Pioneer announced three new in-dash single CD receivers for the 2015 model year, priced under $200. The new head units include the single-DIN DEH-X8700BH and DEH-X8700BS double-DIN and FH-X820BS (pictured top), which are the first to support FLAC “lossless” digital audio compatibility for playback of CD-quality files (44.1kHz / 16-bit). FLAC files can be played back from a USB drive.
The new CD receivers are designed to complement the smartphone user’s lifestyle with expanded smartphone functionality including Bluetooth Dual Device Connection, Bluetooth pairing via USB, Wideband Speech Hands-free Profile 1.6, Bluetooth Music Library Browsing (AVRCP 1.5), Android Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) and Siri Eyes Free functionality. Additional features and technologies built into the models include Pandora Station Creation, new cosmetics and FLAC file playback. Each model is built with MOSFET 50W x 4 speaker outputs and three sets of RCA pre-outs.
DEH-X8700BS
Pioneer redesigned the cosmetics of the new receivers starting with a larger screen for a sleeker look and improved visibility and operation. Brightness and illumination were also refined, adding brightness control to each receiver that provides 10-step intensity levels for easier visualization and operation, as well as Dual Zone Color Illumination with more than 210,000 color variations for customization. The DEH-X8700BH, DEH-X8700BS, and FH-X820BS also include an illumination timer that can be set to change dimmer settings automatically at specified times, ideal for vehicles without a dedicated illumination output wire.
DEH-X8700BH
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY
Bluetooth – The DEH-X8700BH, DEH-X8700BS, and FH-X820BS feature built-in Bluetooth wireless connectivity for convenient hands-free calling as well as music streaming with compatible Bluetooth enabled devices utilizing the receiver’s included microphone and the car’s speakers. The new Bluetooth Dual Device Connection built into all three models allows users to wirelessly connect two smartphone devices at the same time, eliminating the need to pair and unpair multiple devices.
To simplify the Bluetooth pairing process with iPhone devices, the receivers are enabled for Auto Pairing when utilizing a physical USB connection. The user simply connects an iPhone to the Pioneer receiver using an iPhone-to-USB cable and the receiver automatically prompts the user to confirm pairing, eliminating the need to go through the wireless “searching for devices” process.
- HFP 1.6 with Wideband Speech – Hands Free Profile (HFP) 1.6 built into the new models significantly increases the frequency bandwidth dedicated to voice calling (now 50Hz – 7kHz) and doubles the sampling frequency (now 16kHz) to produce better sound quality for wireless conversations. Both the caller and call recipient experience clearer and more distinct sound.
- Music Library Browsing over Bluetooth (AVRCP 1.5) – Users can now search album content over a wireless connection. iPhone devices can use Bluetooth to search through playlists, artists, songs, and genres. For Android smartphones enabled with Media Transfer Protocol (MTP), users can browse through media folders via folder type.
USB Connectivity – When connected to an iPhone, iPod, portable USB drive, or Android device via the USB port, users can use basic controls (Play/Pause/FF/Rev/Random/Repeat) and display track, artist and album information. Android devices must run on OS 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and newer with Android Media Transfer Protocol.
Siri Eyes Free – With a simple press of a key, Pioneer’s DEH-X8700BH, DEH-X8700BS, and FH-X820BS enable users to access Siri Eyes Free. When activated, Siri provides voice prompts through the vehicle’s speakers, and the user’s questions and commands are received and transmitted using the external microphone provided with the receiver(s). Siri Eyes Free allows users to make calls, select and play music, hear and compose text messages, get mapping information, listen to notifications, listen to calendar information and add reminders.
ENHANCED ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
The Pandora Station Creation feature on the FH-X820BS enables users to create new Pandora stations while the app is in use with an iPhone device (physical connection required) or compatible Android smartphone. Users can create a new Pandora station from the currently playing song or artist by simply pressing and holding a button on the new receiver. The DEH-X8700BH and DEH-X8700BS feature Advanced Pandora Station Creation, which expands source options and enables a user to create a new Pandora station from a currently playing song or artist playing in Pandora as well as HD Radio, SiriusXM, or from a connected iPod.
Pioneer continues to include its revolutionary MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology into each receiver model, transforming a music library into a nonstop playlist that delivers a unique DJ-infused listening experience. The MIXTRAX virtual DJ inserts transitions and effects to music played from an iPhone, iPod or USB storage device. For an additional club-like effect, the illumination and display of receivers can be set to pulsate and change color with the tempo and intensity of the music.
The DEH-X8700BS and FH-X820BS models include SiriusXM compatibility with the SXV200 SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner offers a simple, cost-effective solution for adding satellite radio, and Pioneer’s receivers include the Tune Start™ and Tune Scan™ features. Tune Start begins playback of the current song from the beginning with each channel change, and Tune Scan allows the user to scan and listen to 6-second samples of songs currently playing on their favorite music channels.
HD RADIO TECHNOLOGY – The DEH-X8700BH features built-in HD Radio®, providing clear digital reception of HD Radio and additional programming on HD1, HD2 and HD3 broadcasts from participating radio stations across the country.
Price and Availability (October 2014)
