Pioneer VSX-30, VSX-31 Operating Instruction

audio/video multi-channel receiver

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

Before plugging in for the first time, read the following section carefully.

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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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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IMPORTANT NOTICE

THE MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER OF THIS EQUIPMENT ARE ON THE REAR OR BOTTOM. RECORD THESE NUMBERS ON YOUR ENCLOSED WARRANTY CARD AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

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

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

Wash hands after handling.

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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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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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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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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-31 / VSX-30

Responsible Party Name: PIONEER ELECTRONICS (USA) INC. SERVICE SUPPORT DIVISION

Address: 1925 E. DOMINGUEZ ST. LONG BEACH, CA 90810-1003, U.S.A. Phone: [phone]

URL: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com

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IMPORTANT

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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.

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.

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1)Read these instructions.

2)Keep these instructions.

3)Heed all warnings.

4)Follow all instructions.

5)Do not use this apparatus near water.

6)Clean only with dry cloth.

7)Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8)Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9)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.

10)Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11)Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12)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.

13)Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14)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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VENTILATION CAUTION

When installing this unit, make sure to leave space around the unit for ventilation to improve heat radiation (at least 40 cm at top, 10 cm at rear, and 20 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)

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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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).

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.

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

Contents

Flow of settings on the receiver . . 7

01 Before you start

Checking what’s in the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Installing the receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Loading the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

02 Controls and displays

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Operating range of remote control unit . . . . 14

03 Connecting your equipment

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

Determining the speakers’ application . . . . . . 17 Other speaker connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Placing the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Some tips for improving sound quality . . . . . 19 Connecting the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Installing your speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Bi-amping your speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Bi-wiring your speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Selecting the Speaker system. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Front height setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Front wide setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Speaker B setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Bi-Amping setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 ZONE 2 setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

About the audio connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 About the video converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Connecting your TV and playback

components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Connecting using HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Connecting your DVD player with no HDMI output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Connecting your TV with no HDMI input . . . 28 Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or

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

Connecting a HDD/DVD recorder, VCR and other video sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Connecting other audio components . . . . . . . 30 About the WMA9 Pro decoder . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Connecting AM/FM antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Connecting external antennas . . . . . . . . . . . 31

MULTI-ZONE setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Making MULTI-ZONE connections . . . . . . . . 32 Connecting Optional Bluetooth ADAPTER . . . 33

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Connecting a SiriusConnect™ Tuner. . . . . . . . 34 Connecting to the network through LAN interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Connecting an HDMI-equipped component

to the front panel input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Connecting to the front panel video

terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Connecting an iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Connecting a USB device for Advanced

MCACC output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Connecting an IR receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Operating other Pioneer components with

this unit’s sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Switching components on and off using

the 12 volt trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Plugging in the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

04 Basic Setup

Changing the OSD display language

(OSD Language). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Automatically conducting optimum sound tuning (Auto MCACC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Problems when using the Auto MCACC

Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 The Input Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Input function default and possible

settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

05 Basic playback

Playing a source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Playing a source with HDMI connection. . . . 47

Playing an iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Playing back files stored on an iPod . . . . . . . 47

Playing a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Playing back audio files stored on a USB memory device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Playing back photo files stored on a USB memory device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

About playable file formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Listening to the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Improving FM sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Using Neural Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Saving station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Naming station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Listening to station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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Bluetooth® ADAPTER for Wireless

Enjoyment of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Wireless music play. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Pairing the Bluetooth ADAPTER and

Bluetooth wireless technology device . . . . . . 54 Listening to music contents of a

Bluetooth wireless technology device

with your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Listening to Internet radio stations . . . . . . . . . 56 Programming the Internet radio stations . . . 56 Listening to Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Listening to SIRIUS Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Saving channel presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Using the SIRIUS Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

06 Listening to your system

Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Listening in surround sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Standard surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Using the Advanced surround effects. . . . . . 63

Listening in stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Using Front Stage Surround Advance . . . . . . . 64

Using Stream Direct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Selecting MCACC presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Choosing the input signal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Better sound using Phase Control . . . . . . . . . 66

07 Control with HDMI function

Making Control with HDMI connections . . . . . 67

HDMI Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Before using synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 About synchronized operations. . . . . . . . . . . . 69

About connections with a product of

a different brand that supports the Control

with HDMI function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Setting the PQLS function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Cautions on the Control with HDMI

function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

08 Using other functions

Setting the Audio options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Setting the Video options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Switching the speaker terminals. . . . . . . . . . . 77 Using the MULTI-ZONE controls . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Making an audio or a video recording . . . . . . . 78 Reducing the level of an analog signal . . . . . . 79

Using the sleep timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Dimming the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Checking your system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Resetting the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Default system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

09 Controlling the rest of your system

Operating multiple receivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Setting the remote to control other

components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Selecting preset codes directly . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Programming signals from other remote controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Erasing one of the remote control button settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Resetting the input assignment of one of

the input function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Direct function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Multi operation and System off . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Programming a Multi operation or

a shutdown sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Using multi operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Using System off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Erasing all the settings for the

multi-operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Resetting the remote control presets. . . . . . . . 87

Default preset codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Controlling components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

10 The Advanced MCACC menu

Making receiver settings from the Advanced MCACC menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Automatic MCACC (Expert). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Manual MCACC setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Fine Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Fine Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Standing Wave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Acoustic Calibration EQ Adjust. . . . . . . . . . . 97 Acoustic Calibration EQ Professional . . . . . . 97

