Today's Japanese consumers are concerned about global warming and electricity shortages caused by the shutdown of Japan's nuclear power plants. They are increasingly demanding products with better energy conservation performance. Seeking to answer these demands, Pioneer has always sought to improve energy conservation, and offers products in various fields that are able to operate in eco modes that provide excellent energy-saving performance. Our development efforts focus on ways to save energy in all situations that our products may be used. By leveraging Pioneer's innovative environmental technologies, we aim to create products that feature both excellent performance and functionality and are also environmentally responsible.
Reducing CO2 Emissions by
Improving Fuel Economy with Car Navigation Systems
Car navigation systems have advanced as tools for drivers to reach their destinations in as short a time as possible without getting lost. By adding new features such as searching for routes that prioritize fuel economy and other support for eco driving, new value can be derived from car navigation systems as an indispensable tool for a low-carbon automotive society.
Supporting eco lifestyles with the ultimate in intuitive navigation
In addition to an Eco-route Search function and an augmented reality (AR) Scouter mode that helps alleviate traffic congestion, the CYBER NAVI (AVIC-VH99/ZH99 series,*1 launched in 2012) presents the best context-specific information in the driver's line of sight, using the world'is safe and comfortable. It eliminates situations where the driver makes a wrong turn despite using a car navigation system, and is the ultimate eco-friendly system for choosing the optimal fuel-saving route.
*1. Cruise Scouter unit (sold separately) is required, except for the AVIC-VH99 HUD and AVIC-ZH99 HUD. See the product pages for more details.
*2. Among vehicle head-up displays using a laser (Pioneer survey, as of May 8, 2012)
Display makes the indicated route look almost like it is floating on the actual road
Image of projected AR information2010 CYBER NAVI series of car navigation systems won two authoritative environmental awards
The CYBER NAVI (AVIC-VH9990/ZH9990/H9990), released in FY2010, which offers enhanced features and functions including high-grade Smart Loop Congestion Information, proprietary technology for estimating fuel consumption, and an eco-status eco-drive support function, has attracted significant acclaim for improving fuel consumption efficiency, receiving the following two awards.
Received the Judging Committee Special Award in the " Green IT AWARD 2010.
Received the Special Award from the Board of Review in the "12th Green Purchasing Award" in 2010.
Supervisor’s comment
Kyoichiro FujiiCar Electronics Engineering Division,
Software R & D Department
Development staffEcological friendliness is now a global pursuit and improved fuel efficiency is highly in demand for vehicles. The carrozzeria CYBER NAVI car navigation system, winner of the prestigious Environmental Prize, features the industry’s first1* eco-route search function, which provides drivers an estimate of fuel consumption before they even hit the road. Proprietary technology developed by Pioneer for estimating fuel consumption enabled the creation of the eco-route search, absolute fuel consumption display, and eco-status features. They were perfected through the dedicated teamwork and exhaustive efforts of employees facing unprecedented industry challenges, and involved verifying data through repeated real-world test runs to ensure their application achieves high customer satisfaction.
Many arguably find eco-driving troublesome, having to avoid quick starts, stops and limiting idling, amongst other requirements. In response, Pioneer has included a variety of features that make it fun, such as implementing eco-driving evaluation guidance and a detailed eco-status display, which convey the degree of eco-driving to drivers through playful graphics and voice messages. The cutting-edge technology, advanced functionality, and advanced performance that the carrozzeria CYBER NAVI car navigation system is renowned for has been made more accessible and user-friendly. We hope you will try CYBER NAVI and see for yourself just how fun and effective eco-driving can be.
* For car navigation systems sold in Japan as of May 2010 (study conducted by Pioneer)
Smart Loop — Leading the way even in disaster-stricken areas
Smart Loop is an information network system that enables users to provide and share knowledge, acquire various kinds of traffic information such as information on traffic jams, and then apply it to route searches. The system acquires Smart Loop Congestion Information via a mobile phone or communication module and applies it to car navigation, enabling it to respond rapidly to ever-changing traffic conditions. Congestion information that cannot be acquired by VICS is supplemented to ensure extremely accurate route searches. Avoiding traffic jams, not getting lost and reaching the destination as quickly as possible thus contribute to cutting wasteful fuel consumption and fighting global warming.
