Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi-G, VSX-AX2AV-G User Manual

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Page 1

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

VSX-AX4AVi-G VSX-AX2AV-G

Operating Instructions

Page 2

IMPORTANT

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

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.

WARNING

Before plugging in for the first time, read the following

section carefully.

The voltage of the available power supply differs according to country or region. Be sure that the power supply voltage of the area where this unit will be used meets the required voltage (e.g., 230V or 120V) written on the rear panel.

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WARNING

To prevent a fire hazard, do not place any naked flame sources (such as a lighted candle) on the equipment.

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WARNING

This equipment is not waterproof. To prevent a fire or shock hazard, do not place any container filled with liquid near this equipment (such as a vase or flower pot) or expose it to dripping, splashing, rain or moisture.

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The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

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VENTILATION CAUTION

When installing this unit, make sure to leave space around the unit for ventilation to improve heat radiation (at least 60 cm at top, 10 cm at rear, and 30 cm at each side).

WARNING

Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product, and to protect it from overheating. To prevent fire hazard, the openings should never be blocked or covered with items (such as newspapers, table-cloths, curtains) or by operating the equipment on thick carpet or a bed.

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Operating Environment

Operating environment temperature and humidity: +5 ºC – +35 ºC (+41 ºF – +95 ºF); less than 85 %RH (cooling vents not blocked) Do not install this unit in a poorly ventilated area, or in locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight (or strong artificial light)

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When disposing of used batteries, please comply with governmental regulations or environmental public instruction’s rules that apply in your country/area.

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Page 3

Voltage selector

You can find the voltage selector switch on the rear panel of multi-voltage models.

The factory setting for the voltage selector is 220V. Please set it to the correct voltage for your country or region.

• Saudi Arabia operates on 127V and 220V mains voltage. Please set to the correct voltage before using.

• For Taiwan, please set to 110V before using.

• For Mexico, please set to 120-127V before using.

Before changing the voltage, disconnect the AC power cord. Use a medium size screwdriver to change the voltage selector switch.

This product is for general household purposes. Any failure due to use for other than household purposes (such as long-term use for business purposes in a restaurant or use in a car or ship) and which requires repair will be charged for even during the warranty period.

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Changing the TV format setting

If the System Setup menu is not displayed correctly, it may be that the TV system is set incorrectly for your country or region.

• With the receiver in standby, press STANDBY/ ON while holding down the SIGNAL SELECT button.

The display shows the new setting (PAL or NTSC).

TWO VOLTAGE SELECTORS

220V

120-127 V

110 V

110 V 120-127V

220V 230-240V

For Taiwan exclusively

Taiwanese two pin flat-bladed plug

230240 V

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Page 4

Contents

01 Before you start

Checking what’s in the box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Loading the batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

02 5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Listening to Surround Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automatically setting up for surround sound

(MCACC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup . . . . . 9

Playing a source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Better sound using Phase Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

03 Connecting your equipment

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

When making cable connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

About the video converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connecting your TV and DVD player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or other

set-top box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other

video sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Using the component video jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Connecting digital audio sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

About the WMA9 Pro decoder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Connecting analog audio sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting a component to the front panel inputs . . 16

Installing your speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Connecting the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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

THX speaker system setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connecting antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

AM loop antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

FM wire antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Using an external antenna to improve

FM reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Using an external antenna to improve

AM reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Plugging in the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

05 Listening to your system

Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Listening in surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Standard surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Using the Home THX modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the Advanced surround effects . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Listening in stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using Stream Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Selecting MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Choosing the input signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using surround back channel processing . . . . . . . . . 30

Using the Virtual Surround Back mode . . . . . . . . . . 30

06 Using the tuner

Listening to the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Improving FM stereo sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Saving station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Naming station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Listening to station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

07 The System Setup menu

Making receiver settings from the System Setup

menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Automatic MCACC (Expert) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Surround back speaker setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Manual MCACC setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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

Fine Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Standing Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Acoustic Calibration EQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Manual speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Speaker Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Bass Peak Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

X-Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

THX Audio Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

04 Controls and displays

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Operating range of remote control unit . . . . . . . . . . 23

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Remote control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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08 Other connections

Connecting an iPod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Connecting your iPod to the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Playing music from your iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Connecting using HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

About HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Using the i.LINK interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Checking the i.LINK inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

About i.LINK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

About PQLS rate control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Creating an i.LINK network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Connecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . . . . . 51

Selecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . . . . . . 51

Using the USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Second Zone speaker B setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Switching the speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Bi-amping your front speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Bi-wiring your speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Connecting additional amplifiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Multi-room listening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Making multi-room connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Using the multi-room controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Connecting an IR receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Switching components on and off using the 12 volt

trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display. . . 57 Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma

display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Connecting a PC for Advanced MCACC output . . . . . 59

Advanced MCACC output using your PC . . . . . . . . . 59

09 Other Settings

The Input Setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Input function default and possible settings . . . . . . 61

The Other Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Multi-Room and IR receiver setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays. . . . . . . . . . 62

OSD Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

10 Using other functions

Setting the AV options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Making an audio or a video recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Playing a different source when recording. . . . . . . . 64

Reducing the level of an analog signal . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Watching video and audio sources independently . . 65

Using the sleep timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Dimming the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Switching the speaker impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Checking your system settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Resetting the system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Default system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

11 Controlling the rest of your system

Setting the remote to control other components . . . 67

Selecting preset codes directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Programming signals from other remote controls . . 67 Erasing one of the remote control button settings . . 68

Resetting the remote control presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Confirming preset codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Renaming input source names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Direct function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Multi Operation and System Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Programming a multi-operation or a shutdown

sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Using multi operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Using System off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Controls for TVs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Controls for other components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Operating other Pioneer components with this

unit’s sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

12 Additional information

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

No sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Other audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Remote control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

i.LINK interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

i.LINK messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

iPod messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Surround sound formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Dolby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

DTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Windows Media® Audio 9 Professional . . . . . . . . . 80

About THX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Listening modes with different input signal

formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Stream direct with different input signal formats . . . 84

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Our philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Cleaning the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Page 6

Before you start

Chapter 1:

Before you start

Checking what’s in the box

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

• Setup microphone (cable: 5m.)

• Remote control unit

• AA/R6P dry cell batteries x2

• AM loop antenna

• FM wire antenna

• Power cords x2

• Antenna adapter

• Flat-bladed converter plug

• These operating instructions

Installing the

• When installing this unit, make sure to put it on a level and stable surface.

Don’t install it on the following places: – on a color TV (the screen may distort) – near a cassette deck (or close to a device that gives off a magnetic field). This may interfere with the sound. – in direct sunlight – in damp or wet areas – in extremely hot or cold areas – in places where there is vibration or other movement – in places that are very dusty – in places that have hot fumes or oils (such as a kitchen)

receiver

Loading the batteries

Caution

Incorrect use of batteries may result in such hazards as leakage and bursting. Observe the following precautions:

• Never use new and old batteries together.

• Insert the plus and minus sides of the batteries properly according to the marks in the battery case.

• Batteries with the same shape may have different voltages. Do not use different batteries together.

• When disposing of used batteries, please comply with governmental regulations or environmental public instruction’s rules that apply in your country or area.

