2016
For Europe
Pioneer AV receivers are designed to offer precise audio reproduction, letting you immerse in
the world of home entertainment, just as the creators intended. The AV receivers are laden
with highlights such as DTS:X™* and Dolby Atmos®, Reflex Optimizer for Dolby-enabled
speakers, the Super Resolution technology derived from Pioneer’s high-end Blu-ray Disc
player series, playback of DSD and other Hi-Res audio files, and network features including
internet radio and Chromecast built-in*. The GUI also comes with fresh updates, offering a
new design and smoother setup. The steadfast functions and performance cultivated in the
high-grade SC Series introduce a new quality standard to home entertainment.
This Product Reference Guide introduces the technologies and features that give the special
qualities to Pioneer AV receivers. We hope the information will help enrich your home enter-
tainment experience.
* Available with future firmware update
2016 Pioneer AV Receivers
* Image after DTS:X firmware update
2
AV RECEIVERS REFERENCE GUIDE
Audio Technologies
• Multi-Channel Stereophonic Philosophy
• Direct Energy Design
• Select Parts for Clear and Open Sound
• MCACC Auto Room Tuning
- Phase Control
- Subwoofer EQ
- Bass Management System for Dolby-Enabled Speakers
• Reflex Optimizer
• 384 kHz/32-bit DAC (AK4458)
• Anti-Standing Wave Insulator
• Advanced Sound Retriever
Video Technologies
• Video Scaler (1080p to 4K) with Super Resolution
• Ultra HD (4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit) Pass-Through with HDCP 2.2
• Next Generation Video Standard Ready
• Deep Colour
• "x.v.Colour"
Audio Formats & Licenses
• DTS:X™
- Dialog Control
• Dolby Atmos
®
• DTS Neural:X™
• Dolby Surround
• Dolby® TrueHD
- Loudness Management
• DTS-HD Master Audio/DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
• DTS Neo:6 5.1/DTS Neo:6
• Hi-Res Audio File Playback via USB/Network
• Variable File Play Action
Sophisticated Surround System
• 7ch Speaker Configurations
• Advanced Surround Modes
• Front Stage Surround
Connectivity
• HDMI® (4K/60p, 3D, ARC)
• Front USB Input
• Phono (MM) Input
Network Features
• Chromecast built-in
• Apple AirPlay Certified
• Spotify® Digital Music-Streaming Service Ready
• Internet Radio (TuneIn)
• TIDAL Music Streaming Service Ready
• Deezer
• Built-in Dual Band Wi-Fi
®
• Built-in Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
Advanced Control
• Multi-room Audio
• Multi-Zone (Powered ZONE 2)
• New GUI with System/Network Setup Menu
• Ready for iControlAV5 App
• Firmware Update/Network Setup via Web Control
• Standby Pass-Through with CEC
• Standby Pass-Through without CEC
• Auto Power Off in HDMI Standby Through
* New features in blue
Applicable models displayed in icons:
VSX-1131
VSX-831
VSX-531
531
831
1131
Technology Index
3
AV RECEIVERS REFERENCE GUIDE
Audio Technologies
Audio Technologies Video Technologies Audio Formats & Licenses
Sophisticated Surround System
Connectivity Network Features
Advanced Control
Multi-Channel Stereophonic Philosophy
1131 831
In the same way as the ideal stereo sound reproduction, multichannel sound can faithfully reproduce the master sound by
equalising the response of all channels. With Pioneer’s original
Multi-Channel Stereophonic Philosophy as the core, versatile
technologies and know-how have been lavishly incorporated to
realise matchless high-quality sound and sophisticated
performance.
Direct Energy Design
1131 831 531
Every inch of the chassis has been devised to create quality
sound, such as shorter transmission path for the power
amplifier block, extremely clean grounding, a rigid structure
with improved damping, and the shape of the wiring. The
discrete amplifiers of VSX-1131/VSX-831 feature 384 kHz/32-bit
AKM DAC* for all channels, inheriting the Direct Energy Design
of the high-end models which allow high-power simultaneous
multi-channel drive. In combination with the MCACC auto
room tuning, you can enjoy all the emotions intended for the
playing piece.
* Except VSX-531
Select Parts for Clear and Open Sound
1131 831
High-grade parts are used to bring out the best from the Direct
Energy Design. The polymer multi-layer MU capacitors (PML
MU) co-developed with Rubycon Corporation provide clear and
open high-range sound. The audio-grade power transformer
realises noise-free signal transmission.
