Sadly, the receiver only works with Samsung’s Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, any Nokia Symbian phone, and the iPhone/iPod (excluding the iPhone 5). Using either the Samsung Drive Link app, the Car Mode app on Symbian, or AppLink for iPhone, the user can duplicate the phone’s display onto the receiver’s 6.1-inch screen. The MirrorLink technology allows you to access apps that have been optimized for in-car use, which ensures a safe driving experience.

The app also allows for hands-free operation of the in-dash receiver, and the home screen offers quick and easy navigation to music, maps, and phone dialing. Since the displays of the smartphone and the receiver are mirrored, passengers can use the smartphone to control the receiver without having to reach forward to change around various settings.

The new JVC MirrorLink receivers are priced starting at $599 for the KW-NSX1 model. There’s no word on when or if the company has plans to roll out compatibility for more Android phones and the iPhone 5. Having only a limited number of compatible devices seems rather counter-intuitive, so hopefully JVC will open it up to more smartphones in the future.

The RX-V773WA and the RX-V673 offer a balance in sophistication and simplicity. They boast robust performance, while making setup, control, and connectivity simple and convenient. The AirPlay support lets you stream from any iOS device, which can also be directly connected via USB on the front panel. An improved proprietary YPAO system makes it easier to calibrate and adjust amplifiers, while an upgraded system controller app makes it easy to control the AV receivers from an iPad or other iOS and Android devices.

Yamaha’s two new network AV receivers are also future-proof with support for 4K video pass-through using yet-to-be-announced source components that can deliver content with four times the resolution of 1080p. The models also offer 3D video pass-through with Audio Return Channel.

The flagship RX-V773WA is priced at $849.95, while the RX-V673 is priced at $649.95. For the full details on the new AV receivers, check out the Yamaha product page.

They are aiming to have a successful year in 2012 and with this announcement they are about to get off to a great start. The technology behind MHL isn’t extremely new and has been added to many smartphones and tablets throughout 2011. MHL is a rapidly growing mobile HD audio/video connectivity standard similar to HDMI that allows up to 8 channels of audio and full uncompressed 1080p video to be streamed over a 5-pin micro-USB/MHL port. What’s even better is Onkyo has added power output to the MHL standard on their AVR’s to allow devices to charge at the same time for uncompromised audio/video quality, and battery life.

Silicon Image’s InstaPrevue is a unique, value-adding feature that will make using Onkyo products even better. With InstaPrevue users will no longer have to channel through the various input and outputs on the AVR and instead will have a live preview to switch to the correct HDMI or other inputs visually. No more toggling down the list to get that Xbox fired up. While this is a great feature I sure hope most are able to do a simple task such as changing the input — otherwise you might need to hand that remote off to someone more qualified.

InstaPrevue also allows for a much quicker speed while switching inputs, something I’m sure many are familiar with. Onkyo has always pushed the envelope and been recognized for special features and top quality sound. They look to be right on track for 2012 and we’ll be live at CES to get a good look and what is next in Home Theater. For more on this announcement, read Onkyo’s Press Release.

The VSX-40 kicks things off with 80W x 7 channels, four HDMI inputs and one output, 1080p support and two zone audio support. The VSX-50 upgrades that to 90W per channel, adds DLNA, throws in Pioneer’s Advanced Video Adjust – which automatically tweaks the picture to suit LCD, plasma or rear-projection displays – while the VSX-51 gets six HDMI inputs instead of four.

Moving on the VSX-52 has seven HDMI inputs, 110W per channel, adds Pandora, Rhapsody and SiriusXM streaming support, various image processing tech like Marvell’s Qdeo, and video output to the second audio zone. Finally, the VSX-53 has seven HDMI inputs and two outputs, three zone audio out and two zone video out, and, like the VSX-52, is THX Select Plus certified.

Air Jam, meanwhile, allows up to four iPad/iPod touch/iPhones running Pioneer’s free app to hook up to one of the receivers via the optional $99 AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter, each streaming music to a group playlist. All five will go on sale this summer, priced at $450 for the VSX-40, $600 for the VSX-50, $700 for the VSX-51, $900 for the VSX-52 and finally $1,100 for the VSX-53.

Press Release:

PIONEER’S NEW GENERATION OF ELITE RECEIVERS EXPAND
ON CONTROL AND CONNECTIVITY

AirPlay and iControlAV2 App Enhance the Home Theater Experience for iPad, iPhone & iPod touch

LONG BEACH, CA – (June 7, 2011) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today unveiled its new line of Elite® branded AV receivers designed to meet the needs of today’s connected consumers and their portable devices. The five new Elite models, consisting of the VSX-40 ($450), VSX-50 ($600), VSX-51($700), VSX-52($900) and VSX-53($1,100), incorporate state-of-the-art performance and specifications based on Pioneer’s uncompromising standards of engineering and manufacturing. All five new receivers utilize the renowned Elite audio and video technology and the VSX-50 and up have advanced network features like Pioneer’s proprietary iPhone and iPad apps including iControlAV2¹ and Air Jam², as well as Apple’s AirPlay, DLNA Certified® (1.5) and Internet radio to become the hub of a consumer’s home network and entertainment system.

“By expanding on networked features such as AirPlay and DLNA, and combining them with exclusive control functions such as iControlAV2 and Air Jam, Pioneer’s new line of Elite receivers is making it easy for consumers to integrate their portable devices while still providing them with superior audio and video performance they expect from our brand,” said Chris Walker, director AV marketing and product planning for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

The Power of Connectivity
Starting with the VSX-50 and up, each Elite receiver is network capable, offering Ethernet connectivity to provide consumers with a wide range of new content, set-up and control of their home theater system. Features and apps that consumers can take advantage of with the new line of Elite receivers include:

AirPlay – Elite consumers have complete access, control and playback of their entire iTunes music library wirelessly through their home theater system. The AS-WL300, optional wireless LAN converter from Pioneer (sold separately), is available to simplify the connection process. Users can quickly and easily enjoy all their music with song information and album art simultaneously displayed on a connected monitor/TV. AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 or later and iPad, iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 4.2.

