Pioneer VSX-33TX User Manual

AUDIO/VIDEO

MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

VSX-33TX

Operating Instructions

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.

[For U.S. model]
IMPORTANT NOTICE

The serial number for this equipment is located on
the rear panel. Please write this serial number on your
enclosed warranty card and keep it in a secure area.
This is for your security.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

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

THE STANDBY/ON BUTTON IS
SECONDARY CONNECTED AND
THEREFORE DOES NOT SEPARATE THE
UNIT FROM MAINS POWER IN STANDBY
POSITION.

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.

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.

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.

Information to User

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

[For Canadian model]

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

[Pour le modèle Canadien]

ATTENTION: AFIN DE PREVENIR TOUS

RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE OU DE DEBUT
D'ENCENDIE, NE PAS EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A
L'HUMIDITE OU A LA PLUIE.

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

LE BOUTON STANDBY/ON EST RACCORDE
SECONDAIREMENT ET PAR CONSEQUENT

[For Canadian model]
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO

NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN EXTEN­SION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UN­LESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PRE­VENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

NE SEPARE PAS L’APPAREIL DE
L’ALIMENTATION SECTEUR SUR LA
POSITION D’ATTENTE.

ATTENTION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS

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

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ INSTRUCTIONS — All the safety

and operating instructions should be
read before the product is operated.

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The safety and

operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.

HEED WARNINGS — All warnings on the

product and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS — All operating

and use instructions should be followed.

CLEANING — Unplug this product from the

wall outlet before cleaning. The product
should be cleaned only with a polishing
cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never clean
with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides
or other volatile liquids since they may
corrode the cabinet.

ATTACHMENTS — Do not use attachments

not recommended by the product
manufacturer as they may cause
hazards.

WATER AND MOISTURE — Do not use

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

ACCESSORIES — Do not place this product

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

CART — A product and cart combination

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

VENTILATION — Slots and openings in the

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

POWER SOURCES — This product should

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

LOCATION – The appliance should be in-

stalled in a stable location.

NONUSE PERIODS – The power cord of

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

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION

÷ If this product is equipped with a

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

÷ If this product is equipped with a three-

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

POWER-CORD PROTECTION — Power-

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

OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING — If

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

LIGHTNING — For added protection for this

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

POWER LINES — An outside antenna

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

OVERLOADING — Do not overload wall

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

GROUND
CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

Fig. A

OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY — Never

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

SERVICING — Do not attempt to service

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

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE — Unplug

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

÷ When the power-supply cord or plug is

damaged.

÷ If liquid has been spilled, or objects

have fallen into the product.

÷ If the product has been exposed to rain

or water.

÷ If the product does not operate normally

by following the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions
as an improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the
product to its normal operation.

÷ If the product has been dropped or

damaged in any way.

÷ When the product exhibits a distinct

change in performance — this indicates
a need for service.

REPLACEMENT PARTS — When

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

SAFETY CHECK — Upon completion of any

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

WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING — The

product should not be mounted to a
wall or ceiling.

HEAT — The product should be situated

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

ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

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

NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

3

Quick Start Guide

This is a quick guide to setting up your new receiver so you can get home theater surround sound. For more
details on any of the information presented here check the main section of the manual.

Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC wall outlet.

11

1 Hooking Up Your DVD Player & TV

11

In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks which are at the heart of home theater you need to hook up your
DVD player with digital audio connections. You can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection, you don’t
need to do both. The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some digital components
only have one type of digital terminal you need to figure out which yours has and hook it up to the appropriate
terminal on the receiver. In order to do this you will need the proper cable. For coaxial connections you can use a
regular RCA stereo cord or the specially-made coaxial cords, they have the same type of plugs. For optical
connections you will need a special optical cord which you can buy at your local stereo store. Also hook up the
video connection of your DVD player, the analog audio (for recording the audio on DVDs, use regular RCA stereo
cords), and your TV (it's easiest to use a regular composite RCA video cords) as shown below. We also
recommend hooking up your all your digital components to analog audio jacks. For this you can use regular RCA
stereo cords.

Coaxial Digital Connection

If your DVD player has a coaxial terminal (not a PCM-only output) for the audio out hook it up using this terminal.
Follow the diagram below. This is the best scenario, as you will be able to follow the default settings of this
receiver and won't need to assign the digital inputs.

RCA video cord

RCA video cord

RCA stereo cord

R

L

coaxial cord

VIDEO INPUT

L

R

VIDEO

VIDEO

OUT

ANALOG

STEREO

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

L

R

DVD player

(not a PCM-only output)

4

Quick Start Guide

Optical Digital Connection

If your DVD player has an optical terminal (not a PCM-only output) for the audio out you can hook it up using this
following the diagram below. You will need to assign the digital input (tell the receiver which input you put your
DVD digital audio into). See the page 6 for this.

RCA video cord

RCA video cord

RCA stereo cord

R

L

optical cord

VIDEO INPUT

ANALOG

L

R

VIDEO

VIDEO

OUT

STEREO

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

L

R

DVD player

(not a PCM-only output)

22

2 Speaker Connections

22

Home theater is designed to be setup with five speakers (front left & right; center; surround left & right) and a
subwoofer but you can use this receiver with fewer speakers. Hook up the speakers you have to the speaker A
terminals on the back of the receiver. If you only have two speakers hook them up as "FRONT." If you have
three hook up the single speaker as "CENTER." Follow the diagram on p. 19 in order to hook up all your
speakers. A center speaker is very important for watching films because the dialog comes from the center
speaker in digital soundtracks. If you do not have a CENTER speaker you must tell the receiver the CENTER
channel is OFF or when you listen to digital soundtracks you won't hear any dialog. Use the instructions
on page 31-32 in order to do this.

Make sure you connect the speaker on the right to the right terminal and the speaker on the left to the left
terminal. Also make sure the positive and negative (+/–) terminals on the amplifier match those on the speakers.

Powered

Front

speaker (A)

Surround

speaker

(Left)

(Left)

subwoofer

INPUT

TV/monitor

Center

speaker

Front

speaker (A)

(Right)

Surround

speaker

(Right)

5

Quick Start Guide

33

3 Setting up the Remote Control & Unit

33

1 Put the batteries in the remote control.

2 Plug the main unit into a AC wall outlet.

3 Press the

STANDBY/ON button on the receiver to put the receiver in ON

mode.

44

4 Digital Input Assignment

44

This is only necessary if you hooked up your DVD to DIGITAL IN 3, as in the first diagram on p. 5.

