Pioneer Electronics history

1947 - May Fukuin Denki Kabushiki Kaisha is incorporated.

1961 Changes the name to Pioneer Electronic Corporation (now Pioneer Corporation) and shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Second Section.

This experiment, known as the PSC-5A, was extremely successful and became the stereo industry's standard format. It next brought out, in 1962, the first stereo system with detachable speakers, a variation on the usual one-piece console design.

In 1964 Pioneer brought out its S-71X modular stereo set, a runaway success that solidified acceptance of separable stereo equipment and put Pioneer on the audio map.

Over a period of years Matsumoto gradually relinquished control, eventually naming Ishizuka president in 1971, while he himself remained a rather distant chairman of the board.

Along with several other Japanese companies, Pioneer began research into the possibility of home video equipment as early as 1972.

1977 Introduces the world's first two-way addressable CATV system in the United States (with Warner Cable).

1979 Introduces the industry-use LD player.

1980 Introduces LD player for home use, the VP-1000, in the United States

1981 Introduces LD player for home use and 70 titles of LD software in Japan.

Seiya Matsumoto was a natural salesman, remaining in charge of the company's sales division from that time until he was made president in 1982.

In 1983 Pioneer introduced a Laser-Karaoke device, which in effect allowed consumers to make their own home music videos; and in the following year, Pioneer began marketing the first CD players for automobiles.

1984 Introduces the world's first LD combination player compatible with CDs and LDs, and releases the world's first car CD player.

1985 Introduces the 40-inch projection monitor.

1986 Introduction of the first stereo receiver for the home incorporating Dolby Surround sound.

1987 Introduction of the car electronics' industry's first 3-source DIN head unit with tape deck, CD player and radio tuner.

1989 Introduction of Detachable Face Security system, providing car stereo owners with added protection against theft.

Pioneer had introduced the world's first car navigation system into the Japanese market in 1990 and had a leading share of this rapidly growing sector in Japan.

1992 Introduces the world's first 4x CD-ROM changer.

1995 Debut of the first GM/Chrysler-sized aftermarket CD headunits.

1996 Introduces DVD/CD player and the world's first DVD/LD/CD compatible player for home use.

In 1997 Pioneer introduced the PDP-501HD, the world's first high-definition 50-inch, wide-screen plasma display, aimed at the consumer market.

In May 1998 the Display Products Company was created as a fourth operating unit dedicated to business operations related to plasma and other types of displays.

1999 Introduces the world's first DVD recorder compatible with the DVD-RW format.

2000 Shares of Tohoku Pioneer are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Second Section.

2002 Introduces GPS car navigation system with a wireless communication module.

2003 Total shipment worldwide of PC-use recordable DVD drives surpasses 5 million units.

2004 Introduces the world's first DVD player for professional DJs and VJs.

The company also set a goal of increasing revenues to ¥1.2 trillion (US$9 billion) by 2005.

Delisted in January 2006). Starts United States GAAP consolidated financial reporting.

2007 Introduces "KURO" plasma TV, offering stunning black reproduction.

2016 - Nov Develop advanced driving assist system Intelligent Pilot for on-the-road vehicles.

2017 - Feb Introduce the world's first BD writer compatible with Ultra HD Blu-ray.

2018 - Jan Company's 80th anniversary.