Page 7

5 minute guide

Chapter 2:

5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater

Home theater refers to the use of multiple audio tracks to create a surround sound effect, making you feel like you're in the middle of the action or concert. The surround sound you get from a home theater system depends not only on your speaker setup, but also on the source and the sound settings of the receiver.

This receiver will automatically decode multichannel Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Surround sources according to your speaker setup. In most cases, you won’t have to make changes for realistic surround sound, but other possibilities (like listening to a CD with multichannel surround sound) are explained in

system

on page 27.

Listening to Surround Sound

This receiver was designed with the easiest possible setup in mind, so with the following quick setup guide, you should have your system hooked up for surround sound in no time at all. In most cases, you can simply leave the receiver in the default settings.

• Be sure to complete all connections before connecting this unit to an AC power source.

1 Connect your TV and DVD player.

See

Connecting your TV and DVD player

this. For surround sound, you’ll want to hook up using a digital connection from the DVD player to the receiver.

2 Connect your speakers and place them for optimal surround sound.

Connect your speakers as shown in

speaker system

Where you place the speakers will have a big effect on the sound. Place your speakers as shown below for the best surround sound effect. Also see page 18 for more on this.

Front

Left (L)

on page 17.

Center (C)

Listening position

Surround Left (SL)

Subwoofer (SW)

Listening to your

on page 12 to do

Installing your

Placing the speakers

Front Right (R)

Surround Right (SR)

Surround Back Right (SBR)

Surround Back Left (SBL)

3 Plug in the receiver and switch it on, followed by your DVD player, your subwoofer and the TV.

Make sure you’ve set the video input on your TV to this receiver. Check the manual that came with the TV if you don’t know how to do this.

• Set the subwoofer volume to a comfortable level.

4 Use the on-screen automatic MCACC setup to set up your system.

See

Automatically setting up for surround sound

(MCACC)

below for more on this.

5 Play a DVD, and adjust the volume to your liking.

Make sure that

DVD/LD

is showing in the receiver’s display, indicating that the DVD input is selected. If it isn’t, press

DVD/LD

on the remote control to set the

receiver to the DVD input. In addition to the basic playback explained in

source

on page 9, there are several other sound options

you can select. See

Listening to your system

Playing a

on page 27

for more on this. See also

Making receiver settings from the System Setup

on page 33 for more setup options.

Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC)

The Auto MCACC Setup measures the acoustic characteristics of your listening area, taking into account ambient noise, speaker size and distance, and tests for both channel delay and channel level. After you have set up the microphone provided with your system, the receiver uses the information from a series of test tones to optimize the speaker settings and equalization for your particular room.

Make sure you do this before moving on to

source

on page 9.

Important

• Make sure the microphone and speakers are not moved during the Auto MCACC Setup.

• Using the Auto MCACC Setup will overwrite any existing settings for the MCACC preset you select.

• Before using the Auto MCACC Setup the headphones should be disconnected.

Caution

• The test tones used in the Auto MCACC Setup are output at high volume.

Playing a

Page 8

5 minute guide

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

TV VIDEO 2

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

DVD SAT

DVR2

CD-R

MULTI IN

TUNER

ROOM2/3

RECEIVER

DVR1 i Pod

D.ACCESS

AV PARAMETER

TOP MENU 

SETUPSETUP

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

TV VOL

TV CONTROL

INPUT SELECT

ENTER

TV CH

BAND

CLASS

ENTER

CH LEVEL

T.ED IT

RETURNRETURN

VOL

DISC



SYSTEM OFF

INPUT

1 Switch on the receiver and your TV.

2 Connect the microphone to the MCACC

SETUP MIC

jack on the front panel.

Place the microphone so that it’s about ear level at your normal listening position (use a tripod if possible). Make sure there are no obstacles between the speakers and the microphone.

MULTI – ROOM &

3 Press

(TUNE +)

SPEAKERS

AV PARAMETER

PHONES

(ST –) (ST +)

ENTER

SETUP

(TUNE –)

RECEIVER

TUNER

EDIT

RETURN

on the remote, then press



BAND

CONTROL ON/OFF

MCACC SETUP MIC

VIDEO

SOURCE/REC SEL

SELECT

VIDEO/GAME 2 INPUT

DIGITAL IN S-VIDEO VIDEO L RAUDIO

SIGNAL

SBch

STEREO

SELECT

PROCESSING

SETUP

An on-screen display (OSD) appears on your TV. Use the

///

screens and select menu items. Press the current menu. Press

buttons and

ENTER

to navigate through the

RETURN

SETUP

at any time to cancel.

to exit

4 Select ‘Auto MCACC’ from the System Setup menu then press

5 Make sure ‘Normal (SB)’ is selected, MCACC preset

ENTER

System Setup

1.Auto MCACC

2.Surr Back System

3.Manual MCACC

4.Data Management

5.Manual SP Setup

6.Input Setup

7.Other Setup

then select OK.

 : Exit

1.Auto MCACC

Surr Back System [ Normal (SB) ] Data Save to [M1. MEMORY 1 ]

Setting Start? [OK]

[Option]

ENTER:Next :Cancel

select an

6 Follow the instructions on-screen.

Make sure the microphone is connected, and if you’re using a subwoofer, make sure it is switched on and set to a comfortable volume level.

7 Wait for the test tones to finish then confirm the speaker configuration in the OSD.

A progress report is displayed on-screen while the receiver outputs test tones to determine the speakers present in your setup. Try to be as quiet as possible while

it’s doing this.

• With error messages (such as

Microphone Check

ambient noise (see

MCACC Setup

Ambient Noise

) select

RETRY

Problems when using the Auto

below) and verifying the mic

after checking for

connection. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply select

1.Auto MCACC

Now Analyzing… (2/9)

Environment Check Ambient Noise [ OK ] Microphone [ ] Speaker YES/NO [ ]

:Cancel

GO NEXT

1.Auto MCACC

Check!

Front [ YES ] Center [ YES ] Surround [ YES ] SB [ Yx2 ] SUB W. [ YES ]

[ OK ]

and continue.

:Cancel

The configuration shown on-screen should reflect the actual speakers you have. If you see an error message (

ERR

) in the right side column (or the speaker configuration displayed isn’t correct), there may be a problem with the speaker connection. If selecting

RETRY

doesn’t work, turn off the power and check the speaker connections. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply use to select the speaker and

/

to change the setting

/

(and number for surround back) and continue.

8 Make sure ‘OK’ is selected, then press

ENTER

A progress report is displayed on-screen while the receiver outputs more test tones to determine the optimum receiver settings for channel level, speaker distance, and Acoustic Calibration EQ.

Again, try to be as quiet as possible while this is happening. It may take 2–6 minutes.

9 The Auto MCACC Setup has finished! Press to go back to the System Setup menu.

RETURN

The settings made in the Auto MCACC Setup should give you excellent surround sound from your system, but it is also possible to adjust these settings manually using the

System Setup menu (starting on page 33).

Note

1 You can’t use the System Setup menu when the iPod input source is selected (in either the main or sub room).

2 If you cancel the Auto MCACC Setup, or leave an error message for over three minutes, the screen saver will appear. 3• If you are planning on bi-amping your front speakers, or setting up a separate speaker system in another room, read through

setting

on page 35 and make sure to connect your speakers as necessary before continuing to step 6.

