Pioneer VSX-909RDS, VSX-909RDS-G Operating Instruction

AUDIO/VIDEO

MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

VSX-909RDS

VSX-909RDS-G

Operating Instructions

IMPORTANT

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

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), EMC Directives (89/336/ EEC, 92/31/EEC) and CE Marking Directive (93/ 68/EEC).

THE ON/OFF 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

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

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.

1 Hooking Up Your DVD Player & TV

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. 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 this receiver (for more on p.16-17). 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.

VIDEOAUDIO

PCM/

DTS/

RF IN (AC-3)

IN2IN

MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

DVD /

LD IN

S VIDEOVIDEO

RCA video cord

RCA stereo cord

coaxial cord

VIDEO

OUT

ANALOG

STEREO

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DVD player

(not a PCM-only output)

MONITOR

OUT1

VIDEO INPUT

RCA video cord

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 page VI for this.

VIDEOAUDIO

PCM/

DTS/

RF IN (AC-3)

IN2IN

MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

DVD /

LD IN

S VIDEOVIDEO

RCA video cord

RCA stereo cord

optical cord

MONITOR

OUT1

RCA video cord

VIDEO

OUT

ANALOG

STEREO

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

VIDEO INPUT

DVD player

(not a PCM-only output)

III

Quick Start Guide

2 Speaker Connections

Home theater is designed to be setup with five, or seven speakers (front left & right; center; surround left & right; and, optimally, surround back left & right) and a subwoofer but you can use this receiver with fewer speakers. Hook up the speakers you have to the A speaker 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 33-34 in order to do this.

Follow the diagram below to hook up an additional amplifier in order to use surround back speakers. 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.

RCA audio cord

SUB

WOOFER

3 Setting up the Remote Control & Unit

RCA stereo cord

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

L (Single)

ANALOG

INPUT

Surround back

speaker (Left)

INPUT

Additional Amplifier (See p.21)

SPEAKERS

FRONT

Powered

subwoofer

Surround back

speaker (Right)

1 Put the batteries in the remote control.

2 Plug the main unit into a wall outlet.

3 Press

_ ON/ — OFF button and the STANDBY/ON button on the receiver to

put the receiver in ON mode.

Quick Start Guide

4 Digital Input Assignment

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

Î

S0URCE

DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2

CLASS MPX

¶

1¡4¢

123

456

789

+10

RF ATT

TV VOL

––

REMOTE SETUP

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP

EFFECT/

CH SEL

DIGITAL

MIDNIGHT

USE SETUP

RECEIVER

MULTI

SYSTEM

OPERATION

OFF

MULTI CONTROL

MD/

TUNER TVCONT

TAPE1

DIRECT ACCESS

BAND

873

STATION

TUNING

CHANNEL

DISC

DISPLAY

VOLUME

TV CONTROL

TV FUNC

MUTE

FUNCTION

ENTER

SIGNAL SELECT

–

MULTI CH

STEREO/

DSP

INPUT

DIRECT

/DTS/MPEG

ADVANCED

THXLIGHT

STANDARD

3-5

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.

System Setup

[Digital-In Select] [Speaker Setting] [Channel Delay] [Channel Level] [Crossover Network] [Bass Peak Level] [D-Range Control] [Multi Channel In]

• 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.

3 Digital in Select should be selected (if it isn't use

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

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

You should see the following display on your TV.

Digital-In Select

Digital-1 Digital-2 Digital-3 Digital-4 Digital-5 AC-3 RF [EXIT] L

[DVD/LD] [ CD ] [ MD ] [TV/SAT ] [ VCR1 ] [DVD/LD]

4 Choose the Digital-3 you hooked up your DVD

player to and assign "DVD/LD" to it.

Use the 2 or 3 buttons to choose the DVD/LD setting.

Digital-In Select

Digital-1 Digital-2 Digital-3 Digital-4 Digital-5 AC-3 RF [EXIT] L

[DVD/LD] [ CD ] [DVD/LD] [TV/SAT ] [ VCR1 ] [DVD/LD]

5 Select EXIT with 5¥∞ buttons and press ENTER

to return to the SYSTEM SETUP MENU.