MULTI-CHANNEL STEREOPHONIC PHILOSOPHY
Pioneer’s 3-step technology in reproducing studio master sound for
the ideal multi-channel reproduction—a compilation of exclusive
philosophy and various technologies
Construction for superior sound, featuring Direct Energy
Design and quality parts including AKM DAC
Step 1
MCACC based on professional studio monitoring methods,
and exclusive Phase Control technology
Step 2
Quality sound tuning full of emotion by engineers approved
by AIR Studios
Step 3
Faithful reproduction of the original master
Capacitors (VSX-1131)
PML MU Capacitors (VSX-1131)
Power Transformer (VSX-1131)
4
AV RECEIVERS REFERENCE GUIDE
Audio Technologies Video Technologies Audio Formats & Licenses
Sophisticated Surround System
Connectivity
Network Features
Advanced Control
Audio Technologies
MCACC Auto Room Tuning
1131 831 531
Create the optimum acoustic environment with
Pioneer’s MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic
Calibration System), developed with the
expertise of professional recording studios. The system—
complete with custom microphone—automatically compensates
for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalises
response.
Phase Control
1131 831 531
When amplifying multi-channel audio signals,
receivers use a Low Pass Filter (LPF) to process
low-frequency signals for subwoofer output. This
causes “phase lag”—a delay of approximately 5
msec—of the low-frequency signals compared to the main
channel signals. As a result, the delayed bass makes the
sound lack synchronisation. Pioneer’s Phase Control
technology effectively eliminates phase lag and significantly
improves the multi-channel sound without any extra
operation.
Subwoofer EQ
1131 831
This EQ feature allows you to adjust the LFE tone. As with
other EQ, the manual adjustment can be done on the AV
receiver’s GUI.
Bass Management System for Dolby-Enabled Speakers
1131
When using Dolby-enabled speakers, the low-frequency
components are usually all redirected to the subwoofer.
Since this will include frequencies featuring directivity, the
resulting sound lacks a seamless feel. MCACC redirects the
low frequency component with directionality to the floor
speaker below the Dolby-enabled speaker element, and the
lower frequency components to the subwoofer. This optimal
signal distribution creates superior sound localisation,
maximising the advantage of Dolby Atmos content.
Dolby-enabled
speaker sound
component
3 Parts
2 Parts
Pioneer
Previous Models
20 Hz
80 Hz
Deep
Bass
Bass Mid-High
Subwoofer
180 Hz
150 Hz
20 kHz
Deep
Bass
Bass
Deep Bass
Mid-High
Mid-High
Bass
Deep Bass
Mid-High
Bass
Subwoofer
With Traditional Bass Management System
No horizontal sound localisation
Ideal sound image
Ideal sound image =
Auditory sound image
Auditory sound
image
With New Bass Management System for
Dolby-Enabled Speakers
Horizontal sound localisation achieved
The "Phase Control" Compensates for the Delay of Low-Frequency Sound
Speakers
AV Receiver
PHASE CONTROL
Source
Calibration
After Calibration
Speaker distance, sound pressure level, and
frequency response are all equalised.
Before Calibration
Speaker distance, sound pressure level, and
frequency response are all uneven.
The sound field is automatically
measured using the supplied mic.
Speaker sizes and number of
speakers are automatically detected.
SET-UP
MIC
SET-UP
MIC
Acoustic Calibration by MCACC
5
AV RECEIVERS REFERENCE GUIDE
Audio Technologies Video Technologies Audio Formats & Licenses
Sophisticated Surround System
Connectivity
Network Features
Advanced Control
Audio Technologies
Reflex Optimizer
1131
High directivity sound reflects off
the ceiling, while low directivity
sound directly reaches the ears.
When using Dolby-enabled speakers, this difference causes a
phase shift, making the sound feel uncomfortable. To solve this,
the Reflex Optimizer optimizes the performance of your
up-firing elevation speakers for your listening environment, by
aligning the phase of direct and indirect sound, matching the basic
tone, and optimizing the upward-oriented frequencies. The result
is overall seamless sound with Dolby-enabled speakers, allowing
the ideal reproduction of three-dimensional surround sound.
384 kHz/32-bit AKM DAC (AK4458)
1131 831
The AV receivers feature AK4458, a 384 kHz/32-bit premium
audio DAC from AKM (Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation).
With the latest low-distortion technology, the DAC provides
detailed and clear sound, ideal for Hi-Res Audio playback. The
32-bit digital filter creates natural and detailed sound.
Anti-Standing Wave Insulator
1131 831
The Anti-Standing Wave Insulator has been developed through
repeated listening tests, featuring a special form with no
parallel sides inside to prevent cavity resonance. This makes the
sound localisation, tone, and scale clearer, while also enhancing
the seamless connection between the channels, and the
response to quick sound.
Advanced Sound Retriever
1131 831 531
Pioneer’s AV receivers feature the Advanced
Sound Retriever, which restores the output of
compressed audio—such as WMA, AAC, and
MP3—to the level of CD sound. The Advanced Sound Retriever
creates new signals to restore the minor details left out during
the compression process.
