Pioneer Presents New In-Dash Single DIN Receivers For 2014

Pioneer Electronics Inc. released two new digital media receivers and five CD models to complete its lineup of 2014 in-dash single DIN receivers. Designed specifically for smartphone consumers, the digital media receivers, MVH-X360BT and MVH-X560BT, feature enhanced connectivity, control and music playback from a smartphone in lieu of a traditional CD player mechanism.

Both models offer Pandora internet radio playback and control, media app control, Pioneer’s exclusive MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology, Siri Eyes Free functionality, expanded Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and the ability to directly control and play music stored on many of today’s most popular smartphones. The DEH-X7600S, DEH-X7600HD, DEH-X8600BS, DEH-X8600BH, DEH-X9600BHS single CD receivers sport a new cosmetic design, improved illumination settings and enhanced smartphone connectivity while adding SiriusXM Satellite Radio compatibility, built-in HD Radio and/or built-in Bluetooth (features vary by model).

Pioneer DEH-X9600BHS

“The way consumers access and store digital music has evolved with the popularity of streamed music services, the availability of cloud storage options, and increased media storage capacity on the latest smartphones. As a result, more consumers are using their smartphones as the primary source for listening in the car,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “All of our new in-dash receivers are designed to take advantage of many of the smartphone’s entertainment and communication capabilities, while also enabling simpler and more convenient access and control.”

EXPANDED MEDIA ACCESS

• PANDORA STATION CREATION (all models) – New on all in-dash 1-DIN receivers is the new Pandora station creation feature that let users quickly create new Pandora stations while the app is in use with an iPhone device (physical connection required) or Android smartphone. Users can simply press and hold a button on the new receivers to create a new Pandora station dynamically.

The feature is further enhanced on the new CD receivers, offering users the option to create new stations using music playing from additional sources including a connected iPod device or the built-in HD Radio and SiriusXM channels.

• MEDIA APP CONTROL (all models) – Through Media App Control, the new models can play and control music from various music apps such as iHeartRadio and Aupeo. Play, pause, next and back commands, if enabled by the connected app, are available on the receivers when used with an iPhone (via USB connection) or Android (via Bluetooth) devices.
• MIXTRAX – Pioneer continues to include its revolutionary MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology into each receiver 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 an iPhone, iPod or USB storage device. For an additional club-like effect, the illumination and display of receivers can be set to pulsate and change color with the tempo and intensity of the music.
• SIRIUSXM RADIO CONNECTIVITY – The DEH-X7600S, DEH-X8600BS and DEH-X9600BHS models are SiriusXM compatible with the SXV200 SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner offers a simple, cost-effective solution for adding satellite radio, and Pioneer's multimedia receivers include the Tune Start and Tune Scan features. 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.
• HD RADIO TECHNOLOGY – The DEX-X7600HD, DEH-X8600BH and DEH-X9600BHS feature built-in HD Radio, providing clear digital reception of HD Radio HD1, HD2 and HD3 broadcasts from participating radio stations across the country. All three models feature the HD Radio Artist Experience feature, displaying album art or station logos (when available) in addition to the artist and song title information.

SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY (all models)

Pioneer’s receiver lineup integrates compatibility with many of today’s most popular smartphones to match consumer demand for continuous connectivity.

• BLUETOOTH WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY – The DEH-X8600BS, DEH-X8600BH, DEH-X9600BHS, MVH-X560BT and MVH-X360BT feature built-in Bluetooth wireless capability for convenient hands-free calling as well as music streaming with compatible Bluetooth enabled devices.

Pioneer receiver models with Bluetooth provide users of iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 the ability to take advantage of Siri Eyes Free functionality for a more convenient smartphone experience. With Siri Eyes Free, users can utilize the power of voice control to make calls, select and play music, hear and compose text messages, get mapping information, listen to notifications, and add reminders.

To simplify the Bluetooth pairing process with iPhone devices, compatible models are enabled forAuto Pairing when utilizing a physical USB connection. Users simply connect an iPhone to the Pioneer receiver using an iPhone-to-USB cable, and the receiver automatically prompts the user to confirm pairing, eliminating the need to go through the wireless “searching for devices” process.

All five Bluetooth models can store pairing data for up to three phones with the ability to quickly pair/add a new phone using Pioneer’s Guest Mode feature. With Guest Mode, the receiver prompts the user to choose which of the three registered phones to replace if an attempt is made to connect a new device.

• USB CONNECTIVITY – When connected to an iPhone, iPod, portable USB drives and now Android devices via the USB port, users can use basic controls (Play/Pause/FF/Rev/Random/Repeat) and display of track, artist and album information. Android devices must run OS 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and newer with Android Media Transfer Protocol.

The DEH-X9600BHS receiver also offers dual USB ports for connection of two compatible USB devices or media players, offering even greater media source options.

ENHANCED LOOK AND FUNCTIONALITY (all models)

The new receivers offer a cleaner, more refined cosmetic look. Brightness of the display on each model can be set to five different levels for easier visualization and operation. All models (except MVH-X360BT) feature dual zone illumination providing more than 210,000 color variations to match the vehicle’s interior lighting. Illumination of the display and keys can be customized separately for countless color combinations.

For better sound quality and system flexibility, the new DEH models feature three sets of high-volt RCA pre-outs and MOSFET 50W x 4. All models offer a 5-band equalizer for increased audio adjustments.

Pioneer receivers are available now with suggested retail prices of $100 (MVH-X360BT), $130 (MVH-X560BT), $150 (DEH-X7600S), $160 (DEH-X7600HD), $190 (DEH-X8600BS), $200 (DEH-X8600BH) and $260 (DEH-X9600BHS).