DreamGEAR ELITE VSX-94TXH User Manual

Operating Instructions

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

CAUTION – TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION

CORD.

RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT

BLADE EXPOSURE.

ATTENTION –

POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, NE PAS UTILISER CETTE FICHE POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT, OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A FOND SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A DECOUVERT.

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WARNING – TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Product Name: AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER Model Number: VSX-94TXH, VSX-92TXH Responsible Party Name: PIONEER ELECTRONICS SERVICE, INC. Address: 1925 E. DOMINGUEZ ST. LONG BEACH, CA 90801-1760, U.S.A. Phone: 1-800-421-1404

IMPORTANT NOTICE – THE SERIAL NUMBER FOR THIS EQUIPMENT IS LOCATED IN THE REAR.

PLEASE WRITE THIS SERIAL NUMBER ON YOUR ENCLOSED WARRANTY CARD AND KEEP IN A SECURE AREA. THIS IS FOR YOUR SECURITY.

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NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to

Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. – Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. – Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. – Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

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Information to User

Alteration or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may invalidate the user’s right to operate the equipment.

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CAUTION: This product satisfies FCC regulations when shielded cables and connectors are used to connect the

unit to other equipment. To prevent electromagnetic interference with electric appliances such as radios and televisions, use shielded cables and connectors for connections.

CAUTION

For U.S. and Australia Model

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The STANDBY/ON switch on this unit will not completely shut off all power from the AC outlet. Since the power cord serves as the main disconnect device for the unit, you will need to unplug it from the AC outlet to shut down all power. Therefore, make sure the unit has been installed so that the power cord can be easily unplugged from the AC outlet in case of an accident. To avoid fire hazard, the power cord should also be unplugged from the AC outlet when left unused for a long period of time (for example, when on vacation).

C67-7-3_En

IMPORTANT

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

shock to persons.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ INSTRUCTIONS — All the safety and

operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The safety and

operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

HEED WARNINGS — All warnings on the product

and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS — All operating and use

instructions should be followed.

CLEANING — The product should be cleaned only

with a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never clean with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides or other volatile liquids since they may corrode the cabinet.

ATTACHMENTS — Do not use attachments not

recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

WATER AND MOISTURE — Do not use this

product near water — for example, near a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.

ACCESSORIES — Do not place this product on an

unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

CART — A product and cart combination should be

moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

VENTILATION — Slots and openings in the cabinet

are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

POWER SOURCES — This product should be

operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company.

LOCATION – The appliance should be installed in a

stable location.

NONUSE PERIODS – The power cord of the

appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left un-used for a long period of time.

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION

• If this product is equipped with a polarized alternating current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other), it will fit into the outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

• If this product is equipped with a three-wire grounding type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin, it will only fit into a grounding type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding type plug.

POWER-CORD PROTECTION — Power-supply

cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING — If an

outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See Figure A.

LIGHTNING — For added protection for this

product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

POWER LINES — An outside antenna system

should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

OVERLOADING — Do not overload wall outlets,

extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

ELECTRIC SERVICE EQUIPMENT

Fig. A

OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY — Never push

objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

SERVICING — Do not attempt to service this

product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE — Unplug this

product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

• When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

• If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.

• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

• If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.

• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.

• When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance — this indicates a need for service.

REPLACEMENT PARTS — When replacement parts

are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

SAFETY CHECK — Upon completion of any service

or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING — The product

should not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.

HEAT — The product should be situated away from

heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

GROUND CLAMP

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM (NEC ART 250, PART H)

NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

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ANTENNA LEAD IN WIRE

ANTENNA DISCHARGE UNIT (NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS (NEC SECTION 810-21)

Thank you for buying this Pioneer product. Please read through these operating instructions so you will know how to operate your model properly. After you have finished reading the instructions, put them away in a safe place for future reference.

Contents

01 Before you start

Checking what’s in the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Ventilation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Loading the batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

02 5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Listening to Surround Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automatically setting up for surround sound

(MCACC & Full Band Phase Control) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup . . . . . 9

Playing a source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Better sound using Phase Control and

Full Band Phase Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Using Phase Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Using Full Band Phase Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

03 Connecting your equipment

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

When making cable connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

About the video converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting your TV and DVD player . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Connecting your Blu-ray disc player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or

other set-top box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and

other video sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Using the component video jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting digital audio sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

About the WMA9 Pro decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting analog audio sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Connecting a component to the front panel inputs

Installing your speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connecting the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Placing the speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

THX speaker system setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Connecting antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

AM loop antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

FM wire antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Connecting external antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Plugging in the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

AC outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . 18

05 Listening to your system

Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Listening in surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Standard surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the Home THX modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using the Advanced surround effects . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Listening in stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using Front Stage Surround Advance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using Stream Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Selecting MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Choosing the input signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using surround back channel processing . . . . . . . . . 32

Using the Virtual Surround Back mode . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using the genre synchronizing function. . . . . . . . . . . 33

06 Using the tuner

Listening to the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Improving FM stereo sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Using Neural THX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Saving station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Naming station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Listening to station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

07 The System Setup menu

Making receiver settings from

the System Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Automatic MCACC (Expert) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Surround back speaker setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Manual MCACC setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Fine Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Fine Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Standing Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Acoustic Calibration EQ Adjust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Acoustic Calibration EQ Professional. . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Full Band Phase Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Manual speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Speaker Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

X-Curve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

THX Audio Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

04 Controls and displays

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Operating range of remote control unit . . . . . . . . . . 24

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Remote control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

08 Other connections

Connecting an iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Connecting your iPod to the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

iPod playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Watching photos and video content. . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Using XM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Connecting your XM Radio receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Listening to XM Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Using XM HD Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Saving channel presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Using the XM Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Using SIRIUS Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Connecting your SIRIUS Connect Tuner. . . . . . . . . . 53

Listening to SIRIUS Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Saving channel presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Using the SIRIUS Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Connecting using HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

About HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Connecting the multichannel analog inputs. . . . . . . . 56

Selecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . . . . . . 56

Speaker B setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Switching the speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Bi-amping your front speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Bi-wiring your speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Connecting additional amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

MULTI-ZONE listening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Making MULTI-ZONE connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Using the MULTI-ZONE controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Connecting an IR receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Switching components on and off using

the 12 volt trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display. . . 62 Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma display

. . . 63

Connecting a PC for Advanced MCACC output . . . . . 63

Advanced MCACC output using your PC . . . . . . . . . 64

09 HDMI Control

Making the HDMI Control connections. . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Setting the HDMI options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Setting the HDMI Control mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Before using synchronization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Synchronized amp mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Synchronized amp mode operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Canceling synchronized amp mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

About HDMI Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

10 Other Settings

The Input Setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Input function default and possible settings . . . . . . 68

The Other Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Multi Channel Input Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

ZONE Audio Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays. . . . . . . . . . 69

OSD Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

11 Using other functions

Setting the Audio options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Setting the Video options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Making an audio or a video recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Playing a different source when recording. . . . . . . . 73

Reducing the level of an analog signal . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Using the sleep timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Dimming the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Switching the speaker impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Checking your system settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Resetting the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Default system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

12 Controlling the rest of your system

Setting the remote to control other components. . . . 77

Selecting preset codes directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Programming signals from other remote controls Erasing one of the remote control button settings

. . . 77

. . . 78

Resetting the remote control presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Confirming preset codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Renaming input source names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Direct function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Multi Operation and System Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Programming a multi-operation or

a shutdown sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Using multi operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Using System off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Controls for TVs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Controls for other components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Operating other Pioneer components

with this unit’s sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

13 Additional information

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

No sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Other audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Professional Calibration EQ graphical output. . . . . 86

Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

iPod messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

XM radio messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

SIRIUS radio messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Surround sound formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Dolby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

DTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Windows Media Audio 9 Professional . . . . . . . . . . . 91

About THX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

About Neural Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Listening modes with different input signal formats Stream direct with different input signal formats . . . 96

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Cleaning the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Our philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

WARNING: Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories sold with the product will expose you to chemicals listed on proposition 65 known to the State of California and other governmental entities to cause cancer and birth defect or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling

This product is for general household purposes. Any failure due to use for other than household purposes (such as long-term use for business purposes in a restaurant or use in a car or ship) and which requires repair will be charged for even during the warranty period.

