Pioneer VSX-21TXH, VSX-23TXH Operating Instruction

Operating Instructions

audio/video multi-channel receiver

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-23TXH, VSX-21TXH

Responsible Party Name: PIONEER ELECTRONICS SERVICE, INC.

Address: 1925 E. DOMINGUEZ ST. LONG BEACH, CA 90801-1760, U.S.A.

Phone: [phone]

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.

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Information to User

Alterations 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.

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WARNING

This equipment is not waterproof. To prevent a fire

or shock hazard, do not place any container filled

with liquid near this equipment (such as a vase or

flower pot) or expose it to dripping, splashing, rain

or moisture.

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WARNING

The voltage of the available power supply differs

according to country or region. Be sure that the

power supply voltage of the area where this unit

will be used meets the required voltage (e.g., 230 V

or 120 V) written on the rear panel.

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Before plugging in for the first time, read the following

section carefully.

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.

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CAUTION

To prevent fire hazard, the Class 2 Wiring Cable

should be used for connection with speaker, and

should be routed away from hazards to avoid

damage to the insulation of the cable.

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.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,

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

shock to persons.

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.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

IMPORTANT

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Read these instructions.

Keep these instructions.

Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Clean only with dry cloth.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not install near any heat sources such as

radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or

grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two

blades with one wider than the other. A grounding

type plug has two blades and a third grounding

prong. The wide blade or the third prong are

provided for your safety. If the provided plug does

not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for

replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or

pinched particularly at plugs, convenience

receptacles, and the point where they exit from the

apparatus.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

9)

10)

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the

manufacturer.

Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the

apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when

moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid

injury from tip-over.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Servicing is required when the apparatus has been

damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or

plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects

have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has

been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate

normally, or has been dropped.

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11)

12)

13)

14)

WARNING

To prevent a fire hazard, do not place any naked

flame sources (such as a lighted candle) on the

equipment.

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VENTILATION CAUTION

When installing this unit, make sure to leave space

around the unit for ventilation to improve heat

radiation (at least 60 cm at top, 10 cm at rear, and

30 cm at each side).

WARNING

Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for

ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the

product, and to protect it from overheating. To

prevent fire hazard, the openings should never be

blocked or covered with items (such as newspapers,

table-cloths, curtains) or by operating the

equipment on thick carpet or a bed.

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Operating Environment

Operating environment temperature and humidity:

+5 °C to +35 °C (+41 °F to +95 °F); less than 85 %RH

(cooling vents not blocked)

Do not install this unit in a poorly ventilated area, or in

locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight (or

strong artificial light)

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If the AC plug of this unit does not match the AC

outlet you want to use, the plug must be removed

and appropriate one fitted. Replacement and

mounting of an AC plug on the power supply cord of

this unit should be performed only by qualified

service personnel. If connected to an AC outlet, the

cut-off plug can cause severe electrical shock. Make

sure it is properly disposed of after removal.

The equipment should be disconnected by removing

the mains plug from the wall socket when left unused

for a long period of time (for example, when on

vacation).

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CAUTION

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).

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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.

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Contents

Flow of settings on the receiver . . . . . . . . . 7

01 Before you start

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Checking what’s in the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Loading the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Operating range of remote control unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

02 Controls and displays

Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

03 Connecting your equipment

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Determining the speakers’ application . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Other speaker connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Placing the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

THX speaker system setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Some tips for improving sound quality . . . . . . . . . . 18

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

Installing your speaker system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Standard 5.1/6.1/7.1-channel surround

connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Bi-amping your speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Bi-wiring your speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Selecting the Surr Back system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

ZONE 2 setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Speaker B setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Bi-Am

pin

g setup . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

About the audio connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

About the video converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Connecting your TV and playback components . . . . . 24

Connecting using HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Connecting your DVD player with no HDMI output

. . . 25

Connecting your TV with no HDMI input . . . . . . . . . 26

Connecting an HDD/DVD recorder, VCR and

other video sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or

other set-top box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Connecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . . . . . 29

Connecting other audio components. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

About the WMA9 Pro decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Connecting additional amplifiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Connecting AM/FM antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Connecting external antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Connecting an XM Radio tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Connecting a SiriusConnect™ tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

MULTI-ZONE setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Making MULTI-ZONE connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Connecting an IR receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Operating other Pioneer components with

this unit’s sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Switching components on and off using

the 12 volt trigger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Connecting a PC fo

r Adva

nced MCACC output . . .

. . 36

Connecting an HDMI-equipped component to

the front panel input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Connecting a component to the front panel inputs

. . . 38

Connecting an iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Plugging in the receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

04 Basic Setup

Switching the speaker impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Changing the OSD display language

(OSD Language) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Automatically setting up for surround sound

(Auto MCACC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup . . . . 43

The Input Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Input function default and possible settings . . . . . . 44

05 Basic playback

Playing a source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Playing a source with HDMI connection . . . . . . . . . 45

Selecting the multichannel analog inp uts . . . . . . . . 46

Playing an iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Playing back audio files stored on an iPod . . . . . . . 46

Playing a USB device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Playing back audio files stored

on a USB memory device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Playing back photo files stored

on a USB memory device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

About playable file formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Listening to the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Improving FM sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Using Neural THX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Saving station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Naming station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Listening to station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Listening to Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

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

Using XM HD Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Saving channel presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Using the XM Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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

Saving channel presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

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

06 Listening to your system

Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Listening in surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Standard surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Using the Home THX modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Using the Advanced surround effects . . . . . . . . . . . 58

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.

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Listening in stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Using Front Stage Surround Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Using Stream Direct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Using surround back channel processing . . . . . . . . . 59

Using the Virtual Surround Back mode . . . . . . . . . . 60

Setting the Up Mix function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Selecting MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Choosing the input signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Better sound using Phase Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

07 KURO LINK

Making the KURO LINK connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Cautions on the KURO LINK function . . . . . . . . . . . 63

About connections with a product of a different

brand that supports the KURO LINK function . . . . . 64

KURO LINK Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Setting the PQLS function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Before using synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Synchronized amp mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Synchronized amp mode operations . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Canceling synchronized amp mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

08 Using other functions

Setting the Audio options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Setting the Video options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Switching the speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Using the MULTI-ZONE controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Making an audio or a video recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Reducing the level of an analog signal . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Using the sleep timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Dimming the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Switching the HDMI output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Checking your system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Resetting the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Default system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

09 Controlling the rest of your system

Operating multiple receivers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Setting the remote to control other components . . . . 73

Selecting preset codes directly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Resetting the remote control presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Default preset codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Controls the components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

10 The Advanced MCACC menu

Making receiver settings from the Advanced

MCACC menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Automatic MCACC (Expert) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Manual MCACC setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Fine Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Fine Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Standing Wave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Acoustic Calibration EQ Adjust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Acoustic Calibration EQ Professional. . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Checking MCACC Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Speaker Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Channel Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Speaker Distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Standing Wave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Acoustic Cal EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Output PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Renaming MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Copying MCACC preset data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Clearing MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

11 The system and the other setup

Making receiver settings from the System Setup

menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Manual speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Surround back speaker setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Speaker Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Speaker Distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

X-Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

THX Audio Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

The Other Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Multi Channel Input Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

ZONE Audio Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Power ON Level Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Volume Limit Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Remote Control Mode Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Flicker Reduction Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

12 Additional information

Speaker Setting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Positional relationship between speakers and

monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

No sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Other audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Professional Calibration EQ graphical output . . . . 102

Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Important information regarding the HDMI

connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

XM radio messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

SIRIUS radio messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Surround sound formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Dolby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

DTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Windows Media Audio 9 Professional . . . . . . . . . . 108

About iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

About THX

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Abou

t Neural – THX

Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

About SIRIUS and XM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Auto Surround, ALC and Stream Direct with

different input signal formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Preset code list. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Cleaning the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Our philosophy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

7

En

Flow of settings on the receiver

The unit is a full-fledged AV receiver equipped with an abundance of functions and terminals. It can be used easily

after following the procedure below to make the connections and settings.