• If you have THX-certified speakers, select

4 The six MCACC presets are used for storing surround sound settings for different listening positions. Simply choose an unused preset for now

(you can rename it later in

5 Do not adjust the volume during the test tones. This may result in incorrect speaker settings. 6 If you’re using the front panel display, the diagram in 7 You can also choose to view the settings from the 8• Depending on the characteristics of your room, sometimes identical speakers with cone sizes of around 12cm will end up with different size settings. You can correct the setting manually using the

• The subwoofer distance setting may be farther than the actual distance from the listening position. This setting should be accurate (taking delay and

room characteristics into account) and generally does not need to be changed.

Data Management

Option

and choose

on page 41).

Listening to Surround Sound

MCACC Data Check

Manual speaker setup

YES

for the

on page 42.

THX Speaker

screen. See

setting.

above indicates (in bold) how each speaker is displayed.

Automatic MCACC (Expert)

on page 33 for more on this.

Surround back speaker

Page 9

5 minute guide

GUIDE

Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup

If the room environment is not optimal for the Auto MCACC Setup (too much background noise, echo off the

4 Use the volume control to adjust the volume level.

Turn down the volume of your TV so that all sound is coming from the speakers connected to this receiver.

walls, obstacles blocking the speakers from the microphone) the final settings may be incorrect. Check for household appliances (air conditioner, fridge, fan, etc.), that may be affecting the environment and switch them off if necessary. If there are any instructions showing in the front panel display, please follow them.

• Some older TVs may interfere with the operation of the microphone. If this seems to be happening,

Better sound using Phase Control

This receiver’s Phase Control feature uses phase correction measures to make sure your sound source arrives at the listening position in phase, preventing unwanted distortion and/or coloring of the sound (see illustration below).

switch off the TV when doing the Auto MCACC Setup.

Playing a source

Here are the basic instructions for playing a source (such as a DVD disc) with your home theater system.

TV CONTROL

INPUT

TV CH

INPUT

RECEIVER

SELECT

CD TV VIDEO 2

DVD SAT

DVR2

DVR1 i Pod

CD-R

SYSTEM OFF

SOURCE

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

MULTI IN

ROOM2/3

TUNER

RECEIVER

TV VOL

MPX EON

BCDE

AUDIO SUBTITLE

DISP

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

SELECT

PHASE

VOL

REC

MUTE

REC STOP

HDD

DVD

SBch

STEREO

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

S.DIRECT

MCACC

P H A

C O N

Sound

source

P H A

C O N

Sound

O N

source

Front speaker

Subwoofer

Front speaker

Subwoofer

Listening position

1 Switch on your system components and receiver.

Start by switching on the playback component (for example a DVD player), your TV

have one), then the receiver (press

and subwoofer (if you



RECEIVER

• Make sure the setup mic is disconnected.

2 Select the input source you want to play.

You can use the input source buttons on the remote control,

SELECTOR

3 Press SURROUND’ and start playback of the source.

INPUT SELECT

dial.

, or the front panel

S. DIRECT (STREAM DIRECT

INPUT

) to select ‘AUTO

If you’re playing a Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound

Phase Control technology provides coherent sound reproduction through the use of phase matching

optimal sound image at your listening position. The default setting is on and we recommend leaving Phase Control switched on for all sound sources.

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

SBch

STEREO

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

• Press PHASE (

PHASE CONTROL

) to switch on phase

correction.

The

PHASE CONTROL

indicator on the front panel lights. DVD disc, you should hear surround sound. If you are playing a stereo source, you will only hear sound from the front left/right speakers in the default listening mode.

• See also

Listening to your system

on page 27 for

information on different ways of listening to sources.

Note

1 Make sure that the TV’s video input is set to this receiver. (For example, if you connected this receiver to the the

VIDEO 1

2 If you need to manually switch the input signal type press 3• You may need to check the digital audio output settings on your DVD player or digital satellite receiver. It should be set to output Dolby Digital, DTS and 88.2/96kHz PCM (2 channel) audio, and if there is an MPEG audio option, set this to convert the MPEG audio to PCM.

• Depending on your DVD player or source discs, you may only get digital 2 channel stereo and analog sound. In this case, the receiver must be set to a multichannel listening mode (see 4 Phase matching is a very important factor in achieving proper sound reproduction. If two waveforms are 'in phase', they crest and trough together, resulting in increased amplitude, clarity and presence of the sound signal. If a crest of a wave meets a trough (as shown in the upper section of the diagram above) then the sound will be 'out of phase' and an unreliable sound image will be produced.

input is now selected.)

SIGNAL SEL

Listening in surround sound

(page 29).

on page 27 if you need to do this) if you want multichannel surround sound.

VIDEO 1

jacks on your TV, make sure that

for an

Page 10

OUT

SUR-

SURROUND

SUR-

BACK

DIG

IDEO

DIG

Connecting your equipment

Chapter 3

Connecting your equipment

This receiver provides you with many connection possibilities, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. This page explains the kinds of components you can connect to make up your home theater system.

Rear panel

This illustration shows the VSX-AX4AVi, however connections for the VSX-AX2AV are the same except where noted.

SAT

VIDEO1/

GAME1

OUT

DVR/ VCR 1

DVR VCR

VIDE

Caution

• Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. Plugging in should be the final step.

1 Optical digital audio output(s)

Use the

OUT1

and (VSX-AX4AVi only)

OUT2

jack for

recording to a CD or MiniDisc recorder.

 Connecting digital audio sources

The

OUT1

jack is also used for multi-room connections.

 Multi-room listening

2 USB audio input

on page 54.

(VSX-AX4AVi only)

on page 15.

Use to connect your PC as an audio source.

 Using the USB interface

on page 51.

3 Optical and coaxial digital audio inputs (x6)

Use for digital audio sources, including DVD players/ recorders, digital satellite receivers, CD players, etc.



See also

THX Select2 CINEMA, THX

and

THX Audio Setting

settings that will give you the best sound experience when using the Home THX modes (on page 28).

Surround

SBL SBR

Surround back

THX GAMES MODE

on page 45 to make the

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

USB AUDIO IN

IN (SAT)

IN (DVR/ VCR 1)

IN (DVR/ VCR 2)

IN (CD-R)

ASSIGNABLE

1–2

IN (DVD/ LD)

IN (CD)

–

DIGITAL

S400

(AUDIO)

S400

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

12 V TRIGGER

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

HDMI

IN1

IN2

OUT

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN3IN

–

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

MONITOR OUT

IN1(DVD/LD)

(TV)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

VIDEO

S - VIDEO

VIDEO AUDIO

ANTENNA

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

R L

OUT

DVD/ LD

SAT

VIDEO1/ GAME1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

R L

AUDIO PRE OUT

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE

FR FL

SUB W. CENTER

SURROUND

R L

SURROUND

BACK

MULTI CH IN

OUT

CONTROL

R L

FRONT

CENTER

SUB W.

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

(Single)

RRL

iPod

SPEAKERS

FRONT

RS-232C

VSX-AX4AVi

AM loop antenna

1 Assemble the stand as shown in the illustration.

fig. A fig. B fig. C

• Bend the stand in the direction indicated (fig. A).

• Clip the loop into the stand (fig. B).

• It’s possible to fix the AM antenna to a wall (fig. C). Before fixing, make sure that the reception is satisfactory.

