Pioneer doesn't tease with one product release at a time. Today, the company announced five all-new 7.1-channel 3D-compatible receivers for its Elite AV receiver line.
The VSX-40 offers Anchor Bay video processing for the MSRP of $450. The VSX-50 ($600) kicks off the set's new networking features, which are also available on the VSX-51 ($700), the VSX-52 ($900) and the VSX-53 ($1,100). That networking means that all four of those models (sorry VSX-40!) also has support for the company's iControlAV2 and Air Jam apps, as well as Apple AirPlay, DLNA, and web radio features.
AirPlay support means that the user can tap into stored music in iTunes, without the need to connect a computer or iPod directly to the receiver as the music source. Instead the receiver can connect to your home network via the included Ethernet jack and drive a remote PC (or Mac) running iTunes. For $149 (MSRP), you can add in Pioneer's AS-WL300 wireless LAN converter, which simplifies the connection process by enabling WiFi connectivity. But if you're OK with a wired connection, that little add-on is not required. What is required is a network-connected computer (PC or Mac) running iTunes 10.1 or later. To provide greater control of the system, Pioneer recommends using an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4.2 to act as the controller.
And speaking of control, Pioneer offers the iControlAV2 and Air Jam apps for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. The free iControlAV2 app provides advanced control over the receiver, as well as other compatible devices connected to the system. Air Jam is also free and allows users to connect with one of those four receivers, and can be paired with the $99 (MSRP) AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter to allow up to four media playback devices to be connected to the same receiver. Users can then queue up their favorite selections from these devices for a party set list. USers can also create and access shared playlists, and store songs from those playlists for future iTunes purchases.
Other features on the network-capable receivers includes Bluetooth Audio Streaming and vTuner web radio navigation. The VSX-52 and VSX-53 also have services, such as Pandora, built right into the receiver.
All five receivers can convert analog video signals signals to HDMI. The VSX-52 and VSX-53 will also come packing Marvell Qdeo processing and Stream Smoother features. Advanced Video Adjust is also available on the VSX-50 and up. Each of the new receivers also boasts an easy, interactive setup process, via the Wiring Navi application.
All five of Pioneer's new Elite AV receiver models will be available starting this summer. Pre-orders should begin shortly.
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