Air Jam – Encouraging social connectivity via entertainment devices, Pioneer’s free Air Jam App is available from the App store for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or at www.apple.com/itunes/. Compatible with four of the five Elite receivers, the app allows pairing of up to four devices via Bluetooth (optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter required). Once linked, each individual can cue songs from their own music libraries to create a shared playlist to play back on the AV Receiver. Each connected device also displays the list of songs added by all the users and which device a song plays from. The Air Jam App conveniently stores the lists of songs created for each session for future purchases at the iTunes Store.

DLNA Certified (1.5) – The new line of Elite receivers are also DLNA Certified (1.5), allowing music content to be shared from a PC to the receiver via the consumers’ home network. Through Ethernet or the optional AS-WL300 wireless LAN converter (sold separately), each receiver can access and play high resolution music (up to 192kHz/24-Bit). Audio can also be streamed and controlled through the Elite receivers using a device that supports UPnP / DLNA media servers and renderers, enabling an entirely new way for consumers to share and play their music collection.

Bluetooth Audio Streaming – With the optional Bluetooth adapter, the entire lineup of receivers features wireless Bluetooth transfer of audio content from any A2DP Bluetooth wireless enabled mobile device or personal computer. Pioneer’s AS-BT200 ($99) Bluetooth adapter allows listeners to keep their phone close to them while they enjoy music through their home theater system. And, with Pioneer’s exclusive Sound Retriever AIR technology, specifically designed to enhance Bluetooth audio transmissions, music playback delivered through Bluetooth is near-CD sound quality.

vTuner – The line also brings thousands of high quality Internet radio stations into the living room with vTuner for endless music entertainment. The feature is further enhanced on the VSX-52 and VSX-53 with the addition of other Internet radio based music services such as PANDORA.

Growing Mobility
Portable devices such as the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch are becoming exciting and ever-expanding components of home entertainment systems. Pioneer’s Elite receivers are designed to utilize the wealth of content from these types of devices as well as provide a larger emotional experience of high definition multi-channel home theater.

Each receiver in the lineup is “Made for iPad, iPhone and iPod” and comes with a free USB/video cable to provide an “out of the box plug-and-play” convenience. Consumers can enjoy audio, video and photos stored on their mobile device with no “optional dock required,” in addition to charging while plugged into the receivers.

iControlAV2 – Pioneer is placing even more home entertainment control in the hands of enthusiasts with its iControlAV2 App enabling an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to control four out of the five Elite receivers. Available free from the App store for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or www.apple.com/itunes/, the iControlAV2 App controls volume, bass, balance and room settings as well as the ability for the user to choose Internet radio stations and music files from network-attached storage (NAS) on a home network. For iPad users, the iControlAV2 integrates all four app controls into an intuitive single screen. The app also includes control for Pioneer Blu-ray Disc players. Additional features include sound adjustments that enable users to create their own equalizer settings by simply drawing their desired equalizer curve on the screen and for iPad consumers, detailed graphic representations of before and after Pioneer’s MCACC room calibration feature.

Maximize Television Performance
Taking advantage of Pioneer Elite’s long history as an industry leader in high performance video processing, the 2011 Elite receivers use proprietary enhancing technologies to maximize the user’s television performance with video conversion and scaling, image enhancement, and video adjustment for detail, sharpness, brightness, contrast, chroma level and black level for individual video sources. To enhance the video performance from any source connected, Elite receivers convert analog signals to HDMI and scale both analog and digital signals to 1080p resolution for a highly improved visual experience. Additional technologies include Marvell™ Qdeo™ processing, Advanced Video Adjust and Stream Smoother to enhance the picture quality of any source.

Marvell Qdeo video processors – The top Elite models, the VSX-52 and VSX-53, offer high quality video processing for maximum performance and flexibility powered by Marvell’s award-winning Qdeo technology. Marvell Qdeo offers 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.

Advanced Video Adjust – Available on the VSX-50 and up, Pioneer’s new Advanced Video Adjust technology automatically optimizes video signals by the type of display (selected manually) connected to the receivers, such as Plasma, LCD and Front Projector. For example, the receivers can reproduce a detailed and virtually noiseless image on Plasma panels, enhance the black level of LCD displays, and produce sharper, more vivid image matching for front projectors. The receivers can further adjust and enhance images based on the user’s viewing distance from their display by utilizing the distance information established during MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) calibration to determine how much adjustment is necessary.
Stream Smoother – Pioneer is among the first to create its own technology to enhance compressed video files with Stream Smoother, available on the VSX-52 and VSX-53 models. The feature automatically calibrates images coming from the Internet via other devices such as Blu-ray Disc players reducing compression noise and establishing more detailed, finer images. The technology is especially helpful with low bit-rate video sources originally intended for viewing on small screens.

AVNavigator (Interactive Assistance)
Wiring Navi – Pioneer is making the installation process for each receiver simple by providing consumers an interactive guide application with the use of a Window-based PC. Users simply answer a series of questions about the hardware connected to the system and the application will automatically update the receiver with the correct settings.

Interactive Manual – Once the receiver is connected using the Wiring Navi application set up, the Interactive Manual application provides a linked two-way interactive manual giving users a way to quickly learn about all of the new features of each AV receiver (i.e. a push of the ALC button on the front of the receiver will take the user directly to the portion of the manual that explains the Automatic Level Control feature). Alternately, users can click on a section of the owner’s manual and the feature of the receiver will automatically activate (i.e. when the user clicks on the FL Dimmer section of the owner’s manual, the Front Panel Display of the receiver will dim).