Checking MCACC Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Speaker Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Speaker Distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Standing Wave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Acoustic Cal EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Output MCACC data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Renaming MCACC presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Copying MCACC preset data . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Clearing MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

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11 The System Setup and Other Setup menus

Making receiver settings from the System

Setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Manual speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Speaker system setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Speaker Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 X-Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Network Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

IP address/Proxy setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Checking the MAC address . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

The Other Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Volume Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Remote Control Mode Setup . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Flicker Reduction Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

12 Additional information

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 No sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Other audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Professional Calibration EQ graphical

output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Important information regarding the

HDMI connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 ADAPTER PORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

SIRIUS radio messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

About SIRIUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 About iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Surround sound formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Dolby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 DTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Windows Media Audio 9 Professional . . . . 125 Auto Surround, ALC and Stream Direct

with different input signal formats . . . . . . . . 126

Preset code list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Cleaning the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

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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

1Before you start

•Checking what’s in the box (page 8)

•Loading the batteries (page 8)

2Determining the speakers’ application (page 17)

•9.1 channel surround system (Front height)

•9.1 channel surround system (Front wide)

•7.1 channel surround system & Speaker B connection

•5.1 channel surround system & Front Biamping connection (High quality surround)

•5.1 channel surround system & ZONE 2 connection (Multi Zone)

•Some tips for improving sound quality (page 19)

3Connecting the speakers

•Connecting the speakers (page 20)

•Installing your speaker system (page 21)

•Bi-amping your speakers (page 22)

4Connecting the components

•About the audio connection (page 24)

•About the video converter (page 24)

•Connecting your TV and playback components (page 25)

•Connecting AM/FM antennas (page 31)

•Plugging in the receiver (page 40)

5 Power On

6Changing the OSD display language (OSD Language) (page 41)

7MCACC speaker settings

•Automatically conducting optimum sound tuning (Auto MCACC (page 41)

8The Input Setup menu (page 44)

(When using connections other than the recommended connections)

9Basic playback (page 46)

10Adjusting the sound and picture quality as desired

•Using the various listening modes

•Better sound using Phase Control (page 66)

•Measuring the all EQ type (SYMMETRY/ALL CH ADJ/FRONT ALIGN) (page 91)

•Changing the channel level while listening (Tip on page 107)

•Switching on/off the Acoustic Calibration EQ, Sound retriever or Dialog Enhancement (page 72)

•Setting the PQLS function (page 70)

•Setting the Audio options (Tone, Loudness or Sound delay, etc.) (page 72)

•Setting the Video options (page 75)

11 Other optional adjustments and settings

•HDMI Setup (page 68)

•The Advanced MCACC menu (page 90)

•The System Setup and Other Setup menus (page 104)

12 Making maximum use of the remote control

•Operating multiple receivers (page 81)

•Setting the remote to control other components (page 81)

•Programming signals from other remote controls (page 82)

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01 Before you start

Chapter 1:

Before you start

Checking what’s in the box

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

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

•Remote control unit

•AAA size IEC R03 dry cell batteries (to confirm system operation) x2

•AM loop antenna

•FM wire antenna

•iPod cable

•Power cord

•Warranty card

•These operating instructions

Loading the batteries

The batteries included with the unit are to check initial operations; they may not last over a long period. We recommend using alkaline batteries that have a longer life.

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.

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 on or just after it is turned off. The bottom panel becomes hot when the power is on (or right after it is turned off) and could cause burns.

8

•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 direct sunlight or other excessively 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.

(Symbol examples for batteries)

These symbols are only valid in the European Union.

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Controls and displays

02

Chapter 2:

Controls and displays

Front panel

1	2	3	4	5	6	7					8
		PHASE									TUNE
		CONTROL
	STANDBY/ON									PRESET	PRESET
											TUNE
					ADVANCED			iPod
		SPEAKERS	CONTROL	MULTI-ZONE ON/OFF	MCACC	PQLS	HDMI	iPhone	BAND	TUNER EDIT	ENTER

9

VSX-31

INPUT									MASTER
SELECTOR									VOLUME
PHONES	LISTENING MODE		iPod iPhone
AUTO/ALC/DIRECT	STEREO	STANDARD ADV SURROUND	DIRECT CONTROL					VIDEO CAMERA
					iPod
					iPhone
				MCACC		USB		HDMI 5
				SETUP MIC
10	11		12	13	14		15		VSX-31
						VIDEO 2 INPUT
					iPod
					iPhone
				USB	VIDEO	L AUDIO	R	MCACC	VSX-30
								SETUP MIC

1INPUT SELECTOR dial

Select an input function.

2STANDBY/ON

Switches the receiver between on and standby.

3 SPEAKERS

See Switching the speaker terminals on page 77.

4 Remote sensor

Receives the signals from the remote control (see Operating range of remote control unit on page 14).

14 16 13

5 MULTI-ZONE controls

If you’ve made MULTI-ZONE connections (see MULTI-ZONE setup on page 32) use these controls to control the sub zone from the main zone (see Using the MULTI-ZONE controls on page 77).

6Character display

See Display on page 11.

7Indicators

ADVANCED MCACC – Lights when EQ is set to ON in the AUDIO PARAMETER menu.

PQLS – Lights when the PQLS feature is active (page 70).

