Pioneer Electronics Inc. today unveils a new line of 5.1 channel A/V receivers that deliver a dynamic music experience to the living room. For the first time, the Pioneer VSX-520-K and VSX-820-K feature wireless Bluetooth transfer of audio content allowing users to enjoy their music directly from their Bluetooth-enabled device to their home theater system and are 3D Ready with the latest HDMI, version 1.4, providing more high definition connectivity options for the Blu-ray 3D specification. The VSX-820-K also features “Works with iPhone” certification, providing a seamless user experience for iPhone owners. Pre-orders of both models are currently available at Amazon.com.
“Pioneer continues to innovate the A/V receiver category with expanded compatibility for iPhone users. The addition of Bluetooth audio streaming allows consumers to keep their phones close to them to answer calls or select their next song without limitations of a wired connection to the receiver,” said David Bales, marketing manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc, in the press release. “Additionally, by equipping all models with HDMI 1.4, consumers can be assured that their Pioneer receiver is ready for future 3D home theater experiences.”
The new models feature expanded iPhone functions including an iPhone Control Button and Bluetooth Audio Streaming for portable media devices.
• “Works with iPhone” Certification – Pioneer was the first in the industry to introduce “Works with iPhone” certified A/V receivers which allow for playback of content on an iPhone, iPod and iPod touch. The VSX-820-K features this certification and allows users to listen to their music, watch downloaded as well as stream audio and video such as YouTube and Rhapsody music services all while charging their Apple devices when connected to the receiver.
• iPhone Control Button – Adding to the ease-of-use expected by Apple users, the VSX-820-K additionally features a front panel iPhone Control button that transfers iPod® navigation control and on-screen display from the A/V receiver’s remote control back to the connected Apple device so users can easily and quickly navigate through their library of media files directly on the device.
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming – Expanding on the iPhone user’s experience, both new models feature wireless Bluetooth transfer of audio content from any Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, iPod touch, other smartphones or personal computers with an optional Bluetooth adaptor. The Pioneer branded AS-BT100 (US$99) Bluetooth Adaptor allows consumers to keep the phone close to them while they enjoy music through their home theater system.
More info here.
The future of all consumer electronics devices…
I just purchased a Yamaha in January and would have picked this up instead. Maybe I will give my Yamaha away and get this one anyway! I am only using 3 of my 4 HDMI inputs (ApleTV, BlueRay DVD player, and the cable box DVR) at this time anyway.
Looks like you need to get the 919 or 1019 models to get full use of your iPods, which ain’t bad for $400-500 MSRP.
BTW, 10,000 connections on back and not a single phono in….
Why would I want to stream from iPhone to receiver?
I thought this headline meant I could CONTROL the receiver via an iPhone app. Now that is a feature I would want.
@zmarc–
Read it again. It’s both.
@TowerTone
We’re talking iPhono here.
Or, to paraphrase The Treasure of Sierra Madra:
“Phono jacks? Phono jacks? We don’t need no stinking phono jacks.”
My turntable is in storage. Not because I couldn’t use it, but because I’ve got no room in my AV cabinet for it. I was stunned to see the re-emergence of 78 LPs at the local Best Buy. Vinyl is making a comeback. I wish they could build tube amps cheaper.
The new line of Sony Bluray players can also be controlled by iPhone and iPod touch.
No dedicated subwoofer output? Dealbreaker.
Looks like the same boring boxes of the last 30 years.
@Bizzarro Jeff
Yep, I was ready to pre-order.
“No dedicated subwoofer output? Dealbreaker.”
I thought I saw an RCA pre-out for a powered sub.
So can my Onkyo – controlled on the TV screen with a remote control. Next…
X writes, “Looks like the same boring boxes of the last 30 years.”
It’s a shame even better CE manufacturers think industrial design means “simple” or “utilitarian”. I’ve owned a few receivers over the years (currently own a Denon AVR-2802), though I rely mostly on separates. There’s no reason a receiver should be as “butt ugly” as this Pioneer.
Full disclosure: I also own a Pioneer Pro series plasma and an Elite series DVD player.
I love that retro design too! That will look awesome next to my old classic tube TV and cassette deck out in the rumpus room. Does anyone know if they’ll also have updated and stylish designs of the units to use in the front room?
Honestly, i’d rather dock it than use bluetooth. the Wadia works very nicely.
@ Raymond in DC
“butt ugly”
Yup. No better description needed, required or more accurate!
I found a bit better shot of the back panel and there is a dedicated sub output (I thought it was pretty damn strange that I couldn’t find one on the other screen-shot I found that wasn’t very clear). I’ll wait to hear some of the prerelease reviews, but I’m optimistic about this one. My a/v receiver is a bit on the fritz, so I’ve been looking for a replacement anyway.