Pioneer Showcases Next Generation of Network Connected Receivers - Enhancing Embedded Features with Cloud-Based Content

Networked Entertainment eXperience (NEX) Interface Implemented in Five Pioneer Receivers

2014 International CES

LAS VEGAS--()--CES BOOTH #1201 – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today unveiled NEX, the Networked Entertainment eXperience, an innovative and powerful new user interface controlling a combination of on-board features with connected services. The five NEX models, four navigation and one audio video receiver, are designed especially for today’s smartphone-driven lifestyle. Along with NEX connectivity and the enhanced UI, the new models also feature large touch panel displays with the flagship AVIC-8000NEX, boasting the industry’s first 7-inch capacitive screen on a navigation system. Benefits and features in the lineup include AppRadio® Mode, AVICSYNC Networked Navigation, iDatalink® Maestro™ support, MirrorLink® compatibility, Siri® Eyes Free mode, expanded Bluetooth®1 capabilities, Pandora®, SiriusXM-Ready™, HD Radio™ Technology, FLAC file playback, dual camera input and more.

“We are proud to introduce our next generation of network connected in-dash receivers, bridging the gap between smartphone tethered products like AppRadio and traditional multimedia products like navigation and DVD receivers,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “By leveraging the connectivity of the smartphone, we are able to augment and update many of the built-in features with dynamic cloud-based content.”

Pioneer’s AppRadio Mode provides both iPhone and Android users the ability to access and control dozens of apps directly from the navigation receiver’s large touchscreen display when connected to iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s or a compatible Android smartphone. Additional features for convenience and control incorporated in all five NEX models include:

  • AVICSYNC Networked Navigation (AVIC models)
    Pioneer’s full featured navigation-enabled NEX receivers offer the latest mapping and turn-by-turn information and utilize the new AVICSYNC to further expand their capabilities. With AVICSYNC2 and a connected smartphone, users can access connected services that include traffic, local search, weather, gas prices and more, with key information/icons overlaid on the existing map screen information (subscription(s) required). With the AVICSYNC feature, users have up-to-date and current information offering the benefits of the Latest Map Guarantee (LMG), where map data that becomes available within 90 days of the first use is updated on the receiver. It also includes highly accurate and the fast live traffic updates (every two minutes) from its High Density (HD) Traffic feature.
  • iDatalink Maestro3 (all models)
    All NEX receiver models feature iDatalink Maestro connectivity to make integration with OEM (original equipment) systems convenient and unobtrusive. The feature enables consumers to retain many of the original features found or tied with the stock radio, including key services such as OnStar®, Sync®, uConnect®, SiriusXM, Bluetooth® and more. With iDatalink Maestro and the NEX receivers, users can access factory features directly from the built-in touchscreen display as well as the capability to project data information onto factory installed displays.
  • MirrorLink (all models)
    MirrorLink technology enables consumers to connect compatible smartphones to NEX receivers using Pioneer’s optional CD-MU200 USB cable ($35 SRP). Users can access certain music and map applications for a more convenient and safer in-car experience. Similar to AppRadio Mode, MirrorLink is now integrated into all five NEX receivers and offers a vehicle-specific interface and connectivity with MirrorLink certified devices from smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Nokia and others.
  • Expanded Bluetooth Capability (all models)
    To maximize the connectivity options and call quality for hands-free communication and wireless audio streaming available in today’s most popular smartphones, each NEX receiver features Bluetooth AVRCP 1.4 to provide browsing capability of a user’s media library and HFP 1.6 with wideband audio for clearer overall sound quality, making it easier to recognize and understand voices during calls. In addition, the integrated Bluetooth features “Sound Retriever AIR,” which uses an advanced algorithm to extrapolate audio data left out during the compression or Bluetooth transmission process.
  • Siri Eyes Free (all models)
    Users of an iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s device can take advantage of Siri Eyes Free functionality with a touch of the display on NEX products. When activated, Siri voice prompts play through the vehicle’s speakers and the user’s questions and commands are received and transmitted using the external microphone provided with each Pioneer model. Siri Eyes Free provides access to many iPhone functions such as music selection, listening to and composing text messages, Maps, Calendar information, Reminders, and more.
  • Pandora Station Creation (all models)
    All NEX receivers enable users to create new Pandora stations quickly based on currently playing track, artist, or genre from a connected iPhone or compatible Android smartphone. Users can simply touch the “plus” icon on the receiver and the unit will display a pop-up menu to create a station dynamically using the artist name or track information.
  • SiriusXM-Ready (all models)
    For audio-entertainment enjoyment anytime, anywhere, all NEX receivers are SiriusXM-Ready for SiriusXM’s commercial-free music, premier sports and live events, comedy, news, exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM programming is received through the SiriusXM SXV200 Connect Vehicle Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SXV200 tuner offers a simple, inexpensive solution for adding satellite radio. The NEX receivers will be the first SiriusXM-Ready in-vehicle receivers to display album art delivered via satellite from SiriusXM for the currently playing song.
  • HD Radio Technology (all models except AVIC-5000NEX)
    For high quality audio broadcasts, built-in HD Radio Technology provides clear digital reception of HD Radio broadcasts from radio stations around the country. In addition to great audio quality, additional information such as the artist and song title can be viewed on each model’s touchscreen display. Both systems also support the HD Radio Artist Experience® feature, which allows the user to view album art, station logos or other broadcast related graphics in addition to the displayed text information (when available).
  • HDMI® Connection
    The integrated HDMI port built into the AVH-4000NEX, AVIC-6000NEX, AVIC-7000NEX and AVIC-8000NEX models can be used for smartphone connectivity.
  • Aha Radio (all models)
    As a dedicated source on NEX models, Aha seamlessly organizes and integrates the user’s favorite content (over 40,000 stations available) from the web like news, entertainment, weather, audiobooks, and even audio updates from Facebook® and Twitter®, between a compatible smartphone and the car, allowing easy access and audio playback.