2 Pull off the protective shields of both AM antenna wires.

3 Press the

AM LOOP

and insert one wire into each terminal.

4 Release the tabs to secure the AM antenna wires.

5 Place the AM antenna on a flat surface and point in the direction giving the best reception.

Avoid placing near computers, television sets or other electrical appliances and do not let it come into contact with metal objects.

antenna terminal tabs to open

Page 20

Connecting your equipment

Important

• The signal ground () is designed to reduce noise that occurs when an antenna is connected. It is not an electrical safety ground.

FM wire antenna

• Connect the FM wire antenna to the

Ω

in the same way as the AM antenna.

For best results, extend the FM antenna fully and fix to a wall or door frame. Don’t drape loosely or leave coiled up.

FM UNBAL

Using an external antenna to improve FM reception

Use an F connector to connect an external FM antenna using a coaxial 75

Antenna

Ω

cable.

ANTENNA

adapter

3 Insert the cable as shown, then use a pair of pliers to wrap the end of the wire around the binding post. Snip off the excess wire.

4 Use pliers to secure the cable by pinching the clamps together, as shown.

5 Push the body cover back on.

Attaching the antenna adapter

Use the antenna adaptor to terminate the coaxial cable used with an external FM antenna.

1 Cut and strip the coaxial cable to the specification shown in the diagram.

Wire mesh Pull backWire

10–20 mm59

2 Open the adaptor body by pulling apart the tabs on either side.

Tabs

Using an external antenna to improve AM reception

To improve AM reception, connect a 5–6m length of vinylcoated wire to the disconnecting the supplied AM loop antenna.

For the best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors.

AM LOOP

Outdoor antenna

terminals without

5–6 meters

Indoor antenna

(vinyl-coated wire)

Page 21

Connecting your equipment

Plugging in the

After you’ve finished making all connections, plug the receiver into an AC outlet. The type of cord and the plug converter which can be used depends on the power voltage in each region or country. Please make sure you use the correct cord and plug converter due to the possibility of fire or other hazard if used incorrectly (see

below).

AC power cord and converter plug use

Region Plug type

For European type region

Caution

Do not use this power cord set in Singapore and Malaysia.

For regions with two pin flatbladed plug

Caution

Do not use this power cord set in Taiwan.

For Taiwan exclusively

Caution

For use in Taiwan only. In other areas, please do not use.

receiver

European two-pin plug

European two-pin plug with two-pin

flat-bladed converter plug

Taiwanese two-pin flat-bladed plug

1 Plug the supplied power cord into the AC IN socket on the back of the receiver.

2 Plug the other end into a power outlet.

Caution

• Handle the power cord by the plug part. 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, or other object on the power cord or pinch the cord in any other way. Never make a knot in the cord or tie it with other cables. The power cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be stepped on. A damaged power cord can cause a fire or give you an electric shock. Check the power cord once in a while. If you find it damaged, ask your nearest Pioneer authorized independent service company for a replacement.

• Do not use any power cord other than the one supplied with this unit.

• Do not use the supplied power cord for any purpose other than that described below.

• The receiver should be disconnected by removing the mains plug from the wall socket when not in regular use, e.g., when on vacation.

• Make sure the blue



STANDBY/ON

light has gone

out before unplugging.

Page 22

Controls and displays

Chapter 4:

Controls and displays

Front panel

Illustration shows the VSX-AX4AVi front panel

1 6 8245 97101112

SELECTOR

INPUT



STANDBY/ON

PHASE

CONTROL

MCACC

POSITION

STREAM DIRECT

AUTO SURR/

SPEAKERS

PHONES

PHASE

CONTROL

AV PARAMETER

(ST –) (ST +)

SETUP

(TUNE +)

ENTER

(TUNE –)

DIGITAL PRECISION

PROCESSING

16 17 19

TUNER

EDIT

RETURN

BAND



18 21 22

MULTI – ROOM & SOURCE/REC SEL

CONTROL ON/OFF

MCACC

SETUP MIC

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-AX4AVi

SIGNAL SELECT

SBch

PROCESSING

VIDEO

SELECT

VIDEO/GAME 2 INPUT

DIGITAL IN S-VIDEO VIDEO L RAUDIO

HOME

STEREO

STANDARD

SURROUND

ADVANCED SURROUND

MASTER VOLUME

THX

INPUT SELECTOR

dial

25 27 28

Use to select an input source.



STANDBY/ON

Switches the receiver between on and standby. Power indicator lights when the receiver is on.

PHASE CONTROL – Press to switch on/off phase

correction (page 9).

MCACC POSITION

– Press to switch between

MCACC presets (page 29).

AUTO SURR

STREAM DIRECT

– Press to select Auto Surround (page 27) or Stream Direct (page 29) listening.

PHASE CONTROL

indicator

Lights when Phase Control is switched on (page 9).

5 Remote sensor

Receives the signals from the remote control (see

Operating range of remote control unit

on page 23).

6 MCACC indicator

Lights when one of the MCACC presets (page 29) is selected.

7 Digital Precision Processing indicator

Lights to indicate digital processing (for example, it disappears when Pure Direct (page 29) is on, or when listening through the multichannel analog inputs).

8 Character display

See

Display

on page 24.

Page 23

Controls and displays

9 HDMI indicator

Blinks when connecting an HDMI-equipped component; lights when the component is connected (page 47).

10 i.LINK indicator

(VSX-AX4AVi only)

Lights when an i.LINK-Audio-equipped component is selected (page 48).

DIGITAL VIDEO CONVERSION

indicator

(VSX-AX2AV

only)

Lights when digital video conversion is enabled (page 63).

11 Listening mode buttons

HOME THX

– Press to select a Home THX listening

mode (page 28).

STANDARD SURROUND

decoding and to switch between the various

– Press for Standard

Pro

Logic IIx and Neo:6 options (page 27).

ADVANCED SURROUND

– Use to switch between

the various surround modes (page 28).

MASTER VOLUME

dial

13 Front panel controls

To access the front panel controls, push gently on the lower third portion of the panel with your finger.



S T A

N D B Y

/ O N

20 SIGNAL SELECT

Use to select an input signal (page 29).

SBch PROCESSING

Selects the surround back channel mode (page 30) or virtual surround back mode (page 30).

22 STEREO

Switches to stereo playback (page 29).

PHONES

jack

Use to connect headphones. When the headphones are connected, there is no sound output from the speakers.

SETUP

Press to access the System Setup menu (see page 33).



(TUNE/ST +/–) /

ENTER

Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround sound system (see page 33). Use the to find radio frequencies and use

TUNE +/–

ST +/–

buttons

to find preset

stations (page 31).

RETURN

Press to confirm and exit the current menu screen.

27 MCACC SETUP MIC jack

Use to connect the supplied microphone.

VIDEO/GAME 2 INPUT

See

Connecting a component to the front panel inputs

page 16.

SPEAKERS

Use to change the speaker system (page 52).

AV PARAMETER

Use to access the AV options (page 63).

TUNER EDIT

Use with

/

to memorize and name stations for recall

(page 31).

17 BAND

Switches between AM and FM radio bands (page 31).

18 MULTI ROOM & SOURCE / REC SEL controls

If you’ve made multi-room connections (see

listening

sub room from the main room (see

controls

You will also need to use the recording a source (see

recording

on page 54) use these controls to control the

Using the multi-room

on page 56).

