Pioneer has come up with three new 7.1 channel receiver lines that are certified to work with the iPhone. These receivers entitled VSX-920-K, VSX-1020-K and VSX-1120-K enable the user with superior control and functionality. Moreover, these receivers are 3D enabled with the sophisticated version of HDMI and are attributed with Bluetooth audio streaming for Bluetooth capable devices.
Along with the receiver lines, Pioneer has also announced the availability of its new application, the iControlAV App. This application transforms the iPhone into a highly operative remote control device for these receivers. The 7.1 channel models carry out extended iPhone features with the top two models along with the company’s first mobile application meant for home entertainment products and Bluetooth Audio streaming for wireless devices.
David Bales, Marketing Manager for audio products of the home entertainment division, Pioneer Electronics says that, “Last year, the Pioneer line of A/V receivers set record growth in the under $500 price point. We know that the dramatic growth was a direct result of our enhancements to convenience and connectivity options expected from Apple users. This year, with the addition of our new app and Bluetooth audio streaming, we expect to hold the leadership position in this category for the second consecutive year by continuing to provide iPhone and iPod touch users with seamless integration to their home A/V experience.”
The iControlAV App can be used to control wireless devices around the house by attaching the receiver through an Ethernet to existing wireless routers. The application draws graphical representations of four major controllable elements namely control, precision, balance and emphasis. The control component helps adjust volume, swap inputs inclusive of multi-zones and displays audio/video status information. The precision component allows users to switch on/off Pioneer’s two audio enhancements, anti-fluctuating transmission with PQLS through HDMI. The phase control feature of this component allows accurate control of multi-channel speakers. The roll-and-hold motion feature helps balance the output of speakers for 360 degree sound feel, while the tilt-and-hold motion lets users adjust dialogue and bass levels of the central speaker and the subwoofer for emphasis on clarity and dynamic vocals or for video games with extra bass.
The receiving lines have been setup with wireless Bluetooth audio streaming and an iPhone control button on the VSX-920-K and VSX-1020-K which integrates the iPod navigation control and on-screen display from the AV receiver’s remote control to the connected device. With the help of this button, users can easily flick through the media files on the iPhone. Additionally, the receivers have been implemented with the latest 3D technology like HDMI 1.4 and Dolby ProLogic IIz Decoding which allows flawless amalgamation of the receiver line with a 3D home theatre system. Various multi-media elements like sound receiver AIR, Internet Radio, Video Processing
Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration and Precision Quartz Locking System have been incorporated in the 7.1 channel line.
The iControlAV App is presently available at no charge online at the App Store on iPhone or at itunes.com/appstore. While the VSX-920-K, VSX-1020-K receiver lines are to be made available in May 2010, the forerunner, VSX-1120-K receiver will hit stores in June 2010. These receivers can also be plugged with the user’s iPod touch.