Pioneer Electronics, following the release of two 5.1 receivers, has introduced three 7.1 receivers.

The VSX-920-K ($399), VSX-1020-K ($549) and VSX-1120-K ($749) 7.1 receivers are all 3D ready. The VSX-920-K and VSX-1020-K are expected to ship in March, while the VSX-1120-K will ship in May or June.

Each 7.1 receiver features:

• DSP powered room equalization
• Wireless Bluetooth audio streaming and iPhone certification
• Processing of Dolby TrueHD, ProLogic IIz and DTS Master Audio
• Control through an iPhone app called iControl AVR

Functions of the iControl AVR iPhone app include:

Control Function - Volume, on/off, switch zones, select input and listening mode, and display audio/video status
Precision Function - PQLS [Precision Quartz Lock System] that achieves jitter-free signal transmission and Phase Control that permits precise phase control of multi-channel speakers
Emphasis Function - Adjusts dialogue and bass levels using the iPhone’s gyroscope
Balance Function - Adjust output balance of the speakers to match listening position using iPhone’s gyroscope

The receivers also will include more amplification power, Internet radio streaming, secondary zone options, and Anchor Bay video processing. The flagship VSX-1120-K adds a customized version of Marvel’s video processing, control options for use with a PC and RS-232.

“All a dealer has to do is enter the IP address of the receiver and a menu pops up to give your PC control of the receiver,” says Dave Bales, marketing manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer. “The receiver also has video processing from Marvel and it’s true 1080p 24fps processing to maintain a signal from a Blu-ray disc or DVD player with content coming in from HDMI.”

Pioneer iControl AVR App

Robert Archer - Senior Editor, CE Pro

Bob is a dedicated audiophile who has been writing about A/V for Electronic House sister publication CE Pro since 2000.