19 June 2013. ā Pioneer updates its home theater components with two new-generation models of multichannel multimedia systems. Switching and power capabilities, as well as audio circuit quality of the announced products allow you to turn your living room into a full-fledged cinema or concert hall. The new home theater systems combine 3D video support with a wide range of features, including wireless interface, vTuner internet radio, playback from and recording to an external HDD, and in addition to all this ā four HDMI inputs for connecting various sources. The two new Pioneer media systems consist of a Blu-ray receiver and loudspeaker set.
Tim Goethals, product planning manager for Pioneer Europe, says: āPioneer is placing increasing importance on enhancing the switching capabilities of AV equipment. The consumer expects from home electronics not only the highest quality of playback, but also compatibility with a variety of mobile devices, to get quick and easy access to their entire music library, as well as network resources. Our new models follow this trend, combining high quality audio and video with flexible connectivity and stylish design.
Optimized Switching
The systems are equipped with front USB-port for easy access to music, video and photo files stored on an external hard drive. In addition, the senior model MCS-838 port provides direct digital connection of mobile devices iPod, iPhone or iPad. Rear USB input makes it easy to copy data from an external hard drive to another USB drive, and USB Rec creates high-quality MP3 files from a CD CD Ripping or FM Tuner recording.
With four HDMI inputs, the multimedia systems can share a multitude of digital sources like a satellite tuner, games console, video camera and so on. Both systems include two microphone inputs ā for karaoke enthusiasts.
New wireless interface features
When connected to the Internet, the Pioneer Media Center opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Onboard vTuner lets you enjoy access to thousands of radio stations from around the world. MCS-838 Wi-Fi Direct allows you to stream music and video from your mobile device without the need for a wireless router. YouTube videos and digital photos stored on Picasa can be streamed to your HDTV through a web-connected system without the need for external devices. With the YouTube send to TV app, owners of a smartphone or tablet can search for YouTube videos from their mobile device, then stream them to the system and play them on the TV screen. Both models have DLNA certification, which allows them to play audio, video and photo files from a computer or server located in the local network.
The entertainment potential is further enhanced by the free Pioneer ControlApp, which turns the mobile device into an ideal control center. App available from App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, or from apple website.com/itunes/. Special application for Android gadgets can be downloaded from Google Play.google.com.
Improved audio playback
To enhance the 3D movie experience, Pioneer has developed Front Surround mode and Virtual 3D Sound to create a virtual sound field behind the screen.
In Front Surround mode, thereās no need to put speakers in all corners of the room to recreate a breathtakingly realistic 360-degree audio scene. Rear speakers can be installed in front of the viewer, next to the TV, with the effect of surround sound.
For those wishing to enrich the sound with bass, Bass Boost mode is an easy way to get great bass from your system.
Multiformat
The new models play Blu-ray, DVD, CD and SACD discs, and support the most popular video formats, including.ch. 3gp for smartphones, Flash video, DivX Plus HD and MKV. Reads all major audio formats, from WMA to MP3, AAC and lossless codec FLAC.
High power output
Pioneer multimedia systems come with a variety of speaker sets to fit into any interior. The main differences between the announced MCS-838 and MCS-737 systems relate to the connectivity of iPhone, iPod and iPad, as well as the Wi-Fi interface and a compact subwoofer: these features are equipped with the first, āolderā model. Both systems have 5.1-channel configuration with 4 floor-standing speakers, center speaker and compact subwoofer, and high power output of up to 1000 watts: 4Ć170 watts + 170 watts center + 170 watts subwoofer .
Availability and pricing
The Pioneer MCS-737 Multimedia System will be available from July 2013. for a recommended retail price of 15,990 Dollars, and the Pioneer MCS-838 model in August 2013. at a cost of 19 990 Dollars.
What are the key features and benefits of Pioneerās new MCS-737 and MCS-838 multi-channel media centers? How do they compare to previous models? Are there any unique advancements that differentiate them from other media centers in the market?