Pioneer VSX-839RDS, VSX-859RDS, VSX-859RDS-G Operating Instruction

AUDIO/VIDEO

MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

VSX-859RDS

VSX-859RDS-G

VSX-839RDS

Operating Instructions

IMPORTANT 1

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

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USERSERVICEABLE 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.

The cut-off plug should be disposed of and must not be

IMPORTANT 2

FOR USE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code :

Blue : Neutral Brown : Live

If the plug provided is unsuitable for your socket outlets, the plug must be cut off and a suitable plug fitted.

inserted into any 13 amp socket as this can result in electric shock. The plug or adaptor or the distribution panel should be provided with 5 amp fuse. As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows : The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black. The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red.

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. In some countries or regions, the shape of the power plug and power outlet may sometimes differ from that shown in the explanatory drawings. However, the method of connecting and operating the unit is the same.

Power cord CAUTION!

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

Do not connect either wire to the earth terminal of a three - pin plug.

NOTE After replacing or changing a fuse, the fuse cover in the plug must be replaced with a fuse cover which corresponds to the colour of the insert in the base of the plug or the word that is embossed on the base of the plug, and the appliance must not be used without a fuse cover. If lost replacement fuse covers can be obtained from: your dealer. Only 5 A fuses approved by B.S.I. or A.S.T.A. to B.S. 1362 should be used.

[For European model]

If the socket outlets on the associated equipment are not suitable for the plug supplied with the product the plug must be removed and appropriate one fitted. The cut-off plug must be disposed of as an electrical shock hazard could exist if connected to a socket outlet.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

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

This product complies with the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC), EMC Directives (89/336/EEC, amended by 92/31/ EEC and 93/68/EEC).

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

Maintenance of External Surfaces

• Use a polishing cloth or dry cloth to wipe off dust and dirt.

• When the surfaces are dirty, wipe with a soft cloth dipped in some neutral cleanser diluted five or six times with water, and wrung out well, and then wipe again with a dry cloth. Do not use furniture wax or cleansers.

• Never use thinners, benzine, insecticide sprays or other chemicals on or near this unit, since these will corrode the surfaces.

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.

1 Hooking Up Your DVD Player & TV

In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS/MPEG 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 regular composite RCA video cords) as shown below. It is important that you hook up your TV (or monitor) in order to see a video image as well as the on screen displays (OSDs) shown by the VSX-859RDS (for more on p. 16 –17). We also recommend hooking up all your digital components to analog audio jacks as well. For this you can use regular RCA stereo cords.

Digital Connection

If your DVD player has a coaxial terminal (not a PCM-only output) for the audio out hook up the receiver using that terminal. 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. If your DVD player has an optical terminal (not a PCM-

only output) for the audio out you can hook up the receiver using that terminal. You will need to assign the digital input (tell the receiver which input you put your DVD digital audio into). See p. 5 or 6 for this. In both cases

follow the diagram below to make a digital connection between your DVD player and this receiver.

VSX-859RDS

VIDEO INPUT

RCA video cord

VIDEO

RCA video cord

RCA stereo cord

OUT

ANALOG

STEREO

DVD player

DIGITAL

coaxial cord

optical cord

(not a PCM-only output)

OUTPUT

Quick Start Guide

2 Speaker Connections

Home theater is designed to be set up with five, or seven speakers (front left & right; center; surround left & right; and, optimally, surround back left & right, you can't hook up surround back speakers to the VSX-839RDS) and a subwoofer but you can use this receiver with fewer speakers .

Hook up the speakers you have to the SPEAKERS 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 below 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 p. 36 – 37 in order to do this.

Follow the diagram below to hook up an additional amplifier in order to use surround back speakers (this is not possible for the VSX-839RDS). These speakers are important to hear all the sound channels on new, eight channel home theater DVDs. The diagram below also explains how to hook up a subwoofer which provides realistic bass sounds.

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

speaker (A)

Surround

speaker

(Left)

Front

(Left)

subwoofer

INPUT

TV/monitor

Center

speaker

VSX-859RDS

Front

speaker (A)

(Right)

Surround

speaker

(Right)

VSX-859RDS only

Additional Amplifier (See p. 21)

Surround back

speaker (Left)

3 Setting up the Remote Control & Unit

1 Put the batteries in the REMOTE CONTROL.

2 Plug the main unit into a AC wall outlet.

There are two buttons that affect the power. ON/OFF actually turns the power on/off and STANDBY/ ON toggles between standby mode and the receiver fully on. When in standby mode you can turn the unit on with the remote control.

Surround back

speaker (Right)

Quick Start Guide

4 Digital Input Assignment (VSX-859RDS)

This is only necessary if you did not hook up your DVD to DIGITAL IN 1, as in the diagram on p. 3.

Î

S0URCE

DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2

REMOTE SETUP

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP



EFFECT/

CH SEL

DIGITAL

MIDNIGHT

MULTI

OPERATION

MULTI CONTROL

CD-R

MULTI CH

INPUT

THXLIGHT

ENTER

–

/DTS/MPEG

SYSTEM

OFF

DSP

ADVANCED

USE SETUP

RECEIVER

MUTE

FUNCTION

SIGNAL SELECT

STEREO/ DIRECT

STANDARD

3-7

1 Set the remote control slide switch

to SETUP.

Also make sure your TV is on and set to the receiver.

• When you're done setting up the receiver, remember to set the slide switch back to USE.

2 Press the SYSTEM SETUP button.

You should see the following display on your TV.

[

ss ginSetup

[

Sur rou nd

[

Funct i on

[

EXI T

• 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.