Digital-In Select

Digital-1 Digital-2 Digital-3 Digital-4 Digital-5 AC-3 RF [EXIT] L

[ OFF ] [ CD ] [DVD/LD] [TV/SAT ] [ VCR1 ] [DVD/LD]

Quick Start Guide

5 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound

Î

S0URCE

DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2

CLASS MPX

¶

1¡4¢

USE SETUP

RECEIVER

MULTI

SYSTEM

OPERATION

OFF

MULTI CONTROL

MD/

TUNER TVCONT

TAPE1

DIRECT ACCESS

BAND

873

STATION

TUNING

CHANNEL

Set the remote control slide switch to USE.

1 Turn on the receiver, your TV, and the DVD player.

2 Press the DVD/LD button on the remote control.

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

123

456

789

TV CONTROL

TV FUNC

ENTER

–

MULTI CH

INPUT

/DTS/MPEG

ADVANCED

THXLIGHT

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

DISC

DISPLAY

VOLUME

MUTE

FUNCTION

SIGNAL SELECT

STEREO/

DSP

DIRECT

STANDARD

+10

RF ATT

TV VOL

––

REMOTE SETUP

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP

EFFECT/ CH SEL

DIGITAL

MIDNIGHT

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

3 Press the STANDARD button for the basic

surround sound setting.

4 Play a DVD.

6 For Better Surround Sound

1 Go through the entire "system setup" procedures as outlined on pages 12-21

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 14) 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/MPEG

and DSP buttons.

For more information see pages 42-46.

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

on pages 29-41 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 30-34.

Speaker Setting

[FREE] [THX]

Front L Center Surround SurrBack Subwoofer

[EXIT]

[LARGE] [LARGE] [LARGE] [LARGEx2] [ YES ]

Table of Contents

Before You Start ................................... 9

Checking the Supplied Accessories .......................... 9

How to Use This Manual ............................................ 9

Preparing the Remote Control ................................... 9

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

Operating range of remote control unit .............. 10

Operating other PIONEER components .............. 10

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

Ventilation ............................................................. 11

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

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

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

Cassette deck placement ...................................... 12

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

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

Digital Input Assignment ..................................... 14

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

Satellite TV Components ......................................... 16

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

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

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

Using external antennas ...................................... 18

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

Speaker impedance .............................................. 20

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

Speaker placement ............................................... 20

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

Plugging In (Except for the U.K. model) ................. 21

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

Display ....................................................................... 22

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

Front Panel ................................................................ 26

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

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

Switching video system between

PAL and NTSC .................................................. 29

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

Digital-In Select ..................................................... 32

Speaker Setting ..................................................... 33

Channel Delay ....................................................... 35

Channel Level ........................................................ 36

Crossover Network ............................................... 38

Bass Peak Level ..................................................... 39

Dynamic Range Control ....................................... 40

Multi Channel In Setting ...................................... 41

Multi Channel In Setting Using the Main Unit ... 41

Basic Playback .................................... 42

Sound Modes ............................................................ 42

Selecting a Sound Mode .......................................... 45

Playing Sources with Dolby Digital,

DTS or MPEG .......................................................... 46

Playing Stereo Sources ............................................ 47

Switching Analog and Digital Signal Input ............ 48

Reducing Noise During Playback ............................ 49

Listening in Midnight Mode ..................................... 50

Using the Loudness Mode ....................................... 50

Adjusting Bass and Treble ....................................... 51

MULTI CHANNEL IN Playback ................................. 52

96kHz 24bit Performance ......................................... 52

Direct Playback .......................................................... 53

Adjusting the Brightness of the Display ................. 53

DUAL MONO Setting ................................................ 54

Using the Tuner .................................. 55

Automatic and Manual Tuning ................................ 55

MPX mode ............................................................. 55

RF ATT mode......................................................... 55

Direct Access Tuning ................................................ 56

Memorizing Frequently Used Stations ................... 57

Recalling Memorized Stations ................................. 58

Using the remote control ..................................... 58

Using the front panel ............................................ 58

Memorizing a broadcast station name

(Manual Station Name Memory) ..................... 59

To erase and change the memorized

station name ..................................................... 59

An Introduction to RDS & EON ................................ 60

Basics of EON ........................................................ 61

The receiver’s internal Program

Identification function ...................................... 61

RDS (Radio Data System) Broadcast Reception .... 62

Displaying RDS data ............................................. 62

Searching for a program by

program type (PTY) .......................................... 63

Using EON search ................................................. 64

Remote Control of Other Components ...

Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other

Components .............................................................. 65

Recalling Preset Codes ......................................... 65

Learning Commands from Other

Remote Controls ............................................... 67

Using the Remote Control with Other

Components ............................................................ 69

Using Other Functions....................... 76

Recording from Audio Components ....................... 76

Record monitor (TAPE 2 MONITOR) ................... 76

Recording from Digital Audio Components ........... 77

Recording from Video Components ....................... 77

Multi Operations ....................................................... 78

Performing Multi Operations ............................... 79

System Off ................................................................. 80

Using the System Off Button ............................... 81

Setting Up the Direct Function ................................ 81

Remote Back Light .................................................... 82

Resetting the Remote Control ................................. 82

Erasing Multi Operations ..................................... 82

Erasing Learned Remote Control Commands ........ 83

Erasing All Learned Commands and

Preset Codes ........................................................... 83

Video Select .............................................................. 84

Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving.... 85

Preset Code List ........................................................ 88

Troubleshooting ........................................................ 92

Specifications ............................................................ 95

PREPARATION

SET

OPERATION

Features

Multi Channel Stereophonic Concept

The VSX-909RDS/909RDS-G receiver is 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 110 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 eight discrete channels of audio. It also has multi channel direct inputs and the ability to decode the cutting edge formats.

Decoding of Next Generation Digital Source Film Formats

Built into this receiver is the latest in film sound format technology. This technology includes the recent THX SURROUND EX 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. This receiver has the ability to decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, MPEG and DTS (Digital Theater Systems) 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.

The MPEG logo is a registered trademark of Royal Philips Electronics.

“DTS”, "ES" 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”, “AC-3”, “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.

RDS (Radio Data System)

With the RDS system, FM station can send additional signals with their regular program signals. For example, the stations send their station names, and information about the type of programs they broadcast, such as news, sport or music. This unit receives three types of RDS signals: RT, PS, and PTY.

The Energy-saving Design

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

Before You Start

Checking the Supplied Accessories

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

PREPARATION

FM wire antenna

AM loop antenna

How to Use This Manual

This manual is for the VSX-909RDS/909RDS-G Audio/ Video Multi-Channel 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 Set Up“ (from p.29) is essential to get proper surround sound.

“AA” IEC LR6 batteries x 2

OPERATION

To play some music or soundtrack refer to “Basic Playback“ on p.42. “Using the Tuner“ (p.55) explains how to use the radio of this unit. Doing the operations in “Remote Control of Other Components“ (p.65) is highly recommended so you can use this unit’s remote control for all your components. “Using Other Functions“ (p.76) explain the other possibilities of the receiver. “Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving“ (p.85) 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.

Remote control unit

• Operating Instructions

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.

Before You Start

Operating range of remote control unit

The area in which you can use the remote control to operate the VSX-909RDS/909RDS-G 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

30°

remote sensor.

• The receiver located near a device emitting infrared rays.

• Operated simultaneously with another remote control which

uses infrared rays.

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 components via the CONTROL OUT terminal.

memo

OUT

CONTROL

OUT

Receiver

PIONEER component bearing the Î mark.

To CONTROL IN terminal of another

Remote Control

PIONEER component bearing the Î mark.

• You can also control PIONEER components (and those made by other manufacturers) by pointing the receiver’s remote control directly at the respective components. This type of operation does not require control cords. All you have to do is recall the appropriate preset code (refer to “Recalling preset codes” on page 65).

• 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.

Before You Start

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.

Opening the Front Panel

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

PREPARATION

Connecting Your Equipment

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

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 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 an MD) to/from analog components you must hook up your digital equipment with these analog connections. See p.13 & 14 for more on digital connections.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

ANALOG

INPUT

OUTPUT

(REC)

(PLAY)

RF IN (AC-3)

ANTENNA

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURR-

OUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

FM UNBAL 75‰

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

AUDIO

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

PCM/

/ DTS/ MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD / TAPE1/ CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

OUT

OUTPUT

(PLAY)

ANALOG

Recorder 1(MD/Tape)

INPUT (REC)

Recorder 2(MD/Tape)

If your turntable has a ground wire, connect it to the SIGNAL GND terminal.

Turntable

ANALOG

OUTPUT

CD player

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 PHONO.

7 Audio cords

Use audio cords (not supplied) to connect the audio components.

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,

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

Be sure to insert completely.

move the cassette deck farther away from the receiver.

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 receiver has two coaxial and three optical inputs for a total of five digital inputs. A DVD/LD player or LD player should be connected to a digital jack and the special 2 RF jack (if the LD has one) as well as a pair of analog jacks (see the next page). If possible, hook up your digital equipment in accordance with this receiver's default settings. See “Digital Input Assignment“ below left, 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 (the MD 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 outlet.

