Pioneer Debuts 7.1 Home Theater Receivers with iPhone App, 3D and Dolby PLIIz
By Rachel Cericola
With so many apps available, the iPhone is doing a pretty good job at running your life. Now, it may be able to run your home theater receiver. Pioneer just announced iControlAV, the company's first app, which allows users to turn an iPhone or iPod Touch into a fully functioning remote control.
Of course, they wouldn't give you an app without something to play along with it. For now, only the new VSX-1020-K (MSRP: $549) and VSX-1120-K (MSRP: $749) receivers are compatible with iControlAV. Just connect either receiver to an existing WiFi-enabled home network and the free app can control volume, inputs, sound enhancements, balance and other A/V aspects.
If you're already in love with your current remote, Pioneer has another receiver, the VSX-920-K (MSRP: $399). All three do feature love from Apple, via "Works with iPhone" certification. That means that all three are compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch. Hook the portable up via the included USB cable, and you can stream photos, iTunes music or video to your home theater rig.
The flagship VSX-1020-K features a dedicated iPhone Control button, as well as 3D and Dolby ProLogic IIz support.
Two of the new receivers crank 110 watts to each channel, while the VSX-1120-K does 120 watts. All also include HDMI 1.4, which should make it very easy to add 3D into your life down the road. The VSX-1120-K also features THX Select2 Plus certification and an Audio Return Channel, which allows the unit to reproduce audio from a compatible TV's built-in tuner with a single HDMI cable between receiver and television.
Other features on all three units include web radio and Bluetooth audio streaming for wireless devices. For the Bluetooth, you'll need Pioneer's AS-BT100 ($99) adapter. Of course, each of the receivers can also decode the latest HD audio formats, including Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio, and for a little height action, check out the on-board Dolby ProLogic IIz.
All three receivers are available for preorder now. Expect the VSX-920-K and VSX-1020-K to be delivered in May, with the VSX-1120-K coming in June. For those who cannot wait, our favorite online shopping site is already accepting pre-orders (see links below).
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