]

Set u p

]

Rename

]

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

You should see the following display on your TV.

igital- i

nSelect

[

igi tal- i DVD / LD

igital-1

igi tal- i CD

igital-2

igi tal- i -R

igital-3

igi tal- i TV/SAT

igital-4

RF IN

[

]

EXI T

[ [

CD [ [

DVD / LD

] ] ] ] ]

5 Choose the Digital-3 (or the digital

in jack you connected your DVD to on page 3) you hooked up your DVD player to and assign "DVD/LD" to it.

1 Use the 5¥∞ buttons to choose the Digital-3

and press ENTER.

igital- i

nSelect

[

igi tal- i DVD / LD

igital-1

igi tal- i CD

igital-2

igi tal- i

igital-3

igi tal- i TV/SAT

igital-4

RF IN

[

]

EXI T

2 Use the 5¥∞ buttons to choose the DVD/LD

setting and press ENTER.

igital- i

nSelect

igi tal- i OFF

igital-1

igi tal- i CD

igital-2

igi tal- i

igital-3

igi tal- i TV/SAT

igital-4

RF IN

[

]

EXI T

[ [

DVD / LD

[ [

DVD / LD

[ [ [

DVD / LD [ [

DVD / LD

] ] ] ] ]

3 Assign Set up should be selected, if

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

You should see the following display on your TV.

[

igi tal- In Select

[

Mu l t i Compo

EXI T

nnt

]

aCh

[ [

nnel nI

-In

]

Se l ec t

]

4 Digital in Select should be selected,

6 Select EXIT with 5¥∞ buttons and

press ENTER to return to the Assign Setup menu.

[

igital- In Select

[

Mu l t i Compo

EXI T

nnt

]

aCh

[ [

nnel nI

-In

]

Se l ec t

]

7 Select EXIT with 5¥∞ buttons and

press ENTER to return to the System Setup menu.

Quick Start Guide

4 Digital Input Assignment (VSX-839RDS)

This is only necessary if you did not hook up your DVD to DIGITAL IN 1, as in the diagram on p. 3.

4 "Digital in" should be selected (if it

SOURCE

3-9

RECEIVER

VCR

MULTI CONTROL

VIDEO SELECT

RECEIVER

TV CONTROL

TVFUNK

CHANNEL

TUNE

ENTER

TUNE

MULTI CH INPUT

MASTER VOLUME

DISC

CLASS

VCR 2

*‹&

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

TOP MENU

D.ACCESS BAND

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" (or the digital

in jack you connected your DVD to on page 3) with 5¥∞ buttons you hooked up your DVD player to. Press ENTER.

1 Press the RECEIVER.

This switches the remote to the surround Set up mode.

2 Press the SYSTEM SETUP button.

You should see the following display on your receiver.

• 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.

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

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

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 Assign Setup menu.

9 Select "Setup End" with 5¥∞

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

Quick Start Guide

5 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound

1 Turn on your TV, and the DVD

player.

2 Set the remote control slide switch

to USE (VSX-859RDS only).

3 Press the DVD/LD button (DVD

button for the VSX-839RDS) on the remote control.

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

4 Press the STANDARD button for the

basic surround sound setting.

VSX-859RDS VSX-839RDS

Î

S0URCE

DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2

CLASS MPX

¶

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP

EFFECT/ CH SEL

DIGITAL

MIDNIGHT

DIGITAL MULTI PROCESSING AMPLIFIER

MULTI

SYSTEM

OPERATION

MULTI CONTROL

CD-R/

TUNER TVCONT

TAPE1

BAND

ENTER

–

MULTI CH

DSP

INPUT

/DTS/MPEG

ADVANCED

THXLIGHT

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

USE SETUP

OFF

RECEIVER

DIRECT ACCESS

873

MUTE

FUNCTION

SIGNAL SELECT

STEREO/ DIRECT

STANDARD

SOURCE

RECEIVER

VCR

DVD

MULTI CONTROL

CD CD-R TUN TVC

123

VIDEO SELECT

LOUDNESS

D.ACCESS BAND

MPX

¶

RETURN

MIDNIGHT DSP STEREO

THX

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

MULTI CH INPUT

TOP MENU

CLASS

DISPLAY RF ATT

!⁄

CLEAR AUDIO

SETUP

RECEIVER DIRECT CONTROL

DSP

FUNCTION

ADVANCED STANDARD MUTE

/ DTS / MPEG

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

VCR 2

*‹&

Î

5 Play a DVD.

6 For Better Surround Sound

1 Go through the entire "Initial Set up" procedures as outlined on pages 29 – 43

of this instruction manual.

If you don't hook up any other components 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 are necessary and will improve the sound tremendously.

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

and DSP buttons.

For more information see pages 44 – 48.

3 As mentioned above you should go through the "speaker setting" instructions

on p. 30 – 43 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 p. 36 – 37.

Speake r Se t t i ng

[

]

REE t

[

]

THX

[

Front LARGE Cen t e r Su r ro un d Su r rBac k Subwo

[]

EXI T

This display is for the VSX-859RDS only.

[

LARGE

[

LARGE]x2

[

YES

]

] ]

Features

Multi Channel Stereophonic Concept

The VSX-859RDS and VSX-839RDS receivers are constructed with Pioneer’s industry-leading multi channel stereophonic concept. This well-developed 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 100 watt built in power amplifiers, with high-performance Hex power Direct Power MOS FET output transistors. The isolated chamber construction cuts off unwanted electrical influences from the digital circuitry and allows accurate representation of each channel for true high fidelity reproduction from even the most demanding Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG 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 VSX-859RDS’s multi channel in connections lets you hook up eight discrete channels of audio, and the the VSX-839RDS allows six. They also have multi channel direct inputs and the ability to decode the cutting edge formats.

