23Feb / 2017
23. February 2017
Pioneer will deploy Whole Home Audio for selected Pioneer AV and audio hi-fi components with a firmware update announced today, enabling wireless audio distribution to supported network speakers over FireConnect™ powered by Blackfire.
FireConnect™ is a secure wireless platform operating over Wi-Fi® that allows users to share network audio available to a master component with FireConnect™-compatible speakers, such as the Pioneer MRX-3 and MRX-5, at sampling rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz.Playback control, speaker grouping, and music selection are integrated into the Pioneer Remote App for iPod touch, iPhone, iPad, and Android™ smartphones and tablets.
Internet streaming services ready for multi-room distribution include TIDAL, Deezer, and TuneIn on board the components and intuitively controlled on Pioneer Remote App. Music streamed from the Spotify® Connect* app, as well as network-attached audio files, are also supported. Familiar gestures within Pioneer Remote App allow simple selection of speakers to play to, along with grouping functions for simultaneous playback in all rooms.
With FireConnect™-enabled components linking up to play network music after the February and March firmware updates, and more capabilities to follow, Pioneer owners can add a new dimension to their home entertainment. By adapting to individual lifestyles and listening preferences, FireConnect™ and Pioneer Remote App make Whole Home Audio a reality.
A February 23 firmware update will activate FireConnect™ on these Pioneer models:
- Multichannel-Receiver SC-LX901, SC-LX801, SC-LX701, SC-LX501, VSX-1131, VSX-831, VSX-S520D and VSX-S520
- Stereo-Receiver SX-S30DAB
A March 1st firmware update will activate FireConnect™ on these Pioneer models:
- Networkplayer N-30AE
- Network-Centre NC-50DAB
- HiFi Micro-Systems XC-HM86D, X-HM86D, X-HM76D and X-HM76
Subsequent updates will add wireless distribution of sources connected to the master component’s external analog audio inputs. Firmware updates are available for download via the component or Pioneer website. Subscribe to Pioneer’s social media channels or visit pioneer-audiovisual.de/eu for the latest information on release timing and enhanced functionalities for compatible products.
Note: Streaming service availability depends on region. Fees may apply. Transmission of audio via external analog inputs is not supported on the VSX-1131, VSX-831, and N-30AE.
“PIONEER” and the Pioneer logos are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation, and are used under license.
Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Spotify and the Spotify logo are trademarks of the Spotify Group, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
FireConnect™ is a technology based on Blackfire provided by Blackfire Research Corp., USA.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Note that features and specifications are subject to change without notice.