Pioneer Electronics has launched its 2016 multimedia and TV receivers, bringing FLAC lossless audio support, Spotify, and other exciting features to connected car entertainment.
Eight new multimedia receivers are available in different form factors and screen sizes: Under the double-DIN category are the AVH-X5850BT and AVH-X4850DVD boasting a massive 7-inch display, while the AVH-X2850BT, AVH-X1850DVD, AVH-285BT and AVH-185DVD come with a 6.2-inch screen. The 1-DIN AVH-X7850BT and AVH-X6850BT, on the other hand, pack a space-saving design using a retractable slide-out 7-inch screen. All these models are also compatible with the latest GEX-2850DVB2 Dual Diversity DVB-T2 TV receiver.
“Online music and digital TV broadcasts are now becoming widely available, including lossless audio formats like FLAC, which is highly sought after by audiophiles. Our new Pioneer multimedia receivers have been developed to leverage this trend, providing a seamless in-car entertainment experience that is both intuitive and immersive,” said Mr. Isao Nomura, Deputy General Manager of Business Planning and Marketing Division, Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre.
The following key enhancements are available for the 2016 models:
BETTER THAN CD-QUALITY MUSIC
FLAC lossless audio support lets both drivers and passengers enjoy higher-quality music playback, which is sonically superior compared with MP3 and CDs. Not only can FLAC retain all the nuances and dynamism of an original studio recording, it also packs a significantly higher resolution for enhanced clarity — at up to 24-bit/48KHz for the 2016 Pioneer multimedia receivers.
In terms of file size, FLAC is 50% to 60% smaller than uncompressed WAV files, allowing more songs to be fitted into the same USB storage devices and smartphones.
ACCESS MILLIONS OF SONGS VIA SPOTIFY
A ubiquitous USB (iOS) or Bluetooth (Android) connection is all that is required for Spotify to work with compatible smartphones on Pioneer’s new 2016 multimedia receivers. Once connected, users in Singapore, Malaysia andPhilippines can access over 30 million songs on Spotify; users can conveniently browse, search and select songs directly from either the receiver or phone.
CLEARER, WIDE-ANGLE SCREEN
Now equipped with an improved ClearType resistive touchscreen promising better visual quality, users will be able to operate the head unit, play movies or navigate effortlessly and clearly at most viewing angles and under bright daylight conditions. As part of the overall screen upgrade, the wallpaper has been updated with refreshingly new graphics as well.
DIRECT CONTROL AT YOUR FINGER TIP
Steering wheel control module lets drivers safely operate the receiver, including answering phone calls, without taking their hands off the steering wheel. What’s more, holding the onboard mute button can further activate a nifty voice recognition function.
UNINTERRUPTED TV PROGRAMMES ON-THE-GO
Never miss a TV show with the latest GEX-2850DVB2 TV receiver, powered by a dual-diversity chipset for stable reception over a longer distance and at high speed, successfully tested by Pioneer at a range of up to 80km from the broadcasting station in a car travelling at around 140km/h.
The GEX-2850DVB2 Dual Diversity DVB-T2 TV Receiver can also directly record TV programmes to a USB storage device, and is controllable using the receiver’s touchscreen for truly stress-free and smooth operations.
MARKET-LEADING SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION
The following are more innovative features of Pioneer receivers to take full advantage of the latest smartphones:
- AppRadio Mode and AppRadioLIVE — Pioneer’s free application to view and control third-party utilities, navigational aids and social networks installed on iOS and Android smartphones, utilising the receiver’s touchscreen. AppRadio Mode is also compatible with AppRadioLIVE, which aggregates maps, music, news and events into four interactive quadrants on screen. Moreover, car owners can conveniently connect their smartphones to the receivers using a regular USB cable, eliminating costly and complicated setups previously required. Additional cabling options are also available.
- MIXTRAX— Pioneer’s revolutionary MIXTRAX® virtual DJ technology transforms a music library into a nonstop DJ mix, inserting transitions and effects automatically to string together tunes from an iPhone, iPod or USB storage device. To truly recreate a club experience, users can also set the illumination and display to pulsate and change colour, according to the tempo and intensity of the music.
- Comprehensive Bluetooth functions — All Bluetooth-enabled Pioneer receivers feature Two-Phone Bluetooth Pairingcapability, allowing up to two phones to be connected simultaneously for hands-free voice calls. With Wireless Audio Browsing, drivers can also search their music library via the head unit display without touching their iOS and Android smartphone, providing greater user convenience and a safer drive.