PREPARATION

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

RF IN (AC-3)

ANTENNA

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

FM UNBAL 75‰

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

AUDIO

AM LOOP ANTENNA

PCM/

/ DTS/ MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD / TAPE1/ CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

CONTROL

S VIDEOVIDEO

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

OUT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

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.

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

INPUT

(PLAY)

(REC)

Coaxial cord (or standard video cord)

(not a PCM-only output)

DVD player

CD player

TV tuner

MD recorder

Optical cable

Connecting Your Equipment

Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD player

Make sure you connect your DVD/LD or LD players using both the 2 RF jack and either a coaxial or optical (you don't need to do both of these) digital connections. If your player has an 2 RF output this will ensure you can use all LDs (see p.15). 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 outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

RF IN (AC-3)

FM UNBAL 75‰

ANTENNA

memo

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT IN

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUTOUT

IN2IN

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

AM LOOP ANTENNA

IN5IN4IN

PRE OUT

SURR-

OUND

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

REC

CD IN

AUDIO

PCM/

DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

WOOFER

FRONT

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

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.

OUT

CONTROL

S VIDEOVIDEO

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

OUT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

Also, be sure to assign the jacks to the proper component(s) with the (see p.32) if necessary. See the explanation below for details.

RF OUT

(AC-3)(LD)

(not a PCM-only output)

DIGITAL OUT

DVD/LD player or LD player

VIDEO

COMPO-

VIDEO

NENT

OUT

S-VIDEO

ANALOG

STEREO

Digital-In Select

procedure

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 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: MD DIGITAL IN 4: TV/SAT DIGITAL IN 5: VCR1 AC-3 RF: DVD/LD

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-909RDS/909RDS-G default setting. In this case you will need to assign the digital inputs. See

Digital-In Select

on p.32 in order to do this.

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, 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 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 2 RF connection shown at the very top of the first diagram below). Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the video signal.

PREPARATION

Connecting DVD/LD players

RF IN (AC-3)

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75‰

IN2IN

OUTOUT

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

AM LOOP ANTENNA

PCM/

/ DTS/ MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

REC

CD IN

MULTI CH IN

AUDIO

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

SURR-

OUND

CENTER

SUB WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT IN

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD / TAPE1/ CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

OUT

Connecting VCRs or DVRs

VIDEOAUDIO

COMPONENT VIDEO

RF IN (AC-3)

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75‰

IN2IN

OUTOUT

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

AM LOOP ANTENNA

PCM/

/ DTS/ MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

REC

MULTI CH IN

AUDIO

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

VCR1 / DVR

TAPE1/

PHONO

S VIDEOVIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

PRE OUT

MONITOR

OUT

BACK

L (Single)

BACK

DVD /

TV / SAT

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

CD-R

REC

OUT

MONITOR

OUT 2

CONTROL

RF OUT (LD)

COMPO-

NENT

ANALOG

STEREO

RF OUT

(LD)

VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL

OUT IN

AUDIO (PLAY)

S-VIDEO

OUT IN

AUDIO (PLAY)

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

(LD player only)

DVD/LD player

(not a PCM-only output)

PCM/

/ DTS

If you hook up your DVD/LD player using component video connections be sure to select component video output on your DVD player as well. See you DVD manual for details.

AUDIO

(REC)

VIDEOVIDEO

S-VIDEO

AUDIO

(REC)

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

VCR 1/DVR

VCR 2

VIDEO INPUT

S-VIDEO VIDEO L AUDIO R

PHONES

VIDEO INPUT

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

memo

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 VSX909RDS/909RDS-G 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.

Connecting Your Equipment

Satellite TV Components

Connect your satellite TV components to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the video signal with either component video, 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 outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the TV signal.

VIDEO

COMPO-

RF IN (AC-3)

ANTENNA

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

FM UNBAL 75‰

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

AUDIO

AM LOOP ANTENNA

PCM/

/ DTS/ MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

OUT

NENT

ANALOG

STEREO

VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

TV/Satellite tuner

DIGITAL

PCM/

/ DTS

DIGITAL

7 Analog audio/video cords

Use audio/video cords (not supplied) to connect the video components and a video cord to connect the monitor TV.

VIDEO

7 Digital audio 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.

Connect red plugs to R (right), white plugs to L (left), and the yellow plugs to VIDEO.

