05/23, 4:50pm
Two new models boast enhanced connectivity, greater flexibility
Pioneer Electronics has deployed two new smartphone connectivity options for the car with two versions of its next generation AppRadio 3 smartphone connected in-dash receiver -- the SPH-DA210 and the SPH-DA110. Both AppRadio 3 models feature compatibility with MirrorLink enabled smartphones in addition to the current AppRadio compatibility with both iOS and select Android smartphones.
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04/10, 9:20pm
VSX-70 ready for 4k, both receivers boast multiple HDMI outputs
Pioneer Electronics today introduced two new Elite home theater AV receivers, the Elite VSX-43 7.1-channel receiver and VSX-70 7.2-channel receiver, designed for expanded entertainment options controllable throughout the home. The new receivers incorporate high-resolution file format playback, expanded multi-zone and multi-source management and functionality, custom installation features, AirPlay and 4K Ultra HD compatibility. Both receivers are controllable by way of Pioneer’s smartphone apps for iOS and Android.
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01/09, 4:47pm
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.
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12/13, 8:22pm
SMA series update adds internet streaming as input source
Pioneer Electronics has deployed a free firmware update that adds the Pandora Internet radio and vTuner Internet radio services as available features on its line of SMA series Wi-Fi speaker systems, the XW-SMA1-K, XW-SMA3-K and XW-SMA4-K. With the update, Pandora and vTuner are incorporated as sources available on the wireless speakers.
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11/15, 9:48pm
Pro-level mixer integrates multitouch with DJ tools
The Pioneer Electronics Inc., Professional Sound and Visual Division has unveiled the new DJM-2000nexus performance mixer. The DJM-2000nexus offers more music mixing functions, including the new Beat Slice and Sync Master, available in conjunction with Pioneer’s Pro DJ Link. The mixer also incorporates a built-in full-color 5.8-inch LCD multi-touch panel with screen effects, evolved Beat Effects, Pro DJ Link and MIDI control capability.
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05/01, 11:00am
Pioneer disc burner supports 3D Blu-ray movies, due early in May
Pioneer has just detailed its new BDR-2207 internal Blu-ray burner that supports BDXL optical media with capacities of up to 128GB. Calling it its most powerful and full-featured drive, Pioneer said it can write at up to 12x speeds onto BD-R and BD-R DL media as well. There is a SATA connection onboard as well, and the bundled CyberLink software lets users play back Blu-ray movies on a PC. With the proper hardware behind it, users can watch 3D Blu-ray content using the drive as well.
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04/19, 12:15am
Three models in the Steez line, two audiophile
Pioneer Electronics disclosed five different on-ear headphones models today. Three of the headsets come from the Steez line, directed at the dance and DJ scenes. The other two are noise-reducing headphones aimed at the audiophile market, one with enhanced passive external sound reduction and the other with active noise cancellation technologies.
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04/10, 8:30pm
Use air chambers to deaden noise
Pioneer is launching a new series of headphones designed for professional DJs and musicians. The HDJ-1500 carries paired 50mm drivers embedded in sound insulating casings with air chambers to reduce the sound by 4dB and help hear the intended mix. The ear cups are held by magnesium alloy carriers to help them withstand the typically tough
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04/03, 10:50pm
Pioneer adds two Elite AV receivers, AirPlay/DLNA
Pioneer has taken the covers off to new additions to its Elite range of AV receivers. Both the Elite VSX-42 and the Elite VSX-60 sport AirPlay support for lossless iTunes and iOS streaming, as well as support for DLNA (1.5) and Bluetooth audio streaming with an optional Bluetooth adapter. They also come with vTuner Internet radio, which is extended in the VSX-60 to include support for Pandora and Sirius XM.
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03/17, 11:05pm
Pioneer VSX-x22 series receivers arrive
A late-week release saw Pioneer introduce four new mainstream AV receivers that mostly bring Internet awareness to the core of its lineup. The top three, the VSX-822, VSX-1022, and VSX-1022, all have support for AirPlay, DLNA, and vTuner Internet radio to grab media from iOS devices, iTunes, and some other hardware on the same local network. Ethernet is common across all of them, although the 1122 has the choice of a Wi-Fi adapter to reduce clutter.