HDMI – Blinks when connecting an HDMIequipped component; lights when the component is connected (page 25).

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02 Controls and displays

iPod/iPhone – Lights to indicate iPod/ iPhone is connected (page 47).

8Tuner controls

BAND – Switches between the AM and FM radio bands (page 52).

TUNER EDIT – Use with TUNE /,

PRESET /and ENTER to memorize and name stations for recall (page 52).

TUNE / – Find radio frequencies (page 52).

PRESET / – Find preset stations (page 52).

9MASTER VOLUME dial

10PHONES jack

Connect the headphones. When the headphones are connected, there is no sound output from the speakers.

11Listening mode buttons AUTO/ALC/DIRECT – Switches between Auto Surround (page 61), Auto Level Control mode and Stream Direct mode (page 64).

STEREO – Switches between stereo playback and Front Stage Surround Advance modes (page 64).

STANDARD – Press for Standard decoding and to switch between the various 2Pro Logic IIx and Neo:6 options (page 61).

ADV SURROUND – Switch between the various surround modes (page 63).

12iPod iPhone DIRECT CONTROL

Change the receiver’s input to the iPod and enable iPod operations on the iPod (page 48).

13 MCACC SETUP MIC jack

Connect the supplied microphone (page 41).

14 iPod/iPhone/USB terminals

Connect your Apple iPod as an audio and video source, or connect a USB device for audio and photo playback (page 36, 37).

15 VSX-31 only: HDMI input connector

Use for connection to compatible HDMI device (Video camera, etc.)(page 35).

16 VSX-30 only: VIDEO 2 INPUT terminals

Use to connect your portable equipment such as camcorders, video games and portable audio/video equipment (page 35).

10

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Controls and displays

02

Display

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13 14

AUTO

L

C

R

2DIGITAL PLUS

DSD PCM

ALC

TUNED

PCM

SL

SR

2TrueHD WMA9Pro

MULTI-ZONE

ATT STEREO

HDMI

XC

DTS HD ES 96/24

S.RTRV

SOUND UP MIX OVER MONO

dB

DIGITAL

XL

XR

ANALOG

LFE

MSTR

CD

TUNER

SIRIUS

DVD

TV

VIDEO

[ 2 ]

USB

[ 4 ]

AUTO SURROUND

CD-R

iPod

BD

DVR

HDMI

[ 3 ]

STREAM DIRECT

2PROLOGIC

x Neo:6

ADV.SURROUND

STEREO STANDARD

SP

AB

SLEEP

7

15

16

17

18

19

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 65).

2 Program format indicators

Light to indicate the channels to which digital signals are being input.

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.

2DIGITAL – Lights with Dolby Digital decoding.

2 DIGITAL PLUS – Lights with Dolby Digital Plus decoding.

2TrueHD – Lights with Dolby TrueHD decoding. DTS – Lights with DTS decoding.

DTS HD – Lights with DTS-HD decoding. 96/24 – Lights with DTS 96/24 decoding.

WMA9 Pro – Lights to indicate that a WMA9 Pro signal is being decoded.

DSD PCM – Light during DSD (Direct Stream Digital) to PCM conversion with SACDs.

PCM – Lights during playback of PCM signals. MSTR – Lights during playback of DTS-HD Master Audio signal.

4 MULTI-ZONE

Lights when the MULTI-ZONE feature is active (page 77).

5 SOUND

Lights when any of the Midnight, Loudness or tone controls feature is selected (page 72). Lights when Dialog Enhancement is switched on.

6 S.RTRV

Lights when the Sound Retriever function is active (page 73).

7Listening mode indicators

AUTO SURROUND – Lights when the Auto Surround feature is switched on (page 61).

ALC – Lights when the ALC (Auto level control) mode is selected (page 64).

STREAM DIRECT – Lights when Direct/ Pure Direct is selected (page 64).

ADV.SURROUND – Lights when one of the Advanced Surround modes has been selected (page 63).

STEREO – Lights when stereo listening is switched on (page 63).

STANDARD – Lights when one of the Standard Surround modes is switched on (page 61).

8 (PHASE CONTROL)

Lights when Phase Control is switched on (page 66).

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02 Controls and displays

9 Analog signal indicators

Light to indicate reducing the level of an analog signal (page 79).

10Tuner 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.

11

Lights when the sound is muted (page 14).

12Master volume level

Shows the overall volume level.

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

13Input function indicators

Light to indicate the input function you have selected.

14 Scroll indicators

Light when there are more selectable items when making the various settings.

15 Speaker indicators

Indicates the speaker terminal, A and/or B, to which audio signal output is currently set (page 77).

16 SLEEP

Lights when the receiver is in sleep mode (page 79).

17Matrix decoding format indicators

2PRO LOGIC IIx – This lights to indicate 2Pro Logic II / 2Pro Logic IIx decoding (page 61).

Neo:6 – When one of the Neo:6 modes of the receiver is on, this lights to indicate Neo:6 processing (page 61).

18Character display

Displays various system information.

19 Remote control mode indicator

Lights to indicate the receiver’s remote control mode setting. (Not displayed when set to 1.) (page 81)

12

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Controls and displays

02

Remote control

This section explains how to operate the remote control for the receiver.

