Pioneer Electronics has just introduced three home theatre receivers – the VSX-824 (5.2-channel) and the 7.2 channel VSX-1024, and VSX-1124 receivers.  These new receivers incorporate the latest HDMI 2.0 specification for the highest video signal transfer and are Roku Ready certified, incroproate ESS SABRE Premier Audio DACs, multi-channel high resolution playback, and Pioneer’s proprietary iControlAV5 App.

HDMI 2.0 – Pioneer claims to be the first AV manufacturer to incorporate HDMI 2.0 into consumer receivers.  The Version 2.0 HDMI specification offers a significant increase in signal bandwidth, now up to 18Gbps, which allows for new features such as 4K60p 4:4:4 color support.  The 4:4:4 color support offers viewers the highest quality color reproduction available in content today when images are displayed on compatible 4K televisions screens.  The ability to pass through a very high bandwidth signal without downgrading the image means that Pioneer receivers will serve as the perfect entertainment hub.

Roku Ready Certified – All models are Roku Ready certified, expanding the user’s world of entertainment with access to more than 1,000 entertainment channels of streaming movies, music, TV shows, news, sports and more.  Users can simply plug in a Roku Streaming Stick to start using the device.  Pioneer receivers offer full control of the service from a Roku stick via the receiver’s remote control and iControlAV5 app.

Music Enthusiast – Internet radio music services includr Spotify, PANDORA and vTuner and the receivers incorporate the seamless connectivity standards of HTC Connect that enables wireless high quality music files to be shared between compatible HTC One smartphones and Pioneer receivers.

ESS SABRE Premier Audio DAC – The VSX-1124 incorporates the ES9006S DAC (192kHz/24-bit) for unparalleled audio performance – bringing outstanding sound quality with warm, more natural sound reproduction, with a linear response and greatly reduced jitter. 

Advanced MCACC with Subwoofer EQ – Advanced MCACC helps create the optimum acoustic environment for movies and music.  The receivers uses a microphone (included) and a subwoofer EQ (new for 2014 on the VSX-1124) to compensate for differences in speaker sizes, output levels, and distances from the user’s listening positions automatically.

4K2K Ultra HD 60P Video Up-Scaling – The VSX-1124 supports the next generation 4K2K Ultra HD resolution standard to help provide the highest quality video image available, with the ability to pass through 4K video signals of up to 60 frames per second to any HDMI 2.0-equipped 4K display. It can also upscale lower resolution signals before delivery to make them viewable on compatible 4K Ultra HD displays.

Multi-Channel High Resolution Music Playback – Strengthening a commitment to high-resolution music playback beyond two channels, Pioneer added playback support for 96kHz 24-Bit 5.0- and 5.1-channel FLAC and WAV files on the VSX-1124. The receiver also supports other high-resolution music files including AIFF, WAV, FLAC, DSD (2.8 MHz), Apple Lossless, MP3, WMA and AAC, offering broad support for the most common high-resolution music.  Gapless playback for many of these file formats is supported as well. In addition, Pioneer’s MCACC room calibration works with high-resolution music playback.

iControlAV5 Application – The app incorporates multiple controls from basic volume adjustments and input selection to advanced features such as equalizer adjustments and management of audio settings and modes, including full control of the Roku Streaming Stick. With the VSX-1124, iControlAV5 adds AV Scaling, enabling manual override of a television’s native setting for easy adjustment of video scaling. The app is available at no cost from www.AppStore.com or the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.  The app is also available in Google Play for Android devices.

AVNavigator Built-In – Pioneer’s AVNavigator is a two-way interactive owner’s manual that removes the complications of setting up a receiver. Smply connect the receiver to a home network and launch the web browser. The functionality is also included in the iControlAV5 app where users can tap the AVNavigator icon in the application.

The new Pioneer receivers will be available at the end of March with suggested prices of $399 U.S. (VSX-824), $499 U.S. (VSX-1024) and $599 U.S. (VSX-1124).  For more info, please visit www.pioneerelectronics.ca

About the Author: George de Sa

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