Pioneer Offers Dolby Digital Headphones

Pioneer has introduced the SE-DIR800C infra-red wireless surround sound headphones with true 5.1 channel surround processing and a twenty-five foot range.

Die-hard video gamers, movie and music enthusiasts now have a new ally in the fight to be entertained at any time and at the decibel level of their preference.  Night owls also can get their entertainment fix without waking the rest of the house.  And, since the headphones are wireless, it can all be done without fear of tripping over wires.

These unique headphones simulate the sum of direct and reflected signals from ‘virtual’ speakers to create high quality surround-sound as it would be experienced in a traditional home theater.   The SE-DIR800C have the capability of processing Dolby Digitalâ„¢ and DTSâ„¢ surround sound as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIâ„¢ from a gaming console, DVD player, or CD player connected through the optical or coaxial input.  The closed, dynamic type headphones have a frequency response of 12 to 22,000 Hz and an impedance of 32 Ohms.  The control unit uses infrared technology to send the digital audio signal to the headphones.   The headphone batteries are rechargeable through the control unit.

The headphones offer three settings or “listening rooms” that can be selected by the user, including:

 Reference Room – a small, acoustically damped room.
 Livelier Room – a more acoustically live room.
 Large Room – a more distant and diffuse effect.

“There has been an explosion in the popularity of multi-channel audio for music, movies and video games that is driving the development of new products like these Dolby certified headphones that are really like virtual speakers in a virtual room,” said Russ Johnston, senior vice president of marketing for home entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “This is a perfect solution for those wanting an incredible multi-channel personal listening experience in a home theater environment, whether listening to movies or the sound track of a video game.”

The SE-DIR800C headphones offer super-soft earphone enclosures so the entire ear is cushioned for greater comfort.   They will be available in May at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $475.