Here’s where it gets interesting though.  The Pioneer will put the album art and music information on your screen (Via HDMI out?).  If they can do that, why can’t you stream video to this bad boy?

The VSX-1021 also offers other connectivity choices:

  • Bluetooth Ready with Pioneer AirJam App
  • Home Network DLNA 1.5 Certified and Internet Radio with vTuner
  • Pioneer iControlAV2 App
  • HDMI 1.4a 3-D Ready with Audio Return Channel
  • Apple Airplay / iPad / iPhone Certified

Pioneer also updated their other iOS products, below:

Product Description

  • AirPlay video comes to first Apple TV with hack (9to5mac.com)
  • A5 Powered Apple TV 3 To Handle 1080p Video? (9to5mac.com)
  • CES: AirPlay systems are heading for prime time (9to5mac.com)
  • Oh snap! AirPlay runs on Linux. Windows coming (9to5mac.com)
  • Apple to fight Facebook with iOS 5 and Media Stream? (9to5mac.com)
  • Apple updates Remote.app to 2.1, adds AirPlay, Internet Radio (9to5mac.com)
  • Turn your iOS devices into an AirPlay receiver (free) (9to5mac.com)

From the Manufacturer

The receiver that’s ready for tomorrow is here today. Introducing the Pioneer 7.1-Channel VSX-1021-K AV Receiver

The new Pioneer VSX-1021-K receiver is the answer to a home theater enthusiast’s prayers. Delivering remarkable performance in an elegant package, it’s a receiver designed with advanced technology that performs exquisitely in the moment, while at the same time never taking its eyes off the future. Its state-of-the-art, forward looking features get you closer to exactly what the artist intended in a way that has never been possible. Until now.

  • Compatible with your iPhone, iPod and iPad (USB/video cable included)
  • AirPlay streams your iTunes library direct to the VSX-1021-K
  • Compatible with free Pioneer-exclusive apps for your Apple devices
  • Bluetooth-ready (with optional AS-BT200 adapter, sold separately)
  • Network-ready for AirPlay, vTuner Internet Radio, Firmware updates, etc…
  • Support for the latest HDMI spec (3D, Audio Return Channel), plus high-definition audio support including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio

One of the most exciting new features of the VSX-1021-K is AirPlay. With AirPlay you can stream music from iTunes to the VSX-1021-K and play it through your home theater system. Simply connect the receiver to your home network via Ethernet or Pioneer’s optional wireless adapter (AS-WL300) and it instantly becomes the hub for playback of your iTunes music from your connected Apple device or networked computer.

You can even use the receiver to view metadata including song title, artist as well as album art on a connected display. Download Apple’s free “Remote” application and use your Apple device as a remote control. With AirPlay, there’s really no reason why your iTunes music has to be restricted to your computer!

Unlike other receiver lines, thanks to Apple® compatibility for iPod, iPhone, and now iPad, most generations of Apple portable devices are easily connected with the included USB/video cable – so there’s no need to buy a separate dock to access all your music, videos, streaming content, and photos stored on your Apple portable devices.

Plus, since your iPhone iPod and now your iPad charges automatically when connected, it’s the ultimate plug-and-play integration with your home theater. You can enjoy music with iTunes® album art, share videos and movies, downloaded TV shows from iTunes, photos, web content such as YouTube® and much more. And because the iPhone device’s network features remain fully functional, you can still take that call. Music and movies simply mute and you’re good to go. And you’ve got lots of control options–use the iPhone directly, or push a single button on the VSX-1021-K’s front panel to switch control to the included preset remote and an intuitive, full-color GUI.

Communicating with the VSX-1021-K wirelessly through your home network, Pioneer’s free app turns your iPhone, iPod touch and now your iPad into a powerful remote control for your receiver. The all new iControlAV2 app is fully redesigned and incorporates everything from basic volume and input selection to advanced features like EQ adjustments and Internet Radio control. iControlAV2 for iPad includes enhanced features like vertical and horizontal orientation, intuitive control of music from networked PCs as well as internet radio control, and a super-cool finger EQ adjust screen; simply draw the EQ curve to your desired sound preference.

The VSX-1021-K is fully ready for wireless connectivity with Bluetooth audio from your iPhone®, Blackberry®, or Android® smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled sources like laptops. With the Pioneer AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter, you can untether yourself from headphones, cables and inputs. And you’ll enjoy near cd-quality with Sound Retriever AIR technology, created specifically to enhance Bluetooth audio.

