New Pioneer Advanced Navigation Systems Keep Consumers Connected, Aware And Entertained

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today unveiled the new AVIC-Z140BH and AVIC-X940BT navigation systems that offer drivers detailed route guidance to their destinations while simultaneously providing entertainment, information and connectivity with features like the HD Radio Artist Experience™ and map data software now provided by NAVTEQ®.

Pioneer AVIC-Z140BH

Smartphone integration, a hallmark of Pioneer’s previous in-dash navigation models, has been enhanced with the addition of Pioneer’s Advanced App Mode, and for the first time, wireless app control via Bluetooth® for specific Android™ devices.

“Pioneer is making an unwavering commitment to bring today’s consumers the best in-car integration for practically all of their personal devices,” said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Consumers expect the products they use on a daily basis to keep them entertained, informed and up-to-date at all times; our goal is to deliver upon those expectations while ensuring our products are specifically designed to be easy and safe to use in the vehicle.”

Android Device Connectivity

Pioneer’s newest in-dash navigation models now support wireless app control via the Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP) for select Android™ devices, enabling audio playback with app display and control through the AVIC touchscreen displays. The following apps are enabled using these new features:

Pandora® internet radio

Pandora internet radio users can enjoy their personalized listening experience fully integrated into their dash and through the speakers in their car. Both Pandora enabled units display the currently playing album, artist and song text information, display current song album art and the user interface features full control of station selection, track info, and thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback options through the touchscreen of the AVIC systems.

Aha Radio®

With the free Aha Radio app, Android version available Spring ‘12, users can listen to the latest traffic conditions on their current or planned road, listen to Facebook and Twitter updates, access hundreds of podcasts and other services such as the “Hungry” and “Coffee” stations, which deliver real-time vicinity search results and directions to preferred restaurant categories listed on Yelp. Aha Radio offers more than 100 content and podcast stations that can be conveniently accessed and controlled directly on the display of the Pioneer system.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity is built-in to provide a wireless communication and data connection to Bluetooth enabled devices. For 2012, the Bluetooth profiles include the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for wireless calling and receiving; the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), which allows wireless audio streaming; and the Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) version 1.3, which provides wireless control of devices and related metadata (if available) to be viewed directly on the Pioneer touchscreen display.

Advanced App Mode and App Mode

Expanding upon the Pioneer AppRadio platform introduced in 2011, Advanced App Mode combined with the Pioneer AppRadio App enables AVIC users to view and control compatible third-party apps which currently include MotionX®-GPS DRIVE, INRIX® Traffic, Rdio®, PANDORA® internet radio, DashCommand™ (Version 2.9.0), StreamS HiFi™ (Version 5.1.1) and AUPEO! Personal Radio (Version 2.36). More AppRadio compatible apps are under development and will be added soon, dynamically expanding the features of AppRadio and Advanced App Mode products including the AVIC navigation systems.

The AVIC-Z140BH and AVIC-X940BT also feature Pioneer’s App Mode, which offers access to streaming video content on a compatible iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S from Safari, YouTube and other select apps when the vehicle is in park and the hand brake is fully engaged.

Audio

In addition to an 8-band graphic equalizer and Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), a feature that enhances audio playback of compressed audio files, new features like Auto EQ Measurement and the Sonic Center Control have been added to both navigation units, enabling users to precisely calibrate the sound field in the car.

HD Radio™ Technology

Embracing a growing trend for high quality audio broadcasts, both AVIC systems feature HD Radio Technology (AVIC-Z140BH built-in tuner and AVIC-Z940BT optional with GEX-P20HD), providing clear digital reception of HD Radio broadcasts from radio stations around the country. In addition to great audio quality, additional information such as the artist and song title can be viewed on each model’s touchscreen display. And, with the AVIC-Z140BH, the system supports the HD Radio Artist Experience feature, which allows the user to view album art, station logos or other broadcast related graphics in addition to the displayed text information (when available).

AVIC-Z140BH

In addition to a comprehensive map database from NAVTEQ, the double-DIN AVIC-Z140BH features 4GB of flash memory for fast access of mapping information; a 7-inch WVGA touchscreen display; a 3D graphics accelerator; DVD playback; Dual Zone capability for independent rear seat audio/video playback; built-in Bluetooth1 for hands-free calling and music streaming; USB connectivity2 for playback of audio/video media stored on a flash drive, hard drive, media player and/or smartphone; SD card slot; back-up camera input and built-in HD Radio tuner. Additionally, the unit features enhanced voice recognition for extra convenience while driving.

The AVIC-Z140BH offers Clear Channel’s Total Traffic Network3 service (free subscription included) via the included Radio Data Service-Traffic Message Channel (RDS-TMC) tuner to provide an overlay of real-time traffic events and conditions on the navigation map.

AVIC-X940BT

The new double-DIN AVIC-X930BT features 4GB of flash memory for mapping information; a 6.1-inch WVGA touchscreen display; a 3D graphics accelerator; DVD playback; Dual Zone capability for independent rear seat audio/video playback; built-in Bluetooth1 for hands-free calling and music streaming; USB connectivity² for playback of audio/video media stored on a flash drive, hard drive, media player and/or smartphone; micro SD card slot; back-up camera input and connectivity for an HD Radio tuner (sold separately).

The AVIC-X940BT also offers Clear Channel’s Total Traffic Network³ service as an option via the Pioneer ND-TMC10 RDS-TMC tuner to provide an overlay of real-time traffic events and conditions on the navigation map.

New for 2012, the X-series navigation systems feature a detachable faceplate for added security.

The AVIC-X940BT and AVIC-Z140BH will be available in April for suggested prices of $800 and $1200, respectively.

¹Bluetooth functionality requires a compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. Certain Bluetooth features may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices or by certain wireless carriers. See more details about compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones at the following webpage: “http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/BluetoothCompatibility”.

²Not every USB device is compatible with a Pioneer head unit containing an USB port. See more details at the following webpage: “http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/USBCompatibility”. Pioneer head units containing a USB port are compatible with USB MSC (Mass Storage Class) devices only, and are not compatible with DRM (Digital Rights Management) contents and MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) connection devices. For size and other limitations, please see Owner’s Manual. Unauthorized copying of music or other files is strictly prohibited. Optional USB extension cable is available for use with front USB ports.

³Total Traffic Network's Traffic solution is available for AVIC-Z140BH (using included tuner) and AVIC-X940BH with optional ND-TMC10 tuner. Total Traffic Network service subscription is included free with the product. To receive Total Traffic Network Traffic solution on your device, you must be within a Total Traffic Network coverage area. Coverage areas are affected by reception limitations of the FM network as well as other factors, which may affect the availability of the unit to receive FM broadcasts. Pioneer is not responsible for the accuracy of the Total Traffic Network content (SERVICE), and that content (SERVICE) may not be current or available at times. Ability of the Pioneer system to access the Total Traffic Network service is subject to change without notice and could be affected by any of the following (but not limited to the following): changes to the Total Traffic Network service; or, discontinuation of the Total Traffic Network service.