Pioneer AVICSYNC once stood as a notable product line in the realm of car infotainment systems, offering a blend of navigation, smartphone integration, and multimedia features. For those in the market for in-car technology, or those who are simply curious about the evolution of car audio, the question naturally arises: Was The Pioneer Avicsync Discontinued?
To understand the status of Pioneer AVICSYNC, it’s helpful to look back at what this series offered. AVICSYNC receivers were known for their user-friendly interfaces, headlined by a vibrant full-color 7″ LCD touchscreen display. This touchscreen was designed for crisp, high-quality images and rapid touch response, making navigation and media control intuitive for drivers.
Navigation was a core feature, powered by GPS Navigation with HERE mapping. This system aimed to provide reliable routing and guidance, enhanced by AVICSYNC smartphone connectivity which suggested a forward-thinking approach to integrating mobile devices with car systems. The promise of “more natural sounding navigation guidance” was a key selling point for users seeking a less robotic and more human-like navigation experience.
Smartphone Integration was another pillar of the AVICSYNC series. It boasted direct access and control of music stored on iPod/iPhone or Android Devices, catering to a broad range of smartphone users. Compatibility extended to iPhone 5 with a separate cable, and included Pandora control from both iPhone and Android platforms, highlighting its focus on popular music streaming services. For deeper integration, Advanced App Mode was available, though it required specific Pioneer cables.
Bluetooth Built-in functionality allowed for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming, essential features for modern drivers. Furthermore, MirrorLink ready capability (though requiring an adapter) indicated an ambition to mirror smartphone screens directly onto the car stereo display, a feature that was ahead of its time for broader adoption. Pioneer also emphasized Seamless OEM Integration, aiming to retain factory services and controls, which is crucial for users wanting to upgrade without losing existing car functionalities. The inclusion of Built-in HD Radio and a wide array of Expandability Features further enhanced its appeal.
Diving into Playback and Audio Features, AVICSYNC supported a wide range of media formats, including CD, DVD, MP3, and WMA. An AM/FM tuner with presets and an HD Radio Tuner with Artist Experience provided diverse listening options. Audio customization was enabled by a 13-Band graphic equalizer, subwoofer controls, and high/low pass filters, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences.
In terms of Expandability Options, AVICSYNC offered 3 Sets of preamp outputs, steering wheel control compatibility, and multiple input options including HDMI, Auxiliary, and Dual Rear USB Inputs. These features underscored its versatility and ability to integrate with additional car audio components and external devices.
So, was Pioneer AVICSYNC discontinued? While Pioneer has not made an explicit announcement of discontinuation for the AVICSYNC product name, it’s widely understood in the car audio market that Pioneer has transitioned and evolved its product lines. The specific branding of “AVICSYNC” is no longer prominently featured in their current lineup. Pioneer’s focus has shifted towards their NEX (Networked Entertainment eXperience) series and other newer models that incorporate and advance the features previously found in AVICSYNC.
The features that defined AVICSYNC, such as smartphone integration, advanced navigation, and multimedia playback, have been carried forward and improved in subsequent Pioneer head unit models. Therefore, while you might not find products explicitly marketed as “Pioneer AVICSYNC” in the latest catalogs, the spirit and functionality of AVICSYNC live on in Pioneer’s newer, more advanced car infotainment systems. If you are looking for the kind of features AVICSYNC offered, exploring Pioneer’s current NEX series or their latest multimedia receivers would be the recommended path to find updated technology and even more advanced capabilities.
