durable and moisture-resistant compound. Butyl Rubber keeps the cone moving in a linear direction, seals the cone to the frame (to prevent sound from seeping back through) and quickly stops the cone from vibrating once the signal has passed. This leads to less distortion and superior frequency response.
CCAW (Copper Clad Aluminum Wire)-
Aluminum wire has 65‰ more resistance than conventional copper wire. When used as a voice coil material, fewer turns of aluminum wire realize the same performance as more turns of copper wire. Thus, with aluminum, larger gauge wire can be used to increase maximum input power and to extend bass reponse. Also, Copper Clad (a copper coating over the aluminum) enables sure solderinng contact.
Component Speakers-
Also called "seperates"-Speakers, such as woofers, midranges and tweeters, that reproduce only certain frequencies. Component Speakers not only reproduce the audio signal more accurately, but also increase the listener's control over the audio signal. Supplemental electronic and passive crossover networks divide the signal and supply the appropriate frequencies to individual component speakers.
Dome Speaker-
A speaker using a hemispherical diaphram and displaying increased dispersion characteristics. This type of speaker provides clearer sound and imaging.
Single Reflex Bandpass Enclosure-
In this two-chamber plays into a ported chamber that is tuned to a certain frequency. The port is critical because it determines the tuning frequency and acts as the low pass filter. When the speaker playing into the ported chamber, the chamber naturally passes only a certain band of frequencies into the listening enviornment and attenuates all other unwanted frequencies. An effective bandpass enclosure not only eliminates the need for fancy electronic or passive crossovers, it also increases output gain and delivers higher output with less cone movement. The audio result is tight, loud bass.
Double Damper-
A damper supports the speaker cone and guides the cone as it moves back and forth during use. By using two dampers instead of one in many of its speakers, Pioneer has greatly improved linearity over the entire frequency range of the speaker. Other benefits include low distortion and an improvement in power handling capability.
Tandem Duct Bass Reflex™ Design-
(Featured on the TS-WX30 and TS-WX50)-This design places the woofer inside the port and incorporates an acoustic notch filter. The filter helps attentuate upper frequencies for less distortion and richer bass. The tandem duct design helps compact enclosures realize sound and performance that defy their size.
Edgewise Voice Coil-
Traditonal voice coil windings use round-shaped wire that leaves gaps between the individual strands of wire-gaps that can cause distortion. Several Pioneer speakers feature a special, retangular-shaped wire that greatly reduces the gap between the individual strands. The result is not only reduced distortion, but also increased sensitivity.
Glass-Imide Voice Coil Bobbin-
Many Pioneer speakers utilize a voice coil whose cylinder is made from a woven fiberglass material bound by a polymide resin. This Glass-Imide material has much higher heat resistance, which translates in higher power handling capability for the speaker and less distortion.
Hydro-Resistant (HR) Cone-
This speaker cone has a special coating to protect it from moisture and water that can leak into door panels and other installation locations.
Foamed IMPP (Injection Molded Polypropylene) Rigilite™ Composite Cone-
Using a unique foaming process during the injection molding process, Pioneer's new IMPP speaker cones feature lighter weight and increased rigidity for improved linearity, decreased distortion, improved bass performance and clarity.
IMPP™ (Injection Molded Polypropylene) Composit Cone-
Pioneer uses a special injection molding process rather than "pressing" polypropylene speaker cones. This process ensures uniform cone thickness for superior linearity and clarity. What's more, Pioneer's "Composite" technology guarantees the perfect mix of polypropylene and carbon-fiber, graphite and other materials to optimize the speaker cone for its specific application (woofers, mid-ranges, or tweeters, etc.).
Liquid Crystal Fiber (LCF) Blended Cone-
Liquid crystal fiber has been proven to offer the necessary damping characteristics (specifically high inner loss) for a midrange or tweeter cone. Made of wood pulp and natural fiber materials (instead of synthetic pulp), it resists heat and humidity well. Perfect binding techniques have enabled Pioneer to obtain low density and high inner loss out of the cone. The result is flat frequency for clearer sound, as well as brighter highs and better definition in vocals and midrange frequencies.
Long Throw Magnetic Circuitry Design-
The design feature in Pioneer woofers that offers an extended ranger for the woofer cone to travel. This design enables the woofer to handle bursts of bass with less distortion at low frequency levels.
Poly-Ether Imide cone Mid-Range (PEI)-
A blend of ether and poly-imide, PEI possesses superior physical properties as a mid-range and tweeter cone material. PEI provides clearer output while offering high rigidity, high durability as well as high resistance to heat, chemicals and weather.
QTS-
The QTS indicates the combined Mechanical Resistance of a speaker and its enclosure. This parameter is used in the formulation of appropriately sized enclosure applications. The QTS of a sealed box woofer, for example, will be lower than that of a stiffer Free-Air woofer.
Magnetic Fluid-
A solvent made of extra fine-grain ferric oxide particles used to fill gaps in the voice coil. It conducts heat generated by the boice coil to the magnet pole piece with six times the efficiency of air, resulting in boosted power output for small diameter speakers (tweeters and mid-ranges). The fluid also improves the linearity of the voice coil movement and thereby reduces harmonic distortion.
PPS (Polyphenylene sulfide Film)-
A compound whose ductility is so high it can be turned into a film. Physically, PPS combines high resistance to heat, high rigidity, high Young's Modulus (flexibility), high elasticity and high resistance to chemicals and water. PPS accounts for high frequency response, excellent linearity and increased durability against dust and moisture.
Resonance-Free Speaker Basket-
Traditional speaker baskets are stamped out of steel. By the nature of their construction, they will produce a ringing sound when struck. The same holds true for the basket when the speaker vibrates. Several Pioneer speakers utilize a Resonance-Free speaker basket design that greatly reduces ringing characteristics, decreases distortion and provides clearer overall sound.
Rigidity-
The ability of a speaker cone to hold its shape while vibrating to reproduce a musical signal. The better the rigidity, the better the linearity and overall sound.
Swivel Mount Tweeter-
The swivel mount tweeter offers the best of all installation possibilities. Featuring a specially designed glush-mount cup, this mounting system allows the tweeter to be angled in any direction for optimum imaging and placement.
Rigilite™-
RIGID and LIGHTER Pioneer speaker cones for strong bass response and clear mids and highs.
sBASSaver™-
The product of Pioneer speaker engineering expertise, sBASSaver™ subwoofers ennnclosures feature woofers that were exclusively designed for this compact, high performance line. sBASSaver subwoofers provide both optimum bass performance and easy, space-saving installation.
Strontium Magnet-
A very powerful magnetic material which has a greater magnetic force field than a ferrite magnet. Strontium magnets improve efficiency and power handling capabilities. This enables enngineers to build a much smaller magnet, and consequently a thinner speaker to fit in areas with limited mounting depths- without compromising sound quality.
Vertical Flex™ Dust Guard-
Multi-axial speakers use a stud to attach the midrange and the tweeter to the center of the woofer. The area where the stud is attached to the woofer must remain free from dust and dirt. Pioneer uses a specially-developed urethane foam dust guard that covers the stud to protect the woofer voice coil from dust and dirt, directly increasing durability.


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