The colors of the steps indicate the following:

Required setting item

Setting to be made as necessary

1 Before you start

• Checking what’s in the box (page 9)

•Loading the batteries (page 9)



2 Determining the speakers’ application (page 17)

•7.1ch surround connection

•5.1ch surround & Front Bi-amping connection

•5.1ch surround & ZONE 2 connection

•5.1ch surround & Speaker B connection



3 Connecting the speakers

•Placing the speakers (page 18)

•Connecting the speakers (page 19)

•Standard 5.1/6.1/7.1-channel surround connections

(page 20)

•Bi-amping your speakers (page 21)



4 Connecting the components

• About the audio connection (page 22)

• About the video converter (page 23)

•Connecting your TV and playback components

(page 24)

• Connecting AM/FM antennas (page 31)

• Plugging in the receiver (page 39)



5 Switching the speaker impedance (page 40)

(Only if the impedance of the connected speakers is

6 Ω to 8 Ω)



6Power On



7 Changing the OSD display language (OSD

Language) (page 40)



8

Surround back speaker setting (page 91)



9 MCACC speaker settings

• Automatically setting up for surround sound (Auto

MCACC) (page 41)



10 The Input Setup menu (page 43)

(When using connections other than the

recommended connections)



11 Switching the HDMI output (page 71)

(VSX-23TXH model only)



12 Basic playback (page 45)



13 Adjusting the sound and picture quality as desired

• Using the various listening modes

• Using surround back channel processing (page 59)

•Better sound using Phase Control (page 61)

•Measure the all EQ type (SYMMETRY/ALL CH ADJ/

FRONT ALIGN) (page 78)

• Change the channel level while listening (Tip on

page 92)

• Switches on/off the Acoustic Calibration EQ, Sound

retriever or Dialog Enhancement (page 66)

• Setting the PQLS function (page 65)

• Setting the Audio options (Tone, Loudness or

Sound delay, etc.) (page 66)

• Setting the Video options (page 68)



14 Other optional adjustments and settings

•KURO LINK Setup (page 64)

• The Advanced MCACC menu (page 77)

• The system and the other setup (page 90)



15 Making maximum use of the remote control

•Operating multiple receivers (page 73)

• Setting the remote to control other components

(page 73)

Before you start

01

8

En

Chapter 1:

Before you start

Features

• Advanced Direct Energy design

This receiver offers a new advancement in discrete

design unique to Pioneer for high-power drivability, low

distortion and stable imaging. Through a circuit design

that minimizes the energy loss of the amplifier for each of

the channels, this receiver generates equal amplifier

power to all channels, eliminating the possibility of one

channel dominating a particular sound field.

• Easy setup using Advanced MCACC

The Auto MCACC Setup provides a quick but accurate

surround sound setup, which includes the advanced

features of Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ. This

innovative technology measures the reverb

characteristics of your listening area, allowing you to

customize your system calibration with the help of a

graphical output that can be displayed on-screen or

using computer. With the additional benefits of

numerous MCACC preset memories, standing wave

control and microphone measurements from a series of

reference points, your home theater experience can be

truly customized for optimal surroun

d sound.

• THX Select2 Plus certified design

This receiver bears the THX Select2 Plus logo, which

means it has passed a rigorous series of quality and

performance tests covering every aspect of the product.

This includes testing of pre-amplifier and power amplifier

performance and operation, and hundreds of other

parameters in both the digital and analog domain,

making your home theater experience as faithful as

possible to what the director intended.

• Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, including Dolby

Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS 96/24, DTS-ES, Dolby

Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-EXPRESS and DTS-HD

Master Audio

Dolby Digital and DTS decoding brings theater sound

right into your home with up to six channels of surround

sound, including a special LFE (Low Frequency Effects)

channel for deep, realistic sound effects.

The built-in Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo:6 decoders

not only provide full surround sound decoding for Dolby

Surround sources, but will also gener ate convincing

surround sound for any stereo source.

Also, with the addition of a surround back speaker, you

can take advantage of the built-in Dolby Digital EX and

DTS-ES decoders for six-channel surround sound.

Furthermore, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD,

which are designed for the next-generation high-

definition media such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD,

support up to 7.1 channels and 8 channels respectively.

DTS-EXPRESS is a low-bitrate encoding technology

supporti

ng up to

5.1 channels, with fixed data transfer

rates ranging from 24 kbps to 256 kbps (this encoding is

available only when signals are delivered to this receiver

as primary audio).

DTS-HD Master Audio delivers audio signals to listeners

without any loss of data with its high transfer rates.

• Phase Control

The Phase Control technology incorporated into this

receiver’s design provides coherent sound reproduction

through the use of phase matching for an optimal sound

image at your listening position.

• Sound Retriever

The Sound Retriever feature employs DSP technology to

restore sound pressure and smooth jagged artifacts left

over after compression. This helps bring CD quality

sound back to WMA and MP3 audio files and achieves a

richer sense of presence when playing Dolby Digital, DTS

or WMA 9 Pro audio formats recorded in multiple

channels on DVDs and other discs.

• Front Stage Surround Advance

With the Front Stage Surround Advance feature, you can

enjoy seamless, natural surround sound effects using

only the front speakers, without deteriorating the quality

of the original sound.

• Auto Level Control

When the source is played in Auto level control mode

(ALC), this receiver automatically equalizes the playback

sound level according to the variation in recording levels.

• HDMI and digital video conversion

This receiver is compatible with the HDMI digital video

format, providing you with high-definition digital video/

audio via a single cable.

High-quality sound formats such as DTS-HD and Dolby

TrueHD are supported while this receiver is also

compatible with the Deep Color feature. You can operate

this receiver in synchronization with your Pioneer

component that supports the KURO LINK function by

connecting your component to this receiver via HDMI.

Also, the built-in digital video converter of this receiver

makes both de-interlacing and up-scaling possible, and

analog video signals being input are converted and

output as digital video signals at the HDMI terminal.

Before you start

01

9

En

• XM and SIRIUS Ready

With the XM and SIRIUS Radio terminals, you’ll be up

and running in no time. This receiver’s enhanced

compatibility makes XM HD Surround playback as well

as on-screen control of your XM and SIRIUS Radio an

added possibility.

• iPod/iPhone and USB Ready

This receiver has the terminals for connecting an iPod/

iPhone unit and a USB mass storage device.

The iPod terminal is ready for handling digital audio and

video, and this receiver’s enhanced compatibility makes

on-screen control of your iPod an added possibility.

The USB terminal allows you to listen to two-channel

audio from a USB mass storage device connected to this

receiver.

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 size IEC R6 dry cell batteries (to confirm system

operation) x2

•AM loop antenna

•FM wire antenna

•iPod cable

•Power cord

•Warranty card

•These operating instructions

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)

• Do not touch this receiver’s bottom panel while the

power is turned on. The bottom panel gets hot when

the power is on, and touching it could cause burns.