REC SEL

Making an audio or a video

on page 64).

Multi-room

controls when

19 VIDEO SELECT

Press repeatedly to select the video source (page 65).

Operating range of remote control unit

The remote control may not work properly if:

• There are obstacles between the remote control and the receiver's remote sensor.

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

• The receiver is located near a device that is emitting infrared rays.

• The receiver is operated simultaneously with another infrared remote control unit.



T A N

D B

Y / O

U D IO

/ V

I D EO

U L

H A N

N E

L R E

C E

I V E

Page 24

Controls and displays

Display

SIGNAL

AUTO

HDMI

DIGITAL

ANALOG

STREAM

PRO LOGIC

ADV.SURROUND

THX

STEREO

indicators

21 3 876 91011

SBR

DIGITAL

WMA9 Pro

DSD PCM

CD-R

L C R

SL S SR

SBL SB

LFE

DIRECT

STANDARD

SLEEP

: 6

DTS

96/24

TUNER

PHONO

VIDEO MULTI-ROOM OVER ATT

MULTI IN

Light to indicate the currently selected input signal.

AUTO

lights when the receiver is set to select the input

signal automatically (page 29).

2 Program format indicators

These change according to which channels are active in digital sources.

– Left front channel

– Center channel

– Right front channel

– Left surround channel

– Surround channel (mono)

– Right surround channel

SBL

– Left surround back channel

– Surround back channel (mono)

SBR

– Right surround back channel

LFE

– Low frequency effects channel (the

an LFE signal is being input)

((( )))

indicators light when

3 Digital format indicators

Light when a signal encoded in the corresponding format is detected (

DSDPCM

lights during DSD (Digital

Stream Direct) to PCM conversion with SACDs).

OVER

is too high. (

ANALOG ATT

ATT

lights to indicate that the level of an analog source

ATT

lights when you use the attenuator

) to reduce it.

MULTI-ROOM

Lights when the multi-room feature is active (page 54).

VIDEO CONV.

Lights when digital video conversion is enabled (page 63).

7 V.SB

Lights during Virtual surround back processing

(page 30)

8 Sound processing indicators

Light according to the active AV parameter(s) (page 63).

TUNER

indicators

TUNED

– Lights when a broadcast is being received.

STEREO

– Lights when a stereo FM broadcast is

being received in auto stereo mode.

MONO

– Lights when the mono mode is set using

the

MPX

button.

CONV. V.SB DNR

DIALOGUE LOUDNESS

Hi-bit/sampling

iPod

MIDNIGHT TUNED

DVDTVSAT

DVR

171312 15 1816

TONE

STEREO

MONO

VIDEO

[

HDMI

]

[

USB

]

SR+

10 Master volume level

Shows the overall volume level. minimum level, and

+12dB

–80dB

indicates the

indicates the maximum level.

11 Input source indicators

Light to indicate the input source you have selected.

STREAM DIRECT

Lights when Direct / Pure Direct is selected (page 29).

13 Speaker indicators

Indicate the current speaker system, A and/or

14 Listening mode indicators

THX

– Lights when a Home THX mode is selected.

ADV. SURROUND

– Lights when an Advanced

Surround mode has been selected.

STEREO

on (see

STANDARD

mode is switched on (see

sound

SLEEP

– Lights when stereo listening is switched

Listening in stereo

on page 29).

– Lights when a Standard Surround

Listening in surround

on page 27).

Lights when the receiver is in sleep mode (page 65).

16 Matrix decoding format indicators

PRO LOGIC IIx –

This lights to indicate 2Pro

Logic II / 2Pro Logic IIx decoding (page 27). Neo:6 – When one of the Neo:6 modes of the receiver

is on, this lights to indicate Neo:6 processing (page 27).

17 Character display

Displays various system information.

SR+

Lights when the SR+ mode is switched on (page 58).

(page 52)

Page 25

Controls and displays

Remote control

TV VIDEO 2

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

MULTI IN

TUNER

VIDEO

DIMMER

TUNE

ENTER

TUNE

TV CH

REC

REC STOP

HDD

SBch

STANDARD

MCACC S.DIRECT

SEL

SYSTEM OFF

ROOM2/3

RECEIVER

CLASS

ENTER

CH LEVEL

T.EDIT

RETURN

BAND

VOL

MUTE

DVD

STEREO

ADV. SURR

SHIFT

ANALOG ATT

DISC



for

INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

DVD SAT

DVR2

DVR1

CD-R

i Pod

SLEEP

D.ACCESS

AV PARAMETER

TOP MENU 

5 6

ST ST

SETUP

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

TV CONTROL

INPUT

TV VOL

SELECT

MPX EON

BCDE

AUDIO SUBTITLE

DISP

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

PHASE

RECEIVER

The remote has been conveniently color-coded according to component control using the following system (press the corresponding input source button to access):

•

Green

– Receiver controls (see below)

Red

– DVD controls (page 71)

•

Blue

– Tuner controls (page 31)

Yellow

•

– iPod controls (page 46)

White

– Other controls (page 71)

1 RECEIVER

This switches between standby and on for this receiver.

INPUT SELECT

Use to select the input source (use

SELECT

3 Input source buttons

Press to select control of other components (see

Controlling the rest of your system

on page 67).

4 Number buttons and other receiver/component controls

Use the number buttons to directly select a radio frequency (page 31) or the tracks on a CD, DVD, etc.

DISC (ENTER)

can be used to enter commands for TV or

DTV, and also to select a disc in a multi-CD player. Press

RECEIVER

SLEEP

first to access:

– Use to put the receiver in sleep mode and

select the amount of time before sleep (page 65).

VIDEO SEL

– Press repeatedly to select the video

source (page 65).

ANALOG ATT

– Attenuates (lowers) the level of an

analog input signal to prevent distortion (page 65).

SR+

– Switches the SR+ mode on/off (page 58).

DIMMER

Press

D.ACCESS

– Dims or brightens the display (page 65).

TUNER

first to access:

– After pressing, you can access a radio

station directly using the number buttons (page 31).

CLASS

– Switches between the three banks (classes)

of radio station presets (page 31).

5 Tuner/component control buttons/

SETUP

These button controls can be accessed after you have selected the corresponding input source button (

DVR1, SAT

are explained from page 31. Press

etc.). The

BAND

and

T.EDIT

RECEIVER

tuner controls

DVD

first to

access the following controls:

AV PARAMETER

– Use to access the AV options

(page 63).

SETUP

– Use to access the System Setup menu

(page 33).

CH LEVEL

then use

RETURN

– Press repeatedly to select a channel,

/

to adjust the level (page 44).

– Press to confirm and exit the current menu screen (also use to return to the previous menu with DVDs or to select closed captioning with DTV).



(TUNE/ST) /

ENTER

Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround sound system (see page 33) and the AV options (page 63). Also used to control DVD menus/options and for deck 1 of a double cassette deck player. Use the

/

buttons to find radio frequencies and use

TUNE

/

to find preset stations (page 31).

7 TV CONTROL buttons

These buttons are dedicated to control the TV assigned to the

TV CONT

up to this system assign it to the button. If you have two TVs, assign the main TV to the

CONT

button. Thus if you only have one TV to hook

TV CONT

button (see page 67 for more on this).

input source

Page 26

Controls and displays

TV – Use to turn on/off the power of the TV. TV VOL +/– INPUT SELECT TV CH +/–

8 Component control buttons

The main buttons (, , etc.) are used to control a component after you have selected it using the input source buttons.