Be sure to insert completely.

Digital audio coaxial

Optical cable

cord

(or standard video cord)

Connecting Your Equipment

Connect your TV to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the signal with either component video, 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 outlet.

PREPARATION

RF IN (AC-3)

FM UNBAL 75‰

ANTENNA

memo

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT IN

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

IN2IN

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

AM LOOP ANTENNA

IN5IN4IN

PRE OUT

SUB

WOOFER

AUDIO

PCM/

DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

WOOFER

FRONT

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

The COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jack can be used to get a TV picture but it doesn't show this

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

VIDEO IN

COMPO-

VIDEO

OUT

NENT

S-VIDEO

receiver's on screen display (OSD). If you use S video cords to hook up a component the OSDs from the receiver will only be able

to be seen on the S video out terminals.

Multi Channel Input (External Decoder)

TV/monitor

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.52).

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

RF IN

(AC-3)

ANTENNA

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

FM UNBAL 75‰

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

AUDIO

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

WOOFER

PCM/

/ DTS/ MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

SURR-

OUND

CENTER

SUB WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

Components equipped with

7.1 (5.1) channel analog output jack

SURROUND

ANALOG

SUB

CENTER

WOOFER

SURR-

OUND BACK

OUT

FRONT

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.

AM loop antenna

FM wire antenna

RF IN

(AC-3)

ANTENNA

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

FM UNBAL 75‰

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

AUDIO

AM LOOP ANTENNA

PCM/

/ DTS/ MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

SURR-

OUND

CENTER

SUB WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

OUT

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

FM UNBAL 75‰

ANTENNA

75 Ω coaxial

cable

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

ground

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

FM UNBAL 75‰

ANTENNA

AM LOOP ANTENNA

ground

5–6 m

Indoor antenna (Vinyl-coated wire)

Connecting Your Equipment

Speakers

A full complement of eight 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.

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 or DTS incorporates 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-909RDS/909RDS-G, as shown in the diagram below. 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 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.

Please use speakers with a nominal impedance rated 6Ω-16Ω.

Powered

Front

speaker (A)

(Left)

sub-woofer

INPUT

TV/monitor

Center

speaker

Front

speaker (A)

(Right)

PREPARATION

Surround

speaker

RF IN

(AC-3)

(Left)

FM UNBAL 75‰

ANTENNA

Surround back

speaker (Left)

7 Speaker terminals

1 Twist exposed wire

strands together.

10mm

IN5IN4IN

IN2IN

PRE OUT SURROUND

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

OUTOUT

RRL

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

AUDIO

AM LOOP ANTENNA

VIDEOAUDIO

COMPONENT VIDEO

PCM/

/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

FRONT

SURR-

OUND

CENTER

SUB WOOFER

S VIDEOVIDEO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

PLAY

MD / TAPE1/ CD-R

REC

PHONO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

MONITOR

BACK

L (Single)

BACK

PRE OUT

OUT

SPEAKERS

FRONT

CENTER

RL RRL

SURROUND

FRONT

OUT

MONITOR

OUT 1

OUT

MONITOR

OUT 2

CONTROL

Surround

speaker

(Right)

Additional Amplifier (See p.21)

Surround back

speaker (Right)

2 Loosen speaker terminal

and insert exposed wire.

3 Tighten

terminal.

Surround

Left

Surround Back

Left

Surround

Right

Surround Back

Right

Listening

Position

Front

Left

Front RightCenter

Sub

Woofer

Connecting Your Equipment

Speaker impedance

You can change the speaker impedance to suit the kind of speakers you have in your home system. We

recommend, however, using speakers with an impedance of 8 Ω-16 Ω (the default setting). If you are using 6 Ω

−less than 8 Ω impedance speakers, you need to change the impedance setting.

STANDBY/ON

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

STANDBY/ON

DSP

STEREO/

STANDBY

MODE

DIRECT

/DTS/MPEG

THX CINEMA ADVANCED STANDARD

— OFF _ ON

S-VIDEO VIDEO

PHONES

CHANNEL

MULTI CH

SELECT

INPUT

TONE

VIDEO INPUT

L AUDIO R

SPEAKERS-

BASS +

E MO

DIM

TUNER CONTROL

SIGNAL

DIGITAL

RF ATT CLASS

BAND TUNING

SELECT

LOUDNESS

VIDEO

TREBLE +-

SELECT

TAPE 2

CHARACTER/

STATION

MEMORY

MONITOR

Before operating the receiver, be sure to press the main power button on the front panel to turn the power ON (_).