Decoding of Next Generation Digital Source Film Formats

Built into this the VSX-859RDS is the latest in film sound format technology. This technology includes the recent THX SURROUND EX (VSX-859RDS only) and 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. The THX SURROUND EX mode has been especially designed to incorporate surround back channels that some new source material uses. Both the VSX-859RDS and the VSX-839RDS have the ability to decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS (Digital Theater Systems) and MPEG sources, which are the standards of home theater today. It also offers component video terminals for the sharpest video transmission available to the consumer.

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. Surround EX is a trademark of Dolby Labs. Used under authorization.

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

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 & 7 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 7 channel tone (5 channel tone for the VSX-839RDS) control allows you to adjust the treble and bass of each channel individually to suit your listening tastes.

The Energy-saving Design

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

Table of Contents

Quick Start Guide ............................... 3

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

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

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

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

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

Installing the Receiver .............................................. 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 (Except for the U.K. model) ................. 21

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

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

Remote Control (VSX-859RDS) ............................... 24

Remote Control (VSX-839RDS) ............................... 26

Display ....................................................................... 28

Initial Set Up ....................................... 29

On Screen Display .................................................... 29

Setting Up for Surround Sound .............................. 30

Basic Playback .................................... 44

Sound Modes ............................................................ 44

Selecting a Sound Mode .......................................... 47

Playing Sources with Dolby Digital,

DTS or MPEG Audio ............................................... 49

Playing Stereo Sources ............................................ 50

Switching Analog and Digital Signal Input ............ 51

Reducing Noise During Playback ............................ 52

Listening in Midnight Mode ..................................... 53

Listening the Loudness Mode ................................. 53

Adjusting Bass and Treble ....................................... 54

MULTI CHANNEL IN Playback ................................. 55

96kHz 24bit Performance ......................................... 55

Direct Playback .......................................................... 56

Adjusting the Brightness of the Display ................. 56

DUAL MONO setting ................................................ 57

Remote Control of Other Components ...

Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other

Components .......................................................... 68

Programming a Different Component into a

MULTI CONTROL button (VSX-839RDS only) ..... 74

Checking Preset Codes (VSX-839RDS only) ........... 74

Clearing One of the Remote Control Settings

(VSX-859RDS only) ................................................ 75

Clearing All the Remote Control Settings

(VSX-859RDS only) ................................................ 75

Clearing One of the Remote Control Settings

(VSX-839RDS only) ................................................ 76

Clearing All the Remote Control Settings

(VSX-839RDS only) ................................................ 76

Using the Remote Control with Other

Components .......................................................... 77

Using Other Functions....................... 84

Recording from Audio Components ....................... 84

Recording from Digital Audio Components ........... 85

Recording from Video Components ....................... 86

Function Rename ...................................................... 87

Multi Operations (VSX-859RDS only) ..................... 89

System Off (VSX-859RDS only) ............................... 92

Direct Function (VSX-859RDS) ................................ 93

Direct Function (VSX-839RDS) ................................ 94

Remote Back Light (VSX-859RDS only) .................. 95

Changing the Display ............................................... 95

Video Select .............................................................. 96

Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving ....... 97

Dolby Digital .............................................................. 97

DTS ............................................................................ 97

THX ............................................................................ 98

MPEG Audio .............................................................. 99

Preset Code List for VSX-859RDS ......................... 100

Preset Code List for VSX-839RDS ......................... 103

Troubleshooting ...................................................... 111

Specifications .......................................................... 114

PREPARATION OPERATION

SET

Using the Tuner .................................. 58

Automatic and Manual Tuning ................................ 58

Direct Access Tuning ................................................ 59

Memorizing Frequently Used Stations ................... 60

Recalling Memorized Stations ................................. 61

An Introduction to RDS & EON ................................ 63

RDS (Radio Data System) Broadcast Reception .... 65

Before You Start

Checking the Supplied Accessories

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

FM wire antenna

• Operating Instructions

AM loop antenna

How to Use This Manual

This manual is for the VSX-859RDS and VSX-839RDS Audio/Video Multi-Channel Receivers. 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 – 15). 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. 29) is essential to get proper surround sound.

OPERATION

“AA” IEC LR6 batteries x 2

VSX-859RDS VSX-839RDS

Remote control unit

To play some music or soundtrack refer to “Basic Playback“ starting on p. 44. “Using the Tuner“ (p. 58) explains how to use the radio of this unit. Doing the operations in “Remote Control of Other Components“ (p. 68) is highly recommended so you can use this unit’s remote control for all your components. “Using Other Functions“ (p. 84) explain the other possibilities of the receiver. “Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving“ (p. 97) 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.

VSX-859RDS

VSX-839RDS

123

AA dry cell batteries ((“AA” IEC LR6) x 2)

Before You Start

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 / area.

Operating range of remote control unit

The area in which you can use the remote control to operate the VSX-859RDS/VSX-839RDS 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.

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 uses infrared rays.

Installing the Receiver

Ventilation

• When installing this unit, make sure to leave space around the unit for ventilation to improve heat radiation (at least 60 cm at the top, 10 cm at the rear, and 30 cm at each side). If not enough space is provided between the unit and walls or other equipment, heat will build up inside, interfering with performance or causing malfunctions.

• Do not place on a thick carpet, bed, sofa or fabric having a thick pile. Do not cover with fabric or other covering. Anything that blocks ventilation will cause the internal temperature to rise, which may lead to breakdown or fire hazard.

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.

OUT

CONTROL

OUT

PREPARATION

This illustration is the VSX-859RDS.

Opening the Front Panel

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

Receiver

PIONEER component bearing the Î mark.