The controls above these buttons can be accessed after you have selected the corresponding input source button (for example controls can be accessed when listening to the built-in tuner:

MPX

of FM broadcasts. If the signal is weak then switching to mono will improve the sound quality (page 31).

DISP

radio frequencies (page 32).

STATUS

Press to check selected receiver settings (page 65).

MULTIOPE

Use this button to perform multi operations (page 69).

SHIFT

Press to access the controls outlined in white boxes (for example, selected input source in the remote control LCD.

SOURCE

Press to turn on/off other components connected to the receiver (see page 67 for more on this).

13 Character display (LCD)

This display shows information when transmitting control signals.

The following commands are shown when you’re setting the remote to control other components (see

the rest of your system

SETUP

choose the options below.

PRESET

page 67.

LEARNING

remote controls

MULTI OP

page 69.

SYS OFF

page 69.

DIRECT F RENAME

page 69.

ERASE

settings

– Use to adjust the volume on your TV.

– Use to select the TV input signal.

– Use to select channels.

DVD, DVR1, TV

– Switches between stereo and mono reception

– Switches between named station presets and

INPUT SELECT



– Indicates the setup mode, from which you

– See

Selecting preset codes directly

–

See

on page 67.

– See

Multi Operation and System Off

– See

Direct function

– See

Renaming input source names

– See

Erasing one of the remote control button

on page 68.

SAT

). The following

), or to display the currently

on page 67):

Programming signals from other

Multi Operation and System Off

on page 69.

Controlling

RESET

– See

page 68.

READ ID

14 RECEIVER

Switches the remote to control the receiver (used to select the green commands above the number buttons (

ANALOG ATT

surround sound (page 7, page 33). With selects the multi-room control (page 54), shown in the display as

15 VOL +/–

Use to set the listening volume.

16 MUTE

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

17 Receiver controls

SIGNAL SEL SBch

channel mode (page 30).

STEREO

playback. Direct playback bypasses the tone controls and any other signal processing for the most accurate reproduction of a source (page 29).

THX

– Press to select a Home THX listening mode

(page 28). STANDARD – Press for Standard decoding and to

switch between the various Pro Logic IIx and Neo:6 options (page 27).

ADV.SURR – Use to switch between the various surround modes (page 28).

PHASE – Press to switch on/off phase correction

(page 9). MCACC – Press to switch between MCACC presets (page 29).

S.DIRECT – Press to select Auto Surround (page 27) or Stream Direct (page 29) listening.

Resetting the remote control presets

– See

Confirming preset codes

, etc). Also use this button to set up

RCV/RM2, RCV/RM3

– Use to select an input signal (page 29).

– Use to select the surround/virtual back

– Switches between direct and stereo

on page 68.

SHIFT

, this

Page 27

Listening to your system

STATUS

SIGNAL SEL

SBch

STEREO

Chapter 5:

Listening to your system

Important

• The listening modes and many features described in this section may not be available depending on the current source, settings and status of the receiver. See

Listening modes with different input signal

formats

on page 82 for more on this.

Auto playback

There are many ways to listen back to sources using this receiver, but for the simplest, most direct listening option is the Auto Surround feature. The receiver automatically detects what kind of source you’re playing and selects

multichannel or stereo playback as necessary.

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

SBch

STEREO

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

• While listening to a source, press

SURR

STREAM DIRECT

AUTO SURROUND

)2 for auto playback of a source.

shows briefly in the display before

S.DIRECT (AUTO

showing the decoding or playback format. Check the digital format indicators in the front panel display to see how the source is being processed.

Listening in surround sound

Using this receiver, you can listen to any source in surround sound. However, the options available will depend on your speaker setup and the type of source you’re listening to.

If you connected surround back speakers, see also

surround back channel processing

on page 30.

Standard surround sound

The following modes provide basic surround sound for stereo and multichannel sources.

Using

• While listening to a source, press (

STANDARD SURROUND

STANDARD

If necessary, press repeatedly to select a listening mode.

• If the source is Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Surround encoded, the proper decoding format will

automatically be selected and shows in the display.

With two channel sources

•

Pro Logic IIx MOVIE

, you can select from:

– Up to 7.1 channel sound,

especially suited to movie sources

•

Pro Logic IIx MUSIC

especially suited to music sources

•2 Pro Logic IIx GAME

– Up to 7.1 channel sound,

especially suited to video games

•

PRO LOGIC

– 4.1 channel surround sound (sound

from the surround speakers is mono)

•

Neo:6 CINEMA

– 6.1 channel sound, especially

suited to movie sources

•

Neo:6 MUSIC

to music sources

– 6.1 channel sound, especially suited

With multichannel sources, if you have connected surround back speaker(s) and have selected

SBch ON

, you

can select (according to format):

•

2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE

– See above (only available

when you’re using two surround back speakers)

•

2 Pro Logic IIx MUSIC

Dolby Digital EX

•

– See above

– Creates surround back channel sound for 5.1 channel sources and provides pure decoding for 6.1 channel sources (like Dolby Digital Surround EX)

•

DTS-ES

– Allows you to hear 6.1 channel playback

with DTS-ES encoded sources

•

DTS Neo:6

– Allows you to hear 6.1 channel playback

with DTS encoded sources

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

Note

1• Stereo surround (matrix) formats are decoded accordingly using for more on these decoding formats).

• The Auto Surround feature is canceled if you connect headphones or select the multichannel analog inputs. 2 For more options using this button, see 3 In modes that give 6.1 channel sound, the same signal is heard from both surround back speakers. 4 If surround back channel processing (page 30) is switched

back speaker setting

5 When listening to 2-channel sources in Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music mode, there are three further parameters you can adjust: Center Width, Dimension, and Panorama. See 6 When listening to 2-channel sources in Neo:6 Music mode, you can also adjust the center image effect (see

on page 35 is set to anything but

Setting the AV options

Using Stream Direct

Normal (SB)

on page 63 to adjust them.

Neo:6 CINEMA

on page 29.

OFF

, or the surround back speakers are set to NO (this happens automatically if the

), 2

Pro Logic IIx

or 2

Pro Logic IIx MOVIE

becomes 2

Pro Logic II

(see

Listening in surround sound

(5.1 channel sound).

Setting the AV options

on page 63).

above

Surround

Page 28

Listening to your system

Using the Home THX modes

THX and Home THX are technical standards created by Lucasfilm Ltd. for cinema and home theater sound. Home THX is designed to make home theater audio sound more like what you hear in a cinema.

Different THX options will be available depending on the source and the setting for surround back channel processing (see on page 30 for more on this).

• Press

With two channel sources

repeatedly to select a matrix-decoding process for the

THX CINEMA

above for an explanation of each process):

•

2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE+THX

•2

PRO LOGIC+THX

•

Neo:6 CINEMA+THX

•

THX GAMES MODE

With multichannel sources

repeatedly to select from:

•

THX CINEMA

your home theatre system using all the speakers in your setup

•

2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE+THX

movie sources, this allows you to hear 7.1 channel playback with 5.1 channel sources

•

THX Surround EX

channel playback with 5.1 channel sources

•

THX Select2 CINEMA

channel playback with 5.1 channel sources

•

THX MUSICMODE

playback with 5.1 channel sources

•

THX GAMES MODE

playback from the output of a video game console

Using surround back channel processing

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

SBch

STEREO

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

THX (HOME THX

mode (see

) to select a listening mode.

