News

Pioneer Launches VSX-AX4AVi-S and VSX-AX2AV-S Duo of High-class A/V Receivers (23/11/2005)

iPod Connectivity, Versatile Digital Interfacing and Enhanced MCACC for a Pure Home Cinema Experience

Pioneer takes the wraps off its two new high-class receivers; the VSX-AX4AVi-S and VSX-AX2AV-S. With HDMI switching, iPod connectivity, an enhanced version of Pioneer's celebrated automatic calibration technology (MCACC) and THX Select2 certification, the new systems combine the key must-have features for lovers of pure home A/V entertainment.

'Connoisseurs expect superior performance from Pioneer's receivers and the new units don't disappoint. They boast an outstanding aesthetic design with a stylish, timeless elegance. Looks are backed by performance: they offer only the very best components, iPod connectivity and full digital signal processing (DSP) to provide immaculate source matching,' says Jim Catcheside, Product Manager, Product Management & Technology, Home Entertainment Division, Pioneer GB Limited

He continues, 'With sound-tuning from the world renowned AIR Studios and THX Select2 certification, compatibility with the latest surround sound formats, the ability to up-convert video signals, HDMI switching and enhanced MCACC to deliver optimised performance through the seven high-powered outputs, the systems are perfectly appointed to materialise Pioneer's vision of the "Pure Digital Home Theatre" concept.'

A first in Pioneer's line-up, both models feature HDMI switching to enable consumers to connect and switch between digital audio and visual sources using HDMI. With HDMI in and out, the receivers contribute to a viewing and listening experience as close as possible to that which the movie director or music producer intended. Within the range of versatile connectivity options including USB (on the VSX-AX4AVi-S), both models feature a specially developed iPod terminal. The single cable connection enables control over the iPod via the receivers' remotes while displaying the iPod navigation interface on screen. The upper ranked model (the VSX-AX4AVi-S) also includes i.LINK for Advanced Resolution Digital Audio for digital high-quality direct reproduction of multi-channel sources including DVD-Audio and SACD.

The vast array of surround formats including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic II, Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS ES, DTS96/24, DTS NEO 6 and WMA9 Pro are complemented by THX Select2 certification. THX-certified products guarantee superior performance - meeting rigorous guidelines for sound purity, power output and processing capabilities, the standard incorporates not only cinema but games and music performance.

Consumers can make the most of the receivers' high-level performance by applying Pioneer's Advanced Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) with 9 band EQ, developed in partnership with AIR Studios' professional sound engineers. MCACC easily enables users to optimise the acoustic environment for ideal sound reproduction of stereo and multi-channel sources. Using the calibration microphone, the MCACC system monitors the sound environment and automatically adjusts this against various parameters. It also neutralises the effects of reverberation, caused by obstacles or imperfect room characteristics. With Pioneer's innovative 3-D Calibration method, frequency and level readings are taken for multiple frequency bands at a series of time intervals. Additionally, the 'Standing Wave Control' and 'Phase Control' functionalities have been included, that enable even more accurate tonal measurement and calibration of the frequency balance. The result: professional sound calibration in minutes.

The professional features extend to the A/V receivers' build quality. They have an exceptionally strong chassis thanks to a rigid 3-D space frame that significantly enhances the strength and stability of the chassis.

Options

The two models offer the same high-end performance with the VSX-AX4AVi-S providing i.LINK, one USB terminal (with support for 2-channel audio) and a slightly increased output of power per channel (DIN): 7x180W1 for the VSX-AX4AVi-S compared to 7x170W1 for the VSX-AX2AV-S.

www.pioneer.co.uk