To CONTROL IN terminal of another PIONEER component

Remote Control

memo

• 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. 68 – 70).

• 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.

bearing the Î mark.

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 (turntable, 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 (like a turntable) you only need to hook up one set of stereo plugs (two plugs). To use DTS, Dolby Digital or MPEG surround sound features you must hook up your digital audio components to the digital inputs (see p. 13). We also recommend hooking up your digital audio 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 & 15 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.

VSX-859RDS

OUTPUT

(PLAY)

OUTPUT

(PLAY)

ANALOG

INPUT (REC)

Recorder 1 (CD-R/Tape)

INPUT (REC)

Recorder 2 (CD-R/Tape)

ANALOG

OUTPUT

Please don't hook up any other component to the PHONO jacks other than a turntable. It could damage the equipment. If your turntable has a built-in amplifier please hook it up to an input other than the PHONO.

7 Analog audio/video cords

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

Connect red plugs to R (right)

and white plugs to L (left).

Be sure to insert completely.

7 Coaxial cords/Optical cables

Commercially available digital audio coaxial

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.

Digital audio coaxial cord

(or standard video cord)

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.

CD player

Turntable

If your turntable has a ground wire, connect it to the SIGNAL GND terminal (For VSX859RDS only).

Optical cable

Connecting Your Equipment

Digital Connections

In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS/MPEG 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-859RDS has two coaxial and three optical inputs for a total of five digital inputs (the VSX-839RDS has two coaxial and two optical inputs). In order to hook up a DVD/LD player or LD player see p.14. If possible hook up your digital equipment in accordance with this receiver's default settings, see "Digital Input Assignment," below, 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 are two optical digital out jacks (one for the VSX-839RDS ). 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

VSX-859RDS

PREPARATION

TV/Satellite tuner

OUTPUT

(PLAY)

DIGITAL

INPUT (REC)

VSX-839RDS

CD recorder

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

CD player

(not a PCM-only output)

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DVD player

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

Front DIGITAL IN connection is accessed via the MULTI JOG dial as VIDEO (VSX859RDS only).

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 component in which jack so your components will be in sync with 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 3: CD-R DIGITAL IN 2: CD 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-859RDS/VSX-839RDS default setting. In this case you will need to assign the digital inputs. See "Digital-In Select" on p. 33 in order to do this.

OPERATION

Connecting Your Equipment

Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD Player

Since some LDs have soundtracks recorded on the special 2 RF format you need to make special hook ups to ensure you can play all LDs on your system. If you don't have an LD (or an LD player with your DVD player) you don't need to worry about this. For the VSX-859RDS hook up your DVD/LD or LD player directly and make sure you make both a LD player with a is required. The RF demodulator changes the RF signal to a digital signal which is then processed by the receiver through its digital input jacks. For more details, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the RFD-1. Of course you must hook up your DVD/LD or LD player with standard (coaxial or optical) digital connections but if you are able to hook up your player with LDs available. We also recommend hooking up your digital components to analog audio jacks as well. Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC wall outlet.

VSX-859RDS

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

2 RF output and either a coaxial or optical digital connection. To connect a DVD/LD player or

2 RF output to the VSX-839RDS, however, a commercially available RF demodulator (RFD-1)

a 2 RF output (if your player has one) this will ensure you can use all

RF OUT

(AC-3)(LD)

(not a PCM-only output)

DIGITAL OUT

DVD/LD player or LD player

ANALOG

STEREO

COMPO-

NENT

VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

VSX-839RDS

RF demodulator RFD-1

OPTICAL

DIGITAL IN

COAXIAL

RF OUT

(AC-3)(LD)

(not a PCM-only output)

DIGITAL OUT

PCM/

(OPT.)

DIGITAL OUT

(OPT.)

DIGITAL IN

PCM/

RF IN (AC-3)(LD)

DVD/LD player or LD player

ANALOG

STEREO

COMPO-

NENT

VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

Component video cord connection is not possible for the VSX-839RDS.

memo

Be sure to make either a digital coaxial or digital optical connection as well, but you don't need to make both. Make sure the RF demodulator digital in switch is set correctly (optical or coaxial depending on the connection). Also, be sure to assign the jacks to the proper component(s) with the Digital-In Select procedure (see p. 33 if necessary). See the component's instruction manual if you are unsure about its input and output jacks.

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 component video (not possible for the VSX839RDS), 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, order to use Dolby Digital/DTS/MPEG 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 laser discs a DVD/LD player or LD player requires an analog connection and two digital connections (a coaxial or optical and a specialized RF demodulator connection, as explained on the previous page). 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 & video signal.

PREPARATION

Connecting DVD players

VSX-859RDS

Connecting VCRs or DVRs

VSX-859RDS

COMPO-

NENT

ANALOG

AUDIO

OUT

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

OUT IN

AUDIO (PLAY)

S-VIDEO

OUT IN

PLAY

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

OUT

(not a PCM-only output)

DVD player

DIGITAL

If you hook up your DVD

PCM/

/ DTS

DIGITAL

player using component video connections be sure to select component video output on your DVD player as well. See your DVD manual for details.

AUDIO (REC)

VIDEOVIDEO

S-VIDEO

REC

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

VCR 1/DVR

VCR 2

OPERATION

Portable DVD player (etc)

COLOR BRIGHT MONITOR

PHONES

HOLDON/OFF

DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL)

AV IN/OUT

S VIDEO OUT

Front panel video connections are accessed with the MULTI JOG dial as VIDEO. (This illustration is for the VSX-859RDS only).

memo

If your video components have S-video jacks,

you could use S-video cords (not supplied) to connect them to the S-VIDEO jack on the front panel or the back of the receiver. 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.