, press

THX (HOME THX)

Listening in surround sound

, press

THX (HOME THX)

– Gives you cinema-quality sound from

– Especially suited to

– Allows you to hear 6.1 or 7.1

– Allows you to hear 7.1

– Allows you to hear 7.1 channel

Using the Advanced surround effects

The Advanced surround effects can be used for a variety of additional surround sound effects. Most Advanced Surround modes are designed to be used with film soundtracks, but some modes are also suited for music sources. Try different settings with various soundtracks to see which you like.

• Press

ADV.SURR (ADVANCED SURROUND

repeatedly to select a listening mode.

•

ACTION

– Designed for action movies with dynamic

soundtracks

•

SCI-FI

– Designed for science fiction with lots of

special effects

•

DRAMA MUSICAL

•

– Designed for movies with lots of dialog

– Creates a concert hall-type sound for

musicals

•

MONOFILM

soundtracks

•

7-D THEATER

•

CLASSICAL CHAMBER

•

JAZZ

•

ROCK DANCE

•

– Gives a large concert hall-type sound

– Creates a space with alot of reverb

– Creates the sound of a small jazz club

– Creates a live concert sound for rock music

– Designed for music with lots of bass

• 7ch STEREO

from all the speakers in your setup

•

PhonesSurround

headphones, you can still get the effect of overall surround.

Tip

• When an Advanced Surround listening mode is selected, the effect level can be adjusted using the

EFFECT

parameter in

page 63.

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

SBch

STEREO

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

– Creates surround sound from mono

– Creates an extra wide stereo field

– Allows you to hear stereo sources

– When listening through

Setting the AV options

)

Note

1• If you only have one surround back speaker connected, 2

MODE

are not available.

• You can’t use the THX modes when headphones are connected. 2• Depending on the source and the sound mode you have selected, you may not get sound from the surround back speakers in your setup. For more on this, refer to

Using surround back channel processing on page 30.

• If you press ADV. SURR when the headphones are connected, the PhonesSurround mode will automatically be selected.

Pro Logic IIx MOVIE+THX, THX Select2 CINEMA, THX MUSICMODE

and

THX GAMES

Page 29

Listening to your system

Listening in stereo

When you select through just the front left and right speakers (and possibly your subwoofer depending on your speaker settings). Dolby Digital and DTS multichannel sources are downmixed to stereo.

• While listening to a source, press playback.

STEREO

STATUS

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

, you will hear the source

SIGNAL SEL

SBch

STEREO

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

STEREO

for stereo

Using Stream Direct

Use the Stream Direct modes when you want to hear the truest possible reproduction of a source. All unnecessary signal processing is bypassed, and you’re left with the pure analog or digital sound source (see

with different input signal formats

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

SBch

STEREO

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

1 While listening to a source, press S.DIRECT

(

AUTO SURR/STREAM DIRECT) to select the mode

you want.

Check the digital format indicators in the front panel display to see how the source is being processed.

•

AUTO SURROUND

•

DIRECT

– Sources are heard according to the

– See

Auto playback

settings made in the Surround Setup (speaker setting, channel level, speaker distance, acoustic calibration EQ, and X-curve), as well as with dual mono, the input attenuator, and any sound delay and hi-bit/hi-sampling settings. You will hear sources according to the number of channels in the signal.

•

PURE DIRECT

– Analog and PCM sources are heard

without any digital processing. from the Second Zone in this mode.

Stream direct

on page 84).

on page 27.

No sound is output

Selecting MCACC presets

• Default setting: If you have calibrated your system for different listening positions

, you can switch between settings to suit the kind of source you’re listening to and where you’re sitting (for example, watching movies from a sofa, or playing a video game close to the TV).

• While listening to a source, press

POSITION

Press repeatedly to select one of the six MCACC presets3 or to switch calibration off. See page 41 to check and manage your current settings.

MEMORY 1

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

SBch

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

STEREO

ADV. SURR

MCACC (MCACC

Data Management

Choosing the input signal

You need to hook up a component to both analog and digital inputs on the receiver to select between input

signals.

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

SBch

STEREO

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

• Press input signal corresponding to the source component.

Each press cycles through the options as follows:

SIGNAL SEL (SIGNAL SELECT

AUTO

•

– This is the default setting. The receiver

) to select the

selects the first available signal in the following order: ;

ANALOG

•

DIGITAL

•

HDMI

HDMI; DIGITAL; ANALOG

– Selects an analog signal.

– Selects an optical or coaxial digital signal.

– Selects an HDMI signal.

• – Selects an i.LINK signal (VSX-AX4AVi only).

Note

1 There are cases where a brief noise is heard before playback of sources other than PCM. Please select 2 Different presets might also have separate calibration settings for the same listening position, depending on how you’re using your system. These presets can be set in have already completed. 3 You can’t use these settings when 4• This receiver can only play back Dolby Digital, PCM (32kHz–96 kHz), DTS (including DTS 96kHz/24 bit) and WMA9 Pro digital signal formats. With other digital signal formats, set to

• You may get digital noise when a LD or CD player compatible with DTS is playing an analog signal. To prevent noise, make the proper digital connec-

tions (page 15) and set the signal input to

• Some DVD players don’t output DTS signals. For more details, refer to the instruction manual supplied with your DVD player.

• Even when i.LINK is selected and the i.LINK indicator lights, you won’t hear any sound if the output settings of your i.LINK device are off.

• The input signal for unassigned i.LINK-equipped components is fixed to . See

5 When the

Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC)

HDMI

option in

MULTI CH IN

ANALOG

(the

Setting the AV options

is switched on, and they has no effect when headphones are connected.

MULTI CH IN, TUNER, PHONO

DIGITAL

on page 63 is set to

on page 7 or

and

iPod

THROUGH

Automatic MCACC (Expert)

input functions are all fixed to

Checking the i.LINK inputs

, the sound will be heard through your TV, not from this receiver.

AUTO SURROUND

on page 33, either of which you should

on page 49.

ANALOG

DIRECT

if this is a problem.

Page 30

Listening to your system

•

PCM

– Only PCM signals are output.1 The receiver

selects the first available signal in the following order: ;

When set to Dolby Digital decoding, and

WMA9 Pro

HDMI; DIGITAL

DIGITAL

AUTO, 2 DIGITAL

DTS

lights with DTS decoding,

lights to indicate decoding of a WMA9

Pro signal.

lights with

SBch ON

• example, a surround back channel will be generated for 5.1 encoded material)

•

SBch AUTO

decoding for 6.1 encoded sources (for example, Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES)

•

SBch OFF

– 6.1 or 7.1 decoding is always used (for

– Automatically switches to 6.1 or 7.1

– Maximum 5.1 playback

Using the Virtual Surround Back mode

Using surround back channel processing

• Default setting:

You can have the receiver automatically use 6.1 or 7.1 decoding for 6.1 encoded sources (for example, Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES), or you can choose to always use

6.1 or 7.1 decoding (for example, with 5.1 encoded material). With 5.1 encoded sources, a surround back channel will be generated, but the material may sound better in the 5.1 format for which it was originally encoded (in which case, you can simply switch surround back channel processing off).

