Founded in 1938, in Tokyo, as a radio and speaker repair shop, today, Pioneer is well-known for technology advancements in the consumer electronics industry. It played a role in the development of interactive cable TV, the Laser Disc player, the first automotive Compact Disc player, the first detachable face car stereo, Supertuner technology, DVD and DVD recording, plasma display, and Organic LED display (OLED). However, it didn't bet too big this year at CES 2009 and has only incrementally updated its full line of car audio receivers, amplifiers, and speakers.

Pioneer's line of audio/video head units gains three new models benefiting from better iPod integration compared to the 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.

 

Also innovative, the Link Search function chooses music of a similar artist, album, or genre to whatever song you're listening to in random play. iPod Passenger Mode takes Pioneer's interface out of the picture by allowing the passenger to control the iPod directly from the device itself. All three devices are able to playback from DVD/CD discs and USB connected devices containing DivX, MP3, WMA and AAC files and feature 7-inch touch screens (5.8-inches for the AVH-P3100DVD).

 

But to be a little more detailed, Pioneer has released a total of 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 have been implemented for quick connections to portable devices. 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 have 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.

 

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.

 
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