Direct sound from floor speaker
Reflex Optimizer OFF: direct sound reaches the listener first
Reflex Optimizer ON: direct sound, reflected sound, and sound from the floor speaker
simultaneously reach the listener
Reflected sound from Dolby-enabled speaker
Direct sound from Dolby-enabled speaker
Insulator (VSX-1131)
6
AV RECEIVERS REFERENCE GUIDE
Video Technologies
Video Scaler (1080p to 4K) with Super Resolution
1131 831
Ultra HD, usually referred to as 4K, is the next
generation ultra-high-resolution standard with
3,840 x 2,160 pixels or 4,096 x 2,160 pixels—four
times the current HD 1080p standard. By
detecting the fine texture in the image and
applying appropriate compensation, a more
detailed and beautiful image is created. This high-grade HD
video is further elevated to an even more detailed, natural and
realistic picture with the video scaler featuring super resolution.
The AV receiver upscales 1080p video sources up to 4K/60p
high-resolution images (4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit, 4K/24p/4:4:4/36bit, 4K/60p/4:2:0/36-bit) for viewing on a 4K-compatible display.
The AV receivers support 18 Gbps bandwidth, allowing
reproduction of 4:4:4 colour format, and are ready to bring out
the best from the future generation Ultra HD devices with 18
Gbps transfer capabilities.
Ultra HD (4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit) Pass-Through with HDCP 2.2
1131 831 531
The feature lets you take advantage of the
highest-quality video source, by passing through
4K/60p signals for viewing on a compatible
display. The AV receivers support HDCP 2.2, so by
connecting to a compatible device, you can enjoy
premium content such as 4K videos with digital
copy protection.
* VSX-531 supports up to 4K/60p/4:4:4 on all HDMI terminals.
VSX-1131/VSX-831 support up to 4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit with
HDCP 2.2 on HDMI IN (1/2/3) and HDMI OUT (MAIN/SUB).
Next Generation Video Standard Ready
1131 831 531
The AV receivers are ready for the next generation video
standard HDR (High Dynamic Range) and BT.2020*, which were
adopted by Ultra HD Blu-ray™. HDR is a technology that
drastically expands the brightness peak, providing a higher
contrast between light and dark images, which creates even
more life-like pictures. BT.2020 is a new colour-recording
technology allowing a much wider gamut than the current BT
709 standard, enabling vividly rich colouration.
* Except VSX-531
No HDR
With HDR
* For illustration purpose only
HDR Dynamic Range Expansion Image
BT.2020 Colour Space Comparison
Audio Technologies Video Technologies Audio Formats & Licenses
Sophisticated Surround System
Connectivity
Network Features
Advanced Control
Compatible Resolution
• 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, defined by ITU (International Telecommunication
Union) mainly for broadcasting
• 4,096 x 2,160 pixels, defined by DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) for Digital
Cinema
Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 pixelsFull HD 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
Ultra HD (Quad HD) 3,840 x 2,160 pixels
Ultra HD (Quad HD) 3,840 x 2,160 pixels
SD 720 x 576 pixelsSD 720 x 576 pixels
4K 4,096 x 2,160 pixels4K 4,096 x 2,160 pixels
What’s 4K?
High resolution video signal standard with 4 times Full HD resolution.
Difference in Resolution by Chroma Format
Chroma Format
Luma
Resolution
Chroma Resolution
Horizontal Vertical
4:4:4 Full Full Full
4:2:2 Full 1/2 Full
4:2:0 Full 1/2 1/2
4K/60p/4:4:4 4K/60p/4:2:0
* For illustration purpose only
7
AV RECEIVERS REFERENCE GUIDE
Video Technologies
Deep Colour
1131 831 531
Pioneer AV receivers support 36-bit Deep Colour, featuring
smooth gradation steps with more accurate precision of
brightness and colour information, resulting in superbly
detailed, natural colour.
“x.v.Colour”
1131 831 531
Pioneer AV receivers support “x.v.Colour”,
which almost doubles the range of colours
(known as the “gamut”) that can be accurately captured, and
reproduced on a compatible display, thereby more closely
matching the natural characteristics of the human eye.
* ”x.v.Colour” only available for playback of discs recorded with AVCHD
devices. ”x.v.Colour” and the “x.v.Colour” logo are trademarks of Sony
Corporation.
24-bit (8-bit x 3)
256 steps 4,096 steps
* For illustration purpose only
36-bit (12-bit x 3)
24-bit 16 million colours
Smoother Images
36-bit 68,719 million colours
36-bit Deep Colour Image
Audio Technologies Video Technologies Audio Formats & Licenses
Sophisticated Surround System
Connectivity
Network Features
Advanced Control
8
AV RECEIVERS REFERENCE GUIDE
Audio Formats & Licenses
DTS:X™
1131
DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from
DTS that leverages object-based audio to
enable new immersive and interactive audio
experiences. Since DTS:X can automatically adapt the audio to
the existing channels and speaker system, no specific speaker
layout is required. Experience an immersive soundscape with
incredibly rich and life-like audio. The format is backward
compatible with DTS-HD Master Audio, so you can also give
new life to your movie collection.