The new line of Elite AV receiver models will be available in the summer of 2011.

One of the more interesting apps out there is GPS map view; it’s functional, responsive, and definitely makes your head unit more interesting than that old Pioneer one in your car. As you can see in the gallery, this bad boy has all of the inputs including an iPod port that will charge your ipod while connected, USB storage, a memory card slot, 3G modem, and a microphone for Blutooth pairing. Be prepared to see this device launch in the US around Q2 this year.

The receiver connects to the web using 802.11n WiFi and it can play music streamed wirelessly from other devices in your home like Windows 7 PCs. Inside the receiver is a 192kHz/24-bit D to A converter with full bit rate MP3, AAC, WMA, and WAV format support. The device will also work with the optional DS-10 iPod dock.

Other features include HDMI 1.4 inputs that are 3D ready and the receiver has repeaters built-in. Blu-ray Dolby and DTS formats are supported. The amp has 100W RMS at 8 ohms for each channel. Connectivity includes three HDMI inputs and a single HDMI output along with four composite inputs, three AV inputs, and two AV outputs. The device will ship in November for $499.95.

Thanks to ethernet connectivity the various ES-series receivers can stream content locally and over the internet using DLNA or subscription-based services like Rhapsody.  The DA3600ES has 100W per channel, the DA4600ES has 110W per channel and the DA5600ES has 130W per channel; the latter two models can also push out audio and video to a second zone via ethernet, simultaneously upscaling content to 1080p in the main zone and 1080i in the secondary zone.

As for the BDP-S1700ES, that’s compatible with Sony’s iPhone/iPod touch remote control app, and the company says an Android version is on its way.  Like the receivers it has an IR input, and it can also connect to the Gracenote database for media info.

Full details of each model in the press release below.  The Sony STR-DA3600ES and STR-DA4600ES will arrive in August 2010 for $1,100 and $1,500 respectively, while the STR-DA5600ES will drop in September for $2,000; the Sony STR-DN2010 and Sony BDP-S1700ES will arrive in August for $800 and $400 respectively.

Press Release:

SONY ELEVATES THE STANDARD FOR 3D HOME THEATER WITH NEW ES AV RECEIVERS AND BLU-RAY 3D PLAYER

Company Supports Specialty AV Channel With Focused Distribution Strategy

SAN DIEGO, July 6, 2010 – Driving the innovation of 3D, Sony today took another step to strengthen its industry leading 3D home product line with new Elevated Standard (ES) AV receivers including the STR-DA5600ES, STRA-DA4600ES, and STR-DA3600ES and a Blu-ray 3D™ player, the BDP-S1700ES.
In addition to Sony’s latest 3D capable BRAVIA® HDTVs, the new ES components represent the best audio and video quality Sony has to offer. Designed with custom installers in mind, ES models integrate seamlessly with multi-room, third-party control systems.
“By focusing on seamless integration with custom home theater control partners, Sony is working to deliver products that support the custom and specialty retail business like no other manufacturer,” said Brian Siegel, vice president of Sony’s home audio and video business. “Because Sony is involved in every stage of the 3D ecosystem, specialty dealers and installers can rest assured that our AV components leverage that deep expertise to deliver the most technically advanced experience possible.”
Focusing on the needs of custom home theater installers, Sony’s ES line represents an enthusiast-level AV experience featuring some of the company’s most advanced technology. The value of the products is best demonstrated by dealers and integrators qualified to engage an advanced consumer audience. To that end, the company is focusing its distribution strategy to include only specialty AV retailers and custom installers. ES products will no longer be offered for sale online or through telesales.

AV Receivers with Custom Control
Sony’s 2010 ES AV receivers feature IR input jacks and two-way serial control. They also offer control over IP which allows installers to easily integrate the receivers into the leading home automation systems including Control4®, Crestron, AMX®, Savant, Ultimate Remote Control, RTI, and others. Sony has worked closely with leading control companies and is a Control4 Certified Partner, an AMX Device Discovery Partner, Crestron Integration Partner, and a Savant Excellence in Audio and Video Partner.
The new models offer 3D pass-through and flexible multi-room features. They can connect to a home broadband network through an Ethernet port offering easy access to digital photos, music and videos from Digital Life Network Alliance (DLNA®) sources. They also function as an Ethernet hub featuring four ports that connect other network devices.
Additionally, the Ethernet connection provides access to both Shoutcast® Internet Radio and Rhapsody® Music Service, and offers easy access to firmware upgrades via the Internet. The STR-DA5600ES model also functions as a DLNA Live Audio Server that can stream music to other DLNA clients.
Users with an iPhone® or iPod® touch device can control the models using a free app that transforms your mobile device into a full ES receiver remote. The app features zone control, full GUI menu, and Sony’s Quick Click remote function which allows users to control source components (such as Blu-Ray player, set-top box) in the main home theater room to be controlled from a second zone.
The STR-DA5600ES and the STR-DA4600ES offer the ability to distribute audio and video to multiple rooms via the second HDMI output and video to a second zone via CAT5 output. They can both also up-scale all sources to 1080p in the main zone and 1080i in a second zone via the Faroudja chip® ensuring a consistent, sharp picture. The connected video zones feature a high-grade, icon-driven menu system that allows for simple device and content navigation.
All three models feature Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) with Automatic Phase Matching (APM). Without changing the front reference speakers, APM corrects for phase differentiation between front, center, and surround speakers, ensuring an ideal sound stage regardless of speaker type. The STR-DA5600ES also offers DCAC EX which includes speaker relocation, not only adjusting for the distance but also the angle of the listening position to create an optimal listening environment.
The receivers also feature Sony’s innovative new HD Digital Cinema Sound® that was developed together with Sony Pictures Entertainment. Incorporating high-mounted front speaker placement, HD DCS was designed to transform and replicate both the sound quality and acoustics of a movie theater in the home environment creating an unmatched home theater experience.
All of the models support 1080/24p video signals and x.v.Color™ and Deep Color™ video codecs, as well as all advanced audio formats (Dolby® Digital Plus, Dolby® TrueHD, dts® Master HD, dts® ES, Dolby® Digital EX, Dolby® Pro Logic IIx and 8 channel Linear PCM). They also feature audio return channel allowing network content originating from the television to be played through the receiver without additional cables.
The models feature Sony’s Digital Media Port™ for simple connection to an iPod and other digital music players, and are both XM® and Sirius® ready.
The 7.1 channel network multi-room STR-DA5600ES AV receiver features a 130-watt power amplifier x7 (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, .09 percent THD) With six HDMI 1.4 inputs (five rear, one front) and two switched or simultaneous HDMI outputs, the model will be available this September for about $2,000.
The 120-watt x7 (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, .09 percent THD) STR-DA4600ES features four HDMI outputs and two switched or simultaneous HDMI outputs. It will be available this August for about $1,500.
The 100-watt x7 (8 ohms, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, .09 percent THD) STR-DA3500ES features four HDMI output and will be available in August for about $1,100.
The company also added the 110-watt STR-DN2010 network 3D capable model to its receiver line up. The model will be available in August for about $800.

