X Marks the Spot with Pioneer’s New AVIC-X Series Navigation Systems

LONG BEACH, Calif.--Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announced the release of the AVIC-X710BT and AVIC-X910BT, which build upon Pioneer’s history of in-dash navigation systems by combining turn-by-turn navigation, audio and video* entertainment and connectivity options including Apple iPod® and iPhone®, Bluetooth® cell phones, MSN® Direct**, HD® Radio and SIRIUS XM® Satellite Radio.

“We’ve made numerous enhancements to the hardware and software for 2009, making the AVIC-X Series more functional and easier to use than its predecessors,” said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the mobile business group of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Both models build upon Pioneer’s in-car navigation experience, offering performance and features beyond those found on typical navigation systems.”

Both models provide consumers with the latest and most comprehensive map database from Tele Atlas® covering the entire United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, enabling users to route to millions of destinations including more than 12 million points of interest (POI). Additionally, enhancements were made to the visual interface to further assist drivers to arrive at their destinations efficiently and safely, including:

Map View Modes – The system offers various screen views including 3D map mode, 2D North Up and the new 2D Heading Up map mode.
Highway Sign Boards – Simulated highway signs appear onscreen when a major junction approaches for a quick visual aid while navigating. The feature forewarns drivers by highlighting the sign and the proper driving lanes they should be in for passage through major interchanges and exits.
Redesigned Map Interface - Key on-screen information layered on top of the map display was revamped for easier viewing utilizing larger fonts, more precise graphic contrast and less multi-line information.
3D Icons – More than 1,300 icons are displayed in 3D illustrations, including buildings, historical landmarks, baseball fields, etc., which help the driver to visually identify the area.

The AVIC-X910BT model includes a built-in MSN® Direct tuner (MSN Direct service not available for the AVIC-X710BT). Users who subscribe and pay for the MSN Direct service*** receive, among other things, updated traffic information. At a glance, traffic incidents and traffic flow information are available for 134 cities across the United States and Canada, and are displayed directly on the map and indicated by different colored lines and traffic icons. In addition, the MSN Direct service includes weather forecasts, gas prices, movie times, news headlines, local events and stock quotes, all accessible directly from the screen of the navigation system.

The AVIC-X710BT and AVIC-X910BT also feature advanced voice control for compatible iPods/iPhones and compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phones. After syncing their compatible iPod/iPhone to the system, users can use conversational commands to initiate music playback from the iPod/iPhone by artist name, album name, playlist name or music genre. Users can simply say, “I want to listen to artist Linkin Park,” or “Let’s hear artist Black Eyed Peas” to start playback.

After pairing a compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phone and using the “phone book transfer” function to transfer a cell phone’s contacts/phone-book into the navigation system users can have quick access to their contacts/phone-book by using voice commands. With a push of the voice control icon, users can simply say, “Call Robert Smith,” and the system will identify the contact and dial the phone number. The system will prompt users for additional information if there is more than one phone number for a specific contact.

Beyond Entertainment

The AVIC-X Series utilizes a bright 5.8-inch high resolution WVGA touch panel display to access numerous sources of entertainment. Each model allows playback of iTunes® AAC, MP3, WMA, WAVE, DivX* and MPEG4 files from a CD, DVD*, USB device or SD memory card.

Each unit also includes a USB interface for quick connection to compatible iPod music players, portable media players and USB memory devices. For additional convenience, an SD memory card filled with additional Points of Interest information or compressed audio and video files slides directly into the front panel SD card slot. A mini-jack A/V input on the face of each unit is also available for quick connection to other compatible devices.

By utilizing the integrated SD card slot, users will have the added benefit of uploading software updates and additional POI information. Using the PC application from Pioneer called AVIC-FEEDS, users with compatible PCs can create and store additional points of interests onto an SD memory card for the navigation system. This is especially helpful, for example, when users want to add personalized or custom POIs.

For safety and convenience, each system is equipped with a back-up camera input that can automatically display images from a separately purchased back-up camera when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The feature is extremely useful when used with large automobiles where it can be difficult to see behind the vehicle.

Pioneer AVIC-X navigation systems can be fully integrated into a large number of vehicles with a 2-DIN dash opening, and with a range of 32,768 customizable illumination colors available, users can match the factory look and feel of practically any interior.

As high-end audio units, each system is equipped with Pioneer’s Supertuner IIID AM/FM tuner, three sets of RCA outputs and a built-in 50 Watts X 4 high power amplifier, and is ready to connect to various optional tuners including XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and HD Digital Radio.

The Pioneer AVIC-X710BT and AVIC-X910BT are available for suggested prices of $900 and $1,100, respectively.

Pioneer’s Mobile Entertainment Division is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, advanced connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier electronic products.

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 leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment.™

* DivX playback not available through USB and SD card slot.

** AVIC-X910BT feature only; MSN Direct service not available on the AVIC-X710BT.

*** MSN Direct is a subscription service that delivers traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather data, and more for over 134 cities in the United States and Canada. After the initial trial subscription included with the AVIC-X910BT, an optional subscription service fee is required for the MSN Direct service. Coverage areas are affected by reception limitations of the FM network as well as other factors. Pioneer is not responsible for the accuracy of the MSN Direct content.

PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.

BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

HD Digital Radio is a registered trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation.

IPOD and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

MSN Direct is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

SIRIUS XM is a registered trademark of SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio Inc.

TELE ATLAS is a registered trademark of Tele Atlas NV.

Pioneer AVIC-X Series Navigation Systems

Features

AVIC-X710BT

AVIC-X910BT

3D Landmark Icon

Yes

Built-in MSN Direct Tuner

Yes

5.8-inch WVGA LCD Touch Panel

Yes

Built-in Bluetooth Technology

Yes

Conversational Voice Recognition for Bluetooth

Yes

Audio/Video Direct Control for Ipod

CD-IU230V required

Conversational Voice Recognition for iPod

Yes

DVD Video Playback

Yes

iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback on DVD

Yes

iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback on CD

Yes

iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback from USB Memory Devices or SD Memory Card

Yes

Back-Up Camera Ready

Yes

XM and Satellite Radio Capability

Yes

HD Radio Capability

Yes

50W x 4 High Power Amplifier

Yes

Suggested Price

$900

$1,100

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