Pioneer announces iPhone 5 connectivity kits for AppRadio 2 and friends

As part of its CES 2013 announcements, Pioneer will launch iPhone 5 connectivity kits for 13 of its in-dash products some time this spring. This is bound to be a bit of entertainment relief for the many of you who've upgraded to iPhone 5 and found your Pioneer set's AppMode was unable to follow your chosen path. There will be three different connectivity kits available for purchase: the CD-IH202 (HDMI), CD-IV202AV (VGA) and CD-IV202NAVI (VGA) for the various devices types -- coupled with mandatory firmware updates for any head unit using digital connectivity. The HDMI solution will set you back $50 at the register and includes a 2-meter HDMI cable, a 1.5-meter 17-pin to USB charging cable for the iPhone 5, and the unfortunate need to purchase both the $19 Lightning to USB and $49 Lightning digital AV adapters. Compatible VGA sets will require a $100 kit which includes a proprietary interface cable and control module for all your audio and video needs, a 1.5-meter USB charging cable and the same two Apple Lightning cables as above. No mention of pack-in cable options going forward, though we'd assume a transition to iPhone 5 connectivity is where we'll eventually end up. We dig that Pioneer was able to get this to market, though, we're starting to think that a used iPhone 4 might ultimately be cheaper than the kit and extra cables required.

Show full PR text

PIONEER ANNOUNCES ENHANCED IPHONE 5 CONNECTIVITY
FOR APPRADIO 2 AND APPRADIO MODE PRODUCTS
Three Connectivity Kits for iPhone 5 Provide Compatibility for
Thirteen In-Dash Products Available in Spring

LAS VEGAS - CES BOOTH #1101 (January 8, 2013) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announced three solutions that provide enhanced connectivity between iPhone® 5 and thirteen 2013 and 2012 Pioneer in-dash receivers. When used with a compatible Pioneer in-dash receiver and an appropriate Apple Lightning adapter accessory, these connectivity kit solutions enable iPhone 5 users to access and control select iPhone 5 apps via the in-dash touchscreen display; play and control music and videos stored on iPhone 5; and play and control of the Pandora® internet radio and Aha Radio apps running on their iPhone 5 via the revolutionary AppRadio™ and AppRadio Mode interface (previously known as Advanced AppMode). This enhances the existing Bluetooth® connectivity between iPhone 5 and these Pioneer in-dash receivers that provides hands-free calling and, on select models, A2DP wireless audio streaming and control.

These connectivity kits are compatible with the revolutionary AppRadio 2 SPH-DA100; the new 2013 AVIC-Z150BH, AVIC-X950BH and AVIC-X850BT in-dash navigation receivers; the 2012 AVIC-Z140BT and AVIC-X940BT in-dash navigation receivers; the new-for-2013 AVH-X8500BHS, AVH-X7500BT, AVH-X5500BHS, AVH-X4500BT, AVH-X3500BH and AVH-X2500BT multimedia DVD receivers; and the 2012 AVH-P8400BH multimedia DVD receiver.

"As the leader in smartphone connectivity for the car and home, Pioneer fully understands the importance of providing an iPhone 5 compatibility solution that integrates with our revolutionary AppRadio and AppRadio Mode products," said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing for the Car Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "With maximum efforts from product engineers, we have developed solutions that apply to a wide range of our in-dash products to meet our consumers' wants and expectations."

Digital AV Solution
The CD-IH202 connectivity kit is an "all digital" connection designed for use with the AppRadio 2 SPH-DA100, AVH-X8500BHS, AVIC-Z150BH and AVIC-X950BH. The kit includes a 2-meter automotive grade HDMI cable, which handles all audio and video transfer between the Pioneer products and iPhone 5, and a 1.5-meter 17-pin to USB cable for charging iPhone 5. To complete compatibility between these Pioneer products and the iPhone 5, consumers must also obtain Apple's Lightning to USB Cable and Lightning Digital AV Adapter, as well as a firmware update* from Pioneer (available this spring at no charge). The CD-IH202 will be available in March with a suggested price of $50.

VGA Solutions
Pioneer also offers the CD-IV202AV (for use with 2013 multimedia DVD receivers and the AVH-P8400BH) and CD-IV202NAVI (for use with the AVIC-X850BT and 2012 in-dash navigation receivers). The VGA solutions include a proprietary connector cable and interface module to accomplish all audio and video transfer and a 1.5-meter USB cable for charging iPhone 5. For a complete list of compatible audio video products, visit www.pioneerelectronics.com/car. To complete compatibility between these Pioneer products and iPhone 5, consumers must also obtain Apple's Lightning to USB Cable and Lightning to VGA Adapter, as well as a firmware update from Pioneer for select 2012 and 2013 multimedia DVD and navigation receivers (available this spring at no charge). The CD-IV202AV and CD-IV202NAVI will be available in March with a suggested price of $100.

For a complete list of iPhone 5 and other smartphone compatible Pioneer aftermarket car electronics products, please click here.
Previously known as Advanced AppMode, Pioneer's AppRadio Mode provides users the ability to access and control dozens of compatible smartphone apps through the units' built-in touchscreen displays. AppRadio Mode is available on many 2012 and 2013 products (check compatibility on www.pioneerelectronics.com/car).

Connectivity Kit Solutions & Compatible Products*
Model Kit
AppRadio:
AppRadio 2 CD-IH202 (HDMI)

Multimedia DVD Receivers:
AVH-X8500BHS CD-IH202 (HDMI)
AVH-X7500BT CD-IV202AV (VGA)
AVH-X5500BHS CD-IV202AV (VGA)
AVH-X4500BT CD-IV202AV (VGA)
AVH-X3500BHS CD-IV202AV (VGA)
AVH-X2500BT CD-IV202AV (VGA)
AVH-P8400BH CD-IV202AV (VGA)

Multimedia Navigation Receivers
AVIC-Z150BH CD-IH202 (HDMI)
AVIC-X950BH CD-IH202 (HDMI)
AVIC-X850BT CD-IV202NAVI (VGA)
AVIC-Z140BH CD-IV202NAVI (VGA)
AVIC-X940BT CD-IV202NAVI (VGA)
*NOTE: Apple's Lightning to USB Cable and Lightning Digital AV Adapter or Lightning to VGA Adapter are required with corresponding Pioneer connectivity kits.

For more information follow us on:
Twitter at twitter.com/PioneerUSA
Facebook at facebook.com/PioneerNorthAmerica
YouTube at youtube.com/pioneerelectronics

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets and is celebrating 75 years of innovation in the consumer electronics industry.