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 component video (not possible for the VSX-839RDS), 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, 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

COMPO-

VSX-859RDS

NENT

VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

7 S video cords

If you use S video cords (not supplied) to connect the video components be sure to insert completely.

(See note on p. 15 if you choose to use Svideo connections.)

S VIDEO

memo

ANALOG

STEREO

DIGITAL

TV/Satellite tuner

See the component's instruction manual if you are unsure about its input and output jacks.

Connecting Your Equipment

Connect your TV to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the signal with either component video (not possible for the VSX-839RDS), 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.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the TV signal.

VSX-859RDS

TV/monitor

VIDEO IN

COMPO-

VIDEO

NENT

S-VIDEO

PREPARATION

memo

The COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jack can be used to get a TV picture but it doesn't show this receiver's on screen display (OSD).

Multi Channel Input (External Decoder)

In some cases you may want to have your 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. 55).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.

VSX-859RDS

Components equipped with

7.1 (5.1) channel analog output jack

SURR-

OUND BACK

SUB

WOOFER

ANALOG

CENTER

SURROUND

FRONT

OPERATION

(For the VSX-859RDS only)

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

VSX-859RDS

FM wire antenna

AM loop antenna

7 AM loop antenna

1 Assemble the antenna.

2 Twist exposed wire strands

together and insert.

10 mm

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.

PAL connector

7 To improve AM reception

Connect a 5–6 meter length of vinyl-coated wire to the AM antenna terminal in addition to the supplied AM loop antenna. For the best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors.

Outdoor antenna

5–6 m

Indoor antanna (vinyl-coated wire)

AM loop antenna

Ground

Connecting Your Equipment

Speakers

A full complement of eight speakers (six for the VSX-839RDS) is best 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 but it is designed to be used with at least three speakers.

One of the latest features of home theater is the use of SURROUND BACK speakers. These speakers add even greater realism in movie sound effects and new discs with soundtracks in Dolby Digital, DTS or MPEG incorporate these channels. In order to be able to use these channels you must hook your SURROUND BACK speakers up to an external amplifier and then connect that to the VSX-859RDS (you can't hook up surround back speakers to the VSX-839RDS), as shown in the diagram on p. 4. If you only have one SURROUND BACK speaker hook it up to the SURROUND BACK L (SINGLE) terminal on the back of the receiver.

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-859RDS/VSX-839RDS you can use speakers with a nominal impedance rated 6Ω-16Ω,

see below for more details.

PREPARATION

7 Speaker terminals

1 Twist exposed wire

strands together.

2 Loosen speaker terminal

and insert exposed wire.

3 Tighten

terminal.

10 mm

Speaker impedance

You can change the speaker impedance for VSX-859RDS/VSX-839RDS 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

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

First put the receiver in STANDBY mode, then press the power button while holding down the SPEAKERS button.

The receiver will reset 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.)

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

OPERATION

Connecting Your Equipment

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.

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.

VSX-859RDS

Front

Left

Front RightCenter

Sub

Woofer

VSX-839RDS (or VSX-859RDS without surround back speakers)

memo

• 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.

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

Surround

Left

Surround Back

Left

Front

Left

Surround

Left

Listening

Position

Listening

Position

Surround

Right

Surround Back

Right

Front RightCenter

Sub

Woofer

Surround

Right

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.

Connecting Your Equipment

Connecting Additional Amplifiers

To hook up surround back speakers you need to use an additional amplifier (this is not possible with the VSX839RDS). Other than for that purpose 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

VSX-859RDS

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

Front channel amplifier

Surround channel amplifier

Center channel amplifier (mono)

Powered subwoofer

Surround back channel amplifier

PREPARATION

(For the VSX-859RDS only)

memo

You can use the additional amplifier on the surround back channels

VSX-859RDS only) for a single speaker as well. In this case plug

( the amplifier into the L (SINGLE) terminal only.

Plugging In (Except for the U.K. model)

Two components can be powered from this receiver. These outlets are switched, which means that power is switched on and off with the receiver. 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.

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.

OPERATION

This illustration is not applicable to the U.K. model.

Caution!

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

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 12 13 14

VSX-859RDS

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.)

— OFF _ ON button

Press to feed power to the unit from the mains. Press again to cut power. When this is on you can use the remote control to turn on the unit. When this is off you can't use the remote control to turn the unit on.

2 MIDNIGHT button (See p. 53)

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

3 DIGITAL NR button (See p. 52)

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

4 MULTI CH INPUT (See p. 55)

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

5 DSP MODE button (See p. 46 – 48)

Press repeatedly to select a DSP sound mode. (HALL 1, HALL 2, JAZZ, DANCE, THEATER 1, or THEATER 2, 5/7 CH STEREO). Use these modes to produce surround sound from standard (two channel) stereo sources and create different listening environments.

1516171819

STEREO/DIRECT button (See p. 46 & 56)

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. 46. DIRECT playback bypasses the tone controls, DNR, LOUDNESS, MIDNIGHT and channel level for the most accurate reproduction of a program source.

2/ DTS/ MPEG buttons (See p. 44 – 48,

97 – 99)

THX CINEMA – Cycles through the THX

CINEMA, THX SURROUND EX (for VSX-859RDS only) or THX AUTO (for VSX-859RDS only) sound modes, 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, DTS or MPEG sources. Those with surround back speakers can use all three THX modes, those without can only use the THX CINEMA mode. ADVANCED THEATER – 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, DTS or MPEG sources. STANDARD – Use for pure decoding of multi channel sources, especially Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS or MPEG software.

Displays & Controls

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 (See p. 56)

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.

