Pioneer VSX-522
Pioneer announced its line of 2012 A/V receivers, VSX-522, VSX-822, VSX-1022 and VSX-1122. The first two models delivers 5.1-channel output, and the VSX-1022 and VSX-1122 offers 7.1-channel and 7.2-channel output, respectively. All of them have Direct Energy amplifier design and are 3D-ready. These receivers are equipped with Texas Instruments Aureus Digital Core DSP Engine and 192kHz / 24-Bit DAC.
Pioneer VSX-822
The VSX-822, VSX-1022 and VSX-1122 all feature AirPlay support for wirelessly music streaming from iTunes or compatible iPhone, iPod or iPad. They are also DLNA certified for wireless media sharing over the network, and include vTuner Internet radio for accessing thousands of web-based radio stations. Using the optional S-BT200 Bluetooth adapter, users can even stream music from Bluetooth-enabled devices. Pioneer’s 2012 A/V receivers all support Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro-Logic IIz, DTS-HD Master Audio and HDMI SACD Transfer (multi-channle for VSX-1122, 2-channel for the other models); and feature DSD to PCM Converter, Advanced Sound Retriever, Sound Retriever AIR, Digital Noise Reduction. The VSX-1122 adds Bit Stream PQLS Jitter Reduction and Dialog Enhancement as well as Auto Phase Control Plus that automatically adjusts for the time delay of the subwoofer output so consumers hear a more accurate, robust and fully balanced 7.1 and/or 7.2 multichannel set-ups.
Pioneer VSX-1022
As for video processing, all four models are 3D-ready and include HDMI 36-bit Deep Color and HDMI x.v. Color. The VSX-1022 packs Anchor Bay video processor while the VSX-1122 sports Qdeo processor. Both models have 1080p HDMI/composite/component video scalers, Pure Cinema I/P Converter and 3D Noise Reduction. The VSX-1122 gets also Pioneer’s Advanced Video Adjust suite of high definition video adjustments and 1080p/24fps video conversion as well as Pioneer’s exclusive Stream Smoother feature that enhances low bit-rate video sources.
Pioneer VSX-1122
These Pioneer’s A/V receivers have multiple HDMI inputs and include Audio Return Channel, HDMI Standby Through. The VSX-822 and VSX-1022 can be controlled using the ControlApp while the VSX-1122 needs the new iControlAV 2012 app. All receivers have a front USB input and the VSX-822 and above models include a USB/video cable for easy, out-of-the-box connectivity, battery charging and quick access to music libraries in iTunes.
The price is $249 for VSX-522, $379 for VSX-822, $449 for VSX-1022, $599 for VSX-1122.