4 "Digital In" should be selected (if it

SOURCE

RECEIVER

VCR

TV

MULTI CONTROL

VIDEO SELECT

0

RECEIVER

TV

TV CONTROL

TVFUNC

CHANNEL

TUNE

ENTER

TUNE

1

MULTI CH INPUT

MASTER VOLUME

ENTER

VCR
2

DISC

2
1

3-9

DVD

CD CD-R TUN TVC

123

LOUDNESS

456

INPUT ATT DIGITAL NR FL DIMMER

789

REMOTE SETUP SYSTEM SETUP SIGNAL SELECT

+10

EFFECT/CH SEL

TV VOL

4¢

ST ST

1 Press the RECEIVER.

This switches the remote to the surround setup
mode.

2 Press the SYSTEM SETUP button.

You should see the following display on your
receiver.

isn't use the 5¥∞ buttons to select
it). Press ENTER.

You should see the following display on your
receiver.

5 Choose the "Digital-3" with 5¥∞

buttons you hooked up your DVD
player to. Press ENTER.

6 Choose the "DVD/LD"(if it isn't use

the 5¥∞ buttons to select it). Press
ENTER.

• You can escape from this screen at any time
by pressing the SYSTEM SETUP button
again. None of the settings you made will be
entered in this case.

• If don't enter any settings the receiver will
revert back to its prevoius state after three
minutes.

3 "Assgin Set" should be selected (if it

isn't use the 5¥∞ buttons to select
it). Press ENTER.

You should see the following display on your
receiver.

6

7 Select "Dig-In End" with 5¥∞

buttons and press ENTER to return
to the Dig-In Setup menu.

8 Select "Assign End" with 5¥∞

buttons and press ENTER to return
to the Assgin Setup menu.

9 Select "Setup End" with 5¥∞

buttons and press ENTER to return
to the System Setup menu.

Quick Start Guide

55

5 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound

55

1 Turn on your TV, and the DVD player.

2 Press the DVD button on the remote control.

You should see "DVD/LD" in the display on the receiver.

3 Press the STANDARD button for the basic surround sound setting.

4 Play a DVD.

66

6 For Better Surround Sound

66

1 Go through the entire "Initial Setup" procedures as outlined on pages 27– 38

of this instruction manual.

If you don't hook up any other conmponents with digital audio or do so following the default settings
of the receiver (see page 13) you won't have to assign any more digital inputs, but many other adjust­ments will improve the sound tremendously.

2 Experiment with the different sound settings offered with the 2/DTS and

DSP buttons.

For more information see pages 39-42.

3 As mentioned above you should go through the "SpeakerSetting" instructions

on pages 31-32 to set up your speakers properly. If you don't do this you, at
least, need to make sure the CENTER channel is turned off if you don't have a
center speaker. Use the instructions on pages 31-32.

7

Features

Multi Channel Stereophonic Concept

The VSX-33TX receiver is constructed with Pioneer’s industry-leading multi channel stereophonic concept. This well­developed approach to receiver circuitry takes the high level base technology that, up until now, has been only used for
stereo equipment and applies it to multi-channel audio-visual receivers. The result is that the product, in addition to
being expertly built, and gives you optimal sound reproduction of DVDs, other multi channel sources and stereo
sources as well. This receiver is designed capture to a true reproduction of the intentions of a filmmaker or music
producer at the time they were mastering the soundtrack in the studio. It incorporates 5 independent 80 watt built in
power amplifiers, with high-performance Hex power Direct Power MOS FET output transistors. This construction
provides improved linearity and accurate representation of each channel for true high fidelity reproduction from even
the most demanding Dolby Digital and DTS program sources. In addition, the amplifier uses Direct Construction to give
the purest sound available. All these elements consolidated in one receiver afford the listener a new surround sound
experience in his or her home.

Universal Player Compatibility

This receiver incorporates the latest technology and is able to handle cutting edge audio formats, like DVD Audio,
which are just hitting the market. Its high compatibility offers a variety of inputs to decode all types of sources at
the highest possible quality. The receiver’s multi channel in connections lets you hook up six discrete channels of
audio. It also has multi channel direct inputs and the ability to decode the cutting edge formats.

Decoding of Digital Source Film Formats

Built into this receiver is the latest in film sound format technology. This technology includes HOME THX
CINEMA surround modes which employ special processing to allow you to enjoy movie soundtracks with the
same level of power and realism you experience in well-designed movie theaters. This receiver has the ability to
decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and DTS (Digital Theater Systems) sources, which are the standards of
home theater today.

Manufactured under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. U.S.
patent numbers 5,043,970; 5,189,703; and/or
5,222,059. European patent number 0323830. Other
U.S. and foreign patents pending. Lucasfilm and THX
are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd.

“DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are trademarks of
Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Manufactured under licence
from Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, and double-D symbol are trademarks
of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential unpublished works. ©
1992 - 1997 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

Advanced Theater Modes & DSP Surround Modes

Advanced Theater modes enhance the sound of either film or music so a more dramatic effect can be achieved.
The four modes are each designed to accentuate specific sound qualities, giving the listener a wide range of
possibilities. DSP (Digital Signal Processing) surround modes give you the capability of transforming your living
room into seven different sonic environments when listening to music.

Midnight Mode, Digital Noise Reduction & 5 Channel Tone Control

The Midnight mode allows you to obtain excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low volumes,
something that was previously impossible. Digital noise reduction filters out unwanted noise from recordings to
give you a clearer sound and the 5 channel tone control allows you to adjust the treble and bass of each channel
individually to suit your listening tastes.

Remote Control of Other Components

The supplied remote control can be used to operate a variety of other components simply by recalling the
appropriate preset codes or by using the learning function to teach the remote control new commands.

The Energy-saving Design

This unit is designed to use less than 1 W of energy when the receiver is in standby mode.