8 VIDEO SELECT button

Switches the receiver between the various types of video input while keeping the audio input the same.

9 TAPE 2 MONITOR button (See p. 84)

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. 58-67)

BAND button – Press to select the AM or FM

band. CLASS button – Press repeatedly to switch the preset station classes. TUNING SELECT – Switches the STATION/ TUNING button between station memory and frequency select modes. STATION –/+ button – Use to choose programmed radio stations. TUNING –/+ button – Use to manually tune to radio stations. RF ATT button – Press to turn the RF attenuator on when receiving strong FM signals (nearby stations) to reduce sound distortion. Normally, set the RF attenuator to off. This button does not affect AM reception. MEMORY button – Press to start the memorization of a preset station. CHARACTER/SEARCH button – Press to select the character input mode, or initiate an RDS PTY search (see “Memorizing a broadcast station name” on p.62 and “Searching for a program by program type (PTY) on p. 66).

EON MODE button (See p. 64 – 67)

Press to start EON search. (See p. 67)

11 Display (See p. 28) 12 Remote sensor

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

13 MULTI-JOG CONTROL buttons

SETUP – Press to switch the setup mode.

RETURN – Press to move back one step in the

SETUP process.

14 MULTI JOG dial

You can use this dial for three purposes. In normal mode turn it to select a source component or press it to switch the display between function mode and sound mode. When you press the SETUP button (13), you can use it to perform SETUP operations (turn to select, push to enter).

DVD/LD – DVD player or laser disc 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/TAPE 1/ MD inputs/outputs.

TUNER – The built-in tuner. PHONO VIDEO – Video camera (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.

(VSX-859RDS only)

– Turntable.

15 MASTER VOLUME

Adjusts the overall receiver volume.

16 VIDEO INPUT jacks (See p. 15)

DIGITAL IN (VSX-859RDS only): Optical input

for connecting a video game, portable DVD, etc., that has an optical out. 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.

17 LOUDNESS button (See p. 53)

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

18 TONE buttons

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 and SURROUND BACK speakers (VSX-859RDS only). You can then use the BASS and TREBLE controls to adjust the sound.

BASS (–/+) buttons (See p. 54)

Use to adjust the low frequencies.

TREBLE (–/+) buttons (See p. 54)

Use to adjust the high frequencies.

19 PHONES jack

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

PREPARATION

Displays & Controls

Remote Control (VSX-859RDS)

Î

S0URCE

OPERATION

DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2

CD-R/

TAPE1

CLASS MPX

¶

TUNING

1¡4¢

DTV ON/OFF DTV MENU

123

456

789

+10

RF ATT

TV VOL

––

REMOTE SETUP

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP

EFFECT/ CH SEL

DIGITAL

MULTI CH

MIDNIGHT

INPUT

DIGITAL MULTI PROCESSING AMPLIFIER

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

1 USE/SETUP slide switch

Use to put the remote into receiver SETUP, or receiver USE mode.

2 SOURCE button

Use to turn on the power of your other components after you have recalled or taught the signals to this remote control.

MULTI

MULTI CONTROL

TV CONTROL

TV FUNC

ENTER

–

/DTS/MPEG

THXLIGHT

USE SETUP

RECEIVER

SYSTEM

OFF

TUNER TVCONT

DIRECT ACCESS

BAND

STATION

CHANNEL

DISC

VOLUME

MUTE

FUNCTION

SIGNAL SELECT

STEREO/

DSP

DIRECT

ADVANCED

STANDARD

1 2

873

DISPLAY

3 MULTI CONTROL buttons

4 Component Control buttons

5 Number buttons

6 TV CONTROL buttons

MULTI OPERATION button

Use this button to start the MULTI OPERATION mode. See p. 89 – 91 for how to program and use the MULTI OPERATION mode.

SYSTEM OFF button

This button turns off components in two ways. First, when pressed it will turn off all PIONEER components. Secondly, any component that has programmed into the MULTI OPERATIONS settings will also be turned off (see p. 92).

For example: If you programmed power on for your TV and VCR, pressing the SYSTEM OFF button will turn off these components even if they are not PIONEER products.

RECEIVER button

Press to turn power of the receiver on or to STANDBY (off).

Use these to select a source and the corresponding remote operation mode.

For example, pressing TUNER selects the built in tuner and sets the remote operation to the tuner functions.

Use to control specific components, like a CD player or DVD player, after you have programmed the remote control to do these operations (see pages 77 – 83) and the remote is put in that operation mode.

[Tuner control]

CLASS – Press repeatedly to switch the

preset station classes. MPX – Press to switch between auto stereo and mono reception of FM broadcasts.

BAND – Press to select AM or FM band. DIRECT ACCESS – Press to activate the direct

access tuning mode. TUNING +/– – Use to manually tune in to radio stations. STATION +/– – Use to choose programmed radio stations.

These buttons can perform a variety of different functions depending on the remote operation mode. They are most useful for CD and tuner operations.

The following buttons are used to control the TV only and can be used no matter what function the remote control is set to.

Displays & Controls

TV button – Press to turn the power of the TV on/off.

TV FUNC button – Press TV FUNC to select the TV for remote control operation.

TV VOL +/– button – Use to adjust the TV volume.

7 MASTER VOLUME buttons

Use to raise or lower the volume of the receiver.

8 INPUT ATT button (when USE mode is

selected)

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

REMOTE SETUP button (when SETUP mode is selected)

Use to customize the remote control functions and the remote control itself. (See “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components“ starting on p. 68, “Multi Operations“ starting on p. 89.)

MENU button

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

MUTE button

Press to mute or restore the volume.