						10
		RECEIVER MULTI				SOURCE
	1		OPERATION
			R.SETUP
	2
		BD	DVD	DVR/BDR		HDMI
	3	TV	CD	NET RADIO ADAPTER
		iPod USB TUNER		SIRIUS		TV CTRL
						11
		INPUT SELECT		ZONE 2		RECEIVER
	4					12
					MASTER
			INPUT		VOLUME
	5	TV CONTROL				13
		CH	VOL
					MUTE
						14
		AUDIO				VIDEO
		PARAMETER			PARAMETER

6 LIST TUNE TOOLS

	TOP MENU				T.EDIT
7	BAND				GUIDE
	PRESET		ENTER		PRESET
	CATEGORY				RETURN
	HOME		TUNE
	MENU
	iPod CTRL
		PGM		MEMORY	MENU
	HDD	DVD
		PHASE CTRL			STATUS
	TV/DTV	MPX		PQLS
8	S.RETRIEVER			MIDNIGHT AUDIO
	1	2		3
	SIGNAL SEL MCACC			SLEEP	INFO
	4	5		6	DISP
	CH LEVEL A.ATT			DIMMER
	7	8		9
	D.ACCESS			CLASS	CH
	/CLR	0		ENTER
9	AUTO/ALC/	STEREO STANDARD ADV SURR
	DIRECT

LISTENING MODE

RECEIVER

The remote has been conveniently color-coded according to component control using the following system:

•White – Receiver control, TV control

•Blue – Other controls (See page 47, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 87.)

1 RECEIVER

This switches between standby and on for this receiver.

2MULTI OPERATION – Use to perform multi operations (page 85).

R.SETUP – Use to input the preset code when making remote control settings and to set the remote control mode (page 81).

3Input function buttons

Press to select control of other components (page 81).

4 ZONE 2

Switch to perform operations in the sub zone (page 78).

5 TV CONTROL buttons

These buttons are dedicated to control the TV assigned to the TV CTRL button.

– Turn on/off the power of the TV.

INPUT – Select the TV input signal.

CH +/– – Select channels.

VOL +/– – Adjust the volume on your TV.

6 Receiver controls

Press RECEIVER first to access:

AUDIO PARAMETER – Use to access the Audio options (page 72).

VIDEO PARAMETER – Use to access the Video options (page 75).

HOME MENU – Use to access the Home Menu (pages 41, 44, 68, 90, 104 and 110).

RETURN – Press to confirm and exit the current menu screen.

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02 Controls and displays

7 / / /, ENTER

Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround sound system (page 90) and the Audio or Video options (page 72 or 75).

8 Receiver controls

Press RECEIVER first to access:

PHASE CTRL – Switch on/off Phase Control (page 66).

STATUS – Check selected receiver settings (page 79).

PQLS – Select the PQLS setting (page 70).

S.RETRIEVER – Press to restore CD quality sound to compressed audio sources (page 73).

MIDNIGHT – Switches to Midnight or

Loudness listening (page 72).

SIGNAL SEL – Select an input signal (page 65).

MCACC – Switch between MCACC presets (page 65).

SLEEP – Use to put the receiver in sleep mode and select the amount of time before sleep (page 79).

CH LEVEL – Press repeatedly to select a channel, then use /to adjust the level (page 107).

A.ATT – Attenuates (lowers) the level of an analog input signal to prevent distortion (page 79).

DIMMER – Dims or brightens the display (page 79).

9LISTENING MODE controls AUTO/ALC/DIRECT – Switches between Auto Surround (page 61), Auto Level Control mode and Stream Direct mode (page 64).

STEREO – Switches between stereo playback and Front Stage Surround Advance modes (page 64).

STANDARD – Press for Standard decoding and to switch between the various 2Pro Logic IIx and Neo:6 options (page 61).

14

ADV SURR – Switch between the various surround modes (page 63).

10 Remote control LED

Lights when a command is sent from the remote control (page 81).

11 TV CTRL

Set the preset code of your TV’s manufacturer when controlling TV (page 82).

12 RECEIVER

Switches the remote to control the receiver (used to select the white commands (SIGNAL SEL, etc.)).

Switch to perform operations in the main zone. Also use to set up surround sound.

13MASTER VOLUME +/–

Set the listening volume.

14MUTE

Mutes the sound or restores the sound if it has been muted (adjusting the volume also restores the sound).

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.

30° 30°

7 m (23 ft.)

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Connecting your equipment

03

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-31, however connections for the VSX-30 are the same except where noted.

Rear panel

HDMI

BD IN

IN 1

IN 2

IN 3

IN 4

OUT

LAN

COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE

OPTICAL

SIRIUS

ASSIGNABLE 1

4

(10/100)

IN 1

IN 2

IN 1

IN 2

ASSIGNABLE

ADAPTER PORT

IN

(OUTPUT 5 V

100 mA MAX)

AC IN

(DVD)

(CD)

(TV/SAT)

(DVR/BDR)

COMPONENT VIDEO

AUDIO

PRE OUT

IN 1

ASSIGNABLE

IN 2

(DVD)

(DVR/BDR)

L

Y

Y

ANTENNA

PB

PB

R

ZONE 2

DVR/BDR

DVD

TV/SAT

VIDEO

CD

CD-R/TAPE

SUBWOOFER

PR

PR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT IN

AM LOOP

FM UNBAL 75

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

SPEAKERS

MONITOR

R

L

R

L R

L(Single)