8

Table of Contents

Quick Start Guide ............................... 4

Before You Start ................................. 10

Checking the Supplied Accessories ........................ 10

How to Use This Manual .......................................... 10

Preparing the Remote Control ................................. 10

Installing the Receiver .............................................. 11

Opening the Front Panel .......................................... 11

The PIONEER SR System: Operating other

PIONEER components .............................................. 11

Connecting Your Equipment ............. 12

Audio Components ................................................... 12

Digital Connections .................................................. 13

Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD player .... 14

Video Components ................................................... 15

TV/Satellite tuner Components ............................... 16

TV ............................................................................... 17

Multi Channel Input (External Decoder) ................. 17

Connecting the Radio Antennas .............................. 18

Speakers .................................................................... 19

Placing Your Speakers .............................................. 20

Connecting Additional Amplifiers ........................... 21

Plugging In ................................................................ 21

Displays & Controls ........................... 22

Front Panel ................................................................ 22

Remote Control ......................................................... 24

Display ....................................................................... 26

Initial Setup ........................................ 27

Setting Up for Surround Sound .............................. 27

Remote Control of Other Components .. 55

Setting Up the Remote Control ............................... 55

Programming a Different Component

into a MULTI CONTROL button ............................... 58

Checking Preset Codes ............................................. 58

Clearing One of the Remote Control Settings ....... 59

Clearing All the Remote Control Settings ............... 59

CD/CD-R/MD/VCR/LD Player Controls ..................... 60

Casette Deck Controls .............................................. 61

DVD/DVR Player Controls ......................................... 62

DTV Controls ............................................................. 63

Cable TV/Sattelite TV/TV Controls ........................... 64

Using Other Functions....................... 65

Function Rename ...................................................... 65

Recording from Audio Components ....................... 67

Recording from Digital Audio Components ........... 68

Recording from Video Components ....................... 68

Direct Function .......................................................... 69

Video Select .............................................................. 70

Changing the Display ............................................... 70

Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving ... 71

Dolby Digital .............................................................. 71

DTS ............................................................................ 71

THX ............................................................................ 72

Preset Code List ........................................................ 73

Troubleshooting ........................................................ 78

Specifications ............................................................ 81

PREPARATION

SET

UP

Basic Playback .................................... 39

Learning about the Sound Modes ........................... 39

Selecting a Sound Mode .......................................... 41

Playing Sources with

Dolby Digital or DTS Sound ..................................... 42

Playing Stereo Sources ............................................ 43

Switching Analog and Digital Signal Input ............ 44

Reducing Noise During Playback ............................ 45

Listening in Midnight Mode ..................................... 46

Listening the Loudness Mode ................................. 46

Adjusting Bass and Treble ....................................... 47

MULTI CHANNEL IN Playback ................................. 48

96 kHz 24 bit Performance ....................................... 48

Direct Playback .......................................................... 49

Adjusting the Brightness of the Display ................. 49

DUAL MONO Setting ................................................ 50

Using the Tuner .................................. 51

Automatic and Manual Tuning ................................ 51

Direct Access Tuning ................................................ 52

Memorizing Frequently Used Stations ................... 53

Recalling Memorized Stations ................................. 54

OPERATION

9

Before You Start

Î

SOURCE

ENT

ER

LOUDNESS

INPUT ATT DIGITAL NR FL DIMMER

REMOTE SETUPSYSTEM SETUP SIGNAL SELECT

TV VOL

TV

TVFUNK

ENTER

TUNE

TUNE

D.ACCESS BAND

GUIDE MENU

CLASS

RETURN

MIDNIGHT DSP STEREO

FUNCTION

ADVANCEDSTANDARD MUTE

S.MODE CLEAR DTV INFO

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

/ DTS

RECEIVER DIRECT CONTROL

MPX DTV ON / OFF DTV MENU

ST ST

CHANNEL

EFFECT/CH SEL

RECEIVER

TV CONTROL

MASTER VOLUME

DISC

+10

VIDEO SELECT

MULTI CONTROL

MULTI CH INPUT

DV

D

C

D

C

D-R TUN TVC

RECEIVER

123

456

789

!⁄

0

*‹&

2

TV

VCR
1

VCR

2

4¢

¶

THX

Checking the Supplied Accessories

Please check that you have received all of the following supplied accessories.

FM wire Antenna

AM loop Antenna

How to Use This Manual

This manual is for the VSX-33TX Audio/Video Multi­Channel Receiver.
This manual is divided into three main sections which
will tell you how to setup and use the unit :

PREPARATION

First carry out the tasks below in this “Before You
Start“ section to prepare the remote control, then
connect the receiver to your other components as
described in “Connecting Your Equipment“ (p.12).
Take special care to connect your digital equipment
like DVDs and LDs properly to be able to take
advantage of the receiver’s surround sound systems
(p.13-14). To learn about a specific button, control, or
indicator, see “Displays & Controls“ starting on p.22.

SET UP

Performing the tasks in “Initial Setup“ (from p.27) is
essential to get proper surround sound.

“AA” IEC LR6
batteries x 2

Remote Control Unit

Operating Instructions

•

OPERATION

To play some music or soundtrack refer to “Basic
Playback“ on p.39. “Using the Tuner“ (p.51) explains
how to use the radio of this unit. Doing the operations
in “Remote Control of Other Components“ (p.55) is
highly recommended so you can use this unit’s
remote control for all your components. “Using Other
Functions“ (p.65) explain the other possibilities of the
receiver.
“Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving“ (p.71) provide
detailed technical information and a troubleshooting
guide.

The following marks and symbols are used throughout
the manual:

memo

Provides additional information,
precautions, and advice.

Indicates a blinking button, indicator, or
display.

Indicates a steadily lit button, indicator, or
display.

Preparing the Remote Control

Loading the batteries

Load the batteries into the remote control as shown below. Please use alkaline batteries. When you notice a
decrease in the operating range of the remote control, replace all batteries with new ones.

“AA” IEC LR6 batteries x 2

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 institution’s

rules that apply in your country or area.

10

Operating range of remote control unit

The area in which you can use the remote control to operate the VSX-33TX is
fairly large. To use, point the remote control toward the remote sensor on the
front panel of this unit while within the range shown right.

Before You Start

Remote control may not function properly if:

• There are obstacles between the remote control and the remote
sensor.

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

• The receiver located near a device emitting infrared rays.

• Operated simultaneously with another remote control which

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uses infrared rays.

Installing the Receiver

Please note:

• Do not place objects directly on top of this unit. This would
prevent proper heat dispersal.

8 inches (20 cm)

• When installing in a rack, shelf, etc., be sure to leave more than
8 inches of space above the receiver.

Opening the Front Panel

To open the front panel push gently on the lower third of the panel with your finger.

PREPARATION

30

30

23 feet (7m)

Receiver

The PIONEER SR System: Operating other PIONEER components

Connecting an optional control cord allows you to operate other PIONEER components simply by pointing the
receiver's remote control at the remote sensor on the front panel of the receiver. The receiver then sends the
remote control signals to the other devices via the CONTROL OUT terminal.

