Pioneer unveils A/V receivers with iPod and XM Satellite Radio capabilities

New music options from iPod and XM Satellite Radio are only two of the features that make the new Pioneer Elite A/V receivers the hub of a great home entertainment center. The VSX-74TXVi and VSX-72TXV introduced today by Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. serve as the "brains" behind a great home theater; bringing in data from all types of sources and processing the data to enhance the audio and video experience. An automatic room-tuning feature in the receivers processes the sound quality so that every seat in the room feels like the "sweet spot."

As the "brains" of the system, a good A/V receiver must be able to connect every other device in your home theater. Pioneer's new receivers can connect up to 18 products including DVD players, game systems, satellite and cable boxes, iPod digital music players and XM Satellite Radio Connect and Play antennas. The remote control allows the user to simply select the source they want to hear easily instead of toggling through the inputs to find the right source.

Pioneer created its own auto room-tuning feature -- Advanced Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration -- to customize the sound for each individual room. The room tuning processor uses the size, shape and surface of a room to optimize the overall sound quality. It will compensate for a room that is big or small, with high or low ceilings, hardwood floors or carpet and more, to accurately bring the music to life. By simply attaching the included microphone and pressing the button, the user activates the auto room tuning for that particular room. The memory settings allow a consumer to tune the room for anything from close quarter combat on gaming systems to lounging in a chair listening to music.

Both the Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi and VSX-72TXV offer special features that make them easy to fit into a custom installation. Among these features are:

Ability to play and control audio in up to three different rooms independently.

HDMI connectivity with digital video conversion

RS-232C and IO ports

The VSX-74TXVi and VSX-72TXV are available now at an estimated market price of $1,500 and $1,200 respectively.