Pioneer updates car audio line

(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.