Pioneer goes format crazy with new HiFi set

If you can't find something to play on Pioneer's new X-MF7DV HiFi set, you should seriously consider updating your media collection a little bit. Not only can the device do the usual CD, FM and AM playback, but the player can handle MiniDiscs, DVDs, DivX videos, MP3/WMA/AAC, JPEG, USB storage, and we're afraid to ask what else. The device has digital and analog video outs -- we're not quite sure of what kind -- and Pioneer does mention progressive scan DVD playback. We're also in the dark regarding audio outputs, though there are, of course, included speakers. Pioneer is bundling a remote to control the mayhem, but the make no mention of price or availability. We're guessing Japan-only anyways.

[Via Akihabara]

[Alan @ Jun 15th 2006 11:42AM]

How about my cassette tapes? And DAT? How can I play my DAT tapes?

[David @ Jun 15th 2006 12:08PM]

Is there a place to plug in my guitar? And reverb. I want reverb.

[Jason Tsongas @ Jun 15th 2006 12:17PM]

D1/D2 image output so component for the video right?

[John Doe @ Jun 15th 2006 12:21PM]

But will it play my old vinyl records?
How about the 3 minute phonograph records I've got sitting around since 1902?

[Eric @ Jun 15th 2006 12:30PM]

What about Super Audio CDs or DVD-Audio? How about HDCD (at least the extra data)? What about PAL or different region content? I'm sure there are more as well. Not that any of those are extremely popular(excluding PAL and diff. regions), but calling this the end of all media playback seems premature.

[Olivier @ Jun 15th 2006 12:39PM]

No one said it's the end of all media playback.

[pableu @ Jun 15th 2006 12:40PM]

They forgot the UMD-support. This thing will never have any chance withouth UMD.
Too bad. Seems nice apart from that.

;-)

[Wolf @ Jun 15th 2006 1:02PM]

Olivier,

of course no one said that. But they could have at least included a friggin' tape deck. GEEZ.

I call upon my god of convergence to resolve this mattter! CONVERGLOR! I SUMMON YOU! BRING BACK CASSETTE TAPES! AND JOY DIVISION WHILE YOU'RE AT IT!

[Alibo @ Jun 15th 2006 1:06PM]

no ogg ... no deal!

[Austin @ Jun 15th 2006 1:10PM]

And this is why it will only be sold japan.

[Michael @ Jun 15th 2006 1:32PM]

Where do I plug in my iPod?
Otherwise yeah, sounds cool.
Got a bunch of old minidiscs, glad to see that.

[Andrew @ Jun 15th 2006 1:41PM]

My grandparents used to have a stereo--manufactured during a precise window of time in the very early Eighties--which had...get this...33rpm and 45rpm record turntable, PLUS AM/FM radio, PLUS cassette tape, PLUS (drumroll please)...EIGHT TRACK TAPE!
I've never before or since seen one machine with both cassette and eight-track. I think there were about 6 weeks when those formats overlapped?

[Richard Lai @ Jun 15th 2006 2:11PM]

What about DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio?

[Joe Smith @ Jun 15th 2006 2:14PM]

And that is how Joe Smith got his idea for a media system, which is a combination of the following components:

*A CPU capable of playing any format, including high bitrate formats like the Blu-Ray and HD-DVD.

*Modular drive and port bays for attaching anything from a vinyl record reader to an extra set of HDMI ports, perhaps using something like USB

*Wifi, for download of new codecs through the internet

*Perfect integration with iTunes, with a touchscreen UI

*Optional 500 disc changer that can read HD-DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and any other disc that has the same diameter.

*And that's right, it's gonna be called the ModuComp, for Modular Computer! Woohoo!

[jumpymathguy @ Jun 15th 2006 2:30PM]

Actually it also plays cassettes. There seems to be a single slot on top of the volume knob. In my opinion, they should remove cassette playing capability. (On a sidenote IBM recently made a significant breakthrough in tape storage)

For the guy who wants UMD support, that is Sony's prop format. I'm glad it doesn't support it. Heck, I'd rather get an ISO image and play it on some other device.

[rygar @ Jun 15th 2006 3:08PM]

But . . . does the volume go to 11?

[stev @ Jun 15th 2006 3:35PM]

wat about himd
does it support the atrac3plus format?
id prefer to use the smaller disc that holds 30-45 hours over a cd that holds less
but then again i probably cant afford it so im happy with using a headphone plug to audio cables adapter with my current speakers

[Gihad Joe @ Jun 15th 2006 4:39PM]

IF it supports Blue Ray, Old LP's, Tapes, and 8 Tracks then I will rush out tomorrow and buy one.

[The Land of Smeg @ Jun 15th 2006 5:06PM]

no ogg is the deal breaker for me too.

[Timerider @ Jun 15th 2006 5:27PM]

Yeah, what about vinyl and cassette tapes? They make stereos with built in record and cassette players. And 8-track?

I've got a few 4 minute "Edison Amberol Record"s from the (very) early 1900s.

And about what Joe Smith said:
What about HVDs (Holographic Versatile Disc)?
Hold 10 million songs on a disc, then that 500 disc changer would hold every song ever written.
(just kidding on the capacity)

[Ryboy @ Jun 15th 2006 5:30PM]

How about hd radio? That's a big one, for a set this nice I don't want to be stuck without hd radio if it becomes popular. CD-quality radio or fm radio, hmm...

[Bryan @ Jun 16th 2006 9:44AM]

I agree with Eric re: the three formats he listed (SACD, DVD-A, HDCD) though I never encountered the HDCD as far as know but then again I use a Mac so it'd be cool to have a player that supports since my computer doesn't. Too bad about the SACD especially because with the High Definition TV market there's clearly a demand for that kind of quality and multi-channel.