Pioneer (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com) has released a new line of 7.1 channel AV receivers that offer A/V control via the iPhone and iPod touch. The VSX-920-K, VSX-1020-K and the Pioneer-branded flagship receiver the VSX-1120-K, offer enhanced iPhone and iPod touch control and functionality, are 3D capable with the advanced version of HDMI and feature wireless Bluetooth audio streaming for Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Additionally, Pioneer today announced availability of its iControlAV App, which turns compatible iPhone and iPod touch into a fully functioning remote control for the Pioneer receiver, on the Apple App Store. 7.1 channel models deliver expanded iPhone functionality with the top two models featuring the company’s first app for their home entertainment products and Bluetooth Audio Streaming for wireless devices.
The new line of 7.1 receivers are iPhone certified and allow for playback of content on an iPhone and iPod touch including: on-screen display of track data, album art, photos and video on a connected TV. With an included USB/ video cable, users can listen to their music, view photos and watch downloaded as well as stream audio and video such as YouTube and Rhapsody music services all while charging their Apple devices when connected to the receiver.
Pioneer’s first app compatible with their home entertainment products, iControlAV, provides iPhone and iPod touch users integration of their devices with their home theater system. The free iControlAV App turns iPhone and iPod touch into a fully functioning remote control for the VSX-1020-K and VSX-1120-K Pioneer receivers. When the receivers are connected via Ethernet to an existing wireless router, the app allows users to wirelessly control their home theater receiver and includes graphical representations of these four controllable elements:
° Control — adjusts the main volume, mute, select and switch inputs including multi-zones as well as display audio/video status information with a slight touch of the screen;
° Precision — allows users to turn on/off two of Pioneer’s proprietary sound enhancements, PQLS which achieves jitter-free signal transmission via HDMI and Phase Control which permits precise phase control of multi-channel speakers;
° Balance — with a roll and hold motion users can adjust the output balance of their speakers for 360 degree sound leveling to match their present listening position;
° Emphasis — with a tilt and hold motion users can adjust dialogue and bass levels of the center speaker and subwoofer for optimum clarity of soundtracks with dynamic vocals or video games with extra bass;
The full line of new models feature wireless Bluetooth audio streaming from any Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, iPod touch, Android platform, other smart phones or personal computer with an optional Bluetooth adaptor. The Pioneer branded AS-BT100 (US$99), Bluetooth Adaptor, allows consumers to keep the phone close to them while they enjoy music through their home theater system.
The VSX-920-K ($399) and VSX-1020-K ($549) feature a front panel button that transfers iPod navigation control and on-screen display from the A/V receiver’s remote control back to the connected iPhone or iPod touch so users can navigate through their library of media files directly on the device. The VSX-1120-K is $749.
