Motoring music fans are in for a treat -- Pioneer's latest car stereos allow users to access apps and video content on the iPhone and iPod touch.
The new Pioneer range consists of two single-DIN AVH-6300BT and AVH-5300DVD models and three larger AVH-P4300DVD, AVH‑3300BT and AVH-2300DVD double-DIN offerings. All let you control and interact with apps such as Safari, YouTube, Last FM and others using a car-friendly interface.
Audio is piped over your car's integrated speakers, though apps that run video can only be viewed while the car's handbrake is fully engaged, for obvious safety reasons. If the car is in motion, the video is disabled while the soundtrack continues to play.
Both Pioneer's single-DIN models (ie, the standard 2-inch by 7-inch size), the AVH-6300BT and AVH-5300DVD, and the double-DIN AVH-P4300DVD feature a motorised 7-inch display that folds out at the touch of a button. The double-DIN AVH-3300BT and AVH2300DVD, meanwhile, make do with 5.8-inch screens.
All devices in the range can play music stored on USB keys, SD memory cards or external devices connected via an auxiliary port. All models, except the AVH-2300DVD, come with a dual-zone feature, which allows passengers in the rear of the vehicle to watch a DVD on a separate display with wireless headphones while the driver listens to music and sat-nav guidance in the front.
Speaking of sat-navs, all AVH stereos can be upgraded with Pioneer's AVIC-F220 NavGate upgrade unit. This detachable add-on provides turn-by-turn navigation and allows users to find destinations using the AVIC Feeds app for the iPhone. Destinations found on the phone can then be transferred to the car's sat-nav over Bluetooth.
The Pioneer AVH-6300BT, AVH-5300DVD, AVH-P4300DVD, AVH-3300BT and AVH-2300DVD multimedia stations will be available from mid-February. Prices are still TBA.
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Comments 3
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anonymous 7 February, 2011 18:41
And do they really think people that buy these units won't just ground the parking brake wire to something else... Really good if TomTom app will work through it, as a pose to paying hundreds for a GPS module!
Good on Pioneer!
anonymous 27 August, 2011 01:38
you cannot just ground p brake wire on pioneer. has to be run through a relay or toggle switch. most ppl do not know that. also avic models require relocation of mute wire then grounding.
anonymous 14 January, 2013 16:56
hello sir, yes you can just ground the hand brake wire and watch the videos still in parking or driving, its so simple that you can just attach the hand brake wire to the system itself and what a result the video is on