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03/16, 11:40am
Pioneer mixer can be used as MIDI controller
Pioneer has just launched the RMX-1000 Remix Station to help DJs during live performances. There are four remixing functions, including Isolate FX, Scene FX, X-Pad FX, and Release FX. Users also get remixbox editing software bundled that lets them customize virtually all the feature set.
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01/04, 12:30pm
Pioneer ships Elite N-30, N-50 network receivers
Pioneer has just released two Elite-branded and networked home theater receivers that both get AirPlay support and DLNA 1.5 compatibility. The N-30 and N-50 otherwise share a 2.5-inch color LCD display. Using AirPlay, users can stream music from their iTunes libraries and iOS devices wirelessly, as well as use Pandora web radio, iHeartRadio and other music services. DLNA 1.5 catches a large number of other devices that can stream audio or HD video.
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12/09, 11:35am
Car audio brand targets high-end studio market
Pioneer may be best known for its vehicle electronics, however the company has also worked to establish its presence as a high-end brand in the DJ and music-production markets. The S-DJ05 speakers epitomize the expansion, placing the Pioneer brand on a pair of active reference monitors. In our full review, we try out the new speakers and attempt to determine if the offering is worth its hefty price tag.
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11/07, 5:15pm
Pioneer tries universal voice commands with Zypr
Pioneer in an unusual break from hardware unveiled what could be a universal equivalent to Apple's Siri for natural-language voice. Zypr provides a web-based but native-friendly programming interface that lets apps take commands that usually apply to specific services, such as social networking from Facebook or Twitter, INRIX traffic, AccuWeather, Slacker Radio, and Yelp place ratings. The method allows combining services and lets data port over from service to service.
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10/26, 3:35pm
PotterNavi includes ANT+ sensor, 3G connection
Pioneer Japan has just unveiled a GPS device for cyclists, the PotterNavi. It has a 3G module and two years of service included, with access to maps, TV weather broadcast information, and other safety alerts. It's mounted in an IPX5 waterproof body and gets a 2.4-inch VGA screen.
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10/19, 10:45am
Pioneer Steez music players meant for dancers
Pioneer has outlined three upcoming semi-portable audio players in its new Steez lineup. The STZ-D10S-L Solo, STZ-D10T-G Duo and STZ-D10Z-R Crew are unique in that they offer users the ability to change the tempo of the music, set cue points, battle with friends and build playlists. It comes through free proprietary PC software and offers tricks that are usually found on DJ turntables and mixers.
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09/09, 2:45pm
Pioneer intros Music Tap systems with AirPlay
Pioneer has unveiled two upcoming bookshelf audio systems that work with Apple's AirPlay media sharing. The X-SMC3-S Music Tap and the X-SMC4-Elite Music Tap share a Wi-Fi connection and Ethernet port. The former, other than getting Pioneer's more exclusive Elite treatment, also adds Bluetooth.
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08/22, 2:55pm
Rdio offers multi-user streaming plans
Rdio tried an experiment with Internet music streaming Monday by testing out family plans. Listeners can pay $18 per month for two accounts or $23 for three and save more than they would if they got separate accounts. The approach gives each account its own separate history, playlists, and cached music, giving them an advantage over just sharing one account.
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08/05, 1:55pm
Pioneer Elite receivers carry AirPlay, Air Jam
Pioneer wrapped up the week by adding two new Elite receivers with a heavy emphasis on their iOS links. The 7.1-channel SC-55 and 9.1-channel SC-57 hubs revolve chiefly around their new, Class-D3 amps. The two have quicker response times and reduced total harmonic distortion even as they consume less power and generate less heat.
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08/04, 12:00pm
Sharp Elite TVs pack intelligent contrast, refresh
Sharp took advantage of its rights to Pioneer's Elite name by launching its own range of Elite TVs. Now using LCDs, the 60-inch Pro-60X5FD and 70-inch Pro-70X5FD both have a unique scanning backlight effect that goes beyond 240Hz; the company claims an equivalent to about 720Hz. Both have an Intelligent Variable Contrast system that purportedly goes beyond usual dynamic contrast to tune the brightness and the backlight for maximum effect.