ES Blu-ray 3D Player with iPhone/iPod Control
Available next month for about $400, Sony’s BDP-S1700ES Blu-ray 3D player features an IR input on the back panel or easy integration with control systems. It also offers built in Wi-Fi (802.11n) for easy access to Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video platform and Sony’s new premium video service, Qriocity.
Also, users with an iPhone or iPod touch device can control the player using the free “BD Remote” app available from the Apple App store. The app, which will also be available soon for Android™ devices, allows the hand-held to function as a remote control and displays Blu-ray Disc details such as jacket artwork, actor, and production information as well as search for related video clips online.

ES Quality
All Sony ES products are supported by a five-year limited manufacturer warranty, a ninety-day advanced exchange program (2-3 day expedited replacement unit), and a dedicated installer support line to San Diego-based CEDIA trained product experts.
The models will be available through authorized Sony ES dealers and custom installers across the country. For further information on the products, please visit www.sony.com/es.

Model Specifications:

STR-DA5600ES 7.1 Channel Network Multi-room AV Receiver
Available in September for about $2,000
· 130 watt x7 @ 8-ohms, 1kHz, .09% THD
· DCAC EX Speaker Auto-Calibration with Speaker Relocation (distance and degree) and Automatic Phase Matching (APM)
· 3D pass-through
· Integrated four port Ethernet switch
· Second zone CAT5e output
· DLNA Client and Live Audio Server
· iPhone/iPod Touch remote control application
· Quick Click feature for multi-room source control (with iPhone/iPod touch app)
· On-screen graphical user interface with overlay (main and second zones)
· H.A.T.S. clock synchronization for HDMI and DSD
· Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI
· Control system integration via control over IP, RS232 or IR
· PC set up manager
· Audio Return Channel for TV audio over a single HDMI cable
· Shoutcast® Internet Radio and Rhapsody® Music Service
· Dolby® TrueHD and dts® HD Enhanced audio codecs

STR-DA4600ES 7.1 Channel Network Multi-room AV Receiver
Available in August for about $1,500
· 120 watt x7 @ 8-ohms, 1kHz, .09% THD
· 3D pass-through
· Integrated four port Ethernet switch
· Second zone CAT5e output
· DLNA Client
· iPhone/iPod Touch remote control application
· Quick Click feature for multi-room source control (with iPhone/iPod touch app)
· On-screen graphical user interface with overlay (main and second zones)
· Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI
· Control system integration via control over IP, RS232 or IR
· PC set up manager
· Audio Return Channel for TV audio over a single HDMI cable
· Shoutcast® Internet Radio and Rhapsody® Music Service
· Dolby TrueHD and dts HD Enhanced audio codecs

STR-DA3600ES 7.1 Channel Network Multi-room AV Receiver
Available in August for about $1,100
· 100 watt x7 @ 8-ohms, 1kHz, .09% THD
· 3D pass-through
· Integrated four port Ethernet switch
· DLNA Client
· iPhone/iPod Touch remote control application
· Quick Click feature for multi-room source control (with iPhone/iPod touch app)
· On-screen graphical user interface with overlay (main and second zones)
· Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI connected devices
· Control system integration via control over IP, RS232 or IR
· PC set up manager
· Audio Return Channel for TV audio over a single HDMI cable
· Shoutcast® Internet Radio and Rhapsody® Music Service
· Dolby TrueHD and dts HD Enhanced audio codecs

STR-DN2010 7.1 Channel Network AV Receiver
Available in August for about $800
· 110 watt x7 @ 8-ohms, 1kHz, 1% THD
· 3D pass-through
· Integrated four port Ethernet switch
· DLNA Client
· iPhone/iPod touch remote control app
· On-screen graphical user interface
· Wireless second zone audio (S-AIR™ multi-room capability)
· Standby pass-through of audio and video via HDMI connected devices
· Audio Return Channel for TV audio over a single HDMI cable
· Shoutcast® Internet Radio and Rhapsody® Music Service
· Dolby TrueHD and dts HD Enhanced audio codecs

BDP-S1700ES Blu-ray 3D Player
Available in August for $400
· Full HD 1080p single-disc Blu-ray Disc, DVD, CD, SA-CD player
· Blu-ray 3D capable
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Sony’s Qriocity
· IR input jack on rear panel for easy control system integration
· Built-in Wi-Fi Wireless (802.11n) with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
· Entertainment Database Browser with Gracenote™ technology
· BD Remote (iPhone/iPod touch and Android remote control – free app.)
· Photo/music/video playback via USB and DLNA
· DVD upscaling to 1080p with Precision Cinema HD Upscaling
· Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio™ decoding
· Built-in 1GB Memory

Two high-def outputs can be supported simultaneously, and Onkyo have used separate transformers for audio and video processing, with the TX-NR5008 also adding a toroidal transformer and 22,000 uF capacitors.  It also has front and rear USB 2.0 ports, whereas the TX-NR3008 makes do with one up front; they work with PMPs like Apple’s iPod.