FRONT HEIGHT/WIDE/ B

Y

OUT

R

L

VIDEO

PB

12 V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V

IR

CONTROL

RS-232C

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

PR

1

2

IN

OUT

IN OUT

SPEAKERS A

VSX-31

BD IN	IN 1	IN 2	IN 3	OUT	LAN	COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE			OPTICAL	SIRIUS
					(10/100)	IN 1	IN 1	IN 2	ASSIGNABLE
HDMI									ADAPTER PORT	IN
ASSIGNABLE									(OUTPUT 5 V 100 mA MAX)

1

3

(DVD)

(TV/SAT)

(DVR/BDR)

AC IN

COMPONENT VIDEO

AUDIO

PRE OUT

IN 1

ASSIGNABLE

IN 2

(DVD)

(DVR/BDR)

L

Y

Y

ANTENNA

PB

PB

R

ZONE 2

DVR/BDR

DVD

TV/SAT

VIDEO 1

CD

CD-R/TAPE

SUBWOOFER

PR

PR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT IN

AM LOOP

FM UNBAL 75

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

SPEAKERS

MONITOR

R

L

R

L R

L(Single)

FRONT HEIGHT/WIDE/ B

Y

OUT

R

L

VIDEO

PB

12 V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V

IR

CONTROL

RS-232C

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

PR

1

2

IN

OUT

IN OUT

SPEAKERS A

VSX-30

Note

• The RS-232C terminal is exclusively for the installer.

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03 Connecting your equipment

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.

Important

•The input functions below are assigned by default to the receiver’s different input terminals. Refer to The Input Setup menu on page 44 to change the assignments if other connections are used.

Input		Input Terminals
function	Digital	HDMI Component
DVD	COAX-1	IN 1
BD		(BD)
TV/SAT	OPT-1
DVR/BDR	OPT-2	IN 2
HDMI 1		(HDMI-1)
HDMI 2		(HDMI-2)
HDMI 3		(HDMI-3)
HDMI 4a		(HDMI-4)
HDMI 5a		(HDMI-5)
(front panel)
CD	COAX-2a

a. VSX-31 only

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Connecting your equipment

Determining the speakers’ application

This unit permits you to build various surround systems, in accordance with the number of speakers you have.

•Be sure to connect speakers to the front left and right channels (L and R).

•It is also possible to only connect one of the surround back speakers (SB) or neither.

Choose one from Plans [A] to [E] below.

[A] 9.1 channel surround system (Front height)

*Default setting

• Speaker System setting: Normal(SB/FH)

FHR

	FHL
		R
	L
	C	SR
	SW
	SL	SBR
		SBL

A 9.1 ch surround system connects the left and right front speakers (L/R), the center speaker (C), the left and right front height speakers (FHL/FHR), the left and right surround speakers (SL/SR), the left and right surround back speakers (SBL/SBR), and the subwoofer (SW).

This surround system produces a more true-to- life sound from above.

03

[B] 9.1 channel surround system (Front wide)

• Speaker System setting: Normal(SB/FW)

R

L		FWR
	C	SR
	SW

FWL

SBR

SL

SBL

This plan replaces the left and right front height speakers shown in [A] with the left and right front wide speakers (FWL/FWR).

This surround system produces a true-to-life sound over a wider area.

[C] 7.1 channel surround system & Speaker B connection

• Speaker System setting: Speaker B

	R
	L
	C		R
		SR	L
	SW
	SL	SBR
		SBL	Speaker B

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. The same connections also allow for 7.1-channel surround sound in the main zone when not using the B speakers.

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03 Connecting your equipment

[D] 5.1 channel surround system & Front Bi-amping connection (High quality surround)

• Speaker System setting: Front Bi-Amp

Bi-amping connection of the front speakers for high sound quality with 5.1-channel surround sound.

Front Bi-Amp

R

L

C

SW

SR

SL

[E] 5.1 channel surround system & ZONE 2 connection (Multi Zone)

• Speaker System setting: ZONE 2

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).

Main zone

R

L

C

SW

	SR
SL	Sub zone
	R
	L
ZONE 2

Important

•The Speaker System setting must be made if you use any of the connections shown above other than [A] (see Speaker system setting on page 105).

•Sound does not come through simultaneously from the front height, front wide, speaker B and surround back speakers. Output speakers are different depending on the input signal or listening mode.

Other speaker connections

•Your favorite speaker connections can be selected even if you have fewer than 5.1 speakers (except front left/right 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 conducting optimum sound tuning (Auto MCACC on page 41.

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Connecting your equipment

03

Placing the speakers

Refer to the chart below for placement of the speakers you intend to connect.

	FHL	SW	C	FHR
	L			R
FWL		30	30	FWR
		60		60
SL		120		120
			60	SR

SBL SB SBR

•Place the surround speakers at 120º from the center. If you, (1) use the surround back speaker, and, (2) don’t use the front height speakers / front wide speakers, we recommend placing the surround speaker right beside you.

•If you intend to connect only one surround back speaker, place it directly behind you.

•Place the left and right front height speakers at least 1 m (3.3 ft.) directly above the left and right front speakers.

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 going to place speakers around your CRT TV, use shielded speakers or place the speakers at a sufficient distance from your CRT TV.

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

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

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

•Surround and surround back speakers should be positioned 60 cm to 90 cm (2 ft. to 3 ft.) higher than your ears and tilted slightly downward. Make sure the speakers don’t face each other. For DVD-Audio, the speakers should be more directly behind the listener than for home theater playback.