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07/08, 12:40pm
Pioneer outs head unit/GPS for electric vehicles
Pioneer is the first company to introduce a vehicle navigation head unit meant for use in electric vehicles (EVs) such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The AVIC-ZH09-MEV sports a fold-out seven-inch touchscreen and proprietary technology that is said to be capable of estimating the power consumption needed for particular routes and where EVs can regenerate their batteries using onboard systems such as regenerative brakes. The system finds the most efficient such routes for EVs during navigation mode by default, so they aren't always the shortest or fastest.
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06/22, 5:30pm
Pioneer AppRadio arrives in stores
Pioneer shipped and priced its AppRadio car head-end unit. The iOS-aware AV equipment is now in stock immediately at Amazon and other outlets. Pricing is better than Pioneer's original sub-$500 goal and sees it sell officially for $399, although a handful of stores are selling it for slightly less.
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05/25, 6:00pm
Pioneer AppRadio confirmed with iPhone hooks
Pioneer showed its hand following earlier leaks and unveiled the AppRadio on Wednesday. The in-car system centers on a hinted-at 6.1-inch capacitive touchscreen as its interface, the first of its kind in a car, but is now known to lean almost exclusively on iOS apps for its real strength. Both an official AppRadio app and third-party apps with the relevant code can share the Internet connection, pipe music or video, or navigate the car using Google Maps.
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05/09, 3:35pm
Pioneer shows in-car GPS with Augmented Reality
Pioneer Japan has just introduced four new in-car navigation systems that use a dash-mounted camera to display live images on their screens and superimpose digital images on it to help drivers navigate. The so-called Augmented Reality GPS systems include the AVIC-VH09CS, AVIC-VH09, AVIC-ZH09CS and AVIC-ZH09. The systems can gauge distances between cars or points of interest.
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04/27, 10:25am
Pioneer HDJ-500T adds smartphone remote
Pioneer on Wednesday upgraded its entry DJ headphones to adapt to those with iPhones and other smartphones. The HDJ-500T has both the original, extra-long coiled cord intended for DJs and living room listening but also a shorter, straight cord with an in-line mic and remote for phone calls. Its design is intentionally kept simple and has just a single button, but no visible volume.
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04/26, 9:05pm
Pioneer AppRadio hits FCC, leaks out
A new Pioneer double-DIN car audio system has been met with both an official FCC filing and a matching leak that reveal it will have both its own app system and tie in with iOS devices. The AppRadio would load specialized apps and rely on a 6.1-inch touchscreen, along with an iOS-style home button, as its sole interface. Its system, though like Apple's on the surface would use microSD cards for a distinct app platform, CrunchGear understood from its tip, but it would talk to iPhones and iPod touch players using USB for contacts, music, and most likely Internet-aware apps.
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04/04, 9:40am
Panasonic near shipping 100GB BDXL writable disc
Panasonic claimed the distinction on Monday of being the first company to ship a BDXL rewritable disc. The three-layer, 100GB disc gives users as much as eight hours and 40 minutes of full-quality, 24Mbps 1080p video they can write many times. It should theoretically be tougher than most discs with a coating to guard against fingerprints and scratches.
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03/28, 4:40pm
Pioneer active noise-cancelling earbuds shipping
Pioneer has released a set of in-ear headphones that have active noise-cancelling. The SE-NC31C-k headphones are said to eliminate 90 percent of all external noise and features 14.3mm drivers. The active noise cancellation feature is powered by one AAA battery that can power the device for 120 hours.
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03/24, 1:50pm
Pioneer to ship thin Sound Wing speakers in Japan
Pioneer Japan on Thursday said it will soon ship its so-called Sound Wing home speakers. Based on the company's HVT (Horizontal-Vertical Transforming) technology, they are ultra-thin at 100mm and minimize vibrations. Quality is not sacrificed, the company claims.
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01/28, 4:30am
Strategic partnership designed to boost presence
Sharp has announced that it will license Pioneer’s Elite brand for use on its new line of high-end Quattron LCD TVs to be introduced in North America this year. The Twice.com report states that Sharp hopes to enter the high-end specialty AV dealerships, boosting its distribution. Pioneer also feels that the partnership could help boost the sales of its home theater product line as each line will complement the other.
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01/07, 1:10am
Sony, Kenwood and Pioneer's flagship head units
In the midst of a hall packed with countless car audio and multimedia devices were the latest offerings to come from major brands such as Pioneer, Kenwood and Sony. While some brands appear to have followed more of an evolutionary path than revolutionary, others, like Sony, have revealed new head units with substantially more technology than was available just last year.
