Pioneer at CES - Printer Friendly version without Comments

Pioneer is showcasing its line of 2013 in-dash multimedia DVD receivers and in-dash navigation systems at CES.

The Japanese company launched three new in-dash navigation systems, AVIC-Z150BH, AVIC-X950BH and AVIC-X850BT, that combine advanced route guidance, multimedia entertainment and smartphone connectivity functions. The entire lineup of products includes iPhone 5 compatibility as well as WVGA touchscreen displays ranging from 6.1 to 7 inches, new mapping interface with available built-in real-time traffic information, new graphical user interface (GUI), AppRadio Mode (previously known as Advanced AppMode), SiriusXM ready, built-in Bluetooth functionality, USB connectivity (must have iPod cable for USB functionality), HD Radio Technology, DVD/CD/MP3 playback, and more.

Pioneer's flagship navigation products now include connectivity with iPhone 5 via the optional CD-IH202 kit ($50 suggested retail price) and two required accessories (purchased separately) from Apple, the Lightning to USB cable and Lightning Digital AV Adapter for compatibility with the AVIC-Z150BH and AVIC-X950BH models, and the optional CD-IV202NAVI kit ($100 suggested retail price) and Apple?s Lightning to USB cable and Lightning to VGA Adapter for compatibility with the AVIC-X850BT. With these three navigation receivers, users will be able to access and control select iPhone 5 apps via the in-dash touchscreen display; play and control music and videos stored on iPhone 5; and play and control the Pandora internet radio and Aha Radio apps running on their iPhone 5 via the revolutionary AppRadio and AppRadio Mode interface.

Each model is equipped with Pioneer?s AppRadio Mode (previously known as Advanced AppMode), which offers an "AppRadio-like" experience for both iPhone and Android owners, giving users the ability to access and control apps directly from the navigation receiver?s touchscreen display when connected to iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, or a compatible Android smartphone.

The AVIC-Z150BH and AVIC-X950BH enable users to see the latest traffic conditions with a built-in RDS-TMC traffic tuner. Both systems utilize Clear Channel?s Total Traffic Network service to provide an overlay of real-time traffic events and conditions on the navigation map and allow users to create routes (or re-route) to minimize traffic delays.

In addition to a map database from NAVTEQ, both the AVIC-Z150BH and AVIC-X950BH feature 8GB of flash memory; a 3D graphics accelerator; a 7-inch touchscreen (6.1-inch for AVIC-X950BH); HDMI and component video input; DVD playback; Dual Zone capability for independent rear seat audio/video playback; built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming; USB connectivity for playback of audio/video media stored on a flash drive, media player and/or smartphone; SD card slot (micro SD for AVIC-X950BH); back-up camera input (includes parking graphic guidelines), and built-in HD Radio tuner. The AVIC-X950BH also features a detachable face.

The more affordable AVIC-X850BT features 8GB of flash memory for mapping information; a 6.1-inch WVGA touchscreen display; a 3D graphics accelerator; component video input; DVD playback; Dual Zone capability for independent rear seat audio/video playback; built-in Bluetooth; USB connectivity for playback of audio/video media stored on a flash drive, media player and/or smartphone; micro SD card slot; back-up camera input (includes parking graphic guidelines) and detachable face.

The AVIC-X850BT, AVIC-X950BH and AVIC-Z150BH will be available in late March with suggested retail prices of $800, $950 and $1200, respectively.

Pioneer's 2013 in-dash multimedia DVD receivers includes three new models, the AVH-X6500DVD, AVH-X7500BT and AVH-X8500BHS. They feature enhanced connectivity with iPhone 5 (except AVH-X6500DVD1), Pioneer?s exclusive MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology and AppRadio Mode, smartphone and USB connectivity, Pandora 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.

The AVH-X8500BHS and AVH-X7500BT feature enhanced connectivity with iPhone 5 via Pioneer?s 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 AppRadio and AppRadio Mode interface.

Using Pioneer?s AppRadio App and the 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).

The flagship AVH-X8500BHS model is SiriusXM-Ready. SiriusXM programming is received through the SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SXV200 SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner offers a 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 connectivity is built in to the AVH-X7500BT and AVH-X8500BHS. 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.

The AVH-X8500BHS features an integrated HD Radio tuner, providing digital reception of HD Radio HD1, HD2 and HD3 broadcasts from participating radio stations across the U.S.

All three multimedia DVD receivers feature 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 fonts. 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 ports 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 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).