. . . 93

D36-P4_A_En

K041_En

Before you start

Chapter 1:

Before you start

Checking what’s in the box

Please check that you’ve received the following supplied accessories:

• Setup microphone (cable: 5 m (16.4 ft.))

• Remote control unit

• AA/IEC R6P dry cell batteries x2

• AM loop antenna

•FM wire antenna

• iPod control cable

• Warranty card

• These operating instructions

• Operating instructions for HOME MEDIA GALLERY (VSX-94TXH only)

Ventilation

When installing this unit, make sure to leave space around the unit for ventilation to improve heat dispersal (at least 20 cm (8 in.) at the top). If not enough space is provided between the unit and walls or other equipment, heat will build up inside, interfering with performance and/or causing malfunctions.

20 cm

Receiver

Slot and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to protect the equipment from overheating. To prevent fire hazard, do not place anything directly on top of the unit, make sure the openings are never blocked or covered with items (such as newspapers, table-cloths and curtains), and do not operate the equipment on thick carpet or a bed.

(8 inches)

Installing the receiver

• When installing this unit, make sure to put it on a level and stable surface.

Don’t install it on the following places: – on a color TV (the screen may distort) – near a cassette deck (or close to a device that gives off a magnetic field). This may interfere with the sound. – in direct sunlight – in damp or wet areas – in extremely hot or cold areas – in places where there is vibration or other movement – in places that are very dusty – in places that have hot fumes or oils (such as a kitchen)

Loading the batteries

Caution

Incorrect use of batteries may result in such hazards as leakage and bursting. Observe the following precautions:

• Never use new and old batteries together.

• Insert the plus and minus sides of the batteries properly according to the marks in the battery case.

• Batteries with the same shape may have different voltages. Do not use different batteries together.

• When disposing of used batteries, please comply with governmental regulations or environmental public instruction’s rules that apply in your country or area.

5 minute guide

Chapter 2:

5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater

Home theater refers to the use of multiple audio tracks to create a surround sound effect, making you feel like you're in the middle of the action or concert. The surround sound you get from a home theater system depends not only on your speaker setup, but also on the source and the sound settings of the receiver.

This receiver will automatically decode multichannel Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Surround sources according to your speaker setup. In most cases, you won’t have to make changes for realistic surround sound, but other possibilities (like listening to a CD with multichannel surround sound) are explained in Listening to your system on page 28.

Listening to Surround Sound

This receiver was designed with the easiest possible setup in mind, so with the following quick setup guide, you should have your system hooked up for surround sound in no time at all. In most cases, you can simply leave the receiver in the default settings.

• Be sure to complete all connections before connecting this unit to an AC power source.

1 Connect your TV and DVD player.

See Connecting your TV and DVD player on page 14 to do this. For surround sound, you’ll want to hook up using a digital connection from the DVD player to the receiver.

2 Connect your speakers and place them for optimal surround sound.

Connect your speakers as shown in Installing your speaker system on page 19.

Where you place the speakers will have a big effect on the sound. Place your speakers as shown below for the best surround sound effect. Also see Placing the speakers on page 20 for more on this.

Fron t

Left (L)

Center (C)

Listening position

Surround Left (SL)

Fron t Right (R)

Subwoofer (SW)

Surround Back Left (SBL)

Surround Right (SR)

Surround Back Right (SBR)

3 Plug in the receiver and switch it on, followed by your DVD player, your subwoofer and the TV.

Plug the power cable into the AC outlet and switch on the receiver.

Make sure you’ve set the video input on your TV to this receiver. Check the manual that came with the TV if you don’t know how to do this.

• Set the subwoofer volume to a comfortable level.

4 Use the on-screen automatic MCACC setup to set up your system.

See Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC & Full Band Phase Control) below for more on this.

5 Play a DVD, and adjust the volume to your liking.

Make sure that DVD/LD is showing in the receiver’s display, indicating that the DVD input is selected. If it isn’t, press DVD on the remote control to set the receiver to the DVD input.

In addition to the basic playback explained in Playing a source on page 9, there are several other sound options you can select. See Listening to your system on page 28 for more on this.

See also Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu on page 36 for more setup options.

Note

1 After this receiver is connected to an AC outlet, a 15-second HDMI initialization process begins. You cannot carry out any operations during this process. The HDMI indicator in the front panel display blinks during this process, and you can turn on this receiver once it has stopped blinking. When you set the HDMI Control mode to OFF, you can skip this process. For details about the HDMI Control feature, see HDMI Control on page 65.

5 minute guide

Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC & Full Band Phase Control)

The Auto MCACC Setup measures the acoustic characteristics of your listening area, taking into account ambient noise, speaker size and distance, and tests for both channel delay and channel level. After you have set up the microphone provided with your system, the receiver uses the information from a series of test tones to optimize the speaker settings and equalization for your particular room, and also to calibrate the frequencyphase characteristics of the speakers connected.

Make sure you do this before moving on to Playing a source on page 9.

Important

• Make sure the microphone and speakers are not moved during the Auto MCACC Setup.

• Using the Auto MCACC Setup will overwrite any existing settings for the MCACC preset you select.

• Before using the Auto MCACC Setup, the headphones should be disconnected and the iPod, HOME MEDIA GALLERY (VSX-94TXH only), XM or SIRIUS Radio function should not be selected as an input source.

Caution

• The test tones used in the Auto MCACC Setup are output at high volume.

SYSTEM OFF

INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

CD-R

XM RADIO



HDMI

HOME MEDIA

GALLERY

BD TV CTRL



SIRIUS

TUNER

ZONE2/3

RECEIVER

DVD TV

DVR2

DVR1 i Pod

D.ACCESS

A PARAMETER TOP MENU 

BAND

SETUPSETUP

PROGRAM

CATEGORY

• With error messages (such as Too much ambient noise! or Check Microphone) select RETRY after

checking for ambient noise (see Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup below) and verifying the

mic connection. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply select GO NEXT and continue.

DVD/LD

1. Auto MCACC

Now Analyzing… ( 2/11)

Environment Check Ambient Noise [ OK ] Microphone [ ] Speaker YES/NO [ ]

0.0

:Cancel

DVD/LD

1. Auto MCACC

CHECK Front [ YES ] Center [ YES ] Surr [ YES ] SB [ YESx2 ] SW [ YES ]

10:Next

0.0

:Cancel

The configuration shown on-screen should reflect the actual speakers you have.

If you see an error message (ERR) in the right side column (or the speaker configuration displayed isn’t correct), there may be a problem with the speaker connection. If selecting RETRY doesn’t work, turn off the power and check the speaker connections. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply use / to select the speaker and / to change the setting (and number for surround back) and continue.

6 Make sure ‘OK’ is selected, then press

ENTER

A progress report is displayed on-screen while the receiver outputs more test tones to determine the optimum receiver settings for Channel Level, Speaker Distance, Standing Wave, Acoustic Cal EQ and Full Band Phase Control.

Again, try to be as quiet as possible while this is happening. It may take 3 to 7 minutes.

7 The Auto MCACC Setup has finished! Press to go back to the System Setup menu.

RETURN

Be sure to disconnect the microphone from this receiver upon completion of the Auto MCACC setup.

The settings made in the Auto MCACC Setup should give you excellent surround sound from your system, but it is also possible to adjust these settings manually using the

System Setup menu (starting on page 36).

Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup

If the room environment is not optimal for the Auto MCACC Setup (too much background noise, echo off the walls, obstacles blocking the speakers from the microphone) the final settings may be incorrect. Check for household appliances (air conditioner, fridge, fan, etc.), that may be affecting the environment and switch them off if necessary. If there are any instructions showing in the front panel display, please follow them.

• Some older TVs may interfere with the operation of the microphone. If this seems to be happening, switch off the TV when doing the Auto MCACC Setup.

Playing a source

Here are the basic instructions for playing a source (such as a DVD disc) with your home theater system.

TV CONTROL

INPUT

TV CH

SYSTEM OFF

INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

XM RADIO

HDMI

CD-R

HOME MEDIA

GALLERY



BD TV CTRL

SIRIUS



TUNER

ZONE2/3

RECEIVER

DVD TV

DVR2

DVR1 i Pod

TV VOL

ANT

MPX

AUDIO SUBTITLE

PHOTO

SIGNAL SEL

STATUSSTATUS

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

1 Switch on your system components and receiver.

Start by switching on the playback component (for example a DVD player), your TV

and subwoofer (if you

have one), then the receiver (press  RECEIVER).