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.

• WARNING

Do not use or store batteries in dire

ct sunlight or

other e

xcessively hot place, such as inside a car or

near a heater. This can cause batteries to leak,

overheat, explode or catch fire. It can also reduce the

life or performance of batteries.

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.)

30°

30°

Controls and displays

02

10

En

Chapter 2:

Controls and displays

Remote control

The remote has been conveniently color-coded according

to component control using the following system:

• White – Receiver control, TV Control

• Blue – Other controls

1

 RECEIVER

This switches between standby and on for this receiver.

2 Input function buttons

Press to select control of other components (see

Controlling the rest of your system on page 73).

3 Number buttons and other receiver/component

controls

Use the number buttons to directly select a radio

frequency (page 51) or the tracks on a CD, DVD, etc.

ENTER can be used to enter commands for TV or DTV.

Press first to access:

INPUT SELECT – Use to select the input function

(page 45).

VSX-23TXH only: HDMI OUT – Switch the HDMI

output terminal (page 71).

SIGNAL SEL – Use to select an input signal (page 61).

MCACC – Press to switch between MCACC presets

(page 61).

SLEEP – Use to put the receiver in sleep mode and

select the amount of time before sleep (page 71).

SBch

– Use to select the surround back/virtual surround

back channel mode

(page 59)

.

A.ATT – Attenuates (lowers) the level of an analog

input signal to prevent distortion (page 70).

DIMMER – Dims or brightens the display (page 71).

CH LEVEL – Press repeatedly to select a channel,

then use / to adjust the level (page 92).

Press TUNER first to access:

D.ACCESS – After pressing, you can access a radio

station directly using the number buttons (page 51).

CLASS – Switches between the seven banks (classes)

of radio station presets (page 51).

4

TV CONTROL

buttons

These buttons are dedicated to control the TV assigned to

TV operation selector switch. Thus if you only have one TV

to hook up to this system assign it to the TV operation

selector switch (see page 74 for more on this).

 – Use to turn on/off the power of the TV.

INPUT – Use to select the TV input signal.

CH +/– – Use to select channels.

VOL +/– – Use to adjust the volume on your TV.

DVD BD DVR HDMI

TV CD CD-R

TUNER

INPUT

SELECT

VIDEO

iPod USB SIRIUSXM

INPUT

T.EDIT

GUIDE

TOP MENU

BAND

MUTE

RETURNCATEGORY

iPod CTRL

HOME

MENU

LIST

TOOLS

AUDIO

PARAMETER

VOL

AUTO/ALC/

DIRECT

PHASE CTRLTHX STATUS

REMOTE

SETUP

ZONE 2

MAIN

ZONE 3

HDD DVD

STANDARD

STEREO

MENU

ADV SURR

CH

TV CONTROL

123

SLEEP

HDMI OUT

MCACCSIGNAL SEL

456

DIMMERA.ATTSBch

789

CLASS

MASTER

VOLUME

CH LEVELD.ACCESS

0

ENTER

RECEIVER

SOURCE

ENTER

ANT

AUDIO

INFO

DISP

MPX PQLS

MEMORY

CH

RECEIVER

TUNE

PRESET PRESET

TUNE

VIDEO

PARAMETER

RECEIVER

TV CTRL

1

2

3

7

8

9

11

10

4

5

6

13

12

14

15

16

17

RECEIVER

Controls and displays

02

11

En

5 Tuner/component control buttons/

HOME MENU

These button controls can be accessed after you have

selected the corresponding input function button (DVD,

DVR, TV, etc.). The BAND and T.EDIT tuner controls are

explained on page 51.

Press first to access:

AUDIO PARAMETER – Use to access the Audio

options (page 66).

VIDEO PARAMETER – Use to access the Video

options (page 68).

HOME MENU – Use to access the Home Menu

(pages 40, 43, 64, 77, 90 and 94).

RETURN – Press to confirm and exit the current

menu screen (also use to return to the previous menu

with DVDs or to select closed captioning with DTV).

6

///

(

TUNE

/

PRESET

) /

ENTER

Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround

sound system (see page 77) and the Audio or Video

options (page 66 or 68). Also used to control DVD menus/

options and for deck 1 of a double cassette deck player.

Use TUNE/ to find radio frequencies and use PRESET

/ to find preset stations (page 51).

7 Component/Receiver control buttons

The main buttons (, , etc.) are used to control a

component after you have selected it using the input

function buttons.

The controls above these buttons can be accessed after

you have selected the corresponding input function

button (for example DVD, DVR o r TV). These buttons also

function as described below.

Press TUNER first to access:

MPX

– Switches between stereo and mono reception

of FM broadcasts. If the signal is weak, then switching

to mono will improve the sound quality

(page 51)

.

Press first to access:

AUTO/ALC/DIRECT –

Switches between Auto

Surround

(page 56)

, Auto level control mode and

Stream Direct mode

(page 59).

STEREO – Switches between stereo playback and

Front Stage Surround Advance modes (page 58).

STANDARD – Press for Standard decoding and to

switch between the various 2 Pro Logic IIx and

Neo:6 options (page 56).

ADV SURR – Use to switch between the various

surround modes (page 58).

THX – Press to select a Home THX listening mode

(page 57).

PHASE CTRL – Press to switch on/off Phase Control

(page 61).

STATUS – Press to check selected receiver settings

(page 71).

PQLS – Press to select PQLS setting (page 65).

8

AUDIO – Changes the audio or channel on DVD or

BD discs.

DISP – Switches between named station presets and

radio frequencies.

CH +/– – Use to select channels for DVD/DVR units.

9

REMOTE SETUP

Use to input the preset code when making remote

control settings and to set the remote control mode

(page 73).

10

TV CTRL

Use this button to set preset code of your TV’s

manufacturer when controlling TV (see Selecting preset

codes directly on page 73 for more on this).

11

MULTI-ZONE

operation selector switch

Switch to perform operations in the main zone, ZONE 2

and ZONE 3 (VSX-23TXH only) (page 70).

12 Remote control LED

Lights when a command is sent from the remote control

(page 73).

13

 SOURCE

Press to turn on/off other components connected to the

receiver (see page 73 for more on this).

14

MASTER VOLUME +/–

Use to set the listening volume.

15

MUTE

Mutes the sound or restores the sound if it has been

muted (adjusting the volume also restores the sound).

16

Switches the remote to control the receiver (used to

select the white commands above the number buttons

(A.ATT, etc.)). Also use this button to set up surround

sound.

17

Press to turn on/off the illumination of some of the

buttons.

RECEIVER

RECEIVER

RECEIVER

Controls and displays

02

12

En

Front panel

1

INPUT SELECTOR

dial

Use to select an input function.

2

 STANDBY/ON

Switches the receiver between on and standby. Power

indicator lights when the receiver is on.

When the KURO LINK function is set to ON, the power

indicator lights when the power is in standby.

3 Tuner controls

BAND – Switches between AM and FM radio bands

(page 51).

TUNE +/– – Use to find radio frequencies (page 51).

PRESET +/– – Use to find preset stations (page 51).

TUNER EDIT –

Use with

TUNE +/–

,

PRESET +/–

and

ENTER

to memorize and name stations for recall

(page 51)

.

4

PHASE CONTROL

indicator

–

Lights to indicate

Phase Control is selected

(page 61)

.

ADVANCED MCACC indicator

–

Lights when

EQ

is

set to

ON

in the

AUDIO PARAMETER

menu

(page 66)

.