CONTROL

IN

OUT

Receiver

To CONTROL IN
terminal of another
PIONEER component
bearing the Î mark.

memo

PIONEER

component bearing

the Î mark.

Remote Control

RECEIVER

SOURCE

DVD

TV

MULTI CONTROL

CD CD-R TUN TVC

123

VIDEO SELECT

LOUDNESS

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INPUT ATT DIGITAL NR FL DIMMER

789

REMOTE SETUPSYSTEM SETUPSIGNAL SELECT

+10

0

EFFECT/CH SEL

RECEIVER

TV

TV VOL

TV CONTROL

TVFUNK

4¢

CHANNEL

TUNE

ST ST

ENTER

TUNE

GUIDE MENU

D.ACCESS BAND

MPX DTV ON / OFF DTV MENU

¶

!⁄

RETURN

S.MODE CLEARDTV INFO

RECEIVER DIRECT CONTROL

MIDNIGHT DSP STEREO

ADVANCEDSTANDARD MUTE

THX

/ DTS

2

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

VCR

VCR

1

2

MULTI CH INPUT

DISC

ENTER

MASTER VOLUME

CLASS

*‹&

FUNCTION

Î

• You can also control PIONEER components (and those made by other manufacturers) by pointing the
receiver's remote control directly at the respective component. This type of operation does not require
control cords. All you have to do is recall the appropriate the stored settings (see p.58-59).

• If you use a remote control hooked up via the CONTROL IN jack with a control cord, you won't be able to
use this unit's remote control.

11

Connecting Your Equipment

Audio Components

To begin set up connect your audio components to the jacks as shown below. These are all analog
connections and your analog audio components (cassette deck) use these jacks. Remember that for
components you want to record with you need to hook up four plugs (a set of stereo ins and a set of
stereo outs), but for components that only play you only need to hook up one set of stereo plugs (two
plugs). To use DTS or Dolby Digital surround sound features you must hook up your digital components to
the digital inputs (see p.13). We also recommend hooking up your digital components to analog audio
jacks. If you want to record to/from digital components (like a CD-R) to/from analog components you must
hook up your digital equipment with these analog connections. See p.13 & 14 for more on digital connec­tions.

Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC wall outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

7 Analog audio/video cords

Use audio/video cords (not supplied) to make
analog audio and video connections.

L

Connect red plugs to R (right)
and white plugs to L (left).

R

Be sure to insert completely.

ANALOG

INPUT

OUTPUT

(REC)

(PLAY)

L

L

R

R

Recorder 1

(CD-R/TAPE1/MD etc)

ANALOG

INPUT

OUTPUT

(REC)

(PLAY)

L

L

R

R

Recorder 2

(CD-R/TAPE1/MD etc)

ANALOG

OUTPUT

L

R

CD player

Cassette deck placement

Depending on where the cassette deck is placed,
noise may occur during playback of your cassette
deck which is caused by leakage flux from the
transformer in the receiver. If you experience noise,
move the cassette deck farther away from the
receiver.

7 Coaxial cords/Optical cables

Commercially available digital audio coaxial
cords (standard video cords can also be
used) or optical cables (not supplied) are
used to connect digital components to this
receiver.

When you use optical digital input or output
terminals, pull off the caps and insert the
plugs. Be sure to insert completely.

12

Coaxial cord

(or standard video cord)

Optical cable

Connecting Your Equipment

Digital Connections

In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks which are at the heart of home theater you need to make
digital audio connections. You can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection (you don’t need to do
both). The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some digital components only
have one type of digital terminal, it is a matter of matching like with like (for example, the coaxial out from
the component to coaxial in on the receiver). The VSX-33TX has two coaxial and two optical inputs for a
total of four digital inputs. For a DVD/LD player or LD player hook up see p.14. If possible hook up your
digital equipment in accordance with this receiver's default settings, refer to the “Digital Input Assign­ment” on this page in order to do this. We also recommend hooking up your digital components to analog
audio jacks in order to make recording from some digital sources which may be copy protected.

Connect your digital components as shown below.

There is one optical digital out jack (the CD recorder is connected to one in the diagram below). If you
connect this to the optical input on a digital recorder (currently these include MD, DAT and CD-R) you can
make direct digital recordings with this unit.

Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC wall outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

TV/Satellite tuner

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

INPUT

(PLAY)

(REC)

PREPARATION

CD recorder

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

CD player

(not a PCM-only output)

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DVD player

(for DVD/LD player
hook up see p.14)

Digital Input Assignment

Unlike analog connections, the jacks for digital connections are not dedicated to one type of component, they
can be used freely. Thus you must tell the receiver what digital componenet is in which jack so your
components will be in sync with the the names on the remote control buttons and the like. To avoid having to
assign the digital inputs you can hook up your equipment in accordance with the receiver's default settings.
The default settings are:

DIGITAL IN 1: DVD/LD
DIGITAL IN 2: CD
DIGITAL IN 3: CD-R/TAPE1/MD
DIGITAL IN 4: TV/SAT

You will notice that Digital IN 1, for example, is a coaxial jack. If your DVD/LD player only has an optical out jack
on it then you won't be able to hook up your components in accordance with the VSX-33TX default setting. In
this case you will need to assign the digital inputs. See Digital Input Select on p.29 in order to do this.

13

Connecting Your Equipment

Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD player

Make sure you connect your DVD/LD or LD players using both a
digital connections.

To connect a DVD/LD player or LD player with it's 2 (AC-3) RF output, a commercially available

RF demodulator

and either a coaxial or optical

RF demodulator (RFD-1) is required. The RF demodulator changes the RF signal to a digital signal which is then
processed by the VSX-33TX model through their digital input jacks. For more details, refer to the instruction manual
supplied with the RFD-1.

If your player has an 2 RF output this will ensure you can use all LDs. We also
recommend hooking up your digital components to analog audio jacks.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

RF demodulator RFD-1

OPTICAL

DIGITAL IN

COAXIAL

2

RF OUT

(AC-3)(LD)

(not a PCM-only output)

DIGITAL OUT

1

PCM/

PCM/

PCM/

(OPT.)

DIGITAL OUT

(OPT.)

DIGITAL IN

PCM/

RF IN
(AC-3)(LD)

23

DVD/LD player
or LD player

VIDEO

VIDEO

ANALOG

STEREO

L

R

OUT

S-VIDEO

memo

Be sure to make either a digital coaxial or digital optical connection (pictured as DIGITAL jack 1 or DIGITAL jack 3
in this diagram) as well, but you don't need to make both.