First turn the receiver off, then press the STANDBY/ON button while holding down the SPEAKERS button.

Choose the impedance setting by pressing the SPEAKERS button

again. You can choose the 8Ω-16Ω setting or the 6Ω-8Ω setting.

SPEAKERS

memo

SIGNAL SELECT

ANALOG

VOLUME

(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

SIGNAL SELECT

ANALOG

VOLUME

(This display indicates an 8Ω-

16Ω impedance setting.)

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

• 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

• 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

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.

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

Connecting Your Equipment

Connecting Additional Amplifiers

To hook up surround back speakers you need to use an additional amplifier. 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 outlet.

ANALOG

INPUT

RF IN (AC-3)

ANTENNA

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

FM UNBAL 75‰

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

AUDIO

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

PCM/

/ DTS/ MPEG

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

OUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

Powered subwoofer

Surround channel amplifier

Front channel amplifier

Center channel amplifier (mono)

Surround back channel amplifier

PREPARATION

memo

You can use the additional amplifier on the surround back channels for a single speaker as well. In this case plug the amplifier into the L (SINGLE) terminal only.

We suggest using a Pioneer M-10X, A-509R amplifier as your additional amp.

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

Up to three 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. The third is unswitched, which means that power is delivered so long as the receiver is plugged in. Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet. After connecting all your components, plug the receiver's power cord into a standard wall power outlet.

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

SURROUND

L(Single)R

BACK

PRE OUT

MONITOR

OUT

SPEAKERS

FRONT

RALRLRL

CENTER

SURROUND

SWITCHED TOTAL 100W MAX

FRONT

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

Caution!

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

AC OUTLETS

UNSWITCHED 100W MAX

Caution!

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

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

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.

Displays & Controls

Display

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

SELECT

OVER

ANALOG

SP AB RF ATT

DIGITAL

MONO STEREO

AC-3RF

TUNED AMFM

AUTO

AC-3DTS MPEG

LS S RS

LFE

H.P EON RDS

789

MIDNIGHTLOUDNESSATTSIGNAL

1 SIGNAL SELECT indicators

Light to indicate the input signal you selected.

ANALOG : Lights when analog signals are assigned. DIGITAL : Lights when digital audio signals are selected. AC-3 RF : Lights when AC-3 RF signals are assigned. AUTO : Lights when the receiver is set to select the input signal automatically.

Program Format indicators

AC-3 : Lights when a source with Dolby Digital

signals is played. DTS: Lights when a source with DTS audio signals is played. MPEG: Lights when a source with MPEG audio

signals is played.

For Dolby Digital or DTS 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 Source with Surround EX or DTS-ES flag is being used.

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.

3 Analog level indicators

OVER – When the source signal is analog, this

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

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

DSP

MPEG

VOLUME

TAPE 2

STEREO

PRO LOGIC

DIGITAL

4 Speaker indicators

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

5 LOUDNESS indicator (See p.50)

Lights when the LOUDNESS mode is on.

6 H.P (headphones)

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

7 MIDNIGHT indicator (See p.50)

Lights when the MIDNIGHT LISTENING mode is on.

8 DSP indicator (See p.42-46,48)

Light when a DSP or Advanced Theater modes are selected.

9 STEREO indicator

Lights when a STEREO mode is selected.

10 Function indicator

Displays the function.

11 2/dts/MPEG mode indicators

2 DIGITAL : When the 2 /dts/MPEG mode on

the receiver is on, this indicator lights to indicate playback of a Dolby Digital signal. However, PRO LOGIC lights during 2 channel playback of Dolby Digital.

2 PRO LOGIC : When the 2 /dts/MPEG mode

on the receiver is on, this indicator lights during 2 channel playback.

dts : Lights when DTS signals are input. THX: Lights when the HOME THX CINEMA mode

is selected.

MPEG: Lights when MPEG signals are input.

MASTER VOLUME indication

Displays current volume level.

TAPE 2 indicator

Lights when the TAPE 2 monitor is on.

Character display

Displays sound modes, general information.

Tuner indicators

MONO: Lights when the tuner is set to receive

FM broadcasts and when selected MPX mode. STEREO: Lights when a FM stereo broadcast is received in the auto stereo mode.