• Make sure the setup mic is disconnected.

2 Select the input source you want to play.

You can use the input source buttons on the remote control, INPUT SELECT, or the front panel INPUT

SELECTOR dial.

SELECT

DISP

THX

PHASE

REC

T.DISP

INFO

REC STOP

MEMORY

HDD

STEREO/

SBch

F.S.SURR

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

MCACC S.DIRECT

VOL

MUTE

DVD

Note

1 If you’re using the front panel display, the diagram in Listening to Surround Sound above indicates (in bold) how each speaker is displayed. 2 You can also choose to view the settings from the MCACC Data Check screen. See Automatic MCACC (Expert) on page 36 for more on this. 3 • Depending on the characteristics of your room, sometimes identical speakers with cone sizes of around 12 cm (5 inches) will end up with different size settings. You can correct the setting manually using the Manual speaker setup on page 47.

• The subwoofer distance setting may be farther than the actual distance from the listening position. This setting should be accurate (taking delay and room characteristics into account) and generally does not need to be changed. 4 Make sure that the TV’s video input is set to this receiver (for example, if you connected this receiver to the VIDEO 1 jacks on y our TV, make sure th at the VIDEO 1 input is now selected). 5 If you need to manually switch the input signal type press SIGNAL SEL (page 31).

5 minute guide

3 Press SURROUND’ and start playback of the source.

S.DIRECT (STREAM DIRECT

) to select ‘AUTO

If you’re playing a Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound DVD disc, you should hear surround sound. If you are playing a stereo source, you will only hear sound from the front left/right speakers in the default listening mode.

• See also Listening to your system on page 28 for information on different ways of listening to sources.

4 Use the volume control to adjust the volume level.

Turn down the volume of your TV so that all sound is coming from the speakers connected to this receiver.

Better sound using Phase Control and Full Band Phase Control

This receiver is equipped with the two types of functions that correct phase distortion and group delay: Phase Control and Full Band Phase Control. Activating Full Band Phase Control is strongly recommended because it also involves the effects of Phase Control. For details on each of these two features, refer to the following explanations.

Using Phase Control

During multichannel playback, LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) signals as well as low-frequency signals in each channel are assigned to the subwoofer or other the subwoofer and the most appropriate speaker. At least in theory, however, this type of processing involves a group delay that varies with frequency, resulting in phase distortion where the low-frequency sound is delayed or muffled by the conflict with other channels. With the Phase Control mode switched on, this receiver can reproduce powerful bass sound without deteriorating the quality of the original sound (see illustration below).

Phase Cotrol OFF

Listening

position

Sound muffled due to a delay in time

Sound source

Front speaker

Subwoofer

• Rhythms blurred and difficult to hear

• Bass sound with loss of depth

• Sound of musical instruments with no reality

Phase Control ON

Listening

position

Original sound preserved with no loss of clarity

Sound source

Front speaker

Subwoofer

• Rhythms with crystal-like clarity

• Bass sound with no loss of depth

• Sound of musical instruments with superb reality Phase Control technology provides coherent sound reproduction through the use of phase matching

for an optimal sound image at your listening position. The default setting is on and we recommend leaving Phase Control switched on for all sound sources.

T.DISP

STATUSSTATUS

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

PHOTO

SIGNAL SEL

THX

PHASE

STEREO/

SBch

F.S.SURR

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

MCACC S.DIRECT

• Press PHASE (PHASE CONTROL) to select PHASE CONTROL. The PHASE CONTROL indicator on the front panel lights.

Note

1 • You may need to check the digital audio output settings on your DVD player or digital satellite receiver. It should be set to output Dolby Digital, DTS and

88.2 kHz / 96 kHz PCM (2 channel) audio, and if there is an MPEG audio option, set this to convert the MPEG audio to PCM.

• Depending on your DVD player or source discs, you may only get digital 2 channel stereo and analog sound. In this case, the receiver must be set to a multichannel listening mode (see Listening in surround sound on page 28 if you need to do this) if you want multichannel surround sound. 2 • Phase matching is a very important factor in achieving proper sound reproduction. If two waveforms are ‘in phase’, they crest and trough together, resulting in increased amplitude, clarity and presence of the sound signal. If a crest of a wave meets a trough (as shown in the upper section of the diagram above) then the sound will be ‘out of phase’ and an unreliable sound image will be produced.

• The PHASE CONTROL feature is available even when the headphones are plugged in.

• If your subwoofer has a phase control switch, set it to the plus (+) sign (or 0°). However, the effect you can actually feel when PHASE CONTROL is set to ON on this receiver depends on the type of your subwoofer. Set your subwoofer to maximize the effect. It is also recommended you try changing the orientation or the place of your subwoofer.

• Set the built-in lowpass filter switch of your subwoofer to OFF. If this cannot be done on your subwoofer, set the cutoff frequency to a higher value.

• If the speaker distance is not properly set, you may not have a maximized PHASE CONTROL effect.

• The PHASE CONTROL mode cannot be set to ON in the following cases:

– When the PURE DIRECT mode is switched on. – When MULTI CH IN is selected. – When the HDMI audio output parameter is set to THROUGH in Setting the Audio options.

5 minute guide

Using Full Band Phase Control

The Full Band Phase Control feature calibrates the frequency-phase characteristics of the speakers connected. Standard speakers designed exclusively for audio use generally reproduce sound with the divided frequency bands output from a speaker system consisting of multiple speakers (in case of typical 3-way speakers, for instance, the tweeter, the squawker (midrange), and the woofer output sound in the high-, middle-, and lowfrequency ranges, respectively). Though these speakers are designed to flatten the frequency-amplitude characteristics across wide ranges, there are cases where the group delay characteristics are not effectively flattened. This phase distortion of the speakers subsequently causes group delay (the delay of lowfrequency sound against high-frequency sound) during audio signal playback. This receiver analyzes the frequency-phase characteristics of the speakers by calibrating test signals output from the speakers with the supplied microphone, therefore flattening the analyzed frequency-phase

characteristics during audio signal playback correction is made for a pair of left and right speakers. This correction minimizes group delay between the ranges of a speaker and improves the frequency-phase characteristics across all ranges.

Furthermore, the enhanced frequency-phase characteristics between channels ensure better

surround sound integration for multichannel setting.

Full Band Phase Control OFF

Tweeter

Midrange

Woofer

Group Delay Characteristics

– the same

Sound in the middle- and low-frequency ranges is delayed against the high-frequency sound due to group delay.

Full Band Phase Control ON

Tweeter

Midrange

Woofer

Group Delay Characteristics

With the phase distortion corrected, the frequency-phase characteristics are improved across all ranges.

• Sound with live dynamics

• Sound of musical instruments with superb reality

• Sound so accurately reproduced that you can even hear the lip movement of the singer

• Speech heard with no loss of clarity

• Surround sound with excellent integration

T.DISP

STATUSSTATUS

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

PHOTO

SIGNAL SEL

THX

PHASE

STEREO/

SBch

F.S.SURR

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

MCACC S.DIRECT

• Press PHASE (PHASE CONTROL) to select FULLBAND PHASE.

Both the Phase Control and Full Band Phase Control functions are switched on. The FULL BAND PHASE CTRL indicator lights on the front panel display.

Note

1 To calibrate and analyze the frequency-phase characteristics of the speakers, follow the procedures in Auto MCACC (see Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC & Full Band Phase Control) on page 8) or FULL BAND PHASE CTRL in the System Setup (see Full Band Phase Control on page 44).

Select ALL when you perform the Auto MCACC setup with CUSTOM. Upon calibration of the frequency-phase characteristics of the speakers, the FULL BAND PHASE CTRL feature is automatically switched on. Note that FULLBAND PHASE cannot be selected unless the frequency-phase characteristics of

the speakers are calibrated. 2 The original characteristics of group delay of the speakers calibrated and the targeted characteristics after correction can be displayed graphically in the OSD (see Full Band Phase Control on page 44). Also, when your PC is connected to this receiver, the original characteristics of group delay of the speakers calibrated and the corrected characteristics of group delay can be displayed in 3-dimension on your PC (see Advanced MCACC output using your PC on page 64). 3• The FULL BAND PHASE CTRL mode cannot be set to ON in the following cases:

– When headphones are plugged in. – When the PURE DIRECT mode is switched on. – When MULTI CH IN is selected. – When the HDMI audio output parameter is set to THROUGH in Setting the Audio options.

