Pioneer is cranking out four new home theater receivers, in hopes of cranking up the capabilities of your AV system.
Each of the new options is designed to get the iPad, iPhone and/or iPod touch involved in your home theater setup. Don't expect to be tethered, though. The top three additions all include support for Apple's AirPlay, so you can stream content wirelessly from iTunes, running on an iOS device right to your home theater setup.
"Portable devices like smartphones and tablets are now primary sources for audio and video entertainment so it's extremely important that consumers can easily incorporate them with our receivers," said Chris Walker, director of AV marketing and product planning for Pioneer's home entertainment division. "The new line of Pioneer receivers are the ideal home theater products for today's consumers."
Starting the new lineup will be the VSX-522, with an MSRP of $249. That one does not feature AirPlay, but is a great entry-level option for the price. The other three models include the VSX-822, the VSX-1022 and the top-of-the-line VSX-1122, with prices listed at $379, $449 and $599, respectively. Those are the ones with AirPlay, as well as support for DLNA 1.5, vTuner Internet radio and other web streaming options. All four receivers support 3D passthrough via HDMI 1.4a inputs and output.
All four models also feature a front USB input, with the top three components adding in a USB/video cable for easy connectivity.
Speaking of connectivity, those top three receivers each have an Ethernet jack, with the option to add Bluetooth via the add-on AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter. Those with the VSX-1122 can also add WiFi networking via an optional adapter.
Other VSX-1122 perks include seven HDMI inputs with a new HDMI Standby Through mode, Audio Return Control, Auto Phase Control Plus, and the Advanced Video Adjust suite. This model also includes AVNavigator, which promises to make the setup process simpler, via an interactive manual that can link your PC or iPad directly to the receiver.
The VSX-822 and VSX-1022 are also compatible with Pioneer's ControlApp for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, while the VSX-1122 gets an upgrade to the new iControlAV2012 app. This latest release delivers access to 18 different sound adjustments through the Sound Explorer feature, as well as Virtual Speakers. Both apps are free and currently available via iTunes.
All four of Pioneer's new receivers will come packing a brushed black finish to match most AV systems, and are expected to start shipping by the end of this month (March, 2012).
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