Pioneer extends Apple’s digital connectivity possibilities

Part of what gives Apple technology its power are the products that embrace it, and Pioneer Electronics (USA), Inc. has just added some extra punch. Their 2011 line of 5.1 and 7.1-channel audio video receivers—which includes models VSX-521 ($249), VSX-821 ($349), VSX-921 ($449) and VSX-1021 ($549)—offers support for Apple’s iDevices in varying degrees—including AirPlay—along with custom apps made for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, such as the exclusive iControlAV2 app and the Air Jam app, both developed by Pioneer.

All of the new Pioneer receivers come with a free USB/video cable for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that enable fast “plug and play” capability with no optional dock required. In addition, the VSX-1021 receiver is the first of eight AirPlay devices Pioneer plans for 2011, allowing music lovers to easily listen to their music library wirelessly through their home theater system. Album art and song information can also be displayed on a connected monitor/TV as well.

With AirPlay, Pioneer’s VSX-1021 7.1-channel home theater receiver becomes the hub for social entertainment, giving music lovers complete access, control, and playback of their entire iTunes music library with incredible sound quality. Once the VSX-1021 is connected to a home network through Ethernet or Wi-Fi using Pioneer’s optional AS-WL300 wireless LAN adapter (sold separately), AirPlay lets consumers stream their favorite songs to the receiver from iTunes on Mac and PC, or their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

Furthering iDevice integration is Air Jam—Pioneer’s social entertainment app. Used in conjunction with the VSX-1021 receiver (optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter required), up to four devices can be paired via Bluetooth. Once connected, the users can individually cue songs from their music libraries to create a collective playlist to play back on their A/V Receiver. Each connected device will display the list of songs added by all users and the device each song will play from. The Air Jam App will also keep the list of songs from each session on each device for future purchase through the iTunes Store.

And finally, the next generation Pioneer iControlAV2 App gives users even more control of their home theater settings when used with the VSX-1021. The app enables control of volume, bass, balance and room settings and is further enhanced when used with an iPad, integrating all four app controls into an intuitive single screen. Additional features include detailed graphic representations of before and after MCACC room calibration, and sound adjustments that enable users to create their own equalizer settings with a simple “touch and draw” on the screen. The iControlAV2 App also includes Blu-ray player control when connected to a compatible Pioneer Blu-ray player.

Both the Air Jam App and the iControlAV2 App require iOS 4.2 with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G, iPad, iPod touch (2nd generation), iPod touch (3rd generation), and iPod touch (4th generation).

Other notable features include:

• DLNA 1.5 Support (VSX-1021 only)
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming
• vTuner Internet radio (VSX-1021 only)
• Auto Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC)
• Dolby ProLogic IIz Decoding
• Advanced Sound Retriever
• Auto Level Control

For further information on the 2011 Pioneer line-up, including a full list of features and system specs, visit pioneerelectronics.com.