Also, be sure to assign the jacks to the proper component(s) with the Digital Input Select procedure (see p.29) if
necessary. See the explanation on p.13 for details.

Make sure the RF demodulator digital in switch is set correctly (optical or coaxial depending on the connection).

14

Connecting Your Equipment

Video Components

Connect your video components to the jacks as shown below. Regarding a DVD there are two types of
connections to make. Hook up your video signal with either S-video or composite video cords (the quality
descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are watching and your TV must be hooked up
with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture. For the audio signal, in order to use Dolby
Digital/DTS you must hook up a digital input. It is also a good idea to hook up your DVD components with analog
audio connections as well, since some DVDs may not have a digital audio track. To cover all possible LaserDiscs a
DVD/LD player or LD player requires an analog connection and two digital connections (a coaxial or optical and a
specialized
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the video signal.

Connecting DVD players

RF demodulator

connection shown on 14 page).

VIDEO

VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

ANALOG

AUDIO OUT

DVD/LD player

DIGITAL

PCM/

2

/ DTS

DIGITAL

L

R

(not a PCM-only output)

PREPARATION

Connecting VCRs or DVRs

Portable
DVD player (etc)

COLOR BRIGHT MONITOR

PHONES

HOLDON/OFF

DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL)

Front video connections are accessed
via the front panel input selector as
"VIDEO."

AV IN/OUT

S VIDEO OUT

OUT IN

AUDIO

AUDIO

(PLAY)

(REC)

L

L

R

R

VIDEOVIDEO

VCR 1/DVR

L

R

VCR 2

memo

S-VIDEO

S-VIDEO

OUT IN

AUDIO

AUDIO

(PLAY)

(REC)

L

R

VIDEO

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

S-VIDEO

If your video components have S-video jacks, you

could use S-video cords (not supplied) to connect
them on the back of the receiver. These jacks are labeled
by the Japanese designation "S2" on the

VSX-33TX

but they

are simply S-video jacks.

However, if you use S-video cords for your video hook ups
you must also hook up your TV with S-video connections.
Conversely, if you use regular composite video cords for
video hook ups, you should use them for your TV as well.

15

Connecting Your Equipment

TV/Satellite tuner Components

Connect your satellite TV components to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the video signal with either S­video, or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are
watching and your TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture.
For the audio signal, in order to use digital soundtracks (sometimes broadcast over digital satellite TV) you must
hook up a digital input. Use either a coaxial or optical cables, it doesn't matter which (you don't need to use
both). It's also a good idea to hook up your audio with analog cables (see below). This connection is called
STEREO AUDIO OUT in the diagram.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the TV signal.

VIDEO

VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

TV/Satellite tuner

ANALOG

STEREO

DIGITAL

DIGITAL

L

R

16

Connecting Your Equipment

TV

Connect your TV to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the signal with either S-video or composite video cords
(the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are watching and your TV must be
hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.

TV/monitor

VIDEO IN

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

PREPARATION

Multi Channel Input (External Decoder)

In some cases you may want to have you source material (DVD, etc) decoded externally. If you find you need a
multi channel external decoder hook one up as shown below, but for most people this component is
unnecessary (For more on this see p.48).

Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC wall outlet.

Components equipped with

5.1 channel analog output jack

SUB

WOOFER

ANALOG

CENTER

SURR­OUND

FRONT

L

L

R

R

17

Connecting Your Equipment

Connecting the Radio Antennas

Connect the supplied FM wire antenna and the AM loop antenna to the antenna terminals as shown below.
These antennas should provide adequate reception quality in most cases, but connecting outdoor antennas
should noticeably improve sound quality.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.

FM wire antenna

AM loop antenna

7 AM loop antenna

1 Assemble the antenna.

2 Twist exposed wire strands

together and insert.

3/8 in. (10mm)

3 Attach to a wall, etc. (if

desired) and face toward the
direction providing the best
reception.

Using external antennas

7 To improve FM reception

Connect an external FM antenna.

18

7 To improve AM reception

Connect a 15-18 feet (5-6 meter) length of vinyl-coated wire
to the AM antenna terminal in addition to the supplied AM
loop antenna.

For best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors.

Outdoor antenna

AM loop antenna

15–18 ft. (5–6 m)

Indoor antanna
(vinyl-coated wire)

Connecting Your Equipment

Speakers

A full complement of six speakers is shown here but, naturally, everyone's home set up will vary. Simply connect the
speakers you have in the manner described below. The receiver will work with just two stereo speakers (called
"front" speakers in the diagram) but the receiver is designed to be used with at least three speakers.

In general, make sure you connect the speaker on the right to the right terminal and the speaker on the left to the
left terminal. Also make sure the positive and negative (+/–) terminals on the receiver match those on the speakers.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.

memo

The receiver has two speaker systems, A & B. A is the main system supporting the full complement of
surround sound speakers. If you switch on both A & B speaker systems, only front speakers and the
subwoofer will be audible. No sound will come from the center or surround speakers but multi
channel sources will be down-mixed to the active speakers so no sound will be lost. Similarly, if you
choose just the B system you‘ll only hear the front speakers connected to the B system and multi
channel sources will be down-mixed to these two speakers.
For the VSX-33TX you can use speakers with a nominal impedance rated 6Ω-16Ω, see the
following page.

Powered

Front

speaker (A)

(Left)

subwoofer

INPUT

TV/monitor

Center

speaker

Front

speaker (A)

(Right)

PREPARATION

Surround

speaker

(Left)

7 Speaker terminals

1 Twist exposed wire

strands together.

3/8 in. (10mm)

2 Loosen speaker terminal

and insert exposed wire.

3 Tighten

terminal.

Surround

speaker

(Right)

The speaker terminals
also accept single banana
plugs.
(Refer to speaker manual
for details.)

19

Connecting Your Equipment

Speaker impedance

You can change the speaker impedance for VSX-33TX but we recommend using speakers with an impedance of
8Ω-16Ω (the default setting). If you are using 6Ω- less than 8Ω impedance speakers, you need to change the
impedance setting. Use any speaker rated between 6Ω-16Ω.

STANDBY/ON

SPEAKERS

memo

First turn the receiver off, then press the power button while
holding down the SPEAKERS button.

The receiver will re-set to the new impedance setting. You can
choose the 8Ω-16Ω setting or the 6Ω-8Ω setting.