Connecting your equipment

Chapter 3:

Connecting your equipment

This receiver provides you with many connection possibilities, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. This page explains the kinds of components you can connect to make up your home theater system.

Rear panel

This illustration shows the VSX-94TXH, however connections for the 92TXH are the same except where noted.

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ZONE3

OUT2

LAN (10/100)

OPTICAL

IN (TV/

SAT

IN (BD)

IN (

DVR/

VCR 1

IN (

CD-R

ASSIGNABLE

IN (

DVD/

)

COAXIAL

)

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

HDMI

OUT

MAIN

ZONE2

CONTROL

OUT

(

DVD/

)

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

(

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE

(

VIDEO/GAME

DVD/LD

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

VIDEO / GAME 1

VIDEO AUDIO

AM LOOP

OUT

BD IN

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

OUT

MONITOR

MONI-

OUT

TOR

)

OUT

S-VIDEO

ANTENNA

ZONE2ZONE2

R L

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE / MD

SUB W.

SURROUND

( TOTAL 50 mA MAX

DC OUT 12V/

AUDIO

SURROUND BACK

12 V TRIGGER

CENTER

)

PRE OUT

FRONT

CENTER

SUB W.

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

(

)

Single

SIRIUS

FRONT

RS-232C

MULTI CH IN

SPEAKERS

RL RLR L

iPod

CENTER SURROUND SURROUND BACK /

FRONT

SWITCHED 100 W(0.8 A) MAX

AC OUTLET

SELECTABLE

(

)

Single

Caution

• Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. Plugging in should be the final step.

1 Optical digital audio output(s)

Use the OUT1 and (VSX-94TXH only) OUT2 jack for recording to a CD or MiniDisc recorder.  See Connecting digital audio sources on page 17.

The

OUT1

jack is also used for MULTI-ZONE connections.

 See MULTI-ZONE listening on page 59.

2 Optical and coaxial digital audio inputs (x6)

Use for digital audio sources, including DVD players/ recorders, digital satellite receivers, CD players, etc.

 See also The Input Setup menu on page 67 to assign the inputs.

3 XM Radio input

 See Using XM Radio on page 51.

4 LAN (10/100) terminal

(VSX-94TXH only)

 For details, refer to the supplied operating instructions for HOME MEDIA GALLERY.

5 HDMI connectors (x4)

(VSX-92TXH)

(x5)

(VSX-94TXH)

Multiple inputs and one output for high-quality audio/ video connection to compatible HDMI devices.  See Connecting using HDMI on page 55.

6 Remote inputs (MULTI-ZONE and source)

Use for connection to an external remote control sensor for use in a MULTI-ZONE setup, for example.  See Connecting an IR receiver on page 61.

7 Control input/output

Use to connect other Pioneer components so that you can control all your equipment from a single IR remote sensor.

 See Operating other Pioneer components with this unit’s sensor on page 82.

8 Component video connections (x4)

Use the inputs to connect any video source that has component video output, such as a DVD recorder. Use the output for connection to a monitor or TV.  See Using the component video jacks on page 16.

9 AM and FM antenna terminals

Use to connect indoor or outdoor antennas for radio broadcasts.  See Connecting antennas on page 21.

10 MULTI-ZONE and source outputs

Use to connect a second amplifier in a separate room.  See MULTI-ZONE listening on page 59.

11 Composite and S-video monitor outputs

Use to connect monitors and TVs.  See Connecting your TV and DVD player on page 14.

Connecting your equipment

12 Audio/video source inputs/(outputs) (x6)

Use for connection to audio/visual sources, such as DVD players/recorders, VCRs, etc. Each set of inputs has jacks

for composite video, S-video  See Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other

video sources on page 16.

13 Stereo analog audio source inputs/(outputs) (x3)

Use for connection to audio sources such as CD players, tape decks, turntables, etc.  See Connecting analog audio sources on page 18.

14 Multichannel analog audio inputs

7.1 channel inputs for connection to a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs.  See Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 56.

15 12 V trigger jacks

Use to switch components in your system on and off according to the input function of the receiver.  See Switching components on and off using the 12 volt trigger on page 61.

16 Multichannel pre-amplifier outputs

Use to connect separate amplifiers for center, surround, surround back and subwoofer channels.  See Connecting additional amplifiers on page 58 (see also Installing your speaker system on page 19 for powered subwoofer connection).

17 SIRIUS Radio input

 See Using SIRIUS Radio on page 53

18 iPod input terminal

Use to connect your Apple iPod as an audio or video source.  See Connecting an iPod on page 50.

19 RS-232C connector

Use for connection to a PC for graphical output when using Advanced MCACC or Full Band Phase Control.  See Connecting a PC for Advanced MCACC output on page 63.

20 Speaker terminals

Use for connection to the main front, center, surround and surround back speakers.  See Installing your speaker system on page 19.

21 Switched AC power outlet

Use to power another component in the system. Power to the outlet switches on and off with the receiver.

 See AC outlet on page 22.

and stereo analog audio.

(total 50 mA max.)

(100 W/0.8 A max.)

(x2)

When making cable connections

• To avoid hum, do not lay connected cables over the top of the receiver.

• When connecting optical cables, be careful when inserting the plug not to damage the shutter protecting the optical socket.

• When storing optical cable, coil loosely. The cable may be damaged if bent around sharp corners.

About the video converter

The video converter ensures that all video sources are output through all of the MONITOR VIDEO OUT jacks. The only exception is HDMI and high-definition component video: since these resolutions cannot be downsampled, you must connect your monitor/TV to the receiver’s HDMI/component video outputs when

connecting these video sources. If several video components are assigned to the same

input function (see The Input Setup menu on page 67), the converter gives priority to HDMI, component, S-video, then composite (in that order).

• For optimal video performance, THX recommends switching Digital Video Conversion (in Setting the

Video options on page 72) OFF.

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

Note

1 You must assign the input source to the S-video input to which you’ve connected your video component (see The Input Setup menu on page 67). 2 If the video signal does not appear on your TV or plasma display, try adjusting the resolution settings on your component or display. Note that some components (such as video game units) have resolutions that may not be converted. In this case, try switching Digital Video Conversion (in Setting the Video options on page 72) OFF.

Connecting your equipment

Connecting your TV and DVD player

VIDEOINS-VIDEO

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ZONE3

OUT2

MAIN

LAN (10/100)

ZONE2

HDMI

OPTICAL

CONTROL

(TV/

)

SAT

OUT

(BD)

IN (

DVR/

(

DVD/

)

VCR 1

CD-R

DVD/

ASSIGNABLE

)

COAXIAL

)

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

(BD)

OUT

IN (

IN ( LD

VSX-94TXH

COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT VIDEO OUT

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

(

DVD/LD

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE

)

(

VIDEO/GAME

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

OUT

MONI- TOR OUT

)

OUT

S-VIDEOOPTICAL

S-VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

VIDEO AUDIO

OUT

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

VIDEO / GAME 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

AUDIORL

ANALOG OUT

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

ZONE2ZONE2

R L

AUDIO

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE/ MD

SUB W.

SURROUND

SURROU

12 V T

(

DC OUT 12V/ TOTAL 50 mA

1 Connect the

MONITOR OUT

video jack to a video

input on your TV.

Use a standard RCA/phono jack video cable to connect to the composite video jack, or for higher quality video, use an S-video cable to connect to the S-video jack.

2 Connect a composite or S-video output on your DVD player to the

DVD/LD VIDEO

DVD/LD S-VIDEO

input.

Connect using a standard video cable or an S-video cable.

3 Connect a coaxial-type1 digital audio output on your DVD player to the

COAXIAL IN 1 (DVD/LD

) input.

Use a coaxial cable designed for digital audio.

4 Connect the stereo audio outputs on your DVD player to the

DVD/LD AUDIO

inputs.

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack cable.

• If your DVD player has multichannel analog outputs, you can connect these instead. See also Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 56.