EFFECT/CH SEL (when USE mode is selected) button (see memo on p. 48).

EFFECT – Use these buttons to increase or

decrease the amount of effect applied in a DSP or Advanced Theater mode. When the amount of effect is increased in a DSP/Advanced Theater mode the characteristics of that mode become stronger and more noticeable. The scale ranges from 10-90 with 70 as the default setting. First turn on the DSP/Advanced Theater you want (by pressing the DSP/ Advanced Theater button until you get the mode) and then increase or decrease the amount of effect.

CH SEL – You may want to adjust the channels when listening to some sound sources. Use this button to select the channel you want to adjust.

SYSTEM SET UP button (when SETUP mode is selected)

Use to set up the speaker and sound systems. For more information see “Setting up for Surround Sound“ starting on p. 30.

FUNCTION button

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

5(+)/∞(–)/2/3/ENTER buttons

Use to operate the on-screen menu on your TV screen and enter commands when setting up surround sound, speakers levels & settings, and other set up features see p. 30 – 43). They also can be used to operate DVD players and other components after you have input the components preset codes. Specific use of these buttons is described in conjunction with the operations they perform. For more information see each individual section.

DIGITAL NR button

Press to switch Digital NR on or off. (See p. 52)

SIGNAL SELECT button (See p. 51)

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).

2 RF – 2 RF signal (DVD/LD, TV/SAT, VCR

1, VCR 2).

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

9 MIDNIGHT button (See p. 53)

Switches the MIDNIGHT mode on or off.

MULTI CH INPUT button (See p. 34, 55)

Press to switch to multi channel input mode.

DSP button (See p. 46 – 48)

Press to select a DSP sound mode. Repeated presses cycle through the different possible DSP modes.

STEREO/DIRECT button (See p. 46 &

56)

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

LIGHT button

Press to light the remote control buttons.

/DTS/MPEG buttons (See p. 44 – 50)

Press these buttons to put the receiver in the selected sound mode. For more information on these specific sound modes see p. 97 – 99.

PREPARATION

Displays & Controls

Remote Control (VSX-839RDS)

SOURCE

REMOTE SETUP SYSTEM SETUP SIGNAL SELECT

EFFECT/CH SEL

5 6

7 8

9 0

= ~

RECEIVER

VCR

DVD

TV MULTI CONTROL

CD CD-R TUN TVC

123

VIDEO SELECT

LOUDNESS

456

INPUT ATT DIGITAL NR FL DIMMER

789

+10

TV VOL

TV CONTROL

4¢

TUNE

ST ST

TUNE

TOP MENU

D.ACCESS BAND

MPX

¶

!⁄

SETUP

RETURN

RECEIVER DIRECT CONTROL

MIDNIGHT DSP STEREO

THX

ADVANCED STANDARD MUTE

/ DTS / MPEG

MULTI CH INPUT

DISC

RECEIVER

MASTER VOLUME

TVFUNK

CHANNEL

ENTER

CLASS

DISPLAY RF ATT

CLEAR AUDIO

FUNCTION

VCR 2

*‹&

Î

@ #

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

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 "Using the Remote Control with Other Components" on pages 77 – 83.

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.

( )

_ + ¡

™ £ ¢

∞

4 The following set of four buttons are

VIDEO SELECT button

Switches the receiver between the various types of video input.

MULTI CH INPUT button (See p. 34, 55)

Use to hook up an external component that can decode other types of signals and input them into the VSX-839RDS.

INPUT ATT button

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

DIGITAL NR button

Press to switch Digital NR on or off (see page

52).

FL DIMMER button (See p. 56)

REMOTE SETUP button

Use to customize the remote control functions and the remote control itself (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components“ starting on p. 68).

SYSTEM SETUP button

Use to set up the speaker and sound systems. For more information see “Setting up for Surround Sound“ starting on p. 30.

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 and digital input signals, 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.

dedicated to TV control They are only for controlling your TV.

Displays & Controls

TV VOLUME +/– 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.

MENU button

Use to access different menus associated with your Satellite TV, cable TV, etc.

5 4 ¢ /CHANNEL +/– buttons

Use to adjust channels on your TV and VCR or use to select tracks on your DVD or CD player.

6 5(+)/∞(–)/2/3/ENTER buttons

Use to set up surround sound, speakers levels & settings, and other set up features (see p. 30 – 43). 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 TOP MENU button

Use to display the lead trailer on a DVD.

8 3 button (BAND)

Use to play other components. Use to switch between the AM and FM band when in TUNER mode.

9 7 button (DIRECT ACCESS)

Use to stop other components. Also use to directly access a radio station by pressing the number of the station you want.

0 ¶ (MPX)

Use to stop 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.

- RETURN button

Use to return to a previous setting during set up operations

= SETUP button

Use this button when setting up the remote to control other components.

~ MIDNIGHT button (See p. 53)

Use to put receiver in MIDNIGHT mode.

! THX button

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

@ DSP button (See p. 46 – 48)

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, DTS or MPEG sources.

$ STEREO button (See p. 46 & 56)

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. 46

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.

& DISC button

Use for controlling other components only.

* MASTER VOLUME +/– buttons

Use to set the overall listening volume.

( MENU button

Use to get the various menus for your TV.

) 8 button (CLASS)

Use to pause other components. Also use the CLASS feature to switch between the three banks (classes) of station memories.

_ ¡ button (RF ATT)

Use to fast forward search on CDs etc. Also use to lower the input level of a radio signal.

+ 1 button (DISPLAY)

Use to fast reverse search on CDs etc. Also use to display the RDS information.

¡ AUDIO button (RDM)

Changes the audio function (for example, the language) on a DVD. Also use to start random play with some components.

