Audio Video News

The initial 3D models announced by Pioneer early this week were five-channel models. The VSX-820-K ($299) and VSX-520-K ($229) come with HDMI 1.4, the version necessary to process 3D signals. Both have a power rating of 110 watts per channel. These receivers have Dolby Pro Logic IIz processing with height enhancement, though with just five channels of amplification, an outboard stereo amp will be necessary to feed the extra speakers. Bluetooth use is possible with an optional adapter. The step-up model also includes an iPod/iPhone-ready USB port, with the ability to use either the AVR's onscreen display or the iPod/iPhone's display.

A few days later Pioneer filled out the line with three seven-channel models: VSX-1120-K, $749; VSX-1020-K, $549; and VSX-920-K, $399. All are 3D and DPLIIz capable and include iPhone compatibility, adding an IControl app for the phone that manipulates various sound and control enhancements. These include the ability to sharpen up dialogue by tilting the phone, and the ability to balance the system by bring the center channel to the phone's location. The top-line model is THX Select2 Plus certified, which means it includes the cool THX Volume Plus feature to even out levels among source components and tame the soft-to-loud extremes of movie soundtracks. The two lower models have proprietary low-volume modes. The two top models will also include internet radio.

The 5.1 models will ship in March, the 7.1 models in May and June. Pioneer's Elite line will also be refreshed this summer.

See press release on five-channel models. The release for the seven-channel models was not available online at presstime.