CES 2009

Editors' note: This post has been updated since initial publication, to include recently announced pricing information.:

Pioneer has been making Blu-ray players essentially since the format's inception, but we don't get around to reviewing many of them because of their hefty price tags.

The company announced three new Blu-ray players here at CES 2009, one of which features Pioneer's Elite label, and the two cheaper models look to be priced competitively with other manufacturers.

Key features of the Pioneer BDP-120:

• Profile 2.0-compatible
• Onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
• 1GB USB flash drive included
• April release date, less than $300

Step-up features of the Pioneer BDP-320:

• Deep Color support
• Picture control suite (13 additional video adjustments)
• Three noise reduction circuits
• 7.1 analog audio outputs
• Precision Quartz Lock System (jitter-free audio transmission for CD)
• 1GB of internal memory
• April release date, less than $400

Step-up features of the Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD

• RS-232C input
• Designed for custom installer market
• April release date, $600

Most of the features are straightforward, but it's worth looking at some of the step-up features on the BDP-320. Deep Color support can mostly be ignored, as we've yet to see any commercial Blu-ray discs that take advantage of Deep Color.

The additional video adjustments and noise reduction controls are nice for home theater buffs who like to tweak, although we prefer to make adjustments on the display, rather than the player. Pioneer's Precision Quartz Lock System might be a plus for some audiophiles, but we're generally a little skeptical about how audible CD audio jitter is.

The best step-up feature is the 7.1 analog audio outputs, which will enable buyers with older non-HDMI receivers to enjoy Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks at their full resolution.

(Credit: Pioneer USA)

Pioneer didn't bet too big this year at CES 2009 in Las Vegas, and has only incrementally updated its full line of car audio receivers, amps, and speakers.

Pioneer's line of audio/video head units gains three models benefiting from better iPod integration compared with its outgoing models. The double DIN AVH-P3100DVD and AVH-P4100DVD and the single DIN, motorized AVH-P5100DVD give users a variety of options for controlling their iPod, such as the Alphabet Search feature, which allows for quick navigation to large music collections. A cool feature called Link Search selects music of a similar artist, album, or genre to whichever song you're listening to in random play. iPod Passenger Mode takes the Pioneer's interface out of the picture by allowing the passenger to control the iPod directly from the device. All three devices are capable of playback from DVD/CD discs and USB connected devices containing DivX, MP3, WMA, and AAC files and have 7-inch touch screens (5.8-inches for the AVH-P3100DVD).

The DEH-P7100BT is the cream of Pioneer's new 2009 crop.

(Credit: Pioneer USA)

On the single DIN, single CD players, Pioneer has released 12 new receivers across its standard and Premier lines with feature and cosmetic enhancements made to ensure improved ergonomics and in-dash integration to all of the units, from the entry level model DEH-11E to the flagship model DEH-P7100BT.

Beginning with the middle tier DEH-P3100UB model and up, USB inputs were implemented for quick connections to portable devices. In four units, the DEH-P5100UB, Premier DEH-P510UB, DEH-P7100BT, and Premier DEH-P710BT, two sets of USB inputs were employed. This powerful feature gives users great flexibility to connect an iPod and iPhone, or two iPods, and much more simultaneously.

At the top of the line, the DEH-P7100BT and Premier DEH-P710BT feature advanced Bluetooth 2.0 from Parrot, dual USB connections, iTunes tagging, and voice control. Both units include a twin beam microphone for improved sound quality and noise reduction when making Bluetooth calls. Voice control is available to make hands-free calls easily.

A "World's-First" feature only in the two top models is a new "Tag & Share" feature using the Dual USB that lets the user "share" their iTunes tags from FM-RDS and HD Radio (with optional HD receiver module) broadcasts with another person's iPod that is connected to the unit.

With the exception of the AVIC-F 2.0 software update which came in late 2008, Pioneer's line of in- on on-dash navigation receivers is unchanged.

Two amplifiers, the GM-6400F and GM-5400T, receive a makeover with a new more efficient heat sink, an H-shaped chassis that reduces vibration and a new red color. Pioneer's TS-A line of speakers and iB-Flat slim subwoofers are treated with the company's basalt rock speaker technology, which incorporates a carbon graphite IMPP interlaced aramid/basalt fiber cone to increase rigidity for a boost in bass response.

AV receivers are always part of full product lines, so making your pick usually comes down to finding the model that offers all the features you want for the least amount of money. (And hopefully it sounds good, too.) All of Pioneer's new AV receivers at CES 2009 score pretty well on the price-to-feature metric, but the VSX-819H hits the sweet spot. Here's the full rundown:

Key features of the Pioneer VSX-819H:

• Three HDMI inputs
• Two component video inputs
• Three digital-audio inputs (two optical, one coaxial)
• Onboard Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding
• Automatic speaker calibration
• Auto Level Control (keeps commercials from being louder than programs)
• Connect your iPod via USB and browse your songs with an onscreen interface
• Sirius-ready, with onscreen interface
• April release date, $300 list price

The connectivity and decoding options already make the $300 price tag look good, but when you throw in more unique features like Auto Level Control, and the ability to browse both Sirius and your iPod onscreen, it jumps out as a great deal. The biggest missing feature is the lack of analog video upconversion--which is available on the step-up VSX-919AH ($400)--but with almost all new home theater gadgets using HDMI (and everyone looking to save money), its absence doesn't bother us as much as it used to. It will be interesting to see how the VSX-819H stacks up when competitors release their new 2009 lines, but right now it looks like a top contender for those looking to maximize their home-theater dollar.

Pioneer's new home theater products