Connecting your Blu-ray disc player

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ZONE3

OUT2

LAN (10/100)

OPTICAL

IN (TV/

)

SAT

IN (BD)

IN (

DVR/

)

VCR 1

IN (

)

CD-R

ASSIGNABLE

(

DVD/

)

(CD)

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

VSX-94TXH

DIGITAL

HDMI

OUT

MAIN

ZONE2

CONTROL

OUT

(

DVD/

)

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

(

VIDEO/GAME

( (BD)

DVD/LD

ASSIGNABLE

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

OUT

)

OUT

MONITOR OUT

S-VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

VIDEO AUDIO

GAME 1

OUT

DVD/LD

BD IN

TV/SAT

VIDEO /

OUT

DVR/ VCR 1

OUT

DVR/ VCR 2

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

ZONE2ZONE2

R L

AUDIO

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE/ MD

SUB W.

SURROUND

SURROU

12 V T

(

DC OUT 12V/ TOTAL 50 mA

2 4

DVD player

The diagram shows a basic setup of this receiver together with a TV and DVD player, with S-video or composite video connections. Different TVs and DVD players may offer alternative connections. See also Using the

COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT VIDEO OUT

3 2 4

S-VIDEOOPTICAL

AUDIORL

ANALOG OUT

component video jacks on page 16 if your TV and/or DVD player has component video inputs/outputs. If your DVD player offers multichannel analog audio outputs, see

Blu-ray disc player

Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 56.

Note

1 If your DVD player only has an optical digital output, you can connect it to one of the optical inputs on this receiver using an optical cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the player to (see The Input Setup menu on page 67).

Connecting your equipment

The diagram shows a basic setup of this receiver together with a Blu-ray disc player, with S-video or composite video connections. See also Using the component video jacks on page 16 if your Blu-ray disc player has component video inputs/outputs. If your Blu-ray disc player offers multi-channel analog audio outputs, see Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 56.

1 Connect a composite or S-video output on your Bluray disc player to the

Connect using a standard video cable or an S-video cable.

2 Connect an optical-type1 digital audio output on your Blu-ray disc player to the

Connect using an optical cable.

3 Connect the stereo audio outputs on your Blu-ray disc player to the

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack cable.

• If your Blu-ray disc player has multi-channel analog outputs, you can connect these instead. See also Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 56.

BD VIDEO

BD AUDIO

BD S-VIDEO

OPTICAL IN 2 (BD)

inputs.

input.

Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or other set-top box

Satellite and cable receivers, and terrestrial digital TV tuners are all examples of so-called ‘set-top boxes’.

VSX-94TXH

OPTICAL

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ZONE3

OUT2

LAN (10/100)

IN (TV/

SAT

IN (BD)

IN (

DVR/

VCR 1

IN (

CD-R

ASSIGNABLE

IN (

DVD/

)

COAXIAL

)

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

HDMI

OUT

MAIN

ZONE2

CONTROL

IN IN

OUT

(

DVD/

)

(BD)

(

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

(

DVD/LD

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE

VIDEO/GAME

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

OUT

)

OUT

MONITOR OUT

S-VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

VIDEO AUDIO

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

VIDEO / GAME 1

OUT

BD IN

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

ZONE2ZONE2

R L

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE/ MD

SUB W.

SURROUND

( TOTAL 50 mA

AUDIO

SURROU

DC OUT 12V/

12 V T

DIGITAL OUT

VIDEO S-VIDEOAUDIORL

AV OUT

STB

1 Connect the audio/video outputs on the set-top box to the

TV/SAT AUDIO

and

VIDEO

inputs.

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack cable and a video or S-video

cable.

2 Connect an optical-type3 digital audio output from your set-top box to the

OPTICAL IN 1 (TV/SAT

) input.

Use an optical cable for the connection.

Note

1 If your Blu-ray disc player only has an coaxial digital output, you can connect it to one of the coaxial inputs on this receiver using an coaxial cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the player to (see The System Setup menu on page 36.). 2See The Input Setup menu on page 67 to assign the S-VIDEO 2 input to the TV/SAT input function if you make this connection. 3 If your set-top box only has a coaxial digital output, you can connect it to one of the coaxial inputs on this receiver using a coaxial digital audio cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the set-top box to (see The Input Setup menu on page 67). 4 If your satellite/cable receiver doesn’t have a digital audio output, you can skip this step.

Connecting your equipment

Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other video sources

This receiver has two sets of audio/video inputs and outputs suitable for connecting analog or digital video devices, including DVD/HDD recorders and VCRs.

3 If the device can output digital audio, connect an optical-type

the

Use an optical cable for the connection.

• For a second recorder, use the DVR/VCR2 outputs.

digital audio output from the recorder to

OPTICAL IN 3 (DVR/VCR1

) input.

VSX-94TXH

OPTICAL COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

OPTICAL

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ZONE3

OUT2

LAN (10/100)

IN (TV/

SAT

IN (BD)

IN (

DVR/

VCR 1

IN (

CD-R

ASSIGNABLE

IN (

DVD/

)

COAXIAL

)

(CD)

)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

OUT

HDMI

MAIN

ZONE2

CONTROL

IN IN

OUT

(

DVD/

)

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

OUT

MONITOR

MONI-

OUT

TOR

(

)

DVD/LD

OUT

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE

OUT

(

VIDEO/GAME

S-VIDEO

VIDEOAUDIORL

S-VIDEO AUDIORL

AV OUT

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

VIDEO / GAME 1

VIDEO AUDIO

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

ZONE2ZONE2

R L

AV IN

AUDIO

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE/ MD

SUB W.

SUR- ROUND

SURROUND BACK

12 V TRIGGER

(

DC OUT 12V/

TOTAL 50 mA MAX

VIDEO S-VIDEO

CENTE

)

1 23

DVR, VCR, etc.

1 Connect the audio/video outputs of the video player/recorder to the

DVR/VCR1 AUDIO

and

VIDEO

inputs.

Use a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable for the audio connection and a video or S-video cable for the video connection.

• For a second recorder, use the DVR/VCR2 IN inputs.

2 If the device can record, connect the AUDIO

and

VIDEO

outputs to the recorder’s audio/

DVR/VCR1

video inputs.

Use a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable for the audio connection and a video or S-video cable for the video connection.

Using the component video jacks

Component video should give superior picture quality when compared to composite or S-video. You can also take advantage of progressive scan video (if your source and TV are both compatible), which delivers a very stable, flicker-free picture. See the manuals that came with your TV and source component to check whether they are compatible with progressive-scan video.

VSX-94TXH

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ZONE3

OUT2

LAN (10/100)

OPTICAL

IN (TV/

)

SAT

IN (BD)

IN (

DVR/

)

VCR 1

IN (

)

CD-R

ASSIGNABLE

(

DVD/

)

(CD)

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

HDMI

OUT

COMPONENT

MAIN

ZONE2

CONTROL

OUT

(

DVD/

(BD)

VIDEO

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

(

(BD)

)

(

VIDEO/GAME

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

COMPONENT

VIDEO

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

OUT

MONITOR

MONI-

OUT

TOR

)

DVD/LD

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

OUT

S-VIDEO

DVD player

1 Connect the component video outputs of your source to a set of

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

Connect using a three-way component video cable.

OUT

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

VIDEO /

GAME 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

VIDEO AUDIO

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

ZONE2ZONE2

R L

AUDIO

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE/ MD

SUB W.

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

(

DC OUT 12V/ TOTAL 50 mA MAX

CENTE

12 V TRIGGER

)

inputs.

Note

1 • In order to record, you must connect the analog audio cables (the digital connection is for playback only).

• If your video component doesn’t have a digital audio output, you can skip this step. 2 If your recorder only has a coaxial digital output, you can connect it to one of the coaxial inputs on this receiver using a coaxial digital audio cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the recorder to (see also The Input Setup menu on page 67).

Connecting your equipment

• Since they are assignable, it doesn’t matter which component video inputs you use for which source. After connecting everything, you’ll need to assign the component video inputs—see

2 Connect the

The Input Setup menu

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

on page 67.

jacks to the

component video inputs on your TV or monitor.

Use a three-way component video cable.

Connecting digital audio sources

This receiver has both digital inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect digital audio components for playback and for making digital recordings.

Most digital components also have analog connections. See Connecting analog audio sources on the following page if you want to connect these too.

