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Pioneer’s MVH-2300NEX Aims at Connected Consumer

AM/FM are still available, but hard to find

Pioneer Electronics says that its new MVH-2300NEX 7-inch LCD digital media receiver is designed to mesh with the connected consumer’s lifestyle. The receiver is designed for popular automotive-specific smartphone interfaces and apps. The company says forget about the CD player — the box is designed for drivers who use music streaming apps such as Spotify or Pandora, or listen to music stored on their smartphones. It is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Bluetooth compatibility means that hands-free calling and music streaming with Bluetooth enabled devices. Users are also able to preregister up to five smartphones for use with the receiver.

But the big question for broadcasters is, does the MVH-2300NEX do traditional AM/FM radio? The answer is yes, it supports AM/FM, HD Radio and RDS. It takes some digging to find out though. That may be a challenge for broadcasters.

Many surveys suggest that AM/FM radio is still a popular choice while driving, but it seems to be getting harder to find the traditional radio in the receiver, as it is often buried about three levels down in onscreen menus. One solution that has been advanced is partnerships between radio stations and car dealers, hopefully ensuring that demonstrations of on board electronics will include how to tune in those local radio stations.

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