Pioneer VSX-1020-K AV receiver with iPhone app up for pre-order
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted March 5th 2010 2:20PM
posted March 5th 2010 2:20PM
In the market for AV gear that "Works with iPhone?" Looks like Pioneer's trusty old VSX-1019AH (with its built-in iPod dock) just got a formidable ally in the form of the VSX-1020-K. This bad boy not only packs in the features you expect from an AV receiver (including connections for HD video, HD audio, wireless and analog components, 1080p video conversion and upscaling, support for 3D video and more) but the company throws in a free custom iPhone / iPod touch app for exploring your inner audiophile -- and getting your room to sound just so in the process. Up for pre-order now at Amazon for $549. Screenshots and further details after the break.
Product Features
- "Works with iPhone" certification (with free custom Pioneer iPhone app, downloaded separately) and front USB connectivity provide iPod, touch, and iPhone users ultimate plug-and-play integration of their Apple products with their home theater
- Simple connectivity of high-performance HD video, HD audio, portable, internet, wireless, and analog components makes this Pioneer receiver the ultimate A/V control center
- The latest version of HDMI inputs and outputs provide more HD connectivity options with "future-proof" 3-D capability
- 1080p video conversion and upscaling ensures the highest quality video from any source--even "legacy" analog and lower-resolution digital video sources
- High-Power Discrete Transistor (HPDT) multi-channel amplifiers and proprietary Pioneer room calibration technology combine to ensure best-in-class home theater and music reproduction in any home
Seems like a better approach to "Works with iPhone" would be to use Bluetooth. For Audio use A2DP. For the other nifty controls from the app you could send them via a simple serial protocol using SPP. That way, I don't have to tie my phone to my entertainment center. Also, I can use my phone as a remote via the app (without requiring an $80 easily lost dongle).
In addition, you would get for free support for BT stereo headsets.
@scobb
The problem with that is A2DP doesn't really offer the best experience in terms of audio quality...Kleer is a little better; but I agree it would be a nice option, especially for the remote. You know what would be even better though? DLNA support :P
@scobb From the link:
"Release Your Smartphone's Music with the AS-BT100 Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately)
For wireless connectivity, add a Pioneer AS-BT100 Bluetooth adapter (sold separately) to release your music from your iPhone, Blackberry®, or Android® smartphone as well as other Bluetooth-enabled sources like laptops. And the VSX-1020-K's Advanced Sound Retriever AIR technology makes sure that even your compressed MP3s are brought back to near cd-quality sound. "
@TPJ Yes, I have a Sony 2-way Bluetooth device hooked up to my receiver. It works great. That way I also stream from my laptop and all of it's local music, Pandora, Slacker etc. The sound quality is excellent.
The one downside on transmitting to Bluetooth headphones is the slight lag when watching videos. Although it is funny, after a minute you no longer notice it.
Actually, now that I think about it - if indeed you have to have your iPhone docked to use the App makes the whole app / feature pretty pointless. If I have to stand in front of it to control the cool features, I'd rather just use the remote or the front panel.
I'm no longer very impressed.
@scobb
You need to have the device docked to use the control?
Uber lame. Do not want.
@DoctarPeppar Well, it's not actually clear. It says it has the iPhone dock, but it also mentions (in it's list of normal audio features) wireless. I suspect that it in reference to wireless rear speakers - which is common.
My guess is that it talks to the receiver via the dock. However, from what little data we have it is hard to say.
@DoctarPeppar
Blame it on Apple. The iPhone/iPod Touch don't support AVRCP.
Good idea! Great innovation!
this is an excellent idea. Receivers generally have really fiddly displays, so if the iphone app lets you dig through all the various setup options etc it'll be very handy.
Pioneer speakers bumpin as I smoke on a pound.
@DoctarPeppar
I got the sound fo yo' a$$ and it's easy to see. That this D.J. be Warren G...
Nothing like a good ol' school vibe on a Friday afternoon...
@DoctarPeppar
I got tha sound fo ya ass thats eazy to see, and this DJ be WARREN G!!!
@KooSaMaGooPaLooP
Ur doin it wrong.
@DoctarPeppar
Fool, you better come on IN!!
@dirtysouth Wasn't Warren rappin' about car speakers though? :)
@chodaboy19
Im just paying tribute to the West side cause im from the West side and you I know its the best side.