The benefits of these Smart Loop Congestion Information features were particularly evident in the immediate aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, when transportation infrastructure across the devastated areas was virtually shut down. Information regarding roads that were open to traffic starting on April 1, 2011 was displayed on NAVI screens. This service, which facilitated smooth travel, was extremely helpful in guiding recovery and relief vehicles.
Corresponding Environment of Car Electronics Products
High-end car audio products contributing to ecology
Further evolution of the Class D amplifier. Cars equipped with the amp's significant size and weight reduction, decreases electrical current consumption, reduces fuel consumption, and contributes to reducing environmental impact during product transportation.
Main environment friendly features
Reduction of Size and Weight
- High density parts implemented through separation of the printed wiring board by function and adoption of the 4 layer board.
- Heat sink installation in the main body etc. for optimum heat dissipation design.
Reduction of electric current consumption
- High signal processing efficiency.
- High performance Class D amplifier circuit adopting the new digital IC integration.
Comments from the person in charge
The Super Advanced Eco-Model Certification from Mr. Kawashiri, the Managing Director and person in charge of environmental issues was received by Mr. Mitsuo Nakazato of the After Market Car Electronics Business Division, After Market Designing Division (Right).The product's volume was reduced by 62%, weight by 56%, and average electrical current consumption by 15%.* It is a confident product for possible multi-car installation, CO2 emissions reduction, and fuel efficiency as environmentally friendly.
*Comparison with Pioneer's PRS-D8200 (released in 2008)
Reduction in size and weight, and increased power savings through digital amplification technology that delivers more power
The GM-D6400 digital power amp contributes to a reduction in CO2 and efficient fuel consumption.
Supervisor’s comment
Kazuyuki KudoAfter Market Car Electronics
Business Division, After Market
Designing Division
With eco-cars currently in demand worldwide, car audio must also be environmentally friendly, which is why we developed this product. We succeeded in reducing the size and weight of the heat sink for cooling the product, and decreased power use by switching to digital technology. The product offers high output and high efficiency; I’m completely satisfied with its performance, power and sound quality.
Corresponding Environment of Home Electronics Products
The value of highly tasteful home-use audio and visual products is defined by such features as their audio and picture display quality. At the same time, Pioneer is working to incorporate environmentally conscious design and to promote functions that enhance energy conservation and efficiency.
Enjoying the simple pleasures of movies and music while helping to protect the environment
Main environment-friendly factors
- Equipped with an easy-to-operate Eco Mode: This special power-saving feature reduces up to a maximum of 35% of power usage compared with normal operating use (see diagram below)
- 70W low power consumption: Realizes high sound quality and high power 120W output power per channel utilizing highly efficient Class D amplifiers and a newly developed power source while achieving 70W low power consumption; reduces power consumption by approximately 52%*
- 0.45W Low power consumption design (while it is in OFF mode).
- Equipped with "APD (Auto Power Down)" function, where the device will automatically switch from the On Mode to Sleep Mode after a predetermined period of time, when there is a continual cease of a primary function in operation.
- Helps to conserve energy during product transportation: Slim and compact size utilizing highly efficient Class D amplifiers and other equipment; successfully reduces product mass and packaging capacity; as a result, helps to enhance transport loading efficiency, thereby reducing the volume of CO2 emission during product transportation by approximately 19%*
* Comparison with Pioneer's AV multi-channel amplifier VSA-C301 (released in 2003)
Step into eco-performance with just a push of the dedicated ECO remote control button Eliminates complex operations, allowing any and all users to enjoy the simple pleasures of eco performance
Supervisor’s comment
From the left photographKatsuhiko Kakuzen : (Sales) Marketing Department
Hiroaki Taguchi : (Planning) Home AV Business Division
Izuho Nomura : (Electric design) Home AV Business Division
Shinichi Akiyama : (Software design) Home AV Business Division
Storing a large AV multi-channel amplifier in a low board-type rack sacrifices interior design considerations. A low board-type rack also impedes dissipation of the heat generated by a large amplifier. With this in mind, and in an effort to address customers' needs, we recognized the importance of providing AV multi-channel amplifiers that generated minimal heat while offering superior and stylish interior design. Without in any way compromising on such features as high power and quality sound, we took steps to bring to the market products that were also distinguished by their eco-features, allowing customers to enjoy their movies and music without making sacrifices.
