∞ Pioneer throws weight behind AirPlay with first of eight new receivers

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Home audio peripheral maker Pioneer on Tuesday announced the release of its VSX-1021-K A/V receiver – the first of eight Pioneer receivers coming out this year with support for AirPlay, Apple’s streaming audio technology highlighted in iTunes and on iOS devices. The VSX-1021-K costs $549.

[ad#Google Adsense 300x250 in story]The VSX-1021-K is a 7.1 channel receiver with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD support, with 90 watts per channel output. Features include 5 HDMI inputs and 1 output, Sirius satellite ready, 3 analog inputs, 4 digital inputs and more.

A built in 10/100 Ethernet port lets you connect the VSX-1021-K to your home LAN, and Pioneer offers optional wireless networking kits and Bluetooth adapters. When the VSX-1021-K is connected to the network, it’s visible as an AirPlay streaming device in iTunes running on the Mac, PC or on iOS devices, and can be used to stream content.

Pioneer also offers a free app that you can download from the App Store to use your iOS device as a remote control, and “Air Jam” software that lets you make a group playlist using content from up to four Bluetooth-connected iOS devices.


  • Anonymous

    I certainly hope they got a new interface designer for these devices. Because the interfaces of their car stereos aren’t very good. Mine has such a horrible design that I am forced to conclude it was created by a one-fingered dyslexic crack head.

    • Flargh

      Not really sure how Pioneer’s home gear compares to its cars. But as the owner of a Pioneer head unit in one of my cars, I can’t disagree with what you’re saying. Its iPod interface is utter crap.

      • Crisrod63

        I don’t think other car stereo devices fair any better. My brother in law just purchased a VW Jetta, and it’s car iPod interface is also pretty lacking. Now, why would anybody get one of these receivers when the Apple TV can add such feature to any modern receiver?