Pioneer Cranks up Black Levels in Kuro Line

The 2008 Kuro display line will feature dramatically improved black levels, along with a 1080 Kuro Elite projector.

Pioneer broke its near-perfect silence since CES on Wednesday to announce its new line of home theater components for 2008. Of all the updates announced, the legendary Kuro line received among the most interesting updates, including boosted black levels in the displays and a new 1080p Kuro Elite projector.

The company will introduce four new Kuro displays for June: 50- and 60-inch models in both standard and Elite configurations. All models feature improved black levels that Pioneer claims are five times better than last year’s models, and will also help broaden the sets’ color spectrums. To keep the displays adjusted appropriately in all conditions, a new “Optimum Mode” will employ a light sensor to automatically adjust video settings on the fly if users choose it. Sound will also automatically adjust when switched from program to program, or when commercials come on.

The new Kuro Elite 1080p projector will use liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) technology to deliver high contrast and full 1920×1080 resolution. Since its destined for the custom-install market, Pioneer will include a wide array of fine tweaks and calibration for picture quality.

The Kuro 50- and 60-inch displays will sell for $4,000 and $5,500, while their Elite cousins will sell for $5,000 and $6,500, respectively. The project will run for around $9,000. All are slated to hit stores in June.