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12/22, 10:55am
Pioneer ships 3D Blu-ray players in Elite family
Pioneer hoped to seize on last-minute Christmas shopping Wednesday by shipping its promised 3D-capable Blu-ray players. The regular BDP-430 as well as the Elite BDP-41FD and BDP-43FD all have HDMI 1.4a both for stereoscopic 3D and for 36-bit color when the source and the TV support it. The electronics giant's iControlAV iOS app (free, App Store) will also stand out by giving iPhone and iPod users a way to steer the player over a local network, although this needs a firmware update.
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12/14, 11:40am
Pioneer ships first internal BDXL drive in the US
Pioneer is now shipping the first BDXL-standard internal Blu-ray drive introduced in October. The BDR-206MBK is capable of reading and writing BDXL media that can hold up to 128GB of data in quad-layer discs or 100GB in triple-layer media. Quality is also enhanced as accuracy is increased and artificial noise is limited.
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12/10, 6:00pm
System uses red, green and blue lasers
Pioneer and MicroVision have collaborated to develop new heads-up display (HUD) technology geared for vehicles. The system, which was previewed this week at the CEATEC expo in Japan, utilizes MicroVision's PicoP display technology with red, blue and green lasers to bring full color to the display. The same technology is found in the company's latest pico projector.
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10/25, 4:30pm
Buffalo, Pioneer show 128GB BDXL disc writers
Both Buffalo and Pioneer have introduced BDXL disc writers for the Japanese market. Buffalo will offer both a USB 2.0-powered external drive, the BRXL-6U2, and an internal BRXL-6FBS-BK model with a SATA interface, while Pioneer's BDR-206MBK is for internal use only. BDXL media can hold as much as 128GB with a four-layer disc, or 100GB on a three-layer disc.
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10/14, 6:25am
Two new models in gold or black, also enhanced
Pioneer has added two new Limited Edition versions of its HDJ-1000 headphones. In addition to the new look, the headphones have also had their specs tweaked to improve low range sound reproduction and to further improve comfort. The two new colors on offer are black or a black with a gold metal finish.
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09/24, 3:40pm
Pioneer Blu-ray players get 3D and iOS support
Pioneer at CEDIA this week showed a trio of Blu-ray players that add 3D support. The regular BDP-430 as well as the Elite-labeled BDP-41FD and BDP-43FD will all add 3D to their existing slate of features. Networking will still play an important role and should include both Netflix and YouTube streaming as well as remote control with Pioneer's iOS app for the iPhone and iPod touch.
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09/08, 7:05am
Pioneer HDJ-500 headphones entry with substance
Pioneer today revealed its new HDJ-500 entry-level DJ headphones. Designed with comfort and longevity in mind, it uses leather-wrapped urethane pads to provide a more comfortable user experience that is also hard-wearing. The main structure of the headphones is made of magnesium alloy, which is both strong and lightweight. As with with many DJ-style headphones, the HDJ-500 includes a rotating arm structure that allows the user to twist the right earpiece forwards or backwards by as much as 60 degrees to keep one ear open for a crowd.
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09/07, 12:15pm
Origin PC shows The Big One PC with Xbox 360
Origin PC has taken the wraps off its ultimate gaming PC, dubbed the The Big O. It's unique in having built-in slim Xbox 360 gaming console. Both the Xbox 360 and a Core i7 930 overclocked to 4.0GHz are liquid-cooled, and the base system gets 6GB of RAM. There are also two NVIDIA GeForce GTX 480 graphics cards with liquid cooling, and a Rampage III Extreme mainboard is hooked up to the flowing water system to ease overclocking.
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08/25, 9:50am
Pioneer Kodo XW-NAW1 iPod dock comes mountable
Pioneer today added a new iPhone and iPod speaker dock with a more distinctive design than the norm. The Kodo XW-NAW1 is built to be unintrusive and, at less than 3.3 inches thick, is thin enough to mount on a wall. It nonetheless puts out 30W of stereo audio and has a component video out for TVs.
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08/09, 3:35pm
Pioneer shows 11.6-inch DreamBook with Atom
Pioneer Computers Australia is showing off its debut tablet, the 11.6-inch DreamBook ePad L11 HD. It uses Intel's 1.66GHz Atom CPU, up to 2GB of RAM and either integrated graphics or a 512MB NVIDIA Ion 2 chipset. The 16, 32 or 64GB solid state drive contains Windows 7, and a three-axis G-sensor and an ambient light sensor give it support for tilt and low light.