I just hope this interface makes it into their receivers with DLNA support. Their SC-27 receiver is fantastic, but the network media streaming is hard to use since scrolling through a list of hundreds of artists and albums can take forever. With an iPhone interface for that, it would be fantastic.
Wait till the Elite Model.
I just bought last year's model (1019-k) from Be..WorstBuy. I will be returning it promptly and getting a 1020-k from Amazon.
The 1019 was extremely impressive. I really wanted Internet radio options...and I'm guessing firmware updates will come via ethernet as well.
Don't care for BT as of yet, but everything else is excellent for this price.
I'm not audiophile, but I sensed an immediate difference from my 4yr old Yamaha.
I would love this in a cheaper 5.1 version. I'm not the biggest audiophile so $549 is a bit steep.
With the iPhone/iPod docked, it should work like other docking stations with options to control the device directly and using the A/V Receiver's GUI section devoted to the device's control using the supplied A/V receiver's remote.
The iControlAVR app will operate over a Wi-Fi network, providing better control than IR and in some cases RF. This receiver and the VSX-1120-K (also up for pre-order at amazon) have ethernet inputs to allow this type of wireless app control like Sony's new Blu-ray players, future types of HDTVs, etc. coming down the pipe.
http://www.cahabahometheater.com/
More UNDER POWERED receivers. Onkyo, Pioneer, Sony, etc, are bringing out receivers with a whole lot of features but they suck at the amplifier stage. My advice for anyone in the market for these devices, is to look for one with 7.1 pre-outs. So later on you can add a real power amp to drive your speakers.
There are to many speakers being underpowered these days. Causing distortion and crappy sound quality.
@kevon27 You do realize that this is part of their entry-level AVR product line, right? Heck, its half the price that I paid for my near entry-point Elite some 8 years ago. Considering the features, I'd say its not a bad starter AVR.
@kevon27 There's a receiver for every room size, budget and individual. In a mid to small room a more expensive and more powerful receiver can be OVER POWERED and potentially a waste of money due to unused or underutilized features unless one just wants bragging rights. The VSX-1120-K, also just released for pre-order on Amazon, that I mentioned above has pre-outs and is $749. It also has a detachable power cord, 120W x 7 and RS-232 control (excellent example of one of those features I'm talking about).
I use to be in the $1200-$1500 mid-range of Denon and Onkyo receivers until new models with about the same feature sets starting going North in price. As a what the hay, I tried the Sony STR-DG920 as my first HDMI 1.3 switching receiver for $600 and it sounds great in my listening space. It's 30 Watts less per channel than I've had before at 100 Watts per channel but it still fills the room with quality sound. So, I had been paying a premium for more wattage I didn't need too. However, I do miss multi-zone (which these Pioneers and the new Sony STD-DN1010 will have), 12V remotes and power outlets in the back. For the money I'm saving each 2 to 3 years of upgrades, I've learned to live without them and life is good. Also, thankfully my speaker system has matched my receivers very well.
VSX-1120-k model has LAN input but no DLNA at all, ? That has no sense at all, why they would not put DLNA support ?
One more thing, why they put USB in front, so every time I would connect iPhone , then the ugly cable would be visible in front of the receiver ? Why is that, I think the old system with input in back + dock is better solution. Could I still use dock + adapter port in the back with the same performances.
Anyone know when the new range of amps is coming to the uk?
I don't understand why everyone but Yamaha is refusing to put 7.1+ pre-outs on this level of receiver.
I am waiting for the Emotiva XMC-1 pre/pro, but if it is like the UMC-1, it may take forever and I may just have to give up and turn to buying another receiver as a pre/pro. The step up from the 1020, the 1120, adds a few bonus features that would be nice to have. PC Connection ability, RS-232, 6 HDMI and the Marvell video processor. Though, I wish companies would get together and create a standard for the ethernet connection, mainly create a protocol with an API. I am also that the point, that 6 HDMI just isn't enough, give me 7, 8 or more! I am interested to see what enhances they will be making to their Elite line, one of those may be more up my alley for pre/pro.
Check out the Pioneer support site:
Clearly says it uses WiFi for the remote function.
Not available to download on the iTunes store although oddly there is a page for it if you search.