Pioneer expands its Elite SC series AV receivers with two new 7.2-channel models, the SC-61 and SC-63. The two models are almost identical, except that the SC-63 includes Advanced PC Setup that makes custom installation much more convenient allowing installers to pre-configure connection settings on their Windows PC before the installation process, and even adjust the receiver from a remote location.
The SC-61 and SC-63 both feature Class D3 amplifier and delivers up to 125-watts of power to each available channel, offering detailed sound and dynamic range. They support Apple’s AirPlay, DLNA 1.5 and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music playback, and are equipped with Marvell Qdeo processing for true 1080p/24fps, Advanced Video Adjust to optimize video signals by the type of display connected, and Stream Smoother to enhance the picture quality of any source downloaded from the Internet via other devices. They are 3D-ready.
Pioneer’s new receivers sports TI Aureus digital core DSP engine and supports Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro-Logic IIz and DTS-HD Master Audio. There are also Advanced MCACC for accurate room calibration, Auto Phase Control Plus for real time phase matching that analyzes the audio input every 30 seconds, PQLS Bit-Stream that eliminates distortion caused by digital bit-stream timing errors, and Virtual Speaker Modes for simulating sound coming from various areas in a room without actual additional speakers connected. With multi-zone capability, they support Zone2 outputs allowing you to watch movies or listen to music in two rooms at once.
The Elite SC-61 and Elite SC-63 have 7 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, two component inputs, four composite inputs, front USB port that allows direct music playback, Ethernet LAN port and headphone output. Using the free iControlAV2012 App, users can control the receiver wirelessly using their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. The SC-61 is priced at $1100 and the SC-63 at $1300.