TUNED: Lights when a broadcast is received. AM/FM: Light to indicate the current band (FM or

AM). EON: Lights when an RDS stations transmitting the EON data service is being received.

RF ATT: Lights when the RF attenuator is on. RDS: Lights when RDS broadcast is being

received.

Displays & Controls

PREPARATION

Displays & Controls

Remote Control

Î

S0URCE

DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2

CLASS MPX

¶

TUNING

1¡4¢

123

456

789

+10

RF ATT

TV VOL

––

REMOTE SETUP

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP

EFFECT/

CH SEL

DIGITAL

MIDNIGHT

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

MULTI

SYSTEM

OPERATION

OFF

MULTI CONTROL

MD/

TUNER TVCONT

TAPE1

BAND

TV CONTROL

TV FUNC

ENTER

–

MULTI CH

DSP

INPUT

/DTS/MPEG

ADVANCED

THXLIGHT

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

USE SETUP

RECEIVER

DIRECT ACCESS

873

STATION

CHANNEL

DISC

DISPLAY

VOLUME

MUTE

FUNCTION

SIGNAL SELECT

STEREO/

DIRECT

STANDARD

1 USE/SETUP slide switch

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

1 2

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 OPERATION button

Use this button to start the MULTI OPERATION

mode. See page 78-79 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 SYSTEM OFF settings will also be turned off (see p.80).

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).

3 MULTI CONTROL buttons

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.

4 Component Control buttons

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 65–68) and the remote is put in that operation mode.

5 Number buttons

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

6 TV CONTROL buttons

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

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.

Displays & Controls

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.65, “Multi Operation“ starting on p.78)

MENU button

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

MUTE button

Press to mute or restore the volume.

EFFECT/CH SEL,5(+)/∞(–) (when USE mode is selected) button (see memo on p.45)

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.29–41). 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 page

49)

SIGNAL SELECT button

Press SIGNAL SELECT repeatedly to select one of the following:

ANALOG – Analog signal.

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

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

AC-3 RF – 2 RF signal (DVD/LD, TV/SAT, VCR 1, VCR 2).

AUTO – This is the default. If there are both analog, digital, 2 RF input signals, the receiver automatically selects the best possible

signal.

9 STEREO/DIRECT button (See p.44 & 53)

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.53.

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

DSP button (See p.42-46, 48)

Press repeatedly to select a DSP sound mode.

/DTS/MPEG buttons (See p.42-46)

Press these buttons to put the receiver in the selected sound mode. For more information on the sound modes see p.85&86.

MULTI CH INPUT button

Press to switch to MULTI CH IN mode.

MIDNIGHT button (See p.50)

Switches the MIDNIGHT mode on or off.

10 LIGHT button

Press to light the remote control buttons.

PREPARATION

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 53678109

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

STANDBY/ON

— OFF _ ON

PHONES

DSP

MODE

/DTS/MPEG

VIDEO INPUT

L AUDIO R

STEREO/

DIRECT

STANDBY

THX CINEMA ADVANCED STANDARD

S-VIDEO VIDEO

11 12 13 14 15 16

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.)

_ ON/ — OFF button

If the button is OFF (—), the power of the receiver is shut off and the STANDBY/ON button on the receiver or the remote control do not function. Pressing the button again will turn the receiver ON (_) and the receiver enters the standby mode. In the standby mode, you can turn on the receiver using the STANDBY/ON button on the receiver or the remote control.

2 DSP MODE button (See p.44 & 45)

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.

STEREO/DIRECT button (See p.44 & 53)

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.44.

MULTI CH

INPUT

SPEAKERS

TONE

CHANNEL

- BASS +

SELECT

LOUDNESS

- TREBLE +

DIGITAL

EON

MODE

DIMMER

RF ATT CLASS

TAPE 2

MONITOR

CHARACTER/

TUNER CONTROL

BAND TUNING

MEMORY

STATION

DOWN UP

SIGNAL SELECT

VIDEO

SELECT

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

2/ DTS/ MPEG buttons (See p.42-46, 85, 86)

THX CINEMA – Cycles through the THX

CINEMA, THX SURROUND EX or THX AUTO sound modes. 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 – 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 sources. Each press toggles between STANDARD and STANDARD

7.1 mode (for use with SURROUND BACK speakers) and STANDARD auto (the receiver chooses the appropriate STANDARD mode). Those with surround back speakers can use all three STANDARD modes, those without can only use the STANDARD mode.