™ CLEAR button

Closes any TV menu that is open on the screen.

£ 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 or MPEG sources.

PREPARATION

Displays & Controls

Display

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

12 3 4 56 7 8

1315

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.

Program Format indicator

For Dolby Digital, DTS or MPEG sources, these indicators change according to which channels are active in the source. When all three LS (left surround), S (surround) and RS (right surround) light at the same time it means a DOLBY SURROUND EX source, a DTS ES source, or an MPEG source with surround back channels is being used (for VSX-859RDS only).

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/MPEG 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 – Indicates a DTS encoded source. THX – Lights when the HOME THX CINEMA

mode is selected. EX – Lights when decoding a Surround EX source (for VSX-859RDS only).

MPEG Format indicators

Lights when decoding an MPEG format disc.

5 DSP indicator (See p. 45 – 48)

Lights when a DSP or Advanced Theater mode is selected.

6 STEREO indicator

Lights when a STEREO mode is selected.

7 Source indicators

3 indicator lights at the selected source.

910111214

TAPE 2 indicator

Lights when the TAPE 2 monitor is on.

MASTER VOLUME indicator

Displays current volume level.

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.

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.

EON, RDS Display

These indicators light when RDS or EON search is being used.

H.P (headphones)

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

Character display

Shows current function or sound mode, status, etc.

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 INPUT ATT is used to reduce the level of the analog source signal.

Initial Set up

On Screen Display (VSX-859RDS only)

There are a number of possible ways to hook up the receiver to your video components, like a DVD player, and hook up to your receiver to your TV, but some of them will not allow you to use the on-screen display of this unit. To avoid this, you simply need to keep the following rules:

1 Always use the same type of video cords to hook up your video components to the receiver as you use to

hook up the receiver to your TV. For example, if you use composite video cords to hook up your DVD player to the receiver, use composite video cords to hook up the receiver to your TV. If you use S video cords to hook up your DVD player and the receiver, use S video cords to hook up the receiver to your TV.

2 Always make sure your TV is set to the appropriate input channel (for example, video 1). Your TV may have

a number of input channels and if you do not select the proper one, you will not be able to use this receiver’s on-screen display, or, in fact see any picture from this receiver at all. If you are unsure how to choose an input channel for your TV, refer to the manual which came with your TV.

Switching video system between PAL and NTSC (if necessary)

This receiver is able to use two types of video systems for its OSD (on screen display) either PAL or NTSC. If you don't match the system on the amplifier with your home system no OSD will appear on your TV. The default setting is PAL. If you use this system you don't need to make any settings here. People with multisystem TVs don’t need to worry about changing the setting either. If necessary, follow the instructions below to switch the type of video system.

SET

STANDBY/ON

1 Put the receiver in the STANDBY

mode.

2 While holding down the LOUDNESS

button press the STANDBY/ON button.

The video system type will change depending on the state the receiver was previously in. The new type, either PAL or NTSC, will appear in the display. It will be shown for about seven seconds and then the receiver returns to normal operating mode.

To change the video system type again repeat steps 1 and 2.

LOUDNESS

When a PAL system is selected

When a NTSC system is selected

Initial Set up

Setting Up for Surround Sound

To ensure the best possible surround sound, complete the following setup operations. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers, etc.). To set up the VSX-859RDS's home cinema system use on-screen displays on your TV or the front panel display on the receiver. Switch on the receiver and your TV, and make sure that the receiver is selected as your TV's video input. For the VSX-839RDS use the front panel display on the receiver. These instructions are written using the remote control to make the settings but you can also use the MULTI JOG dial, SETUP and RETURN buttons on the front panel. Turn the MULTI JOG dial left or right to instead of using the 5 or ∞ arrow buttons and press the MULTI JOG dial to enter the command.

VSX-859RDS

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CLASS MPX

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REMOTE SETUP

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP

EFFECT/ CH SEL

DIGITAL

MIDNIGHT

MULTI

OPERATION

MULTI CONTROL

CD-R/

TAPE1

MULTI CH

INPUT

THXLIGHT

ENTER

–

/DTS/MPEG

USE SETUP

SYSTEM

OFF

TUNER TVCONT

BAND

DSP

ADVANCED

RECEIVER

DIRECT ACCESS

873

MUTE

FUNCTION

SIGNAL SELECT

STEREO/ DIRECT

STANDARD

1 For the VSX-859RDS set the slide

switch on the remote control to SETUP. For the VSX-839RDS press RECEIVER.

Also make sure your TV is on and set to the receiver.

• When you're done setting up the receiver, remember to set the slide switch back to USE.

2 Press the SYSTEM SETUP button on

the remote control (the number button 8 on the VSX-839RDS).

VSX-839RDS

DIGITAL MULTI PROCESSING AMPLIFIER

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

RECEIVER

SOURCE

VCR

DVD

MULTI CONTROL

CD CD-R TUN TVC

123

VIDEO SELECT

LOUDNESS

456

INPUT ATT DIGITAL NR FL DIMMER

789

REMOTE SETUP SYSTEM SETUP SIGNAL SELECT

+10

EFFECT/CH SEL

RECEIVER

TV VOL

TV CONTROL

TVFUNK

4¢

CHANNEL

TUNE

ST ST

ENTER

TUNE

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For the VSX-859RDS only this SYSTEM SETUP MENU appears on your TV screen, For the VSX-839RDS use the display on the receiver to follow along with these set up instructions, though for people with a VSX-859RDS it is also useful to look at the display on the receiver as well as your TV.

• 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 previous state after three minutes.

]

• If you want to go back one level in the setup process press the RETURN button on the front panel.

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+ 86 hidden pages