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

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03 Connecting your equipment

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 cut off as a safety measure.

Bare wire connections

A-Speaker terminals:

1Twist exposed wire strands together.

2Loosen terminal and insert exposed wire.

3Tighten terminal.

1

2

3

10 mm (3/8 in.)

Banana plug connections

(A-Speaker terminals only)

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 external shocks such as earthquakes.

B-Speaker terminals:

1Twist exposed wire strands together.

2Push open the tabs and insert exposed wire.

3Release the tabs.

1

2

3

10 mm (3/8 in.)

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Connecting your equipment

03

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).

The front height terminals can also be used for the front wide and Speaker B speakers.

	Front height setting
	Front height right	Front height left
	Front wide setting
	Front wide right	Front wide left
	Speaker B setting
	Speaker B - right	Speaker B - left
Front right	Center	Subwoofer	Front left
		LINE LEVEL
		INPUT

HDMI

BD IN

IN 1

IN 2

IN 3

IN 4

OUT

LAN

COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE

OPTICAL

SIRIUS

ASSIGNABLE 1

4

(10/100)

IN 1

IN 2

IN 1

IN 2

ASSIGNABLE

ADAPTER PORT

IN

(OUTPUT 5 V

100 mA MAX)

AC IN

(DVD)

(CD)

(TV/SAT)

(DVR/BDR)

COMPONENT VIDEO

AUDIO

PRE OUT

IN 1

ASSIGNABLE

IN 2

(DVD)

(DVR/BDR)

L

Y

Y

ANTENNA

PB

PB

R

ZONE 2

DVR/BDR

DVD

TV/SAT

VIDEO

CD

CD-R/TAPE

SUBWOOFER

PR

PR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT IN

AM LOOP

FM UNBAL 75

SPEAKERS

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

Y

MONITOR

R

L

R

L R

L(Single) FRONT HEIGHT/WIDE/ B

OUT

R

L

VIDEO

PB

12 V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V

IR

CONTROL

RS-232C

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

PR

1

2

IN

OUT

IN OUT

SPEAKERS A

VSX-31

The surround back terminals

can also be used for ZONE2.

5.1 ch surround setting

Not connected

Not connected

6.1 ch surround setting

Surround right

Not connected

Surround back

7.1 ch surround setting

Surround left

Surround back right

Surround back left

ZONE 2 setting

ZONE 2 - right

ZONE 2 - left

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03 Connecting your equipment

Bi-amping your speakers

Front right	Center	Front left
	High	High
		Subwoofer
Bi-amp compatible	Low	Low
		Bi-amp compatible
speaker		speaker

HDMI

BD IN

IN 1

IN 2

IN 3

IN 4

OUT

LAN

COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE

OPTICAL

SIRIUS

ASSIGNABLE 1

4

(10/100)

IN 1

IN 2

IN 1

IN 2

ASSIGNABLE

ADAPTER PORT

IN

(OUTPUT 5 V

100 mA MAX)

AC IN

(DVD)

(CD)

(TV/SAT)

(DVR/BDR)

COMPONENT VIDEO

AUDIO

OUT

IN 1

ASSIGNABLE

IN 2

(DVD)

(DVR/BDR)

L

Y

Y

ANTENNA

PB

PB

R

ZONE 2

DVR/BDR

DVD

TV/SAT

VIDEO

CD

CD-R/TAPE

SUBWOOFER

PR

PR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT IN

AM LOOP

FM UNBAL 75

SPEAKERS

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

Y

MONITOR

R

L

R

L R

L(Single)

FRONT HEIGHT/WIDE/ B

OUT

R

L

VIDEO

PB

12 V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V

IR

CONTROL

RS-232C

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

PR

1

2

IN

OUT

IN OUT

SPEAKERS A

VSX-31

Surround right Surround left

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 biamping the speakers or you could 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 Speaker 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.

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Connecting your equipment

Selecting the Speaker system

The front height terminals can be used for front wide and Speaker B connections, in addition to for the front height speakers. Also, the surround back terminals can be used for biamping and ZONE 2 connections, in addition to for the surround back speakers. Make this setting according to the application.

Front height setup

*Default setting

1Connect a pair of speakers to the front height speaker terminals.

See Connecting the speakers on page 20.

2If necessary, select ‘Normal(SB/FH)’ from the Speaker System menu.

See Speaker system setting on page 105 to do this.

Front wide setup

1Connect a pair of speakers to the front height speaker terminals.

See Connecting the speakers on page 20.

2Select ‘Normal(SB/FW)’ from the Speaker System menu.

See Speaker system setting on page 105 to do this.

Speaker B setup

You can listen to stereo playback in another room.

1Connect a pair of speakers to the front height speaker terminals.

See Connecting the speakers on page 20.

2Select ‘Speaker B’ from the Speaker System menu.

See Speaker system setting on page 105 to do this.

03

Bi-Amping setup

Bi-amping connection of the front speakers for high sound quality with 5.1-channel surround sound.

1Connect a Bi-amp compatible speakers to the front and surround back speaker terminals.

See Bi-amping your speakers on page 22.

2Select ‘Front Bi-Amp’ from the Speaker System menu.

See Speaker system setting on page 105 to do this.

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.

1Connect a pair of speakers to the surround back speaker terminals.

See Connecting the speakers on page 20.

2Select ‘ZONE 2’ from the Speaker System menu.

See Speaker system setting on page 105 to do this.