VSX-94TXH

OPTICAL

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ZONE3

OUT2

LAN (10/100)

(TV/

(BD)

(

DVR/ VCR 1

(

CD-R

ASSIGNABLE

(

DVD/

)

COAXIAL

SAT

(CD)

)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

HDMI

OUT

MAIN

ZONE2

CONTROL

OUT

(

DVD/

)

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

(

VIDEO/GAME

(

DVD/LD

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

OUT

)

OUT

MONITOR OUT

S-VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

VIDEO AUDIO

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

VIDEO / GAME 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

ZONE2ZONE2

R L

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE/ MD

SUB W.

SURROUND

(

DC OUT 12V/

TOTAL 50 mA MAX

AUDIO

SURROUND BACK

12 V TRIGGER

CENT

)

1 Connect an optical-type1 digital audio output on your digital component to the

OPTICAL IN 4 (CD-R

)

input.

Use an optical cable for the connection.

2 For recording equipment, connect one of the optical-type DIGITAL outputs to a digital input on the recorder.

Use an optical cable to connect to the DIGITAL OUT1 or (VSX-94TXH only) OUT2 (OUT1 is shown in the

illustration).

1 2

OPTICAL COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

OPTICAL

DIGITAL IN

CD-R, MD, DAT, etc.

Note

1 • If your digital component only has a coaxial digital output, you can connect it to one of the coaxial inputs on this receiver using a coaxial cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the component to (see also The Input Setup menu on page 67).

• The digital outputs from other components can be connected to any spare digital audio inputs on this receiver. You can assign them when setting up

the receiver (see also The Input Setup menu on page 67). 2 • You must switch ZONE 3 ON in Using the MULTI-ZONE controls on page 60 to hear audio from the DIGITAL OUT1.

• In order to record some digital sources, you must make analog connections as explained in Connecting analog audio sources below.

Connecting your equipment

About the WMA9 Pro decoder

This unit has an on-board Windows Media™ Audio 9 Professional

playback WMA9 Pro-encoded audio using a coaxial or optical digital connection when connected to a WMA9 Procompatible player. However, the connected PC, DVD player, set-top box, etc. must be able to output WMA9 Pro format audio signals through a coaxial or optical digital output.

(WMA9 Pro) decoder, so it is possible to

1 Connect the analog audio outputs of the source

AUDIO

component to one of the

inputs.

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable.

• If you’re connecting a tape deck, MD recorder, etc., connect the analog audio outputs (OUT) to the analog audio inputs on the recorder.

Turntables only:

PHONO

the

Connect the stereo audio outputs to

inputs.

• If your turntable has a grounding wire, secure it to the ground terminal on this receiver.

Connecting analog audio sources

This receiver features three stereo audio-only inputs. Two of these inputs have corresponding outputs for use with

• If your turntable has line-level outputs (i.e., it has a built-in phono pre-amp), connect it to the CD inputs instead.

audio recorders. One of the audio inputs (PHONO) is a dedicated

turntable input which should not be used for any other type of component. This input also has a grounding terminal that most turntables require.

Connecting a component to the front panel inputs

The front panel inputs comprise a composite video jack (VIDEO), an S-video jack (S-VIDEO), stereo analog audio

inputs (AUDIO L/R) and an optical digital audio input (DIGITAL). You can use these connections for any kind of audio/video component, but they are especially

urntable

convenient for portable equipment such as camcorders, video games and portable audio/video equipment.

• Push down on the lower portion of the front panel door to access the front video connections.

VSX-94TXH

PRE OUT

AUDIO

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

MONITOR

MONI-

OUT

TOR

S-VIDEO

OUT

VIDEO AUDIO

ZONE2ZONE2

OUT

DVD/LD

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE/ MD

TV/SAT

VIDEO / GAME 1

SUB W.

OUT

SUR-

DVR/

ROUND

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

SURROUND BACK

VCR 2

12 V TRIGGER

(

DC OUT 12V/

TOTAL 50 mA MAX

ANTENNA

PHONO

AM LOOP

FRONT

CENTER

SUB W.

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

(

)

Single

SIRIUS

SPEAKERS

FRONT

CENTER

MULTI CH IN

)

iPod

RS-232C

FRONT

PHONES

TV game, video camera, etc.

PARAMETER

AUDIO VIDEO

(TUNE)

(ST) (ST)

ENTER

(TUNE)

SETUP

RETURN

TUNER EDITSPEAKERS BAND

MCACC

USB

SETUP MIC

MULTI – ZONE &

SOURCE/REC SEL

CONTROL ON/OFF

DIGITAL IN S-VIDEO VIDEO L RAUDIO

VIDEO OUTPUT

DIGITAL OUT

SIGNAL SELECT

VIDEO/GAME 2 INPUT

SB ch

PROCESSING

STEREO/ F.S.SURR

• Select these inputs using INPUT SELECT (remote) or

OUT

PLAY

REC

R L

AUDIO IN/OUT

the INPUT SELECTOR dial (front panel) to select VIDEO/GAME 2.

Tape deck, etc.

Note

1 • Windows Media, and the Windows logo are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

• With WMA9 Pro, sound problems may occur depending on your computer system. Note that WMA9 Pro 96 kHz sources will be downsampled to 48 kHz.

Connecting your equipment

Installing your speaker system

To take full advantage of the receiver’s surround sound capabilities connect front, center, surround and surround back speakers, as well as a subwoofer. Although this is ideal, other configurations with fewer speakers—no subwoofer or no center speaker, or even no surround speakers—will work. At the very least, front left and right speakers only are necessary. Note that your

main surround speakers should always be connected as a pair, but you can connect just one surround back speaker if you like (it must be connected to the left surround back terminal). You can use speakers with a nominal impedance between 6 Ω to 16 Ω (please see Switching the speaker impedance on page 74 if you plan to use speakers with an impedance of less than 8 Ω).

Subwoofer

LINE LEVEL

INPUT

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ZONE3

OUT2

LAN (10/100)

OPTICAL

IN (TV/

)

SAT

IN (BD)

IN (

DVR/

)

VCR 1

IN (

)

CD-R

ASSIGNABLE

(

DVD/

)

(CD)

COAXIAL

VSX-94TXH

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

HDMI

OUT

MAIN

ZONE2

CONTROL

OUT

(

DVD/

)

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

(

VIDEO/GAME

Front left

OUT

(

DVD/LD (BD)

ASSIGNABLE

OUT

Front

Center

PRE OUT

AUDIO

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

MONITOR

MONI-

OUT

TOR

)

OUT

S-VIDEO

VIDEO AUDIO

ZONE2ZONE2

OUT

DVD/LD

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE/ MD

TV/SAT

VIDEO / GAME 1

SUB W.

OUT

SUR-

DVR/

ROUND

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

SURROUND BACK

VCR 2

12 V TRIGGER

R L

(

DC OUT 12V/

TOTAL 50 mA MAX

ANTENNA

PHONO

AM LOOP

FRONT

CENTER

SUB W.

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

(

)

Single

SIRIUS

SPEAKERS

FRONT

CENTER

)

RL RLR L

iPod

RS-232C

MULTI CH IN

right

CENTER SURROUND SURROUND BACK /

FRONT

AC OUTLET

SWITCHED 100 W(0.8 A) MAX

(

Single

SELECTABLE

)

Surround left

Surround back left

Connecting the speakers

Each speaker connection on the receiver comprises a positive (+) and negative (–) terminal. Make sure to match these up with the terminals on the speakers themselves.

Surround

right

Surround back right

Caution

• Make sure that all the bare speaker wire is twisted together and inserted fully into the speaker terminal. If any of the bare speaker wire touches the back panel it may cause the power to cut off as a safety measure.

Connecting your equipment

Bare wire connections

Make sure that the speaker cable you’re going to use is

properly prepared with about 10 mm (

/8 in.) of insulator stripped from each wire, and the exposed wire strands twisted together (fig. A).

To connect a terminal, unscrew the terminal a few turns until there is enough space to insert the exposed wire (fig. B). Once the wire is in position, tighten the terminal until the wire is firmly clamped (fig. C).

fig. A fig. B fig. C

10 mm (3/8 in.)

Banana plug connections

If you want to use speaker cables terminated with banana plugs, screw the speaker terminal fully shut then plug the banana plug into the end of the speaker terminal.

Important

• Please refer to the manual that came with your speakers for details on how to connect the other end of the speaker cables to your speakers.

• Other connections on page 50 provides greater detail on alternate speaker setups, such as using speaker system B (page 57), bi-amping (page 57) and biwiring (page 58).

