Three new Pioneer 7.1 receivers with iPhone control

Pioneer introduced its second AV receiver update this month with three new 7.1-channel models. The VSX-920-K, VSX-1020-K and VSX-1120-K all have special features for iPhones and iPods depending on the model. All have at least a compatible USB port that can play and charge Apple devices; the 1020-K and 1120-K have support for the iControlAV app (free, App Store) to steer the receivers, including multiple audio or video zones, balance tuning and input selection.

All of the receivers have an iPhone Control button to give control back to the touchscreen rather than let the receiver take over. An optional $99 Bluetooth receiver will take stereo Bluetooth from A2DP devices like the iPhone, second- or third-generation iPod touch players and most recent phones.

In their traditional roles, the Pioneer receivers carry 3D-capable HDMI 1.4 inputs and support Dolby Pro Logic IIz for virtual surround as well as real surround up to and including Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio. At the base, the $399 920-K can handle 110W per channel, four HDMI inputs and an Anchor Bay image processor. Upgrading to the $549 1020-K adds a display with support for album art as well as two extra HDMI connectors, correction for compressed audio, two-channel audio signal sync and two-zone audio. The range-leading 1120-K at $749 adds an extra 10W per channel as well as a Marvell image processor, multi-channel sync and support for home automation through an RS-232 port.

Pioneer ships the first two models in May and delivers the top model a month later.