Pioneer A/V Receiver Keeps Consumers Connected with Apple’s AirPlay

Apple fans rejoice, the Pioneer VSX-1021 is now compatible with AirPlay. The new receiver will only set you back $549.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., today introduced a new high performance audio video receiver that includes Apple’s AirPlay® for wireless music streaming. With AirPlay, Pioneer’s VSX-1021 7.1-channel home theater receiver becomes the hub for social entertainment, giving music lovers complete access, control, and playback of their entire iTunes music library with incredible sound quality. Once the VSX-1021 is connected to a home network through Ethernet or Wi-Fi using Pioneer’s optional AS-WL300 wireless LAN adapter (sold separately), AirPlay lets consumers stream their favorite songs to the receiver from iTunes on Mac and PC, or their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. AirPlay requires iTunes 10.1 or later and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 4.2.

pio1

To use Airplay, users can simply choose a song or playlist on their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and then tap the AirPlay icon. The VSX-1021 will appear as an available device, and once selected, the receiver automatically turns on or switches to the Airplay source to start music playback. Using Apple’s Remote app on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch also enables consumers to browse and access their iTunes music library on Mac or PC. Apple’s Remote App is available for free from the App Store at www.iTunes.com/appstore/.

The Pioneer VSX-1021, the first of eight AirPlay devices planned for 2011, is available for a suggested retail price of $549.

It all began with a passion for music that Pioneer founder Nozomu Matsumoto hoped to share with the world. He started Pioneer in 1938 as a specialty speaker company, building products out of his garage. Today, Pioneer’s Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group continues Matsumoto’s enthusiasm, developing award-winning audio and video home theater products including A/V receivers, Blu-ray Disc® and DVD players, and speakers. Long-standing partnerships and collaborations with the creative community have provided Pioneer unique insight in its quest to capture the purity of a movie or musical artist’s original vision into its broad range of home entertainment products. The company’s brands include Pioneer® and Elite®. More details can be found at www.pioneerelectronics.com.