• If you are using a THX certified subwoofer use the THX INPUT jack on the subwoofer (if your subwoofer has one) or switch the filter position to THX on your subwoofer.

• When placing speakers near the TV, we recommend using magnetically shielded speakers to prevent possible interference, such as discoloration of the picture when the TV is switched on. If you do not have magnetically shielded speakers and notice discoloration of the TV picture, move the speakers farther away from the TV.

• If you’re using a center speaker, place the front speakers at a wider angle. If not, place them at a narrower angle.

• Place the center speaker above or below the TV so that the sound of the center channel is localized at the TV screen. Also, make sure the center speaker does not cross the line formed by the leading edge of the front left and right speakers.

• It is best to angle the speakers towards the listening position. The angle depends on the size of the room. Use less of an angle for bigger rooms.

• Surround and surround back speakers should be positioned 60 cm to 90 cm (1.5 ft. to 3 ft.) higher than your ears and titled slight downward. Make sure the speakers don’t face each other. For DVD-Audio, the speakers should be more directly behind the listener than for home theater playback.

• Try not to place the surround speakers farther away from the listening position than the front and center speakers. Doing so can weaken the surround sound effect.

• To achieve the best possible surround sound, install your speakers as shown below. Be sure all speakers are installed securely to prevent accidents and improve sound quality.

Surround

left

Front

left

Center

Subwoofer

Front right

Surround

right

Placing the speakers

Where you put your speakers in the room has a big effect on the quality of the sound. The following guidelines should help you to get the best sound from your system.

• The subwoofer can be placed on the floor. Ideally, the other speakers should be at about ear-level when you’re listening to them. Putting the speakers on the floor (except the subwoofer), or mounting them very high on a wall is not recommended.

• For the best stereo effect, place the front speakers 2 m to 3 m (6 ft. to 9 ft.) apart, at equal distance from the TV.

Listening position

Surround back Surround back

left right

Single surround back speaker

Caution

• Make sure that all speakers are securely installed. This not only improves sound quality, but also reduces the risk of damage or injury resulting from speakers being knocked over or falling in the event of external shocks such as earthquakes.

Connecting your equipment

The diagrams below show suggested surround and surround back speaker orientation. The first diagram (fig. A) shows orientation with one surround back speaker (or none) connected. The second (fig. B) shows orientation with two surround back speakers connected.

90º to 120

Connecting antennas

The supplied antennas provide a simple way to listen to AM and FM radio. If you find that reception quality is poor, an outdoor antenna should give you better sound quality—see Connecting external antennas below.

0º to 60

SBL

SBR

fig. A fig. B

• If you have two surround back speakers THX recommends placing them together and the same distance from your listening position (see below).

THX speaker system setup

If you have a complete THX speaker system, follow the diagram below to place your speakers. Note that the

surround speakers ( indicates bi-polar radiating speakers) should output at an angle parallel to the listener.

Surround

• If you have two surround back speakers THX recommends placing them together and the same distance from your listening position for the following THX modes: THX Select2 CINEMA, THX MUSICMODE and THX GAMES MODE.

See also THX Audio Setting on page 49 to make the settings that will give you the best sound experience when using the Home THX modes (page 29).

Surround

SBL SBR

Surround back

VSX-94TXH

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE/ MD

SUB W.

SURROUND

AUDIO

SURROUND BACK

12 V TRIGGER

( DC OUT 12V/

TOTAL 50 mA MAX

PRE OUT

FRONT

CENTER

SUB W.

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

(

)

Single

SIRIUS

LLRR

SPEAKERS

FRONT

CENTER

)

MULTI CH IN

iPod

RS-232C

FRONT

CENTE

OPTICAL

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ZONE3

OUT2

LAN (10/100)

IN (TV/

)

SAT

IN (BD)

IN (

DVR/

)

VCR 1

IN (

)

CD-R

ASSIGNABLE

IN (

DVD/

)

(CD)

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

HDMI

OUT

MAIN

ZONE2

CONTROL

OUT

(

DVD/

)

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

IN IN

(

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

(

DVD/LD

(BD)

ASSIGNABLE

VIDEO/GAME

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

OUT

MONITOR OUT

)

OUT

S-VIDEO

MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

VIDEO AUDIO

ANTENNA

AM LOOP

ZONE2ZONE2

OUT

DVD/LD

BD IN

TV/SAT

VIDEO / GAME 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

R L

AM loop antenna

1 Assemble the stand as shown in the illustration.

fig. A fig. B fig. C

• Bend the stand in the direction indicated (fig. A).

• Clip the loop into the stand (fig. B).

• It’s possible to fix the AM antenna to a wall (fig. C). Before fixing, make sure that the reception is satisfactory.

2 Pull off the protective shields of both AM antenna wires.

3 Press the

AM LOOP

antenna terminal tabs to open

and insert one wire into each terminal.

4 Release the tabs to secure the AM antenna wires.

5 Place the AM antenna on a flat surface and point in the direction giving the best reception.

Avoid placing near computers, television sets or other electrical appliances and do not let it come into contact with metal objects.

Note

1 Do not use any antennas other than the supplied AM loop antenna.

Connecting your equipment

FM wire antenna

• Connect the FM wire antenna to the FM UNBAL 75 Ω in the same way as the AM antenna.

For best results, extend the FM antenna fully and fix to a wall or door frame. Don’t drape loosely or leave coiled up.

Connecting external antennas

To improve FM reception connect an external FM antenna to the FM UNBAL 75 Ω.

75 Ω coaxial cable

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

To improve AM reception, connect a 5 m to 6 m (15 ft. to 18 ft.) length of vinyl-coated wire to the AM LOOP terminals without disconnecting the supplied AM loop antenna.

For the best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors.

Outdoor antenna

AM LOOP

Indoor antenna

(vinyl-coated wire)

Plugging in the receiver

Only plug in after you have connected all your components to this receiver, including the speakers.

• Plug the AC power cord into a convenient AC power outlet.

Caution

• Handle the power cord by the plug part. Do not pull out the plug by tugging the cord, and never touch the power cord when your hands are wet, as this could cause a short circuit or electric shock. Do not place the unit, a piece of furniture, or other object on the power cord or pinch the cord in any other way. Never make a knot in the cord or tie it with other cables. The power cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be stepped on. A damaged power cord can cause a fire or give you an electric shock. Check the power cord once in a while. If you find it damaged, ask your nearest Pioneer authorized independent service company for a replacement.

• The receiver should be disconnected by removing the mains plug from the wall socket when not in regular use, e.g., when on vacation.

• Make sure the blue  STANDBY/ON light has gone out before unplugging.

AC outlet

Power supplied through this outlet is turned on and off by the receiver's power switch. Total electrical power consumption of connected equipment should not exceed 100 W (0.8 A).

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

5 m to 6 m

(15 ft. to 18 ft.)

Caution

• Do not connect a TV set, monitor, heater, or similar appliance to this unit’s AC outlet.

• Do not connect appliances with high power consumption to the AC outlet in order to avoid overheating and fire risk. This can also cause the receiver to malfunction.

• Since a subwoofer or power amplifier can exceed the 100 W maximum when playing sources at a high volume, this type of equipment should not be connected to the AC outlet.

Controls and displays

Chapter 4:

Controls and displays

Front panel

Illustration shows the VSX-94TXH front panel

1 624 7583

STANDBY/ON



VSX-94TXH

ADVANCED

PHASE

MCACC

PHASE

AUTO SURR/

MCACC

STREAM DIRECT

POSITION

SELECTOR

CONTROL

INPUT

CONTROL

910 11 12 13

PARAMETER

AUDIO VIDEO

(TUNE)

PHONES

(ST) (ST)

ENTER

(TUNE)

SETUP

RETURN

DIGITAL PRECISION

PROCESSING

TUNER EDITSPEAKERS BAND

MCACC

USB

SETUP MIC

DIGITAL VIDEO

SCALER HDMI

HOME

STANDARD

ADVANCED

THX

SURROUND

15 16 17 18

MULTI – ZONE & SOURCE/REC SEL

CONTROL ON/OFF

DIGITAL IN S-VIDEO VIDEO L RAUDIO

SIGNAL SELECT

VIDEO/GAME 2 INPUT

SB ch

PROCESSING

STEREO/ F.S.SURR

MASTER VOLUME

23 2521 22 2419 20

INPUT SELECTOR

Use to select an input source.

