The buzzword of the year is certainly 4K -- or Ultra HD, if you want to get technical. Manufacturers are hoping that AV fans will want to experience four times the resolution of 1080p HD. And frankly, who wouldn't want to experience that?
However, to get the goods, you're going to want more than that big screen. Pioneer Electronics is one of the many companies readying new products for the 4K revolution, announcing a pair of new 4K-ready receivers under its Elite line. The Elite VSX-43 7.1-channel receiver and the Elite VSX-70 7.2-channel receiver each has support for Ultra HD pass-through, as well as new multi-zone and multi-source management and functionality, custom install options, and support for Pioneer's own ControlApp and iControlAV2013 apps.
As far as the specifics, the VSX-43 works nicely in a true 7.1-channel setup or a 5.1-channel configuration, with the two extra channels powering a pair of speakers in another room -- also known as "Zone 2." It's should also be noted that those two areas can use totally different sources, so family members can be watching a movie in a main viewing area, while you're rocking out in the kitchen.
If you need to be rocking in several areas at once, the VSX-70 offers simultaneous entertainment in up to three zones (a main zone, a powered Zone 2 and a third HDZone). That HDZone can actually be controlled via Pioneer's iControlAV2013. Other features on the VSX-70 include eight HDMI inputs, two-way RS-232-over-IP control, and certification from Control4 and Crestron. This model also has AVNavigator, a two-way interactive owner's manual that walks users through the entire set-up process of the receiver.
As mentioned, both receivers work with Pioneer's iOS and Android apps. The VSX-43 is compatible with ControlApp, while the VSX-70 has support or the newer iControlAV2013.
Other common features include new Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) connectivity, a front-panel USB port, streaming from Pandora and vTuner, and support for AirPlay, DLNA and Windows 8. If you want some of those networking goodies, each of the new Elite receivers has an Ethernet jack, with the VSX-70 adding support for the optional AS-WL300 WiFi adapter.
"Pioneer's Elite brand represents the pinnacle of Pioneer home electronics," said Chris Walker, director of AV product planning and marketing for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Any time we introduce new technology or proprietary features, it's featured first on our Elite products."
Pioneer is selling the Elite VSX-43 and VSX-70 receivers now, priced at $525 and $750, respectively.
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