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03 Connecting your equipment

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:

	Types of cables and	Transferable
	terminals	audio signals
priority	HDMI	HD audio
signal	Digital (Coaxial)	Conventional
Sound		digital audio
	Digital (Optical)
	RCA (Analog)	Conventional
	(White/Red)	analog audio

•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.

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 44), the converter gives priority to HDMI, component, then composite (in that order).

	Terminal for			Terminal for
	connection with			connection with TV
qualitypicture	source device				monitor
		HDMI IN			HDMI OUT
High	Y	PB	PR	Y	PB	PR
		VIDEO IN		MONITOR OUT
	COMPONENT			COMPONENT VIDEO
		VIDEO IN			VIDEO
				MONITOR OUT
		Video signals can be output

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

Note

1 • If the video signal does not appear on your 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 75) 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 MONITOR OUT terminals.

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Connecting your equipment

03

Connecting your TV and playback components

Connecting using HDMI

If you have an HDMI or DVI (with HDCP) equipped component (BD: 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 Control with HDMI function, the convenient Control with HDMI functions can be used (see Control with HDMI function on page 67).

HDMI

BD IN

IN 1

IN 2

IN 3

IN 4

OUT

LAN

COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE

OPTICAL

ASSIGNABLE 1 4

(10/100)

IN 1

IN 2

IN 1

ASSIGNABLE

IN 2

(OUTPUT

(DVD)

(CD) (TV/SAT)

(DVR/BDR)

COMPONENT

PRE OUT

IN 1

2

(DVD)

Y

Y

PB

B

ZONE 2

DVR/BDR

DVD

TV/SAT

VIDEO

CD

CD-R/TAPE SUBWOOFER

PR

PR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT

IN

AM LOOP

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

R

MONITOR

L

R

Y

OUT

VIDEO

PB

12 V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V

IR

CONTROL

RS-232C

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

1

2

IN

OUT

IN OUT

PR

SPEAKERS A

VSX-31

This connection is required in order to listen to the sound of the TV over the receiver.

		R ANALOG L	OPTICAL
	HDMI IN	AUDIO OUT	DIGITAL OUT
		Select one

HDMI OUT

HDMI OUT

HDMI/DVI-compatible

Other HDMI/DVI-

HDMI/DVI-compatible TV

Blu-ray disc player

equipped component

•For input components, connections other than HDMI connections are also possible (see Connecting your DVD player with no HDMI output on page 27).

•If you want to listen to the sound of the TV over the receiver, connect the receiver and TV with audio cables.

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03 Connecting your equipment

About HDMI1

The HDMI connection transfers uncompressed digital video, as well as almost every kind of digital audio that the connected component is compatible with, including DVDVideo, 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 24 for more on HDMI compatibility.

This receiver incorporates High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®) technology.

This receiver supports the functions described below through HDMI connections.2

•Digital transfer of uncompressed video (contents protected by HDCP (1080p/24, 1080p/60, etc.))

•3D signal transfer3

•Deep Color signal transfer3

•x.v.Color signal transfer3

•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:4

– Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, High bitrate audio (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio), DVD-Audio, CD, SACD (DSD signal), Video CD, Super VCD

•Synchronized operation with components using the Control with HDMI function (see

Control with HDMI function on page 67).

HDMI, the HDMI Logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC in the United States and other countries.

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

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• Use a High Speed HDMI® cable. If an HDMI cable other than a High Speed HDMI® cable is used, it may not work properly.

•When an HDMI cable with a built-in equalizer is connected, it may not operate properly.

3Signal transfer is only possible when connected to a compatible component.

4• HDMI format digital audio transmissions require a longer time to be recognized. Due to this, interruption in the audio may occur when switching between audio formats or beginning playback.

•Turning on/off the device connected to this unit's HDMI OUT terminal during playback, or disconnecting/ connecting the HDMI cable during playback, may cause noise or interrupted audio.

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Connecting your equipment

03

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.

					DVD player etc.
	Select one			Select one
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT			VIDEO OUT	AUDIO OUT	DIGITAL OUT
PR	PB	Y	R	ANALOG L	COAXIAL OPTICAL

HDMI

BD IN

IN 1

IN 2

IN 3

IN 4

OUT

1

ASSIGNABLE

OPTICAL

ASSIGNABLE 1 4

IN

IN 1

ASSIGNABLE

AD

IN 2

(OUTPUT 5

(DVD) (CD)

(TV/SAT)

(DVR/BDR)

COMPONENT VIDEO

AUDIO

PRE OUT

ASSIGNABLE

IN 1

IN 2

)

(DVR/BDR)

L

Y

B

PB

R

ZONE 2

DVR/BDR

DVD

TV/SAT

CD-R/TAPE

SUBWOOFER

R

PR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

OUT

IN

AM LOOP

F

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

L

MONITOR

R

L

R

Y

OUT

VIDEO

PB

12 V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V

IR

CONTROL

RS-232C

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

1

2

IN

OUT

IN OUT

PR

SPEAKERS A

VSX-31

This connection is required in order to listen to the sound of the TV over the receiver.

R ANALOG L	OPTICAL
AUDIO OUT	DIGITAL OUT
Select one		HDMI IN

HDMI/DVI-compatible TV

•If you want to listen to the sound of the TV over the receiver, connect the receiver and TV with audio cables.

•If the connection was made using an optical cable, you’ll need to tell the receiver which digital input you connected the DVD player to (see The Input Setup menu on page 44).