VSX-23TXH only: PQLS indicator – Lights when the

PQLS feature is active (page 65).

HDMI

indicator

– Blinks when connecting an HDMI-

equipped component; lights when the component is

connected

(page 24)

.

5 Character display

See Display on page 13.

6

ENTER

7 Remote sensor

Receives the signals from the remote control (see

Operating range of remote control unit on page 9).

8

MASTER VOLUME

dial

9

PHONES

jack

Use to connect headphones. When the headphones are

connected, there is no sound output from the speakers.

10 Listening mode buttons

AUTO SURR/ALC/STREAM DIRECT –

Switches

between Auto Surround

(page 56)

, Auto level control

mode and Stream Direct mode

(page 59)

.

STEREO – Switches between stereo playback and

Front Stage Surround Advance modes (page 58).

ADVANCED SURROUND – Use to switch between

the various surround modes (page 58).

STANDARD SURROUND – Press for Standard

decoding and to switch between the various 2 Pro

Logic IIx and Neo:6 options (page 56).

HOME THX – Press to select a Home THX listening

mode (page 57).

11

SPEAKERS

Use to change the speaker system (page 69).

MASTER

VOLUME

INPUT

SELECTOR

STANDBY/ON

VSX-23TXH

PHONES

BAND TUNE TUNE

PHASE

CONTROL

AUTO SURR

/ALC/

STREAM DIRECT

ADVANCED

SURROUND

STANDARD

SURROUND

MCACC SETUP MIC

STEREO

SPEAKERSHOME THX

USB

CONTROL

MULTI-ZONE

ON

/

OFF

ADVANCED

MCACC

HDMIPQLS PRESET PRESET TUNER EDIT

ENTER

iPod

iPhone

VIDEO

CAMERA

HDMI 4

MCACC

SETUP

MIC

USB VIDEO L RAUDIO

iPod

iPhone

VIDEO 2

INPUT

12 345

910 141211 13

15

786

16 1314

VSX-23TXH

VSX-21TXH

Controls and displays

02

13

En

12

MULTI-ZONE

controls

If you’ve made MULTI-ZONE connections (see MULTI-

ZONE setup on page 33) use these controls to control the

sub zone from the main zone (see Using the MULTI-ZONE

controls on page 69).

13

MCACC SETUP MIC

jack

Use to connect the supplied microphone (page 41).

14

iPod/iPhone/USB

terminals

Use to connect your Apple iPod as an audio and video

source, or connect a USB device for audio and photo

playback (page 38).

15

VSX-23TXH only:

HDMI 4 input connector

Use for connection to compatible HDMI device (Video

camera, etc.). See Connecting an HDMI-equipped

component to the front panel input on page 37.

16

VSX-21TXH only: VIDEO 2 INPUT

terminals

Use to connect your portable equipment such as

camcorders, video games and portable audio/video

equipment. See Connecting a component to the front

panel inputs on page 38.

Display

1

SIGNAL

indicators

Light to indicate the currently selected input signal.

AUTO lights when the receiver is set to select the input

signal automatically (page 61).

2 Program format indicators

Light to indicate the channels being input when PCM

signals are being input. They do not indicate the audio

signals being output from the receiver.

L/R – Left front/Right front channel

C – Center channel

SL/SR – Left surround/Right surround channel

LFE – Low frequency effects channel (the (( )) indicators light

when an LFE signal is being input)

XL/XR – Two channels other than the ones above

XC – Either one channel other than the ones above, the mono

surround channel or matrix encode flag

3 Digital format indicators

Light when a signal encoded in the corresponding format

is detected.

4

S.RTRV

Lights when the Sound Retriever function is

active

(page 66)

.

5

MULTI-ZONE

Lights when the MULTI-ZONE feature is active (page 69).

6

DSD PCM

–

Light during DSD (Direct Stream Digital) to

PCM conversion with SACDs.

PCM – Lights during playback of PCM signals.

7

SOUND

Lights when any of the Midnight, Loudness or tone

controls feature is selected (page 66).

Lights when Dialog Enhancement is switched on.

8

UP MIX

Lights when the Up Mix is switched on (page 60).

9 Listening mode indicators

AUTO SURROUND – Lights when the Auto Surround

feature is switched on (page 56).

ALC – Lights when the ALC (Auto level control) mode

is selected (page 59).

STREAM DIRECT – Lights when Direct/Pure Direct is

selected (page 59).

ADV.SURROUND – Lights when one of the

Advanced Surround modes has been selected

(page 58).

STEREO – Lights when stereo listening is switched

on (page 58).

STANDARD – Lights when one of the Standard

Surround modes is switched on (page 56).

THX – Lights when one of the Home THX modes is

selected (page 57).

10 (

PHASE CONTROL

)

Lights when the Phase Control is switched on (page 61).

PCM

HDMI

DIGITAL

ANALOG

LCR

SL SR

XL XR

XC

LFE

AUTO

DIGITAL PLUS

AUTO SURROUND

STREAM DIRECT

PROLOGIC

x

Neo:6

THX ADV.SURROUND

STEREO STANDARD

SP

AB

SLEEP

DSD PCM

DTS HD ES 96/24

MSTR

S.RTRV SOUND UP MIX

OVER

MONO

dB

2

MULTI-ZONE

STEREO

TrueHD WMA9Pro

TUNED

PQLS

ALC

AT T

2

2

USB XM

VIDEO

TV

DVD

HDMI

DVR

BD

CD

TUNER SIRIUS

CD-R

iPod

[ 2 ]

[ 3 ]

[ 4 ]

21 3 118 9765 1210 13 14 15

21 2217 18 19 20

16

9

4

Controls and displays

02

14

En

11 Analog signal indicators

Light to indicate reducing the level of an analog signal

(page 70).

12 Tuner indicators

TUNED – Lights when a broadcast is being received.

STEREO –

Lights when a stereo FM broadcast is being

received in auto stereo mode.

MONO – Lights when the mono mode is set using

MPX.

13

Lights when the sound is muted (page 11).

14 Master volume level

Shows the overall volume level.

“---” indicates the minimum level, and “+12dB” indicates

the maximum level.

15 Input function indicators

Light to indicate the input function you have selected.

16 Scroll indicators

Light when there are more selectable items when making

the various settings.

17 Speaker indicators

Lights to indicate the current speaker system, A and/or B

(page 69).

18

SLEEP

Lights when the receiver is in sleep mode (page 71).

19 Matrix decoding format indicators

2PRO LOGIC IIx – This lights to indicate 2 Pro

Logic II / 2 Pro Logic IIx decoding (page 56).

Neo:6 –

When one of the Neo:6 modes of the receiver

is on, this lights to indicate Neo:6 processing

(page 56)

.

20

MSTR

Lights during playback of DTS-HD Master Audio signal.

21 Character display

Displays various system information.

22 Remote control mode indicator

Lights to indicate the receiver’s remote control mode

setting. (Not displayed when set to 1.) (page 73)

Connecting your equipment

03

15

En

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.

Important

•Illustration shows the VSX-23TXH, however connections for the VSX-21TXH are the same except where noted.

Rear panel

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.

• To avoid hum, do not lay connected cables over the

top of the receiver.

