Pioneer's 2013 In-Dash Multimedia DVD Receivers Continue To Define Connectivity And Integration

Pioneer Electronics Inc. introduces five new in-dash multimedia DVD receivers that meet consumers’ desire for more smartphone connectivity and integration. The new line of multimedia DVD receivers, consisting of the AVH-X1500DVD, AVH-X2500BT, AVH-X3500BHS, AVH-X4500BT and AVH-X5500BHS, features Pioneer’s exclusive Advanced App Mode, smartphone connectivity and MIXTRAX™ virtual DJ technology plus high resolution touchscreen displays, DVD/CD media playback, USB connectivity, Pandora® internet radio connectivity and more. Several models also integrate direct control of the SiriusXM® Vehicle Connect Tuner, Bluetooth® wireless connectivity and built-in HD Radio® Technology.

Pioneer AVH-X1500DVD

“Consumers want many of the same capabilities they get from their smartphones and other consumer electronics devices integrated safely and intuitively into their car entertainment systems,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “The user interface and diverse media capabilities of these new Pioneer multimedia DVD receivers define in-vehicle connectivity and integration.”

ADVANCED APP MODE (All Models)

A feature derived from Pioneer’s innovative AppRadio, Advanced App Mode for iOS is now available in all 2013 multimedia DVD receivers (compatible iPhone® and appropriate Pioneer accessory cable required, sold separately). Through their large WVGA LCD touchscreen displays combined with the free of charge Pioneer AppRadio App, users can easily view and control compatible third-party apps installed on their compatible iPhone devices, expanding the receiver’s functionality to more than just a traditional car receiver. More than a dozen smartphone-based apps optimized for in-vehicle use are available (see complete list on www.pioneerelectronics.com/advancedappmode).

MIXTRAX MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (All Models)

Pioneer’s revolutionary MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology is incorporated into each model, transforming a music library into a nonstop playlist that delivers a unique DJ-infused listening experience. The MIXTRAX virtual DJ inserts transitions and effects to music played from a compatible iPhone, iPod or USB storage device. For advanced customization, users have the ability to pick the types of effects and transitions added between songs as well as the length a song plays before transitioning to the next song. For an additional club-like effect, the background display of the multimedia DVD receivers can be set to pulsate and change color with the tempo and intensity of the music.

SIRIUS XM RADIO CONNECTIVITY (AVH-X3500BHS and AVH-X5500BHS)

Both the AVH-X3500BHS and AVH-X5500BHS feature direct SiriusXM compatibility with the SXV200 SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner offers a simple, inexpensive solution for adding satellite radio, and Pioneer's multimedia DVD receivers are the first in-vehicle products to market that include the new Tune Start and Tune Scan features. They also receive the expanded SiriusXM Radio channel lineup with more commercial-free music, sports, comedy, exclusive entertainment, and SiriusXM Latino (20 channels of the most comprehensive Latin programming lineup available to radio listeners with 10 exclusive commercial-free music channels). Tune Start begins playback of the current song from the beginning with each channel change, and Tune Scan allows the user to scan and listen to 6-second samples of songs currently playing on their favorite music channels.

BLUETOOTH WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

From the AVH-X2500BT and up, Bluetooth connectivity is built in to provide a wireless communication and data connection to Bluetooth enabled devices. The Bluetooth profiles include the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for wireless calling and receiving; the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for wireless audio streaming; the Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) version 1.3 for wireless control of devices and related metadata (if available) to be viewed directly on the Pioneer touchscreen display; and the Serial Port Profile (SPP) for streaming and control of Pandora internet radio from Android™ smartphones. To simplify the Bluetooth pairing process, all Bluetooth-equipped models support the Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), which allows the user to pair compatible devices without the need to input PIN codes.

HD RADIO TECHNOLOGY (AVH-X3500BHS and AVH-X5500BHS)

Embracing a growing trend for high quality audio broadcasts, the AVH-X3500BHS and AVH-X5500BHS feature integrated HD Radio tuners, providing clear digital reception of HD Radio HD1, HD2 and HD3 broadcasts from participating radio stations around the country. Both models also feature the HD Radio Artist Experience™, displaying album art or station logos (when available) in addition to the artist and song title information.

INTEGRATED FEATURES

Pioneer’s multimedia DVD receiver lineup offers a fresh modern cosmetic design that can update any dashboard with large, high quality 6.1 or 7-inch WVGA touchscreen displays. A new graphical user interface (GUI) in conjunction with Pioneer’s intuitive Touch Slide Control provides easy and intuitive control of various sources and features. Pioneer’s new finger EQ setting feature makes it effortless for users to quickly change sound settings by simply drawing (swipe of a finger) a desired EQ curve on the display.

A USB port is integrated on the back of each model for playback of audio/video media stored on a flash drive, hard drive, media player and/or smartphone. In addition, the USB connections offer up to one amp of DC current for faster charging of battery powered USB devices.

Each model offers three preamp outputs, DVD/CD playback, DivX®/MP3/WMA/AAC playback, aux input (rear), MOSFET 50W X 4 high power and Advanced Sound Retriever. The AVH-X4500BT and AVH-X5500BHS both feature high volt (4V) RCA outputs for a better sound quality connection to external amplifiers.

Pricing And Availability

Pioneer’s multimedia receivers will be available in November 2012 with suggested prices of $300 (AVH-X1500DVD), $350 (AVH-X2500BT), $400 (AVH-X3500BHS), $450 (AVH-X4500BT) and $500 (AVH-X5500BHS).