The table below indicates when you will hear the surround back channel when playing various kinds of sources. (



speaker(s))

• Press

SBch

the surround back channel options.

Each press cycles through the options as follows:

Type of source

Dolby Digital EX/DTS-ES encoded multichannel sources with 6.1ch surround

Dolby Digital/DTS/WMA9 Pro encoded, DVDAudio and SACD multichannel sources

Dolby Digital/DTS/PCM/WMA9 Pro encoded, DVD-Audio and SACD stereo sources

Analog 2-channel (stereo) sources

a. Only applicable when using the Virtual Surround Back mode. b.Not applicable when using the Virtual Surround Back mode.

Note

1• This is useful if you find there is a slight delay before

• When

PCM

2• You can’t use the Virtual Surround Back mode with headphones, or with the

• You can only use the Virtual Surround Back mode if the surround speakers are on and the

page 42.

• The Virtual Surround Back mode cannot be applied to sources that do not have surround channel information.

SBch ON

=Sound plays through surround back

SIGNAL SEL

STATUS

SBch

STEREO

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

(SBch PROCESSING) repeatedly to cycle

SBch

Processing /

Virtual SB

mode

AUTO

is selected, noise may be output during playback of non-PCM sources. Please select another input signal if this is a problem.

Multichannel

sources

AUTO

recognizes the PCM signal on a CD, for instance.

When you’re not using surround back speakers, selecting this mode allows you to hear a virtual surround back channel through your surround speakers. You can choose to listen to sources with no surround back channel information, or if the material sounds better in the format (for example, 5.1) for which it was originally encoded, you can have the receiver only apply this effect

to 6.1 encoded sources like Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES. The table indicates when you will hear the virtual

surround back channel. ( channel is active)

• Press

SBch

(SBch PROCESSING) repeatedly to cycle

the virtual surround back channel options.

Each press cycles through the options as follows:

VirtualSB ON

•

– Virtual Surround Back is always used

(for example, on 5.1 encoded material)

•

VirtualSB AUTO

– Virtual Surround Back is automatically applied to 6.1 encoded sources (for example, Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES)

•

VirtualSB OFF

– Virtual Surround Back mode is

switched off

Standard / THX

Stereo sources

2 Pro Logic II x2

 



THX, STEREO

Pro Logic



or Stream Direct modes.

Surr Back

setting is set to NO in the

=Virtual surround back



Neo:6







Speaker Setting

Advanced

surround



Page 31

Using the tuner

SELECT

Chapter 6:

Using the tuner

Listening to the radio

The following steps show you how to tune in to FM and AM radio broadcasts using the automatic (search) and manual (step) tuning functions. If you already know the frequency of the station you want, see

station

below. Once you are tuned to a station you can

memorize the frequency for recall later—see

station presets

RECEIVER SOURCE

DVD SAT

DVR2

DVR1 i Pod

on page 31 for more on how to do this.

SYSTEM OFF INPUT SELECT

TV VIDEO 2

CD-R

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

MULTI IN

ROOM2/3

TUNER

RECEIVER

D.ACCESS

AV PARAMETER

TOP MENU 

SETUP

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

TV VOL

TUNE

ST ST

ENTER

TUNE

TV CONTROL

INPUT

TV CH

SELECT

Tuning directly to a

CLASS

DISC

BAND

ENTER

CH LEVEL

VOL

T.EDIT

RETURN

MPX EON

AUDIO SUBTITLE

DISP



STATUS

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

Saving

REC

MUTE

REC STOP

BCDE

HDD

DVD

SBch

STEREO

SIGNAL SEL

ADV. SURR

STANDARD

THX

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

Tuning directly to a station

Sometimes, you'll already know the frequency of the station you want to listen to. In this case, you can simply enter the frequency directly using the number buttons on the remote control.

1 Press the

2 Use the BAND button to change the band (FM or AM), if necessary.

Each press switches the band between FM and AM.

3 Press D.ACCESS (Direct Access).

4 Use the number buttons to enter the frequency of the radio station.

For example, to tune to If you make a mistake halfway through, press

twice to cancel the frequency and start over.

TUNER

button to select the tuner.

106.00

(FM), press 1, 0, 6, 0, 0.

D.ACCESS

1 Press the

TUNER

button to select the tuner.

2 Use the BAND button to change the band (FM or AM), if necessary.

Each press switches the band between FM and AM.

3 Tune to a station.

There are three ways to do this:

Automatic tuning

To search for stations in the currently selected band, press and hold

TUNE

/

for about a second. The receiver will start searching for the next station, stopping when it has found one. Repeat to search for other stations.

Manual tuning

To change the frequency one step at a time, press

TUNE

/

High speed tuning

Press and hold

TUNE

/

for high speed tuning.

Release the button at the frequency you want.

Improving FM stereo sound

If the

TUNED

tuning to an FM station because the signal is weak, press

STEREO

the

MPX

button to switch the receiver into mono reception mode. This should improve the sound quality and allow you to enjoy the broadcast.

indicators don't light when

Saving station presets

If you often listen to a particular radio station, it's convenient to have the receiver store the frequency for easy recall whenever you want to listen to that station. This saves the effort of manually tuning in each time. This receiver can memorize up to 30 stations, stored in three banks, or classes, (A, B and C) of 10 stations each. When saving an FM frequency, the also stored.

SYSTEM OFF

INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

TV VIDEO 2

DVD SAT

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

DVR2

CD-R

MULTI IN

ROOM2/3

TUNER

DVR1 i Pod

RECEIVER

1 Tune to a station you want to memorize.

See

Listening to the radio

2 Press T.EDIT (TUNER EDIT).

The display shows

STATION MEMORY

memory class.

3 Press CLASS to select one of the three classes then press ST

/

to select the station preset you want.

You can also use the number buttons to select a station preset.

4 Press

After pressing

ENTER

blinking and the receiver stores the station.

MPX

setting (see page 31) is

REC

MUTE

D.ACCESS

AV PARAMETER

TOP MENU 

SETUP

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

TV VOL

TUNE

ST ST

ENTER

TUNE

TV CONTROL

INPUT

TV CH

SELECT

CLASS

DISC

CH LEVEL

T.ED IT

RETURN



BAND

VOL

REC STOP

MPX EON

BCDE

AUDIO SUBTITLE

HDD

DISP

STATUS

SBch

SIGNAL SEL

STANDARD

THX

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

MCACC S.DIRECT

PHASE

DVD

STEREO

ADV. SURR

on page 31 for more on this.

, then a blinking

, the preset class and number stop

Page 32

Using the tuner

Naming station presets

For easier identification, you can name your station presets.

1 Choose the station preset you want to name.

See Listening to station presets below for how to do this.

2 Press T.EDIT (TUNER EDIT).

The display shows STATION NAME, then a blinking cursor at the first character position.

3 Input the name you want.

Choose from the following characters for a name up to four characters long.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 0123456789

!”#$%&’()

• Use the ST / buttons (remote) to select

characters.

• Press ENTER to confirm a character. If no character is input, a space is input.

• The name is stored when ENTER is pressed after choosing the fourth character.

∗+,–./:;<=>?@[ \ ]^_{|} ˜ [space]

Tip

• To erase a station name, simply repeