Pioneer Electronics has just introduced two new network capable audio-video receivers (AVR); the 7.1-channel VSX-42 and the 7.2-channel VSX-60 Elite. These new AVRs offer AirPlay, DLNA, bluetooth audio streaming, 1080p video upconversion, iPod/iPhone certification, 192kHz/24-Bit DACs plus surround modes.

AirPlay — Elite consumers can wirelessly bring their entire iTunes music library into their home theater system using both receivers’ built-in Apple AirPlay technology. Wi-Fi connectivity with Pioneer’s optional AS-WL300 network adapter is available for the step-up VSX-60 to simplify the connection process.

DLNA Certified (1.5) — The Elite receivers are also DLNA Certified, allowing music content to be shared from a PC to the receiver via the consumer’s home network. Through Ethernet or the optional AS-WL300 wireless network adapter (on the VSX-60 only), each receiver can access and play high resolution music up to 192kHz/24-Bit FLAC and WAV.

Bluetooth Audio Streaming– With the optional Pioneer AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter, each receiver supports wireless Bluetooth transfer of audio content from any A2DP Bluetooth wireless enabled mobile device or personal computer. Pioneer’s exclusive Sound Retriever AIR technology is purported to enhance Bluetooth audio sound quality.

Music Services — The VSX-42 and VSX-60 are equipped with vTuner Internet radio together with PANDORA Internet radio and access to SiriusXM Radio (with paid subscription) with the VSX-60 model.

ControlApp and iControlAV2012 — Controlling home entertainment systems with mobile devices is becoming more popular, and Pioneer makes it possible with its proprietary apps, ControlApp (for VSX-42) and iControlAV2012 (for VSX-60). Both are available as a free download from the Apple App Store for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or www.apple.com/itunes/, and as an Android App by download from Google Play. Both apps control power on and off, volume, and sound mode settings, as well as the ability for the user to choose and control content from Pandora, Internet radio stations and music files from network-attached storage (NAS) devices on a home network.

Video processors — Pioneer’s VSX-42 uses an Anchor Bay video processor while the VSX-60 incorporates Marvell’s award-winning Qdeo technology, offering high quality video processing for maximum performance and flexibility. Qdeo provides a truly immersive viewing experience by capturing, processing and rendering a wider variety of video signals ranging from high definition Blu-ray Disc to portable video sources such as smartphones.

Stream Smoother — The VSX-60 features Pioneer’s Stream Smoother technology to automatically improve images coming from the Internet via other devices such as connected Blu-ray Disc players, thereby reducing compression noise and reproducing cleaner and more pleasing images. The technology is especially helpful with low bit-rate video material originally intended for viewing on small screens.

Advanced Video Adjust — Pioneer’s Advanced Video Adjust technology used in the VSX-60 model automatically optimizes video signals by the type of display (selected manually) connected to the receiver, such as Plasma, LCD and Front Projector.

While both models incorporate 192kHz/24-Bit DACs, MCACC room calibration and Advanced Sound Retriever for excellent sound quality, the VSX-60 takes it further with Advanced MCACC, Phase Control Plus, PQLS Bit Stream and Virtual Depth.

Advanced MCACC — In addition to MCACC’s ability to automatically compensate for differences in speaker size, level and distance, Advanced MCACC on the VSX-60 uses 3D calibration for a more precise measurement by including time axis measurements.

Phase Control Plus — The VSX-60 enables users to delay the signal output of the main channels of the receiver from 0-16 milliseconds to compensate for the potential lag of low frequency signals (subwoofers). With Phase Control Plus, listeners can receive all audio signals at the same time, resulting in excellent sound quality with improved imaging and staging.

PQLS Bit-Stream — PQLS technology eliminates distortion that can be caused by digital bit stream timing errors by precisely synchronizing digital audio signals between the VSX-60 and the PQLS-compatible player for the best possible digital-to-analog conversion.

Virtual Modes — For a more realistic audio video experience, the VSX-60 features Pioneer’s exclusive Virtual Modes. The receiver can simulate sound coming from various areas in a room without actual additional speakers connected. The technology can simulate a virtual surround back, virtual height and virtual depth to obtain audio effects that replicate environments being watched on a television.

Power output of the VSX-42 and VSX-60 are rated at 80 watts x 7 and 90 watts x 7 respectively.

MSRP is as follows:

Pioneer Elite VSX-42: $450 U.S.

Pioneer Elite VSX-60: $650 U.S.

Look for more details at: www.pioneerelectronics.ca.

About the Author: George de Sa

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