Pioneer Introduces HDMI 2.0 Receivers

The home theater company has detailed a new lineup of A/V receivers with support for the HDMI 2.0 spec. 

Pioneer has announced five new home theater receivers including two elite models. All of the upcoming components feature full support for the recently announced HDMI 2.0 standard, offering increased bandwidth, higher frame rates, superior colors, and 4K resolutions.

"We're incorporating the latest technologies into our products, like HDMI 2.0, so consumers are always prepared for the next big buzz in home video entertainment," said Chris Walker, director of AV product planning and marketing for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "The new HDMI format is a new spec that passes high frame rate, high resolution video playable on 4K televisions, and we’re ready for it with these new receivers."

The upcoming wave includes the VSX-824 5.2-channel receiver and the VSX-1024 and VSX-1124 7.2-channel receivers. All models are Roku Ready certified, allowing users to plug in a Roku stick for access to a growing library of streaming content. Likewise, the receivers feature several internet radio options including Spotify, PANDORA and vTuner. Each model also includes support for Pioneer's Advanced MCACC calibration process. In addition, the VSX-1124 uses the ES9006S DAC (192kHz/24-bit) for high quality sound reproduction, and also features playback support for 96kHz 24-Bit 5.0 and 5.1-channel FLAC and WAV files, and 4K video pass through at up to 60 frames per second. Meanwhile, Pioneer is also releasing two entry-level elite receivers, the VSX-44 and VSX-80. Both models are 7.2-channel receivers geared toward custom installers and include many of the same specs and features listed above.

"Our Elite products have always been about the custom installer, offering them a variety of features that make the installation and setup process of advanced home theater systems much easier," said Chris Walker, director of AV product planning and marketing for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Integration of features such as reliable RS-232 control over IP and multi-zone capabilities makes a big difference in saving them valuable time and labor."

The VSX-824 ($399), VSX-1024 ($499), VSX-1124 ($599), VSX-44 ($500) and VSX-80 ($700) will all be available for purchase by the end of the month.

Sources: Pioneer Home Audio, Pioneer Elite

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