Available as a free download for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices, Pioneer’s exclusive Air Jam application is revolutionizing the way you share your music. Used in conjunction with the VSX-1021-K receiver (optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter required), up to 4 Apple devices can be paired via Bluetooth to share music and create playlists.

Once connected wirelessly, you can choose songs from your device to add to a group playlist to play back on the VSX-1021-K. You can view the playlist on each device. Like the songs one of your friends added to the playlist? Select it and you’ve got the option to purchase it from iTunes or watch the music video on YouTube.

The VSX-1021-K’s networking ability opens up an entirely new world of possibilities. A rear panel Ethernet port allows full integration into your home network. With DLNA 1.5 certification, a whole new level of entertainment options are at your fingertips. Stream your MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, or even FLAC music files from your PC, laptop or smartphone to your home theater system.

The Pioneer VSX-1021-K receiver also supports Internet Radio with vTuner, so you can enjoy 1000’s of internet radio stations from around the world .Controlled by Pioneer’s iControlAv2 app, it accesses tens of thousands of web-based radio stations worldwide, making it easy for you to find the ones you want and listen to them directly on your receiver – no antenna required.

With up to 192kHz / 24-bit LPCM and even FLAC file compatibility, Network streaming audio playback is now ready for the true audiophile. An optional AS-WL300 wireless adapter is also available for wireless network convenience. For on-the-go easy access, a front USB port lets you connect your portable media player to display a slideshow of JPEG photos on your HDTV, or play music files with album art support. And your options don’t stop with your portable devices. The Pioneer VSX-1021-K is your portal for SIRIUS satellite radio (subscription required) and thousands of free Internet radio stations –all just a few clicks of the remote.

Imagine an owners manual that actually communicates with your receiver. Imagine an owners manual that asks you what sources you’d like to connect and how you’d like to configure your speakers – and walks you through the process as you do it.

Of course all the latest Pioneer receivers support the high-definition audio formats, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD® Master Audio to give your Blu-ray Disc® soundtracks unsurpassed audio quality. But Pioneer also includes all of the Dolby and DTS surround formats best suited for the wide variety of entertainment sources, including the newest Dolby Pro Logic IIz height channel.

Pioneer’s exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC) provides a near studio-quality, multi-channel listening experience customized specifically to your listening environment. An included microphone measures every speaker’s connection, and notes its size, distance from the listening point, sound levels and timbre to calibrate and maximize performance. Just sit back and let MCACC do the work.

Even compressed audio such as WMA, MP3 and AAC is enhanced with another Pioneer exclusive, Advanced Sound Retriever, by filling in areas where minute details were left out during the compression process.

An industry-first, Pioneer’s AV Navigator truly is an interactive owners manual that takes all the guesswork out of setting up your receiver. AV Navigator uses your iPad or networked PC to communicate directly with the VSX-1021-K, walking you through speaker set-up, MCACC room calibration, sound optimization, firmware updates and more.

All of Pioneer’s newest receivers support the latest HDMI 1.4a specification. So not only do you get the most out of your existing movies and music, with the VSX-1021-K you’re prepared for the next generation of 3D video content. With 5 HDMI inputs, you’ve got plenty of connectivity options for the growing number of high-definition sources available. All Pioneer receivers also offer advanced HDMI conveniences like Audio Return Channel and Power Save HDMI Standby Through.

Drawing on Pioneer’s extensive video know-how, the VSX-1021-K provides video conversion from composite and component video to HDMI for a single-wire high-definition audio and video solution as well as up to 1080p video scaling for an exceptional high definition picture, regardless of the source.

All of the VSX-1021-K’s advanced control and connectivity options are made even better with a full-color user interface on your connected TV. Effortlessly navigate through the VSX-1021-K’s menu and enjoy iTunes album art from a connected Apple device. This is one well-rounded AV receiver.

  • Microphone (for auto MCACC setup)
  • Remote Control
  • Two (2) AAA Batteries
  • AM Loop Antenna
  • FM Wire Antenna
  • USB/Video Cable for iPod, iPhone, iPad
  • CD-ROM (AVNavigator)
  • Operating Instructions

Making Your Pioneer VSX-921-K a Complete Home Theater

Looking to complete your ultimate Pioneer home theater? Consider adding these suggested premium Pioneer in-wall and in-ceiling speakers for a rich, immersive home theater experience without taking up a lot of room. Or keep things personal with a pair of Pioneer advanced audiophile over-ear headphones for intense critical listening.