(This display indicates a 6Ω-
less than 8Ω impedance
setting.)

To check which impedance setting to
hold down the SPEAKERS button for
2-3 seconds. You'll get a display like
these telling you the speaker
impedance setting.

(This display indicates an 8Ω-
16Ω impedance setting.)

Placing Your Speakers

Proper speaker placement is essential to realize the best sound from your system. The diagram and tips given
here are just a rough guide; be sure to read the instructions that come with your speakers.

Speaker placement

If you have a multiple speaker arrangement the placement of the speakers is extremely important. To achieve the best
possible surround sound, install your speakers as shown below. Make sure all speakers are installed securely to prevent
accidents and improve sound quality. Be sure to consult your speaker manuals for the best placement of the speakers. Some
speakers are designed to be floor-standing but others benefit greatly from speakers stands which raise them off the floor.

memo

Front

Left

Surround

Left

Listening

Position

Front
RightCenter

Sub

Woofer

Surround

Right

• Install the left and right front speakers at equal distances from the TV.

•

When installing speakers near the TV, we recommend using magnetically shielded speakers to prevent
possible interference such as distortion in the color of the TV screen. If you do not have magnetically
shielded speakers and notice discoloration of the TV screen, place the speakers farther away from the TV.

• Install the center speaker above or below the TV so that the sound of the center channel is localized at
the TV screen.

CAUTION:

When installing the center speaker on top of the TV, be sure to secure it with tape or some other suitable means. Otherwise, the speaker
may fall from the TV due to external shocks such as earthquakes, and it may lead to endangering those nearby or damaging the speaker.

• If possible, install the surround speakers slightly above ear level.

• It may be difficult to obtain a cohesive surround effect if the surround speakers are installed farther

20

away from the listening position than the front and center speakers.

Connecting Your Equipment

Connecting Additional Amplifiers

This receiver has more than sufficient power for any home use, but it is possible to add additional amplifiers to
every channel of your system. Make the connections shown below to add amplifiers to power your speakers.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.

ANALOG

INPUT

LR

ANALOG

INPUT

LR

ANALOG

INPUT

INPUT

Front channel amplifier

Surround channel amplifier

Center channel amplifier
(mono)

Powered subwoofer

PREPARATION

Plugging In

Up to two components can be powered from this receiver. Two of the outlets are switched, which means that
power is switched on and off with the receiver.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.
After connecting all your components, plug the receiver's power cord into a standard wall power outlet.

Caution!

Power consumption of any equipment
connected to the switched power outlets
should not exceed 100W (0.8 A).

To avoid overheating, fire risk and possible
malfunction, do not connect high-wattage
appliances such as heaters, irons, monitors or
TV sets to this units AC outlets.

Disconnect the receiver from the power
outlet when it's not in regular use, for exam­ple, when on vacation.

Caution!

Do not connect a monitor or TV to this unit's AC
OUTLETS.

21

Displays & Controls

Front Panel

All the controls on the front panel are explained and/or referenced here. To open the front panel push
gently on the lower third of the panel.

12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

VSX-33TX

2021

1 STANDBY/ON button

Press to switch the receiver ON or into
STANDBY mode.

STANDBY indicator

Lights when the receiver is in STANDBY mode.
(Please note that this receiver consumes a
small amount of power [1.0 W] in the standby
mode.)

2 MIDNIGHT button (See p.46)

Switches the MIDNIGHT mode on or off.

3 DIGITAL NR button (See p.45)

Switches the DIGITAL NR on or off (cannot be
used in THX mode).

4 MULTI CH INPUT (See p.48)

Use to hook up an external component that can
decode other types of signals and input them
into the VSX-33TX.

5 DSP MODE button (See p.40 – 41)

Press repeatedly to select a DSP sound mode.
(HALL 1, HALL 2, JAZZ, DANCE, THEATER 1,
or THEATER 2, 5 CH STEREO). Use these
modes to produce surround sound from
standard (two channel) stereo sources and
create different listening environments.

STEREO/DIRECT button (See p.40, 49)

Switches the receiver into STEREO mode if it
was in a different sound mode (like ADVANCED
THEATER) or toggles between DIRECT and
STEREO mode. For more on STEREO mode
see p.43.

DIRECT playback bypasses the tone controls
and channel level for the most accurate
reproduction of a program source.

12

19

/ DTS buttons (See p.39, 71, 72)

THX CINEMA – Use when listening THX-

certified sources if you have THX-certified
speaker setup or want to re-create a THX-style
sound environment. It is also appropriate for
Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic or DTS
sources.Those with surround back speakers
can use all three THX modes, those without
should use the THX CINEMA mode.

ADVANCED – Use to select one of the four
Advanced Theater modes. Use to create certain
types of sound environments when listening to
Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic or DTS sources.

STANDARD – Use for pure decoding of multi
channel sources, especially Dolby Digital, Dolby
Pro Logic or DTS sources.

6

SPEAKERS (A/B) button

Use to select the speaker system. A is the
primary setting. It plays all speakers hooked up
to the A system. A & B setting only plays the
front speakers of both the A & B systems and
the subwoofer. Multi channel sources will be
down-mixed to these speakers so no sound will
be lost. B setting only plays the front speakers
connected to the B system and multi channel
sources will be down-mixed to these two
speakers. The button cycles through the
speaker systems as follows: A]B]A&B]off

7 FL DIMMER button

Use to adjust the brightness of the fluorescent
display (FL = fluorescent display).
Four levels of the brightness ranging from very
dim to very bright can be selected. Each press
changes the brightness of the display.

14

13 15 16

1718

22

8

VIDEO SELECT button

Switches the receiver between the various
types of video input (DVD, VCR 1, etc.) while
keeping the audio on a fixed source (for
example, the CD function).

9

TAPE 2 MONITOR button (See p.67)

Selects the tape deck (MD recorder, etc.)
connected to the TAPE 2 MONITOR inputs/
outputs. Allows monitoring of a recording as
it's being made.

10

TUNER CONTROL buttons (See p.51-54)

BAND – Press to select the AM or FM band.

CLASS – Press repeatedly to switch the preset

station classes.

TUNING SELECT – Switches the STATION/
TUNING button between station memory and
frequency select modes.

STATION –/+ – Selects station memories
when using the tuner.

TUNING –/+ – Selects the frequency when
using the tuner.

MPX – Press to switch between auto stereo
and MONO reception of FM broadcasts. When
the broadcast signal is weak, selecting MONO
will improve the sound quality.

MEMORY – Press to start the memorization of
a preset station.

11 Display (See p.26)
12 Remote sensor

Point the remote control toward the remote
sensor to operate the receiver.

13

INPUT ATT button

Use to lower the input level of an analog signal
that is too powerful, thus causing the sound to
distort (the OVER indicator will light when this
is the case)

14 SIGNAL SELECT button

Press SIGNAL SELECT repeatedly to select one
of the following:

ANALOG – Analog signal.

DIGITAL – Digital signal (DVD/LD, TV/SAT, CD,

CD-R/TAPE 1/MD, VCR 1/DVR, VCR 2).

AUTO – This is the default. If there are both
analog, digital, the receiver automatically
selects the best possible signal.

15 MULTI-JOG CONTROL buttons

SETUP – Press to switch the setup mode.
RETURN – Press to move back one step in the

SETUP process.

Displays & Controls

16 MULTI JOG dial

You can use this dial for three purposes. In
normal mode turn it to select a source
component. Press it to switch the display
between function mode and sound mode.
When you press the SETUP button (15), you
can use it to perform SETUP operations (turn to
select, push to enter). The source indicators
show the current component:

DVD/LD – DVD player or LaserDisc player.

TV/SAT– TV or satellite tuner.

CD – Compact Disc player.

CD-R/TAPE1/MD – CD recorder, Tape deck or

Mini Disc recorder connected to CD-R/TAPE1/
MD inputs/outputs.

TUNER – The built-in tuner.

VIDEO – Portable DVD player or game (etc.)

connected to the VIDEO INPUT on the front
panel.

VCR1/DVR – Video cassette recorder connect­ed to VCR1/DVR inputs.

VCR 2 – Video cassette recorder or other
component connected to VCR 2 inputs.

17

MASTER VOLUME

Adjusts the overall receiver volume.

18 VIDEO INPUT jacks (See p.15)

S-VIDEO : Video input for connecting a Portable

DVD player or game (etc.), that has an S-Video out.

VIDEO / AUDIO (L/R) : Video input for connect­ing a Portable DVD player or game (etc.),that has
standard video/audio outputs.

19 LOUDNESS button (See p.46)

Switches the LOUDNESS mode on or off (cannot
be used in THX mode).

20 TONE button

This button has two functions. Firstly, it switch­es between TONE on and TONE BYPASS,
which bypasses the tone circuitry. Secondly,
you need to press the button before using the
CHANNEL SELECT buttons to adjust the BASS
& TREBLE(cannot be used in THX mode).

CHANNEL SELECT button

Switches the tone adjust controls between the
FRONT, CENTER, SURROUND speakers. You
can then use the BASS and TREBLE controls to
adjust the sound.

BASS (–/+) button (See p.47)

Use to adjust low frequencies.

TREBLE (–/+) button (See p.47)

Use to adjust the high frequencies.

21 PHONES jack

Connect headphones for private listening (no
sound will be heard through the speakers)

PREPARATION

23

Displays & Controls

Remote Control

SOURCE

1

2

3

4

5
6

7
8

9
0

­=
~

!

@

#
$

REMOTE SETUP SYSTEM SETUP SIGNAL SELECT

+10

EFFECT/CH SEL

RECEIVER

VCR

DVD

TV

MULTI CONTROL

CD CD-R TUN TVC

123

VIDEO SELECT

LOUDNESS

456

INPUT ATT DIGITAL NR FL DIMMER

789

TV VOL

TV CONTROL

4¢

TUNE

ST ST

TUNE

GUIDE MENU

D.ACCESS BAND

MPX DTV ON / OFF DTV MENU

¶

RETURN

S.MODE CLEAR DTV INFO

RECEIVER DIRECT CONTROL

MIDNIGHT DSP STEREO

ADVANCED STANDARD MUTE

THX

2

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

VCR

1

2

MULTI CH INPUT

DISC

ENTER

0

RECEIVER

TV

MASTER VOLUME

TVFUNC

CHANNEL

ENTER

CLASS

*‹&

!⁄

RDM

FUNCTION

/ DTS

Î

1 SOURCE button

Use to turn on/off other components connected to
the receiver.

2 MULTI CONTROL buttons

Use to put the receiver/remote control in the
stated mode.
For other equipment controls, see Controlling the
Rest of Your System on pages 55-59.

3 Number/MODE buttons

Use the number buttons to select the radio
frequency in tuner DIRECT ACCESS mode or the
tracks in CD, DVD mode etc.

Also, buttons marked with the following names
have special functions. If you try to use one of
these functions but the display flashes it means
that function cannot be used in the current mode
(for example DSP modes cannot be used when 5.1
CH setting is on).

LOUDNESS button

Use to switch on the loudness. This feature is
useful for getting good bass and treble sounds
listening at low volumes.

%

^

&
*

(
)

_

+
¡
™

£

¢
∞

VIDEO SELECT button

Switches the receiver between the various
types of video input.

MULTI CH INPUT button

Use to hook up an external component that can
decode other types of signals and input them
into the VSX-33TX (see p.48).

INPUT ATT button

Use to lower the input level of an analog signal
that is too powerful, thus causing the sound to
distort (the OVER indicator will light when this
is the case).

DIGITAL NR button

Press to switch Digital NR on or off. (See page

45)

FL DIMMER button

Use to adjust the brightness of the fluorescent
display (FL = fluorescent display).
Four levels of the brightness ranging from very
dim to very bright can be selected. Each press
changes the brightness of the display.

REMOTE SETUP button

Use to customize the remote control functions
and the remote control itself. (See “Remote
Control of Other Components“ starting on
p.55.)

SYSTEM SETUP button

Use to set up the speaker and sound systems.
For more information see “Setting Up for
Surround Sound“ starting on p.27.

SIGNAL SELECT button

Press SIGNAL SELECT repeatedly to select one
of the following:

ANALOG – Analog signal.

DIGITAL – Digital signal (DVD/LD, TV/SAT, CD,

CD-R/TAPE 1/MD, VCR 1/DVR, VCR 2).

AUTO – This is the default. If there are analog,
or digital signals input the receiver automatical­ly selects the best possible signal.

EFFECT / CH SEL button

For DSP/advanced theater sound modes use to
put into the mode to add or subtract the amount
of effect. For other sound modes use to select
individual channels to increase or decrease
channel level.

EFFECT +/– buttons

Use to add or subtract the amount of effect in
different DSP/advanced listening sound modes or
the level of individual channels.

