By Shane McGlaun

I’ve never felt the need to spend thousands of dollars on a car stereo. Some folks can’t imagine having a stock audio system in their car and for these types of people there are a huge amount of aftermarket systems available to choose from.

Pioneer has announced a new high-end in-dash navigation system called the AVIC-Z110BT. The system allows users to control an iPod, iPhone, and Bluetooth enabled phones with voice commands. The unit has a 7-inch motorized touch panel screen and supports CD and DVD playback.

The navigation system features Drive Report allowing the driver to put in fuel price and mileage info to calculate the cheapest driving route. The unit can also send DVD video to optional rear seat screens for kids to watch on trips. Other features include MSN Direct Support, 3D highway signs, and brand icons. The unit sells for $1,600 and will be available in July.

[ Pioneer Electronics

By Shane McGlaun

Every now and again, someone I know will ask me what Blu-ray player they should buy to go along with their new TV. I always tell them to get the PS3 because I think it’s one of the best Blu-ray players out there. I had a guy tell me he didn’t want video games in his house the other day and preferred a stand-alone Blu-ray player to the PS3.

For people who feel the same way Pioneer has launched a trio of new Blu-ray players including the Elite BDP-23FD, the BDP-120, and the BDP-320 models. The 23FD is aimed at the professional integrator looking for a player with full control capability for integrating into high-end home theaters. It includes a special KURO Link Picture Mode and a precision quartz lock system that helps prevent playback jitters. The 23FD sells for $599.

The BDP-320 offers 48-bit deep color support, three video noise reduction circuits and 13 different picture adjustment capabilities and sells for $399. The BDP-120 is the entry-level machine and carries a MSRP of $299. All three machines also have a USB port for playing digital files.

[ Pioneer Electronics ]

By Shane McGlaun

I have several iPod accessories around the house and each time I dock my iPhone I get that wonderful “this accessory is not iPod compatible” message. That little message means you can’t place calls while the iPhone is docked in the accessory, but I assume calls will still come in. I haven’t had that happen yet.

Pioneer has announced a new A/V receiver series that are certified to work with the iPhone and iPod touch. The receiver models include the VSX-819AH, VSX-919AH, and VSX-1019AH receivers. Users can plug their iPhone or iPod into the receivers and use the full-color GUI to browse album art and control music playback from across the room with the A/V receiver remote.

The receivers will auto mute the music when a call comes in and are all compatible with HD audio making them perfect for use with your Blu-ray player or PS3. One of the best features of the new line is that they are cheap. The lowest cost model supports HD sound and sells for $299 with the most expensive model selling for $499.

[ Pioneer ]