* DTS:X will be available with future firmware update.
Dialog Control
1131
The feature lets you independently control the volume of
dialog encoded in DTS:X—a useful feature for people hard of
hearing, or for late-night movie viewing.
Dolby Atmos®
1131
Dolby Atmos is a unique technology for enjoying the
latest surround sound. In a movie cinema, overhead
speakers are placed, with a multi-layer approach to
the sound design. On top of the conventional
channel-based soundtrack, object-oriented mixing is used to
layer dynamic sound elements, so regardless of the cinema’s
speaker setup, independent sound elements can move around
freely in a three-dimensional space. Compared to Dolby Digital
with discrete channels, Dolby Atmos offers seamless surround
sound movement with up to 64 separate speaker output and a
sense of height created by the overhead speakers. The sound is
completely in sync with the screen view, providing total
immersion with unprecedented sound localisation and
movement.
This cinema sound experience can be reproduced in your home
with Pioneer’s Dolby Atmos AV receiver, which not only decodes
Dolby Atmos, but also reproduces Dolby Atmos in an ideal
sound stage.
DTS Neural:X™
1131
DTS Neural:X is the latest down/up-mixing and spatial
remapping technology built into DTS:X. It provides an up-mix of
Neural:X encoded and non-encoded (PCM) data and can produce
up to 11.x channels, letting you enjoy a more realistic
atmosphere regardless of the original audio format.
* DTS Neural:X will be available with future firmware update.
Dolby Surround
1131
The new surround sound effectively up-mixes legacy channelbased content for reproduction on a Dolby Atmos environment,
expanding the original source to fill the speaker layout of a
Dolby Atmos system.
Speaker Layout of a Dolby Atmos Cinema
Speaker Layout Example of a Dolby Atmos Home Cinema (5.2.2ch)
Audio Technologies Video Technologies Audio Formats & Licenses
Sophisticated Surround System
Connectivity
Network Features
Advanced Control
9
AV RECEIVERS REFERENCE GUIDE
Audio Formats & Licenses
Audio Technologies Video Technologies Audio Formats & Licenses
Sophisticated Surround System
Connectivity
Network Features
Advanced Control
Dolby TrueHD
1131 831 531
Dolby TrueHD delivers sound that is on par with
the original soundtrack, letting you experience
the world of true high-definition entertainment from Blu-ray
Discs. With lossless encoding in up to 18 Mbps bit rate, Dolby
TrueHD creates a synergy with high-definition video to offer you
a home cinema experience like never before.
Loudness Management
1131 831
Dolby TrueHD Loudness Management frees you from
annoying volume fluctuations that often occur when
switching channels, programmes, or input sources, by
maintaining a consistent loudness-level. The function turns
on/off during content playback, activating or deactivating
post processing within the decoder. When the function is
turned off, audio is delivered in a lossless mode.
DTS-HD Master Audio/DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
1131 831 531
With DTS-HD Master Audio, you can
enjoy sound that is bit-for-bit identical
to the studio master, at 192 kHz/24-bit for 5.1 channels and 96
kHz/24-bit for 7.1 channels. DTS-HD Master Audio delivers audio
at extremely high variable bit rates of 24.5 Mbps, which far
exceeds standard DVDs. DTS-HD Master Audio offers movies
and music in the pure, original state as intended by the artists.
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio can deliver up to 7.1 channels of
96 kHz/24-bit high-resolution sound. The rich audio is virtually
equivalent to the original movie sound, yet less disc space is
required than for DTS-HD Master Audio.
DTS Neo:6 5.1
831
DTS Neo:6
1131* 531
DTS Neo:6 converts stereo content into 5.1 or 6.1 channel
format, in a 7.1 configuration with the two rear-centre speakers
playing in mono. DTS Neo:6 5.1 is capable of expanding 5.1
channel sources.
* Before DTS:X firmware update
High Definition Audio Formats
DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD provide sound that is bitfor-bit identical to the studio master, delivering sound at extremely
high variable bit rates far exceeding standard DVDs.
Comparison of High Definition Audio Formats
Compressed
Lossless Lossy
Dolby TrueHD Dolby Digital Plus Linear PCM
DTS-HD
Master Audio
DTS-HD
High Resolution Audio
Uncompressed 48 kHz/
16-bit audio format
similar to CD, but with
higher sampling
frequencies and
quantization. No
decoding required.
Uncompressed
Loading...