ENTER button (DISC)

Use to enter commands into TVs or DTVs. For CD
players use to change discs.

24

Displays & Controls

4 THE FOLLOWING FOUR SETS OF

BUTTONS ARE DEDICATED TV
CONTROL. THEY ARE ONLY USED FOR
CONTROLLING YOUR TV.

TV VOL +/– buttons

Use to adjust the volume on your TV.

TV button

Use to turn on the power of the TV.

TV FUNC button

Use select the TV function.

5 4¢/CHANNEL +/– buttons

Use to adjust the volume on your TV.

6 5(+)/∞(–)/2/3/ENTER buttons

Use to set up surround sound, speakers levels
& settings, and other set up features see p.27-

38). Specific use of these buttons is described
in conjunction with the operations they per­form. For more information see each individual
section. Also, use these buttons to select radio
frequecies.

7 GUIDE button

Use to control the guide for TV/Satellite TV.

8 3 button (BAND)

Use to play components or use to switch between
the AM and FM band when in TUNER mode. You
can also use to select the green channel on digital
TVs (DTV).

9 7 button (D.ACCESS)

Use to stop other components. Also use to
directly access a radio station by pressing the
number of the station you want. You can also use
to select the blue channel on digital TVs (DTV).

0 ¶ (MPX)

Use to record other components. Also use to
switch between auto stereo and mono reception
of FM broadcasts. If the signal is weak then
switching to MONO will improve the sound
quality. You can also use to select the yellow
channel on digital TVs (DTV).

- RETURN button

Use to return to a previous setting during SETUP
operations

= S.MODE button

Use to select the screen mode.

~ MIDNIGHT button (see page 46)

Use to put receiver in MIDNIGHT mode. To use
first press the RECEIVER button then operate this
button.

! THX button (see page 39,41)

Press to select the HOME THX CINEMA sound
mode when listening to Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro
Logic or DTS a variety of other sources.

@ DSP button (See p.40-41)

Press repeatedly to select a DSP sound mode.
(HALL 1, HALL 2, JAZZ, DANCE, THEATER 1,
or THEATER 2, 5 CH STEREO). Use these
modes to produce surround sound from
standard (two channel) stereo sources and
create different listening environments.

# ADVANCED button

Use to select one of the four Advanced Theater
modes. Use to create certain types of sound
environments when listening to Dolby Digital,
Dolby Pro Logic or DTS sources.

$ STEREO button (See p.40 & 49)

Switches the receiver into STEREO mode if it
was in a different sound mode (like ADVANCED
THEATER) or toggles between DIRECT and
STEREO mode.

DIRECT playback bypasses the tone controls
and channel level for the most accurate
reproduction of a program source.

% LED DISPLAY

This display flashes when a command is sent from
the remote control to the receiver. It also flashes
at other times, for example when teaching the
receiver preset codes, with specific meanings.

^ RECEIVER button

This switches between STANDBY mode and
power ON for this receiver.

& RECEIVER button

Use to switch the remote to the receiver control
mode.

* MASTER VOLUME +/– buttons

Use to set the overall listening volume.

( MENU button

Use to get the various menus for your TV or
DTV.

) 8 button (CLASS)

Use to pause components or use the CLASS
feature to switch between the three banks
(classes) of station memories. You can also use to
select the red channel on digital TVs (DTV).

_ ¡ button (DTV MENU)

Use to fast forward search on CDs etc.
Also you can access the DTV menu with this button.

+ 1 button (DTV ON/OFF)

Use to fast reverse search on CDs etc.
Also use to turn DTV on/off.

¡ RDM (DTV INFO)

Use to fast reverse search on CDs etc.
Also you can access the DTV information with this
button.

™ CLEAR button

This button clears the on-screen display (OSD)
of a digital TV (DTV) menu.

£ FUNCTION button

Press to select a source. The button will cycle
through all the possible sources.

¢ MUTE button

Press to mute or restore the volume.

∞ STANDARD button

Use for pure decoding of multi channel
sources, especially Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro
Logic, DTS sources.

PREPARATION

25

Displays & Controls

Display

All the display information is explained and/or referenced here.

12 3 4

6

5

78

14

13

12

11

1 Speaker indicators

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

2 SIGNAL SELECT indicators

Light to indicate the input signal you selected.

AUTO : Lights when the receiver is set to select
the input signal automatically.
ANALOG : Lights when analog signals are
assigned.
DIGITAL : Lights when digital audio signals are
selected.

3

Program Format indicator

2DIGITAL : Lights when a source with Dolby
Digital signals is played.

DTS : Lights when a source with DTS audio
signals is played.
For Dolby Digital or DTS sources, these indicators
change according to which channels are active in
the source.

L – Left front channel.
C – Center channel.
R – Right front channel.
LS – Left surround channel.
S – Surround channel (mono).
RS – Right surround channel.
LFE – Low Frequency Effects channel.

4 2 /dts mode indicators

2 DIGITAL – Indicates multi channel playback

of a Dolby Digital source.

2 PRO LOGIC – Lights when Dolby Pro Logic

decoding is switched on.

dts – When the 2/dts mode on the receiver is
on, this indicator lights to indicate playback of a
DTS signal.

THX – Lights when the HOME THX CINEMA
mode is selected.

5 DSP indicator (See p.40 – 41)

Lights when a DSP or Advanced Theater mode
is selected.

10

9

6 STEREO indicator

Lights when a STEREO mode is selected.

7 Source indicators

3 indicator lights at the selected source.

8

TAPE 2 indicator

Lights when the TAPE 2 monitor is on.

9

MASTER VOLUME indicator

Displays current volume level.

10

Sound control indicators

DNR – Lights when the digital NR is on.
LOUDNESS – Lights when the Loudness is on.
TONE – Lights when the Tone control is on.
MIDNIGHT – Lights when the Midnight mode

is on.

11

Tuner indicators

STEREO – Lights when a FM stereo broadcast

is received in the auto stereo mode.

TUNED – Lights when a broadcast is received.
MONO – Lights when the tuner is set to

receive FM broadcasts with the mono mode
selected.

12

H.P (headphones)

Lights when headphones are connected to the
PHONES jack (speakers systems A and B both
turn off automatically).

13

Character display

Shows current mode, status, etc.

14

Analog level indicators

OVER – When the source signal is analog, this

lights if the signal is in danger of distorting.
Press INPUT ATT to lower the signal level.

ATT – Lights when ATT is used to reduce the
level of the analog source signal.

26