RS-232C

COMPONENT

VIDEO

HDMI

ZONE2

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

IN

Y

L

R

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

OUT

DVD

IN

TV/SAT

IN

VIDEO DVR

IN

CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PRE OUT

ANTENNA

SIRIUS

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

AUDIO

FM UNMAL

75 ޓޓ

AM LOOP

AC IN

COAXIAL

INOUT

ZONE3

OUT

P

B

P

R

1

INBD IN

1

IN

2

IN OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

)(

CD

)(

TV/SAT

)(

DVR

)(

VIDEO

)

(

Single

)

(

Single

)

3

IN

1

IN

1

A

B

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

R

L

SURROUND BACK /

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

L

R

SURROUND SURROUND

BACK

3

IN

2

1 3

(

DVD

)

IN

2

(

DVR

)

CONTROL IR

12 V TRIGGER

IN IN IN

OUT

OUT

12

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOT AL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

RS-232C

COMPONENT

VIDEO

HDMI

ZONE2

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

IN

Y

L

R

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

OUT

DVD

IN

TV/SAT

IN

VIDEO DVR

IN

CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PRE OUT

ANTENNA

SIRIUS

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

AUDIO

FM UNMAL

75 ޓޓ

AM LOOP

AC IN

COAXIAL

INOUT

P

B

P

R

1

INBD IN

1

IN

2

IN OUT

(

DVD

)(

CD

)(

TV/SAT

)(

DVR

)(

VIDEO

)

(

Single

)

(

Single

)

3

IN

1

IN

1

A

B

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

R

L

SURROUND BACK /

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

L

R

SURROUND SURROUND

BACK

3

IN

2

1 3

(

DVD

)

IN

2

(

DVR

)

CONTROL IR

12 V TRIGGER

IN IN

OUT

OUT

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOT AL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

7 9 10 11 12

13

19

2 3

4

5

1

6

8

16 17

18

14

15

7 9 10 11 12

13

19

2 3

4

5

1

6

8

16 17

18

14

15

VSX-23TXH

VSX-21TXH

Connecting your equipment

03

16

En

1 HDMI connectors (x6 (VSX-23TXH)/x5 (VSX-21TXH))

Multiple inputs and one (VSX-21TXH)/two (VSX-23TXH)

output(s) for high-quality audio/video connection to

compatible HDMI devices.

 See Connecting your TV and playback components on

page 24.

VSX-23TXH only: See Switching the HDMI output on

page 71.

2 Coaxial digital audio inputs (x2)

Use for digital audio sources, including DVD players/

recorders, digital satellite receivers, CD players, etc.

 See also The Input Setup menu on page 43 to assign

the inputs.

3 Optical digital audio output/input(s) (x4)

Use the OUT jack for recording to a CD or MiniDisc

recorder.

 See Connecting other audio components on page 29.

Use the IN jacks for digital audio sources, including DVD

players/recorders, digital satellite receivers, CD players,

etc.

 See also The Input Setup menu on page 43 to assign

the inputs.

4 XM Radio input

 See Connecting an XM Radio tuner on page 32.

5 SIRIUS Radio input

 See Connecting a SiriusConnect™ tuner on page 32.

6 Component video connectors (x3)

Use the inputs to connect any video source that has

component video output, such as a DVD player.

 See Connecting your DVD player with no HDMI output

on page 25.

Use the output to connect monitor or TV.



See

Connecting your TV with no HDMI input on

page 26.

7 ZONE 2 and ZONE 3 (VSX-23TXH only) output(s)

Use to connect a second or third (VSX-23TXH only)

amplifier and monitors or TVs in a separate room.

 See MULTI-ZONE setup on page 33.

8 Composite and S-Video monitor outputs

Use to connect monitors and TVs.



See

Connecting your TV with no HDMI input on

page 26.

9 Audio/video source inputs/(outputs) (x5)

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 and stereo analog audio.

 See Connecting an HDD/DVD recorder, VCR and other

video sources on page 28.

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

Use for connection to audio sources such as CD players,

tape decks, turntables, etc.

 See Connecting other audio components on page 29.

11 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 29.

12 Multichannel pre-amplifier outputs

Use to connect separate amplifiers for front, center,

surround, surround back and subwoofer channels.

 See Connecting additional amplifiers on page 30 (see

also Installing your speaker system on page 20 for

powered subwoofer connection).

13 AM and FM antenna terminals

Use to connect indoor or outdoor antennas for radio

broadcasts.

 See Connecting AM/FM antennas on page 31.

14 RS-232C connector

Use for connection to a PC for graphical output when

using Advanced MCACC.

 See Connecting a PC for Advanced MCACC output on

page 36.

15 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 35.

16 Remote input(s)/output (x3 (VSX-23TXH)/x2 (VSX-

21TXH))

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 35.

17 12 V trigger jacks

(total 50 mA max.)

(x2)

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 36.

18 Speaker terminals

Use for connection to the main front, center, surround

and surround back speakers.

 See Connecting the speakers on page 19.

19 AC power inlet

Connect the supplied power cord here.

 See Plugging in the receiver on page 39.

Connecting your equipment

03

17

En

Determining the speakers’ application

Surround sound with a strong sense of presence can be

enjoyed by connecting 7 speakers and 1 subwoofer. It is

also possible to achieve high sound quality using bi-amp

connections and to enjoy music in other rooms using the

MULTI-ZONE feature. High sound quality can be

achieved with a minimum of two speakers.

•Be sure to connect speakers to the front left and right

channels ( and ).

•The Surr Back System setting must be made if you

use any of the connections shown below other than

[1] (see Selecting the Surr Back system on page 22).

[1] 7.1ch surround connection

(Simple connection & Best surround)

*Default setting

These connections prioritize surround sound with a

speaker layout like that in a movie theater.

• Surr Back System setting: Normal (default)

• If you have six speakers, either only connect one

surround back speaker (6.1 ch surround), or connect

for the 7.1-channel setting as shown on the diagram

below but without the center speaker.

[2] 5.1ch surround & Front Bi-amping connection

(High quality surround)

Bi-amping connection of the front speakers for high

sound quality with 5.1-channel surround sound.

• Surr Back System setting: Front Bi-Amp

*Bi-amp compatible speaker

[3] 5.1ch surround & ZONE 2 connection

(Multi Zone)

With these connections you can simultaneously enjoy

5.1-channel surround sound in the main zone with stereo

playback on another component in ZONE 2. (The

selection of input devices is limited.)

• Surr Back System setting: ZONE 2

[4]

5.1ch surround & Speaker B connection

With these connections you can simultaneously enjoy

5.1-channel surround sound in the main zone with stereo

playback of the same sound on the B speakers.

• Surr Back System setting: Speaker B

Other speaker connection

•Your favorite speaker connections can be selected

even if you have fewer than 5.1 speakers.

• When not connecting a subwoofer, connect speakers

with low frequency reproduction capabilities to the

front channel. (The subwoofer’s low frequency

component is played from the front speakers, so the

speakers could be damaged.)

•

After connecting, be sure to conduct the Auto

MCACC (speaker environment setting) procedure.

See Automatically setting up for surround sound

(Auto MCACC) on page 41.

L

R

SW

C

LR

SL

SBL SBR

SR

Subwoofer

Center

Front

right

Front

left

Surround

left

Surround

right

Surround

back left

Surround

back right

SW

C

LR

SL

SR

Subwoofer

Center

Front

right*

Front

left*

Surround

left

Surround

right

SW

C

LR

SL

SR

L

ZONE 2

R

Subwoofer

Center

Front

right

Front

left

Right

Left

Surround

left

Surround

right

SW

C

LR

SL

SR

Subwoofer

Center

Front

right

Front

left

Speaker B

Surround

left

Surround

right

Connecting your equipment

03

18

En

Placing the speakers

To achieve the best possible surround sound, install your

speakers as shown below.