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03 Connecting your equipment

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 is connected with an HDMI cable. Connect the DVD player’s video signals using a composite or component cord.

				DVD player etc.
	Select one				Select one
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT			VIDEO OUT	HDMI OUT	AUDIO OUT	DIGITAL OUT
PR	PB	Y		R	ANALOG L	COAXIAL OPTICAL

•If the connection was made using an optical cable, you’ll need to tell the receiver which digital input you connected the DVD player to (see The Input Setup menu on page 44).

HDMI	BD IN	IN 1	IN 2	IN 3	IN 4	OUT	LAN	COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE			OPTICAL
ASSIGNABLE 1	4						(10/100)	IN 1	IN 2	IN 1	ASSIGNABLE
											IN 2
											(OUTPU
								(DVD)	(CD)	(TV/SAT)	(DVR/BDR)
COMPONENT VIDEO			AUDIO					PRE OUT
ASSIGNABLE		IN 2
IN 1
(DVD)		(DVR/BDR)	L
Y		Y

ANTENNA

PB

PB

R

ZONE 2

DVR/BDR

DVD

TV/SAT

VIDEO

CD

CD-R/TAPE

SUBWOOFER

PR

PR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT

IN

AM LOOP

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

MONITOR

R

L

R

Y

OUT

VIDEO

PB

12 V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V

IR

CONTROL

RS-232C

TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

IN

OUT

IN OUT

1

2

PR

SPEAKERS A

VSX-31

PR	PB	Y		R ANALOG L	OPTICAL
COMPONENT VIDEO IN			VIDEO IN	AUDIO OUT	DIGITAL OUT
	Select one			Select one

This connection is required in order to

listen to the sound of the TV over the receiver.

TV

•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.

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Connecting your equipment

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

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

VSX-31

N 2	IN 3	IN 4	OUT	LAN	COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE				OPTICAL
				(10/100)	IN 1	IN 2	IN 1	IN 2	ASSIGNABLE
									ADAPTER POR
									(OUTPUT 5 V	100 mA MA
					(DVD)	(CD)	(TV/SAT)	(DVR/BDR)

PRE OUT

							ANTENNA
DVR/BDR		DVD	TV/SAT	VIDEO	CD	CD-R/TAPE	SUBWOOFER
OUT	IN	IN	IN	IN	IN	OUT IN		AM LOOP	FM UNBAL 75
						FRONT	CENTER	SURROUND	SURROU
						R	L	R	L R
RIGGER
T 12 V		IR	CONTROL
0 mA MAX)	IN	OUT	IN OUT
2

SPEAKERS A

	R ANALOG L	COAXIAL OPTICAL
	AUDIO OUT	DIGITAL OUT
VIDEO OUT	Select one

STB

•If the connection was made using a coaxial cable, you’ll need to tell the receiver which digital input you connected the set-top box to (see The Input Setup menu on page 44).

03

Connecting an HDD/DVD recorder, BD recorder 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 BD recorders.

VSX-31

IN 1	IN 2	IN 3	IN 4	OUT	LAN	COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE			OPTICAL
					(10/100)	IN 1	IN 2	IN 1	ASSIGNABLE
									IN 2
									(OUTP
						(DVD		(TV/SAT)	(DVR/BDR)
2	AUDIO
Y

ANTENNA

B
	ZONE 2	DVR/BDR		DVD	TV/SAT	VIDEO	CD	CD-R/TAPE		SUBWOOFER
R	OUT	OUT	IN	IN	IN	IN	IN	OUT	IN		AM LOOP
								FRONT		CENTER	SURROUND
R								R		L	R
DEO
	12 V TRIGGER
	(OUTPUT 12 V			IR	CONTROL
-232C	TOTAL 50 mA MAX)
	1	2	IN	OUT	IN OUT

SPEAKERS A

			R ANALOG L	COAXIAL OPTICAL
R ANALOG	L		AUDIO OUT	DIGITAL OUT
			Select one
AUDIO IN	VIDEO IN	VIDEO OUT

HDD/DVD recorder, BD recorder, etc.

•If the connection was made using a coaxial cable, you’ll need to tell the receiver which digital input you connected the recorder to (see The Input Setup menu on page 44).

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

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03 Connecting your equipment

Connecting other audio components

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

One of these inputs have corresponding outputs for use with analog audio recorders.

VSX-31
IN 4	OUT	LAN	COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE			OPTICAL
		(10/100)	IN 1	IN 2	IN 1	ASSIGNABLE	ADAPTER PORT
						IN 2
						(OUTPUT 5 V		100 mA MAX)
			(DVD)			(DVR/BDR
TV/SAT		CD-R/TAPE
IN		OUT	IN			AM LOOP	FM UNBAL 75
		FRONT			R	SURROUND	L	SURROUND
								R
CONTROL
IN	OUT
					SPEAKERS A

•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 Professional1 (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 Procompatible player. However, the connected DVD player, set-top box, etc. must be able to output WMA9 Pro format audio signals through a coaxial or optical digital output.

		R ANALOG L	COAXIAL OPTICAL
	R REC L	AUDIO OUT	DIGITAL OUT
		Select one
	AUDIO IN

CD-R, MD, DAT, etc.

•If the connection was made using an optical cable, you’ll need to tell the receiver which digital input you connected the component to (see The Input Setup menu on page 44).

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.

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