As for multi-room use, owners can listen to a 5.1-channel source in the primary room together with fully powered stereo audio of two different sources in Zone 2 and Zone 3. There’s also the option of Zone 2/3 pre outs and Zone 2 video output.  Onkyo expect the TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 to drop in August, priced at $2,099 and $2,699 respectively.

Press Release:

Onkyo Announces Top-of-the-Line Network Receivers with Flagship Features and Performance

Upper Saddle River, NJ (6/29/10) — Onkyo, a world-renowned innovator in home entertainment, has announced the release of two new high-end network A/V receivers, the TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008, that offer a wide range of the most up-to-date and user-friendly home theater features, and have achieved THX® Ultra2 Plus™ certification. Both receivers support network audio streaming, various multi-room set-ups, iPhone/iPod playback over USB, and fully immersive, 3D-compatible home theater.

Each of these models features eight HDMI® 1.4a inputs, with compatibility specified for an Audio Return Channel and 3D video. Both mandatory video formats for 3D broadcasting—“Side-By-Side (Half)” and “Top-and-Bottom”—are supported. With 3D content on the rise, users will be able to take advantage of the unique visual dimensions made possible by this dynamic new format.

Dual HDMI outputs are also provided on these models, allowing users to connect two high-definition displays simultaneously. In conjunction with HDMI, HQV-Reon VX enables 1080p upscaling of all video inputs, regardless of source resolution. Both also feature advanced ISF video calibration, which allows users to make fine-grained, independent adjustments for each video source.

Audio networking and internet radio are common to both models. A rear-side Ethernet port enables easy firmware upgrades and links the receiver/controller directly to the internet or to a home PC. Users can access streaming internet radio through Pandora, Rhapsody, Napster, Slacker, Mediafly, Sirius Internet Radio, and vTuner, or play back a wide variety of PC-based audio files, including FLAC, MP3, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, WMA, WMA Lossless, AAC, and LPCM. The receivers are also Windows® 7 compatible and DLNA 1.5 certified to ensure optimal compatibility with other network-enabled equipment in the home.

With 9.2 audio channels, users have a great deal of flexibility in how they set up their home theater. The 9-channel configuration allows users to take advantage of the expanded surround dimensions of Audyssey DSX™ or Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz. The former adds extra height or width channels for greater spatial ambience, while the latter provides the option of extra height channels.

Naturally, support is also provided for Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™, the popular lossless codecs found on Blu-ray Disc. Furthermore, compatibility with DSD Direct means that users will be able to enjoy their SA-CD collections in all their pristine clarity. High-quality Burr-Brown DACs allow these Onkyo models to handle the heavy demands of multi-channel audio processing.

In a modern home theater, matching audio output to the acoustic characteristics of the room is all-important. Both receivers include a full suite of Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies. These work to optimize audio performance, regardless of room shape and volume level. Audyssey MultEQ® XT, for example, uses information from up to 8 positions throughout the room to calibrate speakers for optimal audio balance.

Flexibility is the byword when it comes to multi-room set-ups. The TX-NR5008 and TX-NR3008 let users play a 5.1-channel source in the main room, along with fully powered stereo audio of two different sources in Zone 2 and Zone 3. On top of that, users also have the option of Zone 2/3 pre outs and Zone 2 video output.

The TX-NR3008 features a front-side USB port, while the TX-NR5008 has USB ports front and rear. As well as handling audio content from flash memory devices, the USB ports let users play music—and display album art—from a connected iPhone/iPod.

Build quality is highlighted by gold-plated audio inputs and PLL jitter-cleaning circuit technology on all models. These A/V receivers feature separate transformers for audio and video processing, with the TX-NR5008 also adding a massive toroidal transformer and 22,000 uF capacitors, a feature more typical of separate component amplifiers.

Other convenient features shared by both models include an analog RGB input for video content from a connected PC; a backlit and customizable remote controller; HDMI Thru allows children to still watch programs when the receiver is not turned on; and Onkyo’s new overlaid graphical OSD for seamless adjustment of settings during a viewing session.

These new releases keep Onkyo at the forefront of high-end integrated home entertainment, and demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to providing maximum performance at every level of the home theater market.

The Onkyo TX-NR3008 and TX-NR5008 will be available in August with suggested retail prices of $2,099 and $2,699 respectively.

Since 1946 Onkyo has been passionately committed to developing audio products that deliver uncommon performance, quality and value. Bundling proprietary technologies and innovations with other sound-enhancing exclusives, Onkyo continues to created award winning products that are lauded by many of the industry leading audio publications. The company’s philosophy is to deliver products that are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the forefront of the home theater and digital revolutions. For more information about this and other fine Onkyo products, visit www.onkyousa.com or call 800-229-1687.

The VSX-30 and VSX-31 are prices at $550 and $650 respectively and have iPhone and iPod touch control with Bluetooth streaming audio capability with an optional adapter. The receivers also support HDMI 1.4a for 3D content. The high-end SC-37 receiver sells for $2200.

