Starting at $299, the receivers use Sound Enhancement Technologies for compressed audio files

May 26, 2009 13:58 GMT  ·  By

Pioneer Electronics, a big name in high-definition home theater equipment, has announced the availability of A/V Receivers that seamlessly integrate Apple's iPhones and iPods into a customer's home theater. According to the company, the receivers use proprietary technologies designed to restore compressed audio data, which recreates the dynamic listening experiences intended by those who created the music.

Two proprietary digital audio enhancement functions – Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) and Auto Level Control (ALC) – enable the Pioneer A/V Receivers to deliver a high-quality listening experience, specially designed for portable audio device home integration, according to the people at Pioneer Electronics. Not surprisingly, Pioneer’s new VSX-819AH, VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH A/V Receivers are part of the "Works with iPhone" and "Made for iPod" program. With current Made for iPod accessories, a developer's accessory can use Apple-provided protocols to control music and video playback.

Pioneer's Receivers allow consumers to simply plug their iPhone or iPod and use a full-color graphical user interface (GUI) complete with album art, employ a central remote control option to easily navigate through playlists, and more. Additionally, Pioneer’s ALC technology equalizes the fluctuating volume levels that can occur with digital audio tracks and other input sources. As such, users are freed from having to adjust the volume manually.

"With our new line of A/V Receivers that seamlessly integrate with Apple's iPhone and iPod, we now offer a complete solution for improved portable audio playback in the home theater realm," David Bales, marketing manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., said. "With Pioneer’s rich heritage in A/V receiver design and innovation, we are thrilled to give our customers the ability to make iPhone and iPod part of their home theater system."

The new receivers are immediately available for purchase from Best Buy and other retailers for $299 - $499. Visit Pioneer here for a closer look at the new VSX-819AH, VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH A/V Receivers.