 STANDBY/ON

Switches the receiver between on and standby. Power indicator lights when the receiver is on.

PHASE CONTROL – Press to switch on/off Phase

Control or Full Band Phase Control (page 10). MCACC POSITION – Press to switch between

MCACC presets (page 31). AUTO SURR/STREAM DIRECT –

Surround ( listening.

dial

page 28

) or Stream Direct

Press to select Auto

(page 30)

4 Remote sensor

Receives the signals from the remote control (see Operating range of remote control unit on page 24).

5 Character display

See Display on page 25.

PHASE CONTROL

indicator

– Lights to indicate Phase Control or Full Band Phase Control is selected (page 10). ADVANCED MCACC indicator – Lights when one of

the MCACC presets (page 31) is selected.

Digital Precision Processing indicator – Lights to indicate digital processing (for example, it disappears when Pure Direct (page 30) is on, or when listening through the multichannel analog inputs).

Note

1 The MCACC indicator does not light when the MCACC preset memory currently being selected has not been corrected with Acoustic Calibration EQ Professional or when EQ is set to OFF in the Audio parameter menu (see Setting the Audio options on page 71).

Controls and displays

DIGITAL VIDEO SCALER

Resolution is set to a setting other than PURE (for example, when the video input signal is upscaled) (page 71).

HDMI indicator – Blinks when connecting an HDMIequipped component; lights when the component is connected (page 55).

7 Listening mode buttons

HOME THX – Press to select a Home THX listening

mode (page 29). STANDARD SURROUND – Press for Standard

decoding and to switch between the various 2 Pro Logic IIx and Neo:6 options (page 28).

ADVANCED SURROUND – Use to switch between the various surround modes (page 29).

MASTER VOLUME

9 Front panel controls

To access the front panel controls, push gently on the lower third portion of the panel with your finger.

SPEAKERS

Use to change the speaker system (page 57).

AUDIO PARAMETER

Use to access the Audio options (page 71).

VIDEO PARAMETER

Use to access the Video options (page 72).

TUNER EDIT

Use with / to memorize and name stations for recall (page 35).

14 BAND

Switches between AM and FM radio bands (page 34).

15 MULTI-ZONE & SOURCE/REC SEL controls

If you’ve made MULTI-ZONE connections (see MULTIZONE listening on page 59) use these controls to control the sub zone from the main zone (see Using the MULTIZONE controls on page 60).

You will also need to use the REC SEL controls when recording a source (see Making an audio or a video recording on page 73).

16 SIGNAL SELECT

Use to select an input signal (page 31).

dial

indicator

– Lights when

SBch PROCESSING

Selects the surround back channel mode (page 32) or virtual surround back mode (page 32).

STEREO/F.S.SURR

Switches between the stereo playback mode (page 30) and the Front Stage Surround Advance mode (page 30).

PHONES

Use to connect headphones. When the headphones are connected, there is no sound output from the speakers.

SETUP

Press to access the System Setup menu (see page 36).

 (TUNE/ST

Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround sound system (see page 36). Use the TUNE / buttons to find radio frequencies and use ST / to find preset stations (page 35).

RETURN

Press to confirm and exit the current menu screen.

USB

Connect a USB audio device for playback. See the separate manual for HOME MEDIA GALLERY.

MCACC SETUP MIC

Use to connect the supplied microphone.

VIDEO/GAME 2 INPUT

See Connecting a component to the front panel inputs on page 18.

jack

interface

) /

ENTER

(VSX-94TXH only)

jack

Operating range of remote control unit

The remote control may not work properly if:

• There are obstacles between the remote control and the receiver’s remote sensor.

• Direct sunlight or fluorescent light is shining onto the remote sensor.

• The receiver is located near a device that is emitting infrared rays.

• The receiver is operated simultaneously with another infrared remote control unit.

7 m (23 ft.)

Controls and displays

Display

SIGNAL

AUTO

PCM

HDMI

DIGITAL

ANALOG

STREAM DIRECT

PRO LOGIC

ADV.SURROUND

THX STEREO

indicators

21 3 8765 10 11 12 13

L C R

SL S SR

SBL SB

LFE

STANDARD

SLEEP

DIGITAL

WMA9 Pro

DTS

AAC

CD-R

DSD

SBR

: 6

4 9

FULL BAND

MULTI-ZONE

PCM

S.RTRV

TUNER PHONO iPod

SIRIUS

Light to indicate the currently selected input signal. AUTO lights when the receiver is set to select the input signal automatically (page 31).

2 Program format indicators

These change according to which channels are active in digital sources.

L – Left front channel C – Center channel R – Right front channel SL – Left surround channel S – Surround channel (mono) SR – Right surround channel SBL – Left surround back channel SB – Surround back channel (mono) SBR – Right surround back channel LFE – Low frequency effects channel (the ((( ))) indicators light when

an LFE signal is being input)

3 Digital format indicators

Light when a signal encoded in the corresponding format is detected (

DSDPCM

lights during DSD (Digital Stream

Direct) to PCM conversion with SACDs).

S.RTRV

Lights when the Sound Retriever is switched on and/or

ANALOG ATT (page 74)

MULTI-ZONE

(page 71)

Lights when the MULTI-ZONE feature is active (page 59).

FULL BAND

Lights when the Full Band Phase Control is switched on (page 10).

PHASE CONTROL

Lights when the Phase Control or Full Band Phase Control is switched on (page 10).

8 Sound processing indicators

Light according to the active Audio parameter(s) and/or ANALOG ATT (page 74)

V.SB

Lights during Virtual surround back processing

TUNER

indicators

(page 71)

(page 32)

TUNED – Lights when a broadcast is being received.

PHASE CONTROL

DIALOG E

SOUND

Hi-Bit/Sampling

DVD

BDP

191514 17 2018

ATT

DVR

DNR

OVER

V.S B

VIDEO

HDMI

TUNED

STEREO

MONO

HMG [ 1 ]

RDS EON

USB

[ 2 ]

[ 3 ]

SR+

[ 4 ]

STEREO – Lights when a stereo FM broadcast is being received in auto stereo mode.

MONO – Lights when the mono mode is set using the MPX button.

SOUND

Lights when any of the Midnight, Loudness or tone controls feature is selected (page 71).

12 Master volume level

Shows the overall volume level. –80dB indicates the minimum level, and +12dB indicates the maximum level.

SR+

Lights when the SR+ mode is switched on (page 63).

STREAM DIRECT

Lights when Direct/Pure Direct is selected (page 30).

15 Speaker indicators

Lights to indicate the current speaker system, A and/or B (page 57).

16 Listening mode indicators

THX – Lights when one of the Home THX modes is

selected. ADV.SURROUND – Lights when one of the

Advanced Surround modes has been selected. STEREO – Lights when stereo listening is switched

on (see Listening in stereo on page 30). STANDARD – Lights when one of the Standard

Surround modes is switched on (see Listening in surround sound on page 28).

SLEEP

Lights when the receiver is in sleep mode (page 74).

18 Matrix decoding format indicators

2PRO LOGIC IIx – This lights to indicate 2 Pro Logic II / 2 Pro Logic IIx decoding (page 28).

Neo:6 –

When one of the Neo:6 modes of the receiver

is on, this lights to indicate Neo:6 processing

19 Character display

Displays various system information.

20 Input source indicators

Light to indicate the input source you have selected.

(page 28)

Controls and displays

Remote control

Illustration shows the VSX-94TXH remote control

TUNE

ENTER

TUNE

REC

T.DISP

SYSTEM OFF

XM RADIO



BD TV CTRL

ZONE2/3



SIRIUS

TUNER

RECEIVER

DIMMER

GENRE

CLASS

ENTER

LEVEL

V PARAMETER MENU T.EDIT

TV CH

VOL

INFO

MUTE

REC STOP

MEMORY

HDD

DVD

STEREO/

SBch

F.S.SURR

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

MCACC S.DIRECT

HDMI

RETURN

ANALOG ATT

DISC



INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

CD-R

DVD TV

HOME MEDIA

DVR2

DVR1

SLEEP

GALLERY

i Pod

D.ACCESS

CLEAR +

A PARAMETER



TOP MENU 

5 6

BAND

SETUP

PROGRAM

DreamGEAR ELITE VSX-94TXH User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual