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PRESS RELEASE
February 26, 2007


Quantum leap: CASIO extends the PRIVIA and CELVIANO product series by novel sound generation


PX-200 PX-800 AP-500


In the middle class and beginner segments the digital piano series PRIVIA and CELVIANO are an institution. These brand instruments by CASIO promise high fidelity sound, top-notch equipment and revolutionary design. All this at an affordable price. Now the CASIO developers have taken another decisive step forward and are hence able to present a brand new sound source, which will not only sound out loud in beginners’ ears.

AiF – sophisticated technology for an excellent 128-note polyphony piano sound
Such leaps in performance are rarely experienced: By extending polyphony to 128 notes, CASIO redefines the requirement profile to be applied in the market for beginner and intermediate instruments. Once again, a top class feature is introduced to this class of instruments thanks to CASIO. The innovative sound source is named "Acoustic & Intelligent Filtering System", AiF in short, and essentially describes a piano sound hardly to be surpassed with regard to realism and versatility. Hence, new CELVIANO AP-500 as well as the PRIVIA models PX-200 and PX-800 also for professional pianists and a real enrichment in the segment of top brand instruments. Beside the complex sound design, ambitious beginners and pros are enthused by the scope of extra equipment featuring USB, Line Out and SD card slot. In addition, AP-500 and PX-200 offer 20 piano rhythms with crisp new drum sounds.

With the development of the overall sound, the following aims were achieved:

More samples, more dynamics: New and extra piano samples for even more dynamics. Recordings of a top-notch instrument with a rich variety of sound nuances were used as a foundation. By extending the key splits and due to the triple velocity split, now a total of 180 samples with a Wave-ROM of 11 MB are available.

Innovative filter technology: AiF describes a complex filter system that provides for fine, authentic sound nuances and soft transitions from one sample to the next and from one dynamic level to another. Depending upon the strength of a stroke – from piano to forte – different filters are applied. The bandwidth of the key stroke is enhanced through AiF, thereby rendering the best possible touch-sensitivity.

High quality DSP effects: An instrument only sounds as good as the acoustic circumstances allow. Here, the electronic counterpart has its strong points, digitally reproducing the high level sound of a paragon concert piano with first-class reverb effects. The simulation of string resonance employing the CASIO effect Acoustic Resonance renders the sound experience close to perfect.

128-note polyphony: The expansion of the polyphonic capacities makes the interpretation of complex compositions a pleasurable experience and allows for extensive chord play as well as intense use of the damper pedal. Even ambitious piano players experience a top instrument that lends their abilities all the space they need.

Powerful speaker system: In order for the sound potentials to develop their full scope a completely new speaker system was conceived. A powerful 2-way sound system with four loudspeakers – two of them tweeters – emit a targeted sound along the product philosophy of seeing the player at the centre of focus. His sound impressions and perceptions set the standards; hence the extraordinary sound scope of the new digital piano generation unfolds optimally at the player’s position and from there consistently spreads out into the environment.

These innovations distinguish new AP-500, PX-200 and PX-800 as extraordinary instruments impressively incorporating the technical competence CASIO has a reputation for. The AiF sound technology generates detailed and dynamic piano sounds, which again bring the player closer to the perfect sound of a real grand piano.

All three new digital pianos will shortly be available at authorised CASIO dealers. The price positioning follows the typical CASIO spirit – high tech at a beginner’s price.

PRIVIA PX-200: entering AiF sound generation
Pragmatism and fun: Those who decide in favour of a portable piano instead of an acoustic one is perfectly catered for with PX-200, a topnotch instrument, which is established in the highest class. With a mere 12 kg in weight it has a number of powerful features to offer: 128-note polyphony brilliant piano sound, 162 new AiF tones (split/layer) authentic string resonance effects, 20 piano rhythms with powerful drum sets, 2-way speaker system with 4 speakers and 2 times 8 watts output, 3.1 MB Flash ROM, USB, Line Out, as well as a SD card slot. Optional 3-pedal unit (SP-30) with an extended damper function as well as a suitable stand with a bright wooden look (CS-66P) are available on top. This high value introduction to AiF Sound Technology is interesting for all sophisticated hobby pianists on the search for absolutely top class sound quality at the same time as they wish all the advantages a compact digital piano offers.

PRIVIA PX-800: a compact top model
PX-800 is a high-class instrument that offers ambitious piano players a complete listening and playing experience. The 162 AiF tones, 32 + 128 GM + 2 drum sets, reach a level, which is thoroughly satisfying and, in combination with DSP reverb effects, discloses sound options yet unheard of. Even those who cannot claim to own a large concert grand piano together with an adequate music hall can reproduce such a sound within their own walls. Musicians reach the aim of their desires efficiently as the instrument can be controlled in an effective manner due to the practical LED display. The amplification system yields two times 20 watts, the treble speakers in the 2-way system guarantee a clear representation of the sound directed towards the player. PX-800 comes with a 3-pedal unit (damper, soft, sustain) with an extended damper function integrated into the stylish stand. This noble instrument with its bright, cherry wood look proves a real highlight in modern living environments, and catches the eye with other extra features such as the transparent music stand.

CELVIANO AP-500: classical home piano with fantastic sound properties
Since several years, the CELVIANO series by CASIO belongs to the top flight regarding sound, keyboard and functionality. AP-500 again rouses high expectations, which are comprehensively satisfied by this new top model due to its 128-note polyphony, among other things. The excellent AiF sound generation renders 164 unique sounds (34+ 128 GM + 2 drum sets), which fully develop in classical piano literature as well as in other genres. The stereo piano sounds with their exceptional brilliance blend with impressive digital effects, reproducing all relevant space reverberation profiles, reaching from intimate piano parlours to large concert halls. In addition, a high class CPZ keyboard with scaled hammer action reflect the feel of a real grand piano keyboard. With a amplifier output of two times 30 watts, AP-500 also sets the standards regarding volume and takes the biscuit with its Midi Through and Line In connections.

About CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
CASIO Computer Co., Ltd. is one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics products and business equipment solutions. CASIO was established in 1957 when the Kashio brothers, Tadao, Toshio, Kazuo, and Yukio created and successfully mass-produced the world's first purely electric, small-sized calculator. Since then, CASIO has strived to realize its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" by employing cutting-edge digital technology acquired through the development of the calculator to create innovative and imaginative products. Today, CASIO's offerings include timepieces, digital cameras, cellular phones, electronic dictionaries, calculators, musical instruments, system equipment, and electronic components such as LCDs. Based on circuit design and high-density mounting technology expertise, CASIO's strength lies in lightweight, miniature, and portable digital equipment, continually bringing forth a wealth of imaginative products. Globally, the CASIO Group employs over 10,000 people, shipping more than 100 million products per year worldwide. Net sales for the fiscal year ended March 2006 were 580 billion yen (approximately US$4,959 million). News and product information from CASIO is available at http://world.casio.com/.

For enquiries or further information please contact:
Werbewerkstatt GmbH • Friedensallee 27A • 22765 Hamburg
Phone: 040 / 380 379 44 • Fax: 040 / 380 379 40
email: presse.emi@werbewerkstattgmbh.de

Downloads:
PX-200
PX-200 left
PX-200 with stand
PX-800
PX-800 right
PX-800 left
PX-800 left 2
AP-500
AP-500 right
AP-500 right 2
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