5.1 channel surround system:

6.1 channel surround system:

7.1 channel surround system:

THX speaker system setup

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.

See also THX Audio Setting on page 93 to make the

settings that will give you the best sound experience

when using the Home THX modes (page 57).

Some tips for improving sound quality

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.

•If you’re using a center speaker, place the front

speakers at a wider angle. If not, place them at a

narrower an

gl

e.

• 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 (2 ft. to 3 ft.) higher than

your ears and tilted slight downward. Make sure the

speakers don’t face each other. For DVD-Audio, the

speakers should be more directly behind

the listen

er

than for home theater playback.

•If the surround speakers cannot be set directly to the

side of the listening position with a 7.1-channel

system, the surround effect can be enhanced by

turning off the Up Mix function (see Setting the Up

Mix function on page 60).

•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.

Center

Front left

Front right

Surround

left

Surround

right

Subwoofer

120°

120°

Center

Front left

Front right

Surround

left

Surround

right

Subwoofer

120°

120°

Surround Back

Center

Front left

Front right

Surround

left

Surround

right

Subwoofer

90°

90°

Surround back

left

Surround back

right

60°

Connecting your equipment

03

19

En

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.

CAUTION

•These speaker terminals carry HAZARDOUS LIVE

voltage. To prevent the risk of electric shock when

connecting or disconnecting the speaker cables,

disconnect the power cord before touching any

uninsulated parts.

•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 c

ut off as a safety measure.

Bare wire connections

1 Twist exposed wire strands together.

(fig. A)

2 Loosen terminal and insert exposed wire.

(fig. B)

3 Tighten terminal.

(fig. C)

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.

• Use an RCA cable to connect the subwoofer. It is not

possible to connect using speaker cables.

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

extern

al shocks such as earth

quakes.

fig. A fig. B fig. C

10 mm (

3

/

8

in.)

Connecting your equipment

03

20

En

Installing your speaker system

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).

Standard 5.1/6.1/7.1-channel surround connections

RS-232C

COMPONENT

VIDEO

HDMI

ZONE2

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

IN

Y

L

R

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

OUT

DVD

IN

TV/SAT

IN

VIDEO DVR

IN

CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PRE OUT

ANTENNA

SIRIUS

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

AUDIO

FM UNMAL

75 ޓޓ

AM LOOP

AC IN

COAXIAL

INOUT

ZONE3

OUT

P

B

P

R

1

INBD IN

1

IN

2

IN OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

)(

CD

)(

TV/SAT

)(

DVR

)(

VIDEO

)

(

Single

)

(

Single

)

3

IN

1

IN

1

A

B

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

R

L

SURROUND BACK /

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

L

R

SURROUND SURROUND

BACK

3

IN

2

1 3

(

DVD

)

IN

2

(

DVR

)

CONTROL IR

12 V TRIGGER

IN IN IN

OUT OUT

12

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

LINE LEVEL

INPUT

Front left

Subwoofer

Center

Surround right

Surround back right

Surround back left

Front right

Surround left

The surround back terminals can also be

used for the Speaker B and ZONE 2.

7.1 ch surround setting

No connectSurround back

Speaker B setting

Speaker B - Left

Speaker B - Right

ZONE 2 setting

ZONE 2 - Left

ZONE 2 - Right

6.1 ch surround setting

VSX-23TXH

Connecting your equipment

03

21

En

Bi-amping your speakers

Bi-amping is when you connect the high frequency driver

and low frequency driver of your speakers to different

amplifiers for better crossover performance. Your

speakers must be bi-ampable to do this (having separate

terminals for high and low) and the sound improvement

will depend on the kind of speakers you’re using.

CAUTION

•Most speakers with both High and Low terminals

have two metal plates that connect the High to the

Low terminals. These must be removed when you are

bi-amping the speakers or yo

u c

ould severely

damage the amplifier. See your speaker manual for

more information.

•If your speakers have a removable crossover network,

make sure you do not remove it for bi-amping. Doing

so may damage your speakers.

Bi-wiring your speakers

Your speakers can also be bi-wired if they support bi-

amping.

• With these connections, the Surr Back System

setting makes no difference.

• To bi-wire a speaker, connect two speaker cords to

the speaker terminal on the receiver.

Using a banana plug for the second connection is

recommended.

CAUTION

• Don’t connect different speakers from the same

terminal in this way.

•When bi-wiring as well, heed the cautions for bi-

amping shown at the left.

RS-232C

COMPONENT

VIDEO

HDMI

ZONE2

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

IN

Y

L

R

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

OUT

DVD

IN

TV/SAT

IN

VIDEO DVR

IN

CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN

PRE OU

T

PRE OUT

ANTENNA

SIRIUS

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

AUDIO

FM UNMAL

75 ޓޓ

AM LOOP

AC IN

COAXIAL

INOUT

ZONE3

OUT

P

B

P

R

1

INBD IN

1

IN

2

IN OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

)(

CD

)(

TV/SAT

)(

DVR

)(

VIDEO

)

(

Single

)

(

Single

)

3

IN

1

IN

1

A

B

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

R

L

SURROUND BACK /

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

L

R

SURROUND SURROUND

BACK

3

IN

2

1 3

(

DVD

)

IN

2

(

DVR

)

CONTROL IR

12 V TRIGGER

IN IN IN

OUT OUT

12

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

High

Low

High

Low

Front left

Subwoofer

Center

Surround right

Front right

Surround left

Bi-amp compatible

speaker

Bi-amp compatible

speaker

VSX-23TXH

Connecting your equipment

03

22

En

Selecting the Surr Back system

The surround back terminals can be used for bi-amping,

Speaker B a nd ZONE 2 conne ctions, in a ddition to for the

surround back speakers. Make this setting according to

the application.

ZONE 2 setup

With these connections you can simultaneously enjoy

5.1-channel surround sound in the main zone with stereo

playback on another component in ZONE 2.

1 Connect a pair of speakers to the surround back

speaker terminals.

See Standard 5.1/6.1/7.1-channel surround connections

on page 20.

2 Select ‘

ZONE 2

’ from the

Surr Back System

menu.

See Surround back speaker setting on page 91 to do this.

Speaker B setup

You can listen to stereo playback in another room.

1 Connect a pair of speakers to the surround back

speaker terminals.

See Standard 5.1/6.1/7.1-channel surround connections

on page 20.

2 Select ‘

Speaker B

’ from the

Surr Back System

menu.

See Surround back speaker setting on page 91 to do this.

Bi-Amping setup

Bi-amping connection of the front speakers for high

sound quality with 5.1-channel surround sound.

1 Connect Bi-amp compatible speakers to the front

and surround back speaker terminals.

See Bi-amping your speakers on page 21.

2 Select ‘

Front Bi-Amp

’ from the

Surr Back System

menu.

See Surround back speaker setting on page 91 to do this.

About the

audio connection

There are several types of audio input and output

terminals on this receiver. The receiver selects the first

available signal in the following order when you choose

AUTO as the input signal:

• With an HDMI cable, video and audio signals can be

transferred in high quality over a single cable.

CAUTION

• 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.

