Satellite Technology News

[January 08, 2013]

Three Top Line Pioneer Multimedia DVD Receivers Expand Connectivity and Entertainment Features

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today completed its line of 2013 in-dash multimedia DVD receivers with the introduction of three new models designed to meet today's consumer needs for enhanced integration of entertainment and smartphone connectivity in the car. The new line of multimedia DVD receivers, consisting of the AVH-X6500DVD, AVH-X7500BT and AVH-X8500BHS, features enhanced connectivity with iPhone (News - Alert)® 5 (except AVH-X6500DVD¹), Pioneer's exclusive MIXTRAX^™ virtual DJ technology and AppRadio Mode, smartphone and USB connectivity, Pandora (News - Alert)^® internet radio, high resolution touchscreen display and more. Select models also integrate direct control of the SiriusXM^® SXV200 Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately), Bluetooth^® wireless technology and built-in HD Radio^™ Technology.

Pioneer AVH-X8500BHS Multimedia DVD Receiver (Photo: Business Wire)

"Pioneer's in-dash DVD receivers offer the ultimate audio video in-car experience by incorporating a wide mix of connectivity and entertainment features" said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "We continue to diversify entertainment options by integrating popular music services such as satellite radio from SiriusXM and streaming services like Pandora and enhanced connectivity to allow access and control of compatible apps and videos on Apple devices including iPhone 4, 4S, and now iPhone 5."

ENHANCED IPHONE 5 CONNECTIVITY (AVH-X8500BHS and AVH-X7500BT)

The AVH-X8500BHS and AVH-X7500BT feature enhanced connectivity with iPhone 5 via Pioneer's proprietary connectivity kits. When used with a compatible connectivity kit (CD-IH202 for AVH-X8500BHS or CD-IV202AV for AVH-X7500BT, sold separately), an appropriate Apple Lightning adapter accessory, and a firmware update (available this spring), users can access and control select iPhone 5 apps via the in-dash touchscreen display; play and control music and videos stored on the iPhone 5; and play and control the Pandora® internet radio app running on their iPhone 5 via the revolutionary AppRadio^™ and AppRadio Mode interface.

APPRADIO MODE (All Models)

Developed from Pioneer's revolutionary AppRadio, the AppRadio Mode feature (previously known as Advanced AppMode) is available in the three multimedia DVD models and expands their functionality into more than just the traditional in-dash receiver.

Using Pioneer's free of charge AppRadio App and the large touchscreen displays on the multimedia DVD receivers, users are able to view and control compatible third-party apps* installed on their compatible iPhone** devices. New to the 2013 models, AppRadio Mode on the AVH-X8500BHS now supports smartphones on the Android platform (via optional CD-AH200 accessory cable kit required, sold separately).*** There are more than two dozen smartphone-based apps optimized for in-vehicle use currently available and Pioneer continues to grow the library of apps (for a complete list visit www.pioneerelectronics.com/appradiomode).

MIXTRAX MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (All Models)

Pioneer's revolutionary MXTRAX virtual DJ technology is incorporated into each model, transforming a listener's 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.

SIRIUSXM-READY^™ (AVH-X8500BHS)

The flagship AVH-X8500BHS model is SiriusXM-Ready and capable of receiving SiriusXM's commercial-free music, premier sports and live events, comedy, news, exclusive talk and entertainment, and SiriusXM Latino, the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM programming is received through the SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner offers a simple, cost-effective solution for adding satellite radio to your vehicle, and Pioneer's multimedia DVD receivers are among the first aftermarket in-vehicle products to include the new Tune Scan™ and Tune Start™ features (other Pioneer SCD/AVH models that are already available offer this feature). The Tune Scan feature scans through songs from the user's favorite music presets. When a user enables the Tune Start feature and tunes to a favorite preset music channel, the current song will automatically start playing from the beginning.

BLUETOOTH WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY (AVH-X7500BT and AVH-X8500BHS)

Bluetooth² connectivity is built in to the AVH-X7500BT and AVH-X8500BHS, providing 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 Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), which allows the user to pair compatible devices without the need to input PIN codes.

HD RADIO TECHNOLOGY (AVH-X8500BHS)

Supporting the demand for high quality audio broadcasts, the AVH-X8500BHS features an integrated HD Radio tuner, providing clear digital reception of HD Radio HD1, HD2 and HD3 broadcasts from participating radio stations across the country. Listeners also have access to the HD Radio Artist Experience™ feature that displays album art or station logos (when available) on the screen, as well as artist and song title information.

BUILT-IN FEATURES

All three multimedia DVD receivers feature large, high quality motorized 7-in WVGA touchscreen displays and detachable face for added security. The AVH-X6500DVD and AVH-X7500BT are designed for single-DIN installations, while the AVH-X8500BHS offers a double-DIN chassis for larger dash opening applications. For 2013, all Pioneer multimedia DVD receivers feature a new graphical user interface (GUI) as well as new features including a source selection shortcut button to display available sources in large easy-to-read fonts, making it quick and convenient for users to access and change to a different source without leaving the current source screen. The new receiver models also include a new finger EQ setting feature enabling users to change sound settings quickly by simply drawing (with the swipe of a finger) the desired EQ curve on the display.

The receivers are integrated with USB support for playback of audio/video media stored on a flash drive, hard drive, media player or smartphone. The flagship AVH-X8500BHS integrates dual rear USB ports³ and the AVH-X6500DVD and AVH-X7500BT models offer a rear single USB port. The USB connections also provide one amp of DC current for faster charging of battery-powered USB devices.

Each model offers three sets of preamp outputs, DVD/CD playback, DivX^®/MP3/WMA/AAC playback, aux input (rear), MOSFET 50W X 4 high power, high volt (4V) RCA outputs for a better sound quality connection to external amplifiers, and Pioneer's innovative Advanced Sound Retriever^® technology for increased sound quality playback of compressed music.

Pioneer's multimedia DVD receivers will be available in March with suggested retail prices of $450 (AVH-X6500DVD), $500 (AVH-X7500BT) and $650 (AVH-X8500BHS).

For more information follow us on:
Twitter (News - Alert) at twitter.com/PioneerUSA
Facebook at facebook.com/PioneerNorthAmerica
YouTube at youtube.com/pioneerelectronics

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation (News - Alert), is a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets and is celebrating 75 years of innovation in the consumer electronics industry.

* Read the operation manual as well as all instructions and cautions provided with compatible smartphone apps before use. Become familiar with any applicable state and local laws. Pay attention to the road, limit glances to the device, and do not use any feature if it cannot be operated safely in your location and environment. Distracted driving may result in serious injury, including death.

** iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S are compatible using the Pioneer CD-IU201S accessory cable.

***Visit pioneerelectronics.com/appradio for a complete list of compatible Android phones. Pioneer CD-AH200 accessory cable must be used with compatible Android phone to access AppRadio Mode feature.

¹iPhone 5 compatible for music and Pandora using the Pioneer accessory cable.

²Bluetooth 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.

³Not every USB device is compatible with a Pioneer head unit containing a USB port. Pioneer head units containing USB ports are compatible with USB MSC (Mass Storage Class) devices only, and are not compatible with DRM (Digital Rights Management) content or 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.

PIONEER, MIXTRAX, APPRADIO and ADVANCED SOUND RETRIEVER are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.
ANDROID is a trademark of Google (News - Alert).
BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG.
iPhone and iPod aretrademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
PANDORA is a registered trademark of Pandora Media, Inc.
HD Radio and Artist Experience are property trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation.
Sirius, XM, SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
DivX is a registered trademark of Rovi Corporation.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130108005163/en/

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