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08/05, 12:25pm
Pioneer shows four Elite G-Clef audio components
Pioneer Electronics on Thursday introduced four new high-style Elite G-Clef home theater components. The new range is made up of the SX-A6MK2 and SX-A9MK2 stereo amplifiers as well as the PD-D6MK2 and PD-D9MK2 CD players. The devices are said to be developed with "meticulous attention to detail" for hardened audiophiles. Each is fine-tuned and certified by AIR Studio sound engineers for more accurate sound.
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06/24, 10:35am
Pioneer Elite VSX-30 and VSX-31 arrive
Pioneer today rolled out a pair of new Elite AV receivers that bring some of its more advanced features to a lower price level. All of them, including models like the VSX-30 and VSX-31 (links active soon), support iPhone and iPod control through the company's custom iControl AV mobile app. They similarly share the option of Bluetooth audio with an adapter, HDMI 1.4a for 3D support, and a new "wide" surround that produces a better sense of motion with virtual height and 9.1-channel surround options.
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05/24, 4:05pm
Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT uses iPhone for 3G radio
Pioneer today brought out the AVIC-Z120BT, a new flagship navigation head-end unit with a unique Apple tie-in. Those with both the in-car GPS and a new PioneerLink for Pandora iPhone app can both stream Pandora Internet radio over the smartphone's 3G connection and move the service's controls over to the AVIC's 7-inch touchscreen. The approach supports the usual thumbs up and thumbs down controls as well as changing stations and Quickmixes.
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04/27, 5:45pm
Pioneer brings four iPhone docks to US
Pioneer attached itself to iPhone and iPod audio in a large fashion today in launching four iPhone-capable speaker docks. The XW-NAS3 is a direct port of the system first seen in Europe and is rare in offering a comparatively strong 2.1-channel, 60W system for audio. It will take Bluetooth audio through an optional adapter ($99) and will cost $449 when it ships before the end of the month.
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04/05, 7:40am
Blu-ray capacity to double again this year
The Blu-ray Disc Association on the weekend unveiled new versions of its optical disc storage to push the capacity past its 50GB limits. BDXL adds the option of third or fourth layers and can permit as much as 128GB of storage on a burnable disc; the extra capacity would be intended for video pros and others who need large amounts of removable storage. Rewritable discs would top out at 100GB.
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03/25, 4:45pm
Pioneer 920-K, 1020-K and 1120-K ready for Apple
Pioneer today brought out its second AV receiver update this month with three new 7.1-channel models. The VSX-920-K, VSX-1020-K and VSX-1120-K all have special features for iPhones and iPods depending on the model. All have at least a compatible USB port that can play and charge Apple devices; the 1020-K and 1120-K have support for the iControlAV app (free, App Store) to steer the receivers, including multiple audio or video zones, balance tuning and input selection.
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03/10, 9:50am
DJM-2000 controls mix, software through touch
Pioneer hoped to move the technology of DJ mixers forward today by launching a new addition to the DJM line. The DJM-2000 is the first mixer with a multi-touch display and uses the 5.8-inch LCD to provide control over the sound that would be difficult with buttons. At a basic level, it lets musicians put up a set of custom interfaces for controlling a Mac or PC's music software through MIDI. Gestures also work to create "sidechain" mixing, and on-screen sliders can fine-tune the frequency.
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03/01, 5:50pm
Pioneer receiver has iPhone Control, Bluetooth
Pioneer on Monday put out a pair of new AV receivers highlighted most by their tight link with Apple's handhelds. At the top of the mix, the VSK-820-K has the iPhone-approved USB connection but expands on it with an iPhone Control button: where the receiver's own controls normally take over, the button can force the receiver to hand back control and let the listener pick from the touchscreen of an iPhone or iPod touch.
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02/03, 11:55am
Sirius portable radio running low on stock
Sirius XM's long-serving Stiletto 2 portable satellite radio is being taken off the market, sources said Wednesday. While still available in a few areas, stocks are reportedly dwindling and could clear out soon. Orbitcast hasn't received word of whether there will be a replacement.
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