We take great pride in the VSX-S300—we are confident that it combines outstanding design with excellent performance and environmental concerns at a reasonable price. We urge customers to look into this product's many attributes and enjoy owning a full-fledged home theater while helping to protect the environment.
The AV Multi-channel Amplifier that realized enriched sound quality with simultaneous high power channel flow and exceptionally efficient power saving
Newly equipped "Direct Energy HD Amplifier"
Reduces electric power consumption (At the time of viewing and listening)
Evolving through newly adapting the "Direct Power FET" as the power device, the "Direct Energy HD Amplifier" was reborn. The Direct Power FET significantly reduced inductance elements in the signal path by directly connecting the semiconductor chip on to the circuit board, eliminating wired bonding and lead wires inside the semiconductor. This controls noise occurrence, and realized greater increased performance in the signal quality. Furthermore, through such simplifications in design, miniaturization of the heat sink was achieved by setting the semiconductor chips on both surfaces: top and bottom, for an effective heat release. With circuitry design simplifications, a 25% reduction in signal path transmission was attained as well as high power saving efficiency, simultaneously eliminating audio distortion and signal degradation.
Reduce standby power consumption
Achieved the standby power consumption 0.1W (when HDMI® control function is OFF)
Reduce CO2 emissions during products transportation
Product mass and package volume were greatly reduced with the newly equipped "Direct Energy HD Amplifier." Delivery loading efficiency was improved, and CO2 emissions amount from product transportations were reduced by 37%.
The Auto Power Down function
Equipped with the Auto Power Down function, waste of power consumption by forgetting to cut the power off may be reduced. This function is also compatible for the "Multi-zone function" of the AV equipment that allows playing audio and visual sources in a separate room.
The DV-2020 DVD player offers outstanding energy conservation performance
Main environmentally friendly factors
- An automatic switch-off function: Equipped with an automatic switch-off function after a period of 30 or minutes during which the product is not in use
- Low power consumption: 6W power consumption; realizes 0.5W power consumption during idle periods
- Compact packaging: Reduction in packaging capacity by 8% compared with existing models; contributes to reductions in CO2 emissions through improved product transportation efficiency
- Complies with the RoHS Directive: Complies with restrictions on the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment issued by the EU
Supervisor’s comment
Yoshio OriharaHome AV Business Division,
Product Planning Department
I was in charge of planning for the superior price-performance DV-2020 model, which delivers enhanced standard features including a 1.4x quick scan mode that increases convenience when searching for scenes and reviewing disc sections—all in a compact, high-quality DVD player. Building on the knowledge gained through our efforts to gain Energy Star* certification, a new and increasingly stringent environmental conservation standard, we took steps to channel this know-how into the development of the DV-2020. We were determined to create a product that would deliver increased ease of use while ensuring a complete range of standard functions, high performance and environmental advantages.
* Audio/Video Version 2.0、Tier2
Pioneer Participates in the Energy Star Program
The United States Environmental Protection Agency introduced the Energy Star program as an energy saving standard. Pioneer Electronics(USA), Inc. (PUSA) participates in Energy Star for audio-visual products and attaches Energy Star labels to certified products.
DVD player DV-420V-K registration approved under the "Audio/Video Version 2.0, Tier 2" Energy Star Program for the North American market
Supervisor’s comment
Eiji NakajimaHome AV Business Division,
Designing Department
Although Energy Star is a voluntary program in the U.S.A. and not a mandatory regulation, it is an authoritative standard in energy preservation in which achieving this standard may significantly contribute to prevent global warming.