Additional Built-in Features:

  • FLAC file support – first in the industry to support internal decoding and playback of FLAC “lossless” digital audio
  • Dual Camera Inputs (AVIC models) – enable users to add a reverse (rear facing) camera and additional front facing or other view applications camera
  • Built-in Auto EQ and Time Alignment provides tailored audio adjustments specifically for the car and user preference
  • 13-Band Graphic Equalizer with touch panel swipe setting and built-in high/low pass crossover with adjustable points and slopes
  • 7.9 million Points of Interest on AVIC models
  • Customizable User Interface – for adjusting color themes, background images, clock display preferences, and source shortcuts for quick access and convenience
  • Larger icons and display for ease of use
  • Dual USB Inputs

The AVIC-8000NEX ($1400 SRP), AVIC-7000NEX ($1200 SRP), AVIC-6000NEX ($900 SRP), AVIC-5000NEX ($750 SRP) and AVH-4000NEX ($700 SRP) will be available in the beginning of February 2014.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets.

NOTE: Read the operation manual as well as all instructions and cautions provided with compatible smartphone apps before use. Become familiar with any applicable state and local laws. Pay attention to the road, limit glances to the device, and do not use any feature if it cannot be operated safely in your location and environment. Distracted driving may result in serious injury, including death.

1 Bluetooth functionality requires a compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. Certain Bluetooth features may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices or by certain wireless carriers.

2 AVICSYNC services available in Spring 2014.

3 Retained features may vary by vehicle. Check compatibility at http://audio.idatalink.com/maestro. Maestro RR module and additional accessory cables required.

PIONEER and APPRADIO are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Pandora is a registered trademark of Pandora Media, Inc.
MirrorLink and the MirrorLink logo are trademarks of the Car Connectivity Consortium LLC.
iDatalink and Maestro are trademarks or registered trademarks of Automotive Data Solutions Inc.
Aha is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
Sirius, XM, SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
“HD Radio” and “Artist Experience” are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation.
OnStar is a registered trademark of OnStar, LLC.
Sync is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.
uConnect is a registered trademark of uConnect, Inc.
Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.

Contacts

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
Jaed Arzadon, 310-952-2451
jaed.arzadon@pioneer-usa.com
or
Katherine Harbeston, 310-952-2388
katherine.harbeston@pioneer-usa.com
or
Dana Block, 310-496-4460
dana@allisonpr.com

Release Summary

Pioneer Electronics’ Networked Entertainment eXperience (NEX) is an innovative and powerful new user interface controlling a combination of on-board features with connected services.

Contacts

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
Jaed Arzadon, 310-952-2451
jaed.arzadon@pioneer-usa.com
or
Katherine Harbeston, 310-952-2388
katherine.harbeston@pioneer-usa.com
or
Dana Block, 310-496-4460
dana@allisonpr.com