Types of cables and

terminals

Transferable audio

signals

Sound signal priority 

HDMI HD audio

Digital (Coaxial) Conventional digital audio

Digital (Optical)

RCA (Analog)

(White/Red)

Conventional analog audio

Connecting your equipment

03

23

En

About the video converter

The video converter ensures that all video sources are output through all of the MONITOR OUT jacks. The only

exception is HDMI: since this resolution cannot be downsampled, you must connect your monitor/TV to the receiver’s

HDMI video outputs when connecting this video source.

1

If several video components are assigned to the same input function (see The Input Setup menu on page 43), 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 68) OFF.

Note

1 • If the video signal does not appear on your TV or flat panel TV, 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 68) OFF.

• The signal input resolutions that can be converted from the component video input for the HDMI output are 480i/576i, 480p/576p, 720p and

1080i. 1080p signal cannot be converted.

• Only signals with an input resolution of 480i/576i can be converted from the component video input for the composite and S-Video MONITOR

OUT.

HDMI IN

VIDEO IN

VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

COMPONENT

VIDEO IN

S-VIDEO IN S-VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

HDMI OUT

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

COMPONENT VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

High picture quality

Terminal for

connection with

source device

Terminal for

connection with TV

monitor

Video signals can be output

This receiver

Source device

TV monitor

Types of cables

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.

Connecting your equipment

03

24

En

Connecting your TV and playback components

Connecting using HDMI

If you have an HDMI or DVI (with HDCP) equipped component (Blu-ray disc player, etc.), you can connect it to this

receiver using a commercially available HDMI cable.

If the TV and playback components support the Pioneer KURO LINK feature, the convenient KURO LINK functions can

be used (see KURO LINK on page 63).

• When connecting a Blu-ray disc player, connect the

player to the receiver’s BD IN terminal.

• VSX-23TXH only: When connecting to an HDMI/DVI-

compatible monitor o r a flat panel TV using the HDMI

OUT 2 terminal, switch the HDMI output setting to

HDMI OUT 2 or HDMI OUT ALL. See Switching the

HDMI output on page 71.

•The HDMI indicator lights on the front panel when an

HDMI-equipped component is connected.

•For input co

mpon

ents, connections other than HDMI

connections are also possible (see Connecting your

DVD player with no HDMI output on page 25).

•If your Blu-ray disc player offers multi-channel analog

audio outputs, see Connecting the multichannel

analog inputs on page 29.

• The sound of the TV cannot be heard over the receiver

if the TV is connected using an HDMI cable.

If you want to listen to the sound of the TV over the

receiver, connect the receiver and TV with audio

cables. When making digital connections with a

coaxial cable at this time, the digital input setting

must be made (see The Input Setup menu on

page 43).

RS-232C

COMPONENT

VIDEO

HDMI

ZONE2

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

IN

Y

L

R

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

OUT

DVD

IN

TV/SAT

IN

VIDEO DVR

IN

CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PRE

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

INOUT

ZONE3

OUT

P

B

P

R

1

INBD IN

1

IN

2

IN OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

) (

CD

) (

TV/SAT

) (

DVR

)(

VIDEO

)

3

IN

1

IN

1

A

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

S

3

IN

2

1 3

(

DVD

)

IN

2

(

DVR

)

CONTROL IR

12 V TRIGGER

IN IN IN

OUT OUT

12

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

DIGITAL OUT

COAXIAL OPTICAL

ANALOG

RL

AUDIO OUT

HDMI INHDMI OUTHDMI OUT

Other HDMI/DVI-

equipped component

HDMI/DVI-compatible

Blu-ray disc player

HDMI/DVI-compatible monitor

or flat panel TV

Select one

This connection is

required in order to

listen to the sound of

the TV over the receiver.

VSX-23TXH

Connecting your equipment

03

25

En

Connecting your DVD player with no HDMI output

This diagram shows connections of a TV (with HDMI input) and DVD player (or other playback component with no

HDMI output) to the receiver.

• If you want to listen to the sound of the TV over the

receiver, connect the receiver and TV with audio

cables.

•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.

•If your DVD player offers multi-channel analog audio

outputs, see Connecting the multichannel analog inputs

on page 29

.

RS-232C

COMPONENT

VIDEO

HDMI

ZONE2

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

IN

Y

L

R

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

OUT

DVD

IN

TV/SAT

IN

VIDEO DVR

IN

CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PRE

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

INOUT

ZONE3

OUT

P

B

P

R

1

INBD IN

1

IN

2

IN OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

) (

CD

)(

TV/SAT

) (

DVR

) (

VIDEO

)

3

IN

1

IN

1

A

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

S

3

IN

2

1 3

(

DVD

)

IN

2

(

DVR

)

CONTROL IR

12 V TRIGGER

IN IN IN

OUT OUT

12

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

HDMI IN

ANALOG

R

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO S-VIDEO

Y

P

B

PR

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

DIGITAL OUT

COAXIAL OPTICAL

L

DVD player, etc.

HDMI/DVI-compatible

monitor or flat panel TV

Select one

Select one

VSX-23TXH

Connecting your equipment

03

26

En

Connecting your TV with no HDMI input

This diagram shows connections of a TV (with no HDMI input) and DVD player (or other playback component) to the

receiver.

• With these connections, the picture is not output to the TV even if the DVD player i s co nne cte d with an HDMI cab le.

Connect the DVD player’s video signals using a composite,

S-Video or component cord.

• Connect using an HDMI cable to listen to HD audio

on the receiver. Do not use an HDMI cable to input

video signals.

Depending on the video component, it may not be

possible to output signals connected by HDMI and

other methods simultaneously, and it may be

necessary to make output settings.

Please refer to the

operating instructions

supplied with your component

for more information.

•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.

•If your DVD player has multichannel analog outputs,

you can connect these instead. See also Connecting

the multichannel analog inputs on page 29.

RS-232C

COMPONENT

VIDEO

HDMI

ZONE2

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

IN

Y

L

R

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

OUT

DVD

IN

TV/SAT

IN

VIDEO DVR

IN

CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PRE

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

INOUT

ZONE3

OUT

P

B

P

R

1

INBD IN

1

IN

2

IN OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

) (

CD

)(

TV/SAT

) (

DVR

) (

VIDEO

)

3

IN

1

IN

1

A

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

S

3

IN

2

1 3

(

DVD

)

IN

2

(

DVR

)

CONTROL IR

12 V TRIGGER

IN IN IN

OUT OUT

12

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

ANALOG

R

AUDIO OUT

VIDEO IN

VIDEOS-VIDEO

Y

P

B

PR

COMPONENT VIDEO IN

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO S-VIDEO

Y

P

B

PR

COMPONENT VIDEO OUT

DIGITAL OUT

COAXIAL OPTICAL

HDMI OUT

L

DVD player, etc.

TV

Select one

Select one

Select one

VSX-23TXH

Connecting your equipment

03

27

En

•The input functions below are assigned by default to

the receiver’s different input terminals. Refer to The

Input Setup menu on page 43 to change the

assignments if other connections are used.

For example, the BD terminal is fixed to BD input; no

other audio and video signals can be input to this

terminal.

About HDMI

1

The HDMI connection transfers uncompressed digital

vid eo, a s w ell a s a lmos t e very kind of digital audio that the

connected component is compatible with, including

DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby

TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio (see below for

limitations), Video CD/Super VCD and CD. See About the

video converter on page 23 for more on HDMI

compatibility.

This receiver incorporates High-Definition Multimedia

Interface (HDMI™) technology.

This receiver supports the functions described below

through HDMI connections.

•Digital transfer of uncompressed video (contents

protected by HDCP (1080p/24, 1080p/60, etc.))