The receiver has a Home Media Gallery feature that lets the user access photos and music files from a computer on a local network and it supports satellite radio and Rhapsody. The VSX-32 has the same features as the other VSX receivers and adds Marvell Qdeo video processing technology.

Likely of most interest to home buyers are the three 7-channel models (AVR-791, AVR-891, AVR-991) and two 5-channel models (AVR-591, AVR-391) which all have Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding and iPod connectivity.  The AVR-991 also squeezes in an ethernet port for internet radio, Pandora and Flickr access, together with a web browser.  Pricing/availability as follows:

• AVR-991 (SRP: $999, July)
• AVR-891 (SRP: $799, May)
• AVR-791 (SRP: $499, May)
• AVR-591 (SRP: $349, May)
• AVR-391 (SRP: $249, July)

Meanwhile the AVR-1911 (SRP: $599, June) and AVR-1611 (SRP: $399, June) have two-zone A/V distribution capabilities together with an HD Radio tunrer on the AVR-1911 together with a USB connector for hooking up an iPod and improved upscaling. The custom-installation focused AVR-4311CI (SRP: $1,999, Sept.), AVR-3311CI (SRP: $1,199, June) and AVR-2311CI (SRP: $899, June) are intended to be built into distributed home entertainment systems.

Press Release:

DENON® REAFFIRMS LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCED A/V RECEIVERS WITH TEN NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE MODELS

– Upgraded Line Offers A/V Enhancements and More Advanced Technologies at Lower Price Points; Ideal Home Entertainment Solutions for Every Consumer Need and Budget–

Mahwah, NJ, April 26, 2010 – Denon Electronics, a premier manufacturer of high-quality home entertainment components celebrating 100 years of innovation and technology leadership in 2010, today announced its new line of advanced audio/video receivers with ten state-of-the-art offerings. The lineup features five new affordable, fully featured priced models in the company’s popular Retail Home Theater Series line, with expected SRP and availability in parenthesis, including the AVR-991 (SRP: $999, July), AVR-891 (SRP: $799, May), AVR-791 (SRP: $499, May), AVR-591 (SRP: $349, May) and the AVR-391 (SRP: $249, July). These join two new, more advanced 7-channel Models, the AVR-1911 (SRP: $599, June), and AVR-1611 (SRP: $399, June). Also announced are Denon’s three new “CI-class” receivers (see separate release) geared toward custom integrators, including the AVR-4311CI (SRP: $1,999, Sept.), AVR-3311CI (SRP: $1,199, June), and AVR-2311CI (SRP: $899, June). The new models will join Denon’s AVR-4810CI (SRP: $2,999) and flagship AVR-5308CI (SRP: $5,500) in the company’s renowned line of A/V receivers, as well as the company’s advanced CI separates including the AVP-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) 12 Channel A/V Preamplifier and POA-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) Fully Balanced Power Amplifier.

Major Enhancements Throughout the Line
Among the significant enhancements made to all new Denon receivers is the inclusion of HDMI v1.4a Repeater Inputs with 3D (all mandated formats), Audio Return Channel and CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) support. All models, except the AVR-391, feature analog-to-HDMI conversion and HD Audio decoding from Dolby and dts, and many feature advanced multi-zone networking capabilities. Simple one-cable HDMI connections add to simplicity of use, and Dolby Pro Logic IIz decoding on all models provides for the enhanced audio experience of front height channels. The new receivers are also engineered throughout to provide consumers with all the features and capabilities they need to enjoy maximum compatibility with today’s home entertainment source components. For example, iPod connectivity is featured in all models throughout the line, with the AVR-1911, AVR-791 and higher models adding iPod Digital Direct via USB, which is also ‘Works with iPhone’ certified.

All models feature an updated easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) or On-Screen Display that make the steps of system setup, operation and displaying other important information much easier for the end user. Notably, the new models all feature on-screen display (OSD) or GUI overlay via the HDMI connection – eliminating the frustrating necessity of additional cable switching or programming interruptions when making adjustments, such as volume, while watching HD content. Further enhancing ease-of-use, all models feature Source/Quick Select Power On and Quick Select options on the front panel and remote control to give end users one button source, surround mode selection.

In keeping with Denon’s commitment to eco-friendly engineering throughout its product line, the standby power of all new receivers is below 0.1 watts, helping eliminate unnecessary power usage.

Denon A/V Receivers: The Culmination of 100 Years of Innovation
The audio/video receiver is at the heart of Denon’s ongoing mission to enhance and expand the home entertainment experience for discriminating consumers. Noted Phil Cohn, the company’s Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing: “Denon’s 100-year legacy has been distinguished by breakthrough technological innovation at virtually every stage of the evolution of home entertainment, particularly in our advanced audio/video receivers. This year’s product line expresses our expertise and drive for innovation, giving people new ways to experience their entertainment, from a dramatically enhanced surround sound experience to interactive web access, multi-zone networking and more. Importantly, our receivers also give content creators inspiring ways to reach audiences with their artistic creations as they were intended to be experienced, including music, movies, games and more.”

New Retail Home Theater Series Models: High-Value, High-Performance
Denon’s Retail Home Theater Series line for 2010 provides discriminating consumers with a host of upgraded features and capabilities at affordable prices. The line now features three 7-channel models (AVR-791, AVR-891, AVR-991), as well as two 5-channel models (AVR-591, AVR-391). All five offer many of the same high-quality features and capabilities that distinguish Denon receivers in the marketplace, including some of those found in the company’s CI models. Notably, the AVR-991 features Audyssey DSX with Front Height or Width Channels with Sirius Satellite Radio Ready capability, as well as being the least expensive Denon AVR with advanced networking that adds an RJ-45 Ethernet Port for third-party controllers, Mac/PC audio streaming, Internet Radio, Pandora, Flickr, a Web browser function and more. All models feature 24-bit/192-kHz Analog Devices DACs, and Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Audyssey MultEQ. All include analog-to-HDMI video conversion, while AVR-791 and higher feature 12-bit video processing and scaling from Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT).

Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding in the new Retail Home Theater Series models allow for stunning delivery of today’s most advanced high-definition audio programming. Model AVR-991 features Anchor Bay Technologies advanced video deinterlacing and upscaling, converting SD sources to HD. And thanks to the dedicated Denon iPod dock accessory control port on all models, users may connect and control their iPod/iPod Touch or iPhone using one of Denon’s available iPod/iPhone docks, which provides on-screen artist, album and song information.

AVR-1911 and AVR-1611: Multi-Zone Functionality, HD Radio and More
Denon’s AVR-1911 AVR-1611 7-channel receivers represent the leading edge of today’s revolution in home entertainment system building. Both offer full two-zone A/V distribution capabilities, allowing users to enjoy a movie in full surround sound in the living room while listening to music distributed to a den or bedroom.* The AVR-1911 adds the advanced capability of a built-in HD Radio tuner, as well as iPod Direct Connectivity via USB and the most advanced Anchor Bay Technologies video deinterlacing and upscaling chipset for converting SD sources to HD.

All three models are 3D-ready, and have HDMI 1.4 ports (four on the 920-K, six on the 1020-K and 1120-K) and Dolby ProLogic IIz support.  An ethernet port not only grants remote iPod touch/iPhone control but internet radio support (though not on the 920-K).  As for power, the 920-K and 1020-K each have seven channels of 110W, while the 1120-K boosts that to seven channels of 120W.

The new Pioneer VSX-920-K and VSX-1020-K receivers will go on sale in May 2010, priced at $399 and $549 respectively; the flagship Pioneer VSX-1120-K will follow in in June 2010, priced at $749.  If you want Bluetooth A2DP support, meanwhile, you’ll have to find an extra $99 for the Pioneer AS-BT100 dongle.

Press Release:

Pioneer Brings Unprecedented iPhone and iPod touch Control to New 7.1 Channel A/V Receiver Line

iControlAV App Available from the App Store, 3D Ready Feature for Next Generation Home Theater Experience

LONG BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Consumers looking for the ultimate A/V control center with seamless iPhone and iPod touch integration will find it in Pioneer’s new line of A/V receivers. The three new 7.1 channel, “Works with iPhone” certified receivers, the VSX-920-K, VSX-1020-K and the Pioneer-branded flagship receiver the VSX-1120-K, offer enhanced iPhone and iPod touch control and functionality, are 3D capable with the advanced version of HDMI and feature wireless Bluetooth audio streaming for Bluetooth-enabled devices1. Additionally, Pioneer today announced availability of its iControlAV App, which turns compatible iPhone and iPod touch into a fully functioning remote control for the Pioneer receiver, on the App Store.

“This year, with the addition of our new app and Bluetooth audio streaming, we expect to hold the leadership position in this category for the second consecutive year by continuing to provide iPhone and iPod touch users with seamless integration to their home A/V experience.”

“Last year, the Pioneer line of A/V receivers set record growth in the under $500 price point. We know that the dramatic growth was a direct result of our enhancements to convenience and connectivity options expected from Apple users,” said David Bales, marketing manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “This year, with the addition of our new app and Bluetooth audio streaming, we expect to hold the leadership position in this category for the second consecutive year by continuing to provide iPhone and iPod touch users with seamless integration to their home A/V experience.”

iControl AVR App & Expanded iPhone Functionality

The 7.1 channel models deliver expanded iPhone functionality with the top two models featuring the Company’s first app for their home entertainment products and Bluetooth Audio Streaming for wireless devices.

“Works with iPhone” Certification – The new line of 7.1 receivers are iPhone certified and allow for playback of content on an iPhone and iPod touch including, on-screen display of track data, album art, photos and video on a connected TV. With an included USB/ video cable, users can listen to their music, view photos and 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.

iControlAV App – Pioneer’s first app compatible with their home entertainment products, iControlAV, provides iPhone and iPod touch users convenient integration of their devices with their home theater system. The free iControlAV App turns iPhone and iPod touch into a fully functioning remote control for the VSX-1020-K and VSX-1120-K Pioneer receivers. When the receivers are connected via Ethernet to an existing wireless router, the app allows users to wirelessly control their home theater receiver and includes graphical representations of these four controllable elements:

Control – Adjusts the main volume, mute, select and switch inputs including multi-zones as well as display audio/video status information with a slight touch of the screen.

Precision – Allows users to turn on/off two of Pioneer’s proprietary sound enhancements, PQLS which achieves jitter-free signal transmission via HDMI and Phase Control which permits precise phase control of multi-channel speakers. Video tutorials on each technology are also included.

Balance – With a roll and hold motion users can adjust the output balance of their speakers for 360 degree sound leveling to match their present listening position.
Emphasis – With a tilt and hold motion users can adjust dialogue and bass levels of the center speaker and subwoofer for optimum clarity of soundtracks with dynamic vocals or video games with extra bass. The display additionally shows a graphic of the status of each speaker.

Bluetooth Audio Streaming – The full line of new models feature wireless Bluetooth audio streaming from any Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, iPod touch, Android™ platform, other smart phones or personal computer with an optional Bluetooth adaptor. The Pioneer branded AS-BT100 ($99), Bluetooth Adaptor, allows consumers to keep the phone close to them while they enjoy music through their home theater system.

iPhone Control Button – The VSX-920-K and VSX-1020-K feature a front panel button that transfers iPod navigation control and on-screen display from the A/V receiver’s remote control back to the connected iPhone or iPod touch so users can easily and quickly navigate through their library of media files directly on the device.

