Pioneer introduces new Digital Media Receivers for Smartphone owners

Pioneer Europe launches three new digital media receivers targeted at smartphone enthusiasts and digital media fans looking for a car receiver that fits their lifestyle. Designed for maximum connectivity and convenience, the competitively priced MVH-X560BT, MVH-X360BT and MVH-160UI provide media playback from iPod/iPhone1, selected Android phones2 and USB3 storage devices as primary sources in addition to AM/FM radio. The MVH-X560BT and MVH X360BT come equipped with built-in Bluetooth which allows the user to make hands-free calls and stream music wirelessly.

“As smartphone penetration among European youth continues to rise and the media shift from physical to digital media is most visible in this demographic, we designed our new digital media receivers with this target group in mind, providing them with a flexible, affordable solution to enjoy their entire music collection while driving,” said Tom Van Biervliet, Manager Product Planning Car Audio at Pioneer Europe.

Bluetooth wireless connectivity

The flagship MVH-X560BT with integrated Parrot Bluetooth4 and the MVH-X360BT with Pioneer Bluetooth make it safe and stress-free to make phone calls in the car. Bluetooth technology enables hands-free telephony and wireless music streaming from Bluetooth enabled devices. Conversations can be heard through the vehicle’s speakers while the user’s voice is broadcast through the included external microphone, which guarantees optimum speech quality.

MIXTRAX EZ music technology

Pioneer’s revolutionary MIXTRAX EZ virtual DJ technology is incorporated into both the MVH-X560BT and MVH-X360BT, transforming the listener’s music library into a non-stop playlist that delivers a unique DJ-infused listening experience. The MIXTRAX virtual DJ inserts transitions and effects to music played from a compatible iPhone, iPod or USB storage device. For advanced customisation, users have the ability to pick the types of effects and transitions added between songs, as well as the length a song plays before transitioning to the next song. For an additional club-like effect, the background display of the MVH-X560BT digital media receiver can be set to pulsate and change colour with the tempo and intensity of the music.

Broad connectivity

All three single DIN digital media receivers are compatible with a wide range of digital sources such as iPod/iPhone, selected Android smartphones, USB devices, portable MP3 players or other mobile devices and support playback of MP3, WMA and WAV music files. With iPod and iPhone Direct Control, the user can connect his device straight to the unit’s USB terminal to enjoy superior sound. As a handy extra, the iPod or iPhone will charge while connected. Media stored on selected Android smartphones can be controlled via Bluetooth (MVH-X560BT and MVH-X360BT) or accessed via USB (all).

For those who want to retain the convenience of their own steering wheel controls, a Wired Remote input enables a connection from the receiver to the car’s own steering wheel remote control, so the unit can be controlled with the steering wheel remote control. A telephone mute connection mutes the radio when a telephone is active.

Enhanced design

The new units have a minimalistic yet powerful design with a user interface that easily accommodates modern media sources. The MVH-X560BT features an enlarged information area as well as RGB button illumination for countless colour options. With a short chassis that is 40% shallower than Pioneer’s single CD receivers, this new digital media receiver is perfect for unconventional installations where space may be an issue.

Superior sound

All digital media receivers come equipped with many of the same features found in high-end receivers including high power output with the celebrated MOSFET 50W x 4 amplifier set-up for Pioneer’s renowned powerful sound reproduction, Bass/Mid/Treble control and Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) technology which restores any musical detail lost in the creation of compressed music files. The inclusion of an 5-band graphic equaliser provides the ability to adjust the sound of the system to suit the vehicle and listener, while three pre-amp outputs for front, rear, and subwoofer (2 on the MVH-X360BT and MVH-160UI) as well as a low-pass/high-pass filter add to the overall car audio system flexibility.

Availability

The Pioneer MVH-X360BT and MVH-160UI will be available from October 2013 at Pioneer car audio dealerships, followed by the MVH-X560BT in December. For further information on pricing and availability, please contact your local Pioneer distributor.