Pioneer previews six new touchscreen head units at CES
updated 04:47 pm EST, Wed January 9, 2013
We check out Pioneer's touchscreen head units, most of which connect to iPhone 5
Car audio gear maker Pioneer Electronics debuted a number of new wares at the 2013 CES show, including three new double DIN navigation receivers from its AVIC range and three multimedia-focused DVD receivers, two of which fold out from a single DIN slot. All six don't ship until March, so the early look was appreciated.
The AVIC-Z150BH, AVIC-X950BH get 7-inch touchscreens while the AVIC-X850BT has a 6.1-inch screen, though all have the same WVGA resolution. Apple's iPhone 5 thanks to an optional $50 cable, though the first two models require two more accessories from Apple (the Lightning to USB cable and Lightning Digital AV Adapter). Fully connecting it to the X850BT requires a $100 Pioneer kit and Apple's Lightning to USB cable and Lightning to VGA Adapter.
They all share Bluetooth, AppRadio Mode, are SiriusXM ready, and get HD Radio tech. They also play back DVDs. The AppRadio mode lets users control various apps on their compatible iOS and Android-powered devices right through the head unit, with large icons that are meant to be driver-friendly. The Z150 and X950 get an RDS-TMC traffic tuner that connects to Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network service.
All have 8GB of memory for the NAVTEQ maps, component video inputs (HDMI for the Z150 and X950), back-up camera inputs, memory card slots, and dual-zone capability.
The X850 will cost $800, the X950 $950, and the Z150 $1,200 when they arrive late in March.
As for the new multimedia units, the AVH-X7500BT and AVH-X8500BHS can connect to the iPhone 5 and get integrated Bluetooth, while the AVH-X6500DVD cannot. It's also the only flip-out single DIN unit, though all share a 7-inch, WVGA touchscreen. All get Pandora radio and Mixtrax music tech that acts like a virtual DJ to deliver a non-stop playlist. Users can pick the transition and effects as well.
They arrive in March, priced at $450, $500, and $650 for the AVH-X6500DVD, AVH-X7500BT, and AVH-X8500BHS, respectively.