3D Ready Features

As 3D technology is introduced to the mass marketplace, Pioneer has incorporated features into its line of A/V receivers that allow seamless integration into a 3D home theater system.

HDMI 1.4 – The latest HDMI version 1.4, provides more high definition connectivity options for consumers seeking compatibility with the latest audio and video formats. HDMI 1.4 allows for passage of the high data transfer rate required by the Blu-ray 3D specification as well as a new 3D specific command protocol. Additionally, the flagship VSX-1120-K features an Audio Return Channel, which allows a receiver to reproduce audio from a compatible TV’s built-in tuner.
Dolby ProLogic IIz® Decoding – Audio performance is paramount in an A/V receiver, and all the new Pioneer receivers are equipped to decode new HD audio formats including Dolby True HD® and DTS Master® with the new Dolby ProLogic IIz height channel. For the ultimate home theater experience, Dolby ProLogic IIz identifies non directional audio cues that occur naturally in a surround sound mix. The appropriate elements of the signal are directed to front height speakers for an enhanced surround sound experience. Creating the depth and dimension of a lifelike soundstage, this speaker configuration is compatible with all 5.1 and stereo entertainment content, is ideal for gamers and may also complement a 3D video experience. The new technology provides new 7.1 speaker placement options for consumers as well as easier installation solutions. Additionally, the top two models feature Pioneer’s proprietary Front Wide Mode which adds versatility and dimension to a 7.1 speaker arrangement.
Multi-Media Connectivity and Pioneer’s Proprietary A/V Technology

Pioneer incorporated its proprietary audio enhancement technology that restores Bluetooth transmissions as well as advanced room calibration technologies into its 7.1 channel line.

Sound Retriever AIR – The VSX-1120-K and VSX-1020-K feature the new Pioneer-developed Sound Retriever AIR. Similar to Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), Sound Retriever AIR restores critical audio data that is often removed from compressed audio files during the encoding process and for the first time, restores data from Bluetooth transmissions.

Internet Radio – When connected to a home network, users can enjoy thousands of Internet radio stations worldwide, ranging from music and news to sports and talk on the flagship VSX-1120-K and VSX-1020-K. Both models come with 24 preloaded preset stations, easy URL entry of personal favorites and optional keyboard entry through the front USB input.

Video Processing – Pioneer A/V receivers have a strong heritage as the ultimate in video processing, and this year is no exception. All receivers feature high performance video conversion to HDMI and 1080p video scaling to ensure the highest quality video reproduction from analog digital and lower resolution video sources. The VSX-1120-K also features a Pioneer-tuned Marvell® Qdeo™ video processor providing the highest quality video switching for superb clarity and accuracy that was only previously found in flagship Elite models.

Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration – The VSX-1120-K is THX™ Select2 Plus certified to create the power and performance of the cinema in your home theater and utilizes high power discrete transistors for accurate, multi-channel amplification. Additionally, Pioneer’s proprietary room calibration and sound tuning technology, MCACC, is utilized to analyze the room’s speakers and optimize each one to balance out any room-induced acoustic inaccuracies. MCACC provides an optimal, customized audio experience in any room configuration. The VSX-1020-K and VSX-1120-K feature Advanced MCACC which adds a wider variety of room calibration enchantments including an adjustable 9-band EQ and on-screen graphic user interface.

Precision Quartz Locking System – The two top models feature the proprietary Pioneer Precision Quartz Locking System (PQLS) which utilizes the digital clock in the A/V receiver to exactly synchronize the signal passage from a compatible Pioneer Blu-ray player. This creates absolute synchronized and jitter-free playback of all advanced audio formats. The VSX-1020-K features two-channel PQLS for jitter-less CD playback while the VSX-1120-K additionally offers multi-channel PQLS for enhanced DVD and Blu-ray Disc playback.

All models are finished with a premium glossy, black. The VSX-920-K, VSX-1020-K will be available in May 2010 and the flagship VSX-1120-K will be available in June 2010.

Pioneer’s iControlAV App is currently available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

It all began with a passion for music that Pioneer founder Nozomu Matsumoto hoped to share with the world. He started Pioneer in 1938 as a specialty speaker company, building products out of his garage. Today, Pioneer’s Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group continues Matsumoto’s enthusiasm, developing award-winning audio and video home theater products including A/V receivers, Blu-ray Disc® and DVD players, and speakers. Long-standing partnerships and collaborations with the creative community have provided Pioneer unique insight in its quest to capture the purity of a movie or musical artist’s original vision into its broad range of home entertainment products. The company’s brands include Pioneer® and Elite®. More details can be found at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

1 Bluetooth audio streaming requires iPod touch (2nd generation or later), iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS with iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

The 3D-ready receiver is a 7.2 channel THX-Select2 Plus certified receiver that uses a three-stage Darlington output topology to increase power from 90 to 100 watts. The receiver also uses an Audyssey DSX dimensional sound processor along with its Dolby PLIIz capability.

All input signals can be upscaled with the Faroudja DCDi cinema video processor to 1080p resolution via HDMI out. Upscaling applies to the PC input as well and the original source resolution of the content doesn’t matter. The receiver also has a front HDMI input and will ship in April for $599.

The STR-DA5500ES receiver has the capability of full IP network control allowing custom installers to integrate it into Control4 home automation systems. The receiver also supports Control4 IP network applications for configuration and diagnostic tools allowing the system to send email and text alerts.

The receiver also features Sony’s HD Digital Cinema Sound technology to replicate the sound quality and acoustics of a theater in the home. The receiver has a 120w amp and sports six HDMI inputs with five on the rear on one on the front with two HDMI outputs. Ethernet connectivity allows the receiver to receive firmware updates and access music services like Rhapsody. The receiver will ship next month for abut $2000.