Pioneer, 3 models of AV amplifiers to enhance control apps

Pioneer will release three models from entry to intermediate class in late May as a new model of the AV amplifier.The price is 7.1ch "VSA-1021" is 108,000 yen, 7.1ch "VSA-921" is 84,000 yen, 5.1ch "VSX-821" is 49,800 yen.

The features of the top two models "VSA-1021" and "VSA-921" are DLNA 1.It has a network player function that conforms to 5, and can play music from a PC or network HDD.In addition, it supports AirPlay.You can play music wirelessly from PC iTunes and iPhone.Connected with an iPod/iPad/iPhone with a Dock cable, digital playback, and the first iPad charge (2 in the industry).Also supports 1A).In addition, a new version of the application that controls AV amplifiers via a network has appeared.A new proposal app using Bluetooth is also available.

■ Network -related functions

The compatible format of the supported network playback between "VSA-1021" and "VSA-921" is MP3/WAV/FLAC/AAC/WMA, and VSA-1021 also supports 24bit/192kHz WAV.VSA-921 is up to 24bit/96kHz.It also supports Internet radio.In addition to having an Ethernet terminal on the main unit, wireless connection is possible with the addition of the optional wireless LAN converter "AS-WL300" (open/actual sold around 10,800 yen).

Also supports AirPlay.You can play the iPod touch/iPhone/iPad or iTunes library music files via LAN, receive song metadata and album art, and output those information from AV amplifiers to television.If the AV amplifier is specified as the output destination from AirPlay, the input of the amplifier is automatically switched to AirPlay, and the volume adjustment can be performed from the terminal and the PC side.Conversely, it is also possible to operate the basic iTunes from the AV amplifier side.

Using the optional Bluetooth adapter "AS-BT200" (open/actual sale around 9,800 yen), it supports music playback via Bluetooth.In addition, we provide an app "Air Jam" for realizing new music communication for iPod touch/iPhone/iPad.

An application that is assumed to be used when a friend gathered or at a party, and transfers and plays music with Bluetooth.Up to four devices that have started the same app can be connected to the AV amplifier at the same time, and each terminal user selects the favorite songs stored on the terminal and created a playlist.You can play it continuously with an AV amplifier.The registered song information remains as a history, so if you like it, you can access it from the iTunes Store from its history, or search for related videos on YouTube.It is an application that allows you to meet new music.

Equipped with a USB terminal, the song files stored in USB memory can be played.In addition, it is connected to the iPod/iPhone/iPad, the music data is taken out digitally, the D/A is converted on the AV amplifier side, and high -quality sound playback is possible.It is also possible to charge the connection devices, and has also been able to charge the iPad, the first in the industry.

The lower model VSX-821 also supports digital playback of iPod/iPhone/iPad and music files in USB memory.However, it will be supported up to 16bit/48kHz.

■ The control app "ICONTROL AV" has evolved

The dedicated application "ICONTROL AV" that can control AV amplifiers from iPod touch/iPhone/iPad has evolved into "ICONTROL AV2".You can download it from the App Store for free.In addition to the conventional app, the volume adjustment, power supply ON/OFF, and heavy bass adjustment are possible, and as a new function, tracing like a one -stroke with a finger can be drawn on a graphical and free equalizing curve.Added "Finger EQ", which is an equalizing setting according to the handwriting.It is also possible to select the Internet radio.

Using an acceleration sensor, tilting the iPhone body like a game, rolling the ball, turning the ball turns to linear back, back, left and right, and the reverberation characteristic graph obtained by the "MCACC" automatic sound field correction function "MCACC".It also has a confirmation function.

The only one that supports "ICONTROL AV2" is "VSA-1021/VSA-921", which cannot be used with VSX-821 or an AV amplifier that supports the conventional "Icontrol AV".In addition, "VSA-1021/VSA-921" cannot be controlled from "ICONTROL AV", and there is no compatibility for both.

In addition, "ICONTROL AV2" is a dedicated iPad version "ICONTROL AV2 for iPad".The layout is optimized for the iPad, and the iPhone/iPod touch version can display and operate the functions that were divided into four screens at once.

■ Supporting connection and setup with software

VSA-1021/921には、PC用ソフト「AVナビゲーター」が収録されたCD-ROMが付属。画面に表示されるQ&Aに答えていくだけで、最適な接続方法をイラストを交えて案内するもので、接続から設定、マイクを使った自動音場補正(MCACC)までナビゲートしてくれる。わからないAV用語を解説する機能も備えている。

In addition, when the instruction manual is displayed on a LAN -connected PC and the function is selected, the corresponding function of the AV amplifier connected to the same LAN is also linked.

■ Enhanced hardware aspects

In terms of hardware, a new housing design is used based on direct energy design ideas.The VSA-1021/921 is equipped with an independent power supply for an analog circuit and a digital circuit, and has also realized power saving during standby.

In addition, the transmission route for the power amplifier is shortened and the cleansering is thorough.The width of the housing has expanded from 420mm to 435mm, and it is said that both high power and high -rigidity structure improved vibration control.

HDMI V.1.4 terminals are Deep Color, X.v.Compatible with color.We also support audio return channel (ARC)."VSA-1021" and "VSA-921" support the unique "PQLS (Precision Quartz Lock System)", which minimizes HDMI transmission jitter when connecting to the company's compatible BD player.It is a new "PQLS Bit Stream" that can transmit the multi -channel audio of BD movies.

In addition, the high-end model "VSA-1021" has a high-precision PLL "Jitter reduction circuit" on the previous stage.For all digital input, jitter and phase noise can be reduced.

All models are compatible with "Dolby Pro Logic IIZ".7.1ch "VSA-1021" and "VSA-921" also support "wide surround" using front wide speakers."Wide surround MOVIE" to improve the movement of the front and "wide surround MUSIC" to improve the spread of the front.Five.In the 1ch speaker environment, even if you do not use front height or surroundback speakers, it also has a "virtual height" and "virtual surround back" function that virtually plays a speaker above the front and speakers.There is.

"MCACC", a unique automatic sound field correction function, is also installed on all models.The top two models are "Advanced MCACC", which can perform more detailed corrections, and can also check the reverberation characteristic graph from PC or "ICONTROL AV2".

The top two models also have video -upscaling and video converter functions.SD images such as DVDs connected to HDMI can be converted to 1080p.In addition, the "Advanced Video Adjust" function, which has a preset with image quality setting according to the connection device, such as color tones, contrast, and details, has been enhanced.Using the distance data of the viewing position obtained by the ADVANCED MCACC of the automatic sound field correction, for example, the viewing position is far more, and when it is close, it strengthens the process of suppressing noticeable noise, etc. depending on the environment.Automatically provides the right image quality.

The top two models are also equipped with a "phase control plus" that evolves the unique "phase control" function that corrects the phase of the sound position.While listening to the sound, not only the low -pitched gap that occurs in the conventional AV amplifier/speaker, but also by manually fine -tuning (the initial setting is 6 ms), it dates back to the shift of the low notes due to the LFE filter at the time of the use of the disc.It makes correction possible.

The "Sound Retriever", which complements the lost music information of the compressed music file, has also evolved into "Advanced Sound River".In the past, the correction value was set as the main 128 kbps music files as the main, and the lower rate of sound sources were less effective, but the new version automatically analyzes the rate and format and performs optimal corrections.It is like that.This function also has the top two models.

Only the lower model VSX-821 is an AM/FM tuner.