•Deep Color signal transfer

2

• x.v.Color signal transfer

2

•Input of multi-channel linear PCM digital audio

signals (192 kHz or less) for up to 8 channels

•Input of the following digital audio formats:

– Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, High bitrate

audio (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio), DVD-

Audio, CD, SACD (DSD signal), Video CD, Super VCD

•Synchronized operation with components using the

KURO LINK function (see KURO LINK on page 63)

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia

Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI

Licensing, LLC.

“x.v.Color” and x.v.Color logo are trademarks of Sony

Corporation.

Input function

Input Terminals

Digital HDMI

Component

DVD COAX-1 IN 1

BD (BD)

TV/SAT OPT-1

DVR OPT-2 IN 2

VIDEO

a

/VIDEO 1

b

a. VSX-23TXH only

b. VSX-21TXH only

OPT-3

HDMI 1

(HDMI-1)

HDMI 2 (HDMI-2)

HDMI 3

(HDMI-3)

HDMI 4

a

(front panel)

(

HDMI-4)

CD COAX-2

Note

1 • An HDMI connection can only be made with DVI-equipped components compatible with both DVI and High Bandwidth Digital Content

Protection (HDCP). If you choose to connect to a DVI connector, you will need a separate adaptor (DVIHDMI) to do so. A DVI connection,

however, does not support audio signals. Consult your local audio dealer for more information.

• If you connect a component that is not compatible with HDCP, an HDCP ERROR message is displayed on the front panel display. Some

components that are compatible with HDCP still cause this message to be displayed, but so long as there is no problem with displaying video

this is not a malfunction.

• Depending on the component you have connected, using a DVI connection may result in unreliable signal transfers.

•

This receiver supports SACD,

Dolby Digital Plus

,

Dolby TrueHD

and

DTS-HD Master Audio

. To take advantage of these formats, however, make

sure that the component connected to this receiver also supports the corresponding format.

2 Signal transfer is only possible when connected to a compatible component.

Connecting your equipment

03

28

En

Connecting an HDD/DVD 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 HDD/DVD recorders and VCRs.

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 43).

RS-232C

COMPONENT

VIDEO

HDMI

ZONE2

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

IN

Y

L

R

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

OUT

DVD

IN

TV/SAT

IN

VIDEO DVR

IN

CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PRE

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

INOUT

ZONE3

OUT

P

B

P

R

1

INBD IN

1

IN

2

IN OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

) (

CD

)(

TV/SAT

) (

DVR

) (

VIDEO

)

3

IN

1

IN

1

A

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

FRONT

R

LR L

CENTER

SURROUND

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

S

3

IN

2

1 3

(

DVD

)

IN

2

(

DVR

)

CONTROL IR

12 V TRIGGER

IN IN IN

OUT OUT

12

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

DIGITAL OUT

COAXIAL OPTICAL

ANALOG

RL

ANALOG

RL

AUDIO OUTAUDIO IN

VIDEO OUT

VIDEO S-VIDEO

VIDEO IN

VIDEOS-VIDEO

HDD/DVD recorder, VCR, etc.

Select one

Select one Select one

VSX-23TXH

Connecting your equipment

03

29

En

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’.

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 43).

Connecting the multichannel analog

inputs

For DVD Audio and SACD playback, your DVD player may

have 5.1 channel analog outputs. Make sure that the

player is set to output multichannel analog audio.

•If your player has 7.1-channel analog outputs, the

player’s surround back output terminals are not

used. Please refer to the operating instructions

supplied with your component for more information.

Connecting other audio components

This receiver has both digital and analog inputs, allowing

you to connect audio components for playback.

This receiver features five stereo audio-only inputs. One

of these inputs have corresponding outputs for use with

audio recorders.

Most digital components also have analog connections.

2

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

MONITOR

OUT

DVD

IN

TV/SAT

IN

VIDEO DVR

IN

CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PRE

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

INOUT

ZONE3

OUT

N

1

IN

2

IN OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

) (

CD

) (

TV/SAT

) (

DVR

)(

VIDEO

)

3

IN

1

IN

1

A

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

3

IN

2

12 V TRIGGER

N IN IN

OUT OUT

12

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

VIDEO OUT

VIDEOS-VIDEO

ANALOG

R

AUDIO OUT

DIGITAL OUT

COAXIAL OPTICAL

L

STB

Select one

Select one

VSX-23TXH

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

DVR CD

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PR

E

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

INOUT

OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

)(

CD

)(

TV/SAT

)(

DVR

)(

VIDEO

)

IN

1

IN

1

A

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

3

IN

2

12 V TRIGGER

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

RL

FRONT

OUTPUT

RL

SURROUND

OUTPUT

CENTER

OUTPUT

SUBWOOFER

OUTPUT

DVD player, etc.

VSX-23TXH

Connecting your equipment

03

30

En

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 43).

•If your turntable has line-level outputs (i.e., it has a

built-in phono pre-amp), connect it to the CD inputs

instead.

•If you’re connecting a recorder, connect the analog

audio outputs to the analog audio inputs on the

recorder.

About the WMA9 Pro decoder

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

Professional

1

(WMA9 Pro) decoder, so it is possible to

playback WMA9 Pro-encoded audio using HDMI, coaxial

or optical digital connection when connected to a WMA9

Pro-compatible player. However, the connected DVD

player, set-top b ox, etc. must be abl e t o ou tput WMA9 Pro

format audio signals through a coaxial or optical digital

output.

Connecting additional amplifiers

This receiver has more than enough power for any home

use, but it’s possible to add additional amplifiers to every

channel of your system using the pre-outs. Make the

connections shown below to add amplifiers to power

your speakers.

• You can use the additional amplifier on the surround

back channel pre-outs for a single speaker as well. In

this case plug the amplifier into the left (L (Single))

terminal only.

• The sound from the surround back terminals will

depend on how you have configured the Surround

back speaker setting on page 91.

•To hear sound only from the pre-outs, switch the

speaker system to OFF, or simply disco

nnec

t any

speakers that are connected directly to the receiver.

If you’re not using a subwoofer, change the front speaker

setting (see Speaker Setting on page 91) to LARGE.

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.

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

DVR C D

ININOUT

CD-R/TAPE

MULTI CH IN PRE

XM

SPEAKERS

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

INOUT

OUT 1 OUT 2

(

KURO

LINK

)

(

DVD

) (

CD

) (

TV/SAT

)(

DVR

) (

VIDEO

)

IN

1

IN

1

A

IN

2

IN

OUT

IN

FRONT

R

L RL

CENTER

SURROUND

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT CENTER

S

3

IN

2

12 V TRIGGER

12

(OUTPUT 12 V

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SUBWOOFER

DIGITAL OUT

COAXIAL OPTICAL

ANALOG

RL

AUDIO OUT

ANALOG

RL

AUDIO IN

DIGITAL IN

OPTICAL

CD-R, MD, DAT, etc.

Select oneSelect one

VSX-23TXH

PRE OUT

SIRIUS

XM

OPTICAL

AUDIO

O

)

(

Single

)

B

OUT

IN

IN

L

SURROUND

R

SURROUND BACK /

ND FRONT CENTER

L

R

SURROUND SURROUND

BACK

SUBWOOFER

R

L

ANALOG

INPUT

R

L

ANALOG

INPUT

R

L

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

Powered

subwoofer

Front channel

amplifier

Center channel

amplifier (mono)

Surround channel

amplifier

Surround back

channel amplifier