INPUT SELECTOR

MASTER VOLUME

Displays & Controls

3 MULTI CH INPUT (See p.41, 52)

Use to hook up an external component that can decode other types of signals and input them into the VSX-909RDS/909RDS-G.

4 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 or MULTI CH IN modes).

CHANNEL SELECT button

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

BASS (–/+) buttons (See p.51)

Use to adjust low frequencies.

TREBLE (–/+) buttons (See p.51)

Use to adjust the high frequencies.

5 LOUDNESS button (See p.50)

Switches the LOUDNESS mode on or off (can not be used in THX and MULTI CH IN.

DIGITAL NR button (See p.49)

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

SIGNAL SELECT button (See p.48)

Use to select the type of signal being input into the receiver. Press SIGNAL SELECT repeatedly to select one of the following:

ANALOG – To select an analog signal.

DIGITAL – To select a optical or coaxial digital

signal.

AC-3 RF – To select an 2 RF signal.

AUTO – This is the default. If there are analog,

digital and 2 RF signals input, the receiver automatically selects the 2 RF signal. If there are analog and digital signals input the digital will be selected.

6 Display (See page 22) 7 Remote sensor

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

8 EON MODE button/indicator

Press to select the EON mode in the FM mode (see “Setting EON” on page 64). The indicator lights when the EON mode is selected.

9 FL DIMMER button (See p.53)

Use to adjust the brightness of the main display.

10 INPUT SELECTOR dial

Turn to select a source component.

DVD/LD – DVD player or Laser Disc player.

TV/SAT– TV or satellite tuner.

CD – Compact Disc player.

MD/TAPE1/CD-R – Tape deck, Mini Disc

recorder or CD recorder connected to MD/ TAPE 1/CD-R inputs/outputs.

TUNER – The built-in tuner.

PHONO – Turntable.

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.

11 PHONES jack

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

12 VIDEO INPUT jacks (See p.15)

S-VIDEO: Video input for connecting a video

camera (etc.), that has an S-Video out.

VIDEO / AUDIO (L/R): Video input for connecting a video camera, etc. that has standard video/audio outputs.

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.

VIDEO SELECT button

Switches the receiver between the various types of video input.

15 TAPE 2 MONITOR button (See p.76)

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.

PREPARATION

Displays & Controls

TUNER CONTROL buttons (See p.55-63)

CLASS button – Press repeatedly to switch

the preset station classes.

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.

BAND button – Press to select the AM or FM band.

TUNING –/+ button – Use to manually tune to radio stations.

CHARACTER/ SEARCH button – Press to select the character input mode, or initiate an RDS PTY search (see “Memorizing a broadcast station name” on p.59 and “Searching for a program by program type (PTY)“ on p.63).

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

STATION –/+ button – Use to choose programmed radio stations.

MASTER VOLUME

Adjusts the overall receiver volume.

Initial Set Up

On Screen Display

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.

You might, for example, use both composite and S video cords to hook up your video components with this receiver and then use composite video cords to hook up this receiver to your TV. This arrangement would still NOT let you see the on-screen displays from this receiver on your TV. The best idea is just to use one type of video cords for all your video component and TV hook ups.

Switching video system between PAL and NTSC

This receiver is able to use two types of video systems for its OSD (on screen display) and you need to set the receiver to the type of video system you have, either PAL or NTSC. If you do not match the system on the receiver with your home system no OSD will appear on your TV. People with multi-system TVs do not need to worry about changing the setting. If necessary, follow the instructions below to switch the type of video system.

STANDBY/ON

1 Put the receiver in the STANDBY mode.

2 While holding down the LOUDNESS button,

STANDBY/ON

— OFF _ ON

PHONES

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

DSP

/DTS/MPEG

VIDEO INPUT

STEREO/

MODE

DIRECT

L AUDIO R

STANDBY

THX CINEMA ADVANCED STANDARD

S-VIDEO VIDEO

LOUDNESS

MULTI CH

SPEAKERS

CHANNEL

DIGITAL

SELECT

INPUT

TONE

- BASS +

LOUDNESS

- TREBLE +

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.

Make sure you press the LOUDNESS button, using others buttons may change this receiver’s settings.

SIGNAL SELECT

DIGITAL

VOLUME

SET

When a PAL system is selected

SIGNAL SELECT

DIGITAL

When a NTSC system is selected

memo

When using the PAL setting the OSD does not get displayed in color.

VOLUME

+ 67 hidden pages