We worked in challenging to obtain certification from the more drastic and environmentally stringent standards of the new Ver. 2.0, Tier 2 program, as opposed to its previous Ver. 1.0. Through clear understanding of the new standard (specifications) requirements, thorough verification related to software changes, strict reviews on electric circuitry, succeeding new standards in power saving during playback mode/sleep mode, and in auto power down function; we were able to obtain certification for passing Energy Star's Ver. 2.0, Tier 2 standard.
With this certification for the North American models, this energy saving technology was exploited in models to Japan and other countries. In parallel with our pursuit for high quality picture/sound and high functionality, we make it our mission to constantly make efforts in developing and designing such environmentally friendly products.
A plant-based resin used in the front panels of computer writers
BD/DVD/CD writer BDR-S07J-WPlant-based plastics with a Poly Lactic Acid base are used for the entire front panel of the BD/DVD/CD writer "BDR-S07J(-W, -BK, -KR)."
- Reduced oil consumption to prevent depletion of oil resources.
- In carbon neutral status*, CO2 is not added into the atmosphere (reducing our product CO2 emission amount by 20% compared to conventional oil-based plastics), thereby contributing to the fight against global warming.
* Carbon neutral status refers to the carbon circulation theory. For example, although plants emit CO2 like oil when they are burned, they absorb CO2 through photosynthesis in their growth process, as plants are organic. Therefore, essentially burning plant material does not increase CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
(Aside from the BDR-S07J, many of our other drivers / writers in PCs as well adopt the plant oil-based plastics.)
Green IT
Paperless no-travel remote conference system
Pioneer’s remote conference system "CYBER CONFERENCE SYSTEM PRIME", which was developed with the concepts of "transmit at once", "visible all", and "extremely understandable", brings the remote conference rooms together with the industry-leading quality’s real-time data sharing, which responses to the various communication scenes.
Smoother communications, just like talking face to face with people in far-away places, can contribute to prevent the global warming with less business travels and reduced fuel consumption in transportation.
Plus, saving the data written in the screen directly contributes to the paper-less conference, such as sharing the documents.
Special Features and Environmental Consciousness of Remote Conference System
| Energy saving (CO2 reduction) |
|
|---|---|
| Resource saving (Paperless) |
* Sharing real-time high quality images with remote places and saving data in PC contribute to paper-less conference. |
Contributing to a paperless society—introducing a device that works better than
Supervisor’s comment
Toru Maruyama(left) / Natsuhiko Nonaka(right)
Pioneer Solutions Corp.,
Communication System Department
Pioneer’s Table Discussion enables both analog and digital content to be displayed on a table-like large-scale display for roundtable discussions as and when required. It connects to such wide-ranging tools as personal computers, scanners, digital cameras and iPads. During meetings that employ conventional projectors, presentations are limited to a single piece of material for each screen display with a single-line flow of information from the presenter. As a result, personal computer data and paper-based materials must be copied and distributed to all meeting participants in order to promote an adequate understanding of presentation content. Pioneer’s Discussion Table enables the collation and display of multiple data sources on a single table-like screen. Data can be moved and aligned freely both by the presenter and meeting participants in an easy-to-view format, facilitating the common sharing of information as well as timely and lively interactive discussion. The Discussion Table helps to promote a paperless society and to conserve scarce and precious paper resources while also reducing printer power consumption and use of ink and toner. Even further, it reduces the time required for meetings and discussions, thus contributing to the inherent and true purpose of roundtable discussions—increased efficiency and efficacy. Moreover, materials collated using Discussion Table can be transferred to participants’ iPads, enhancing portability. At the same time, by linking and using Discussion Table with Pioneer’s remote conference system, “CYBER CONFERENCE SYSTEM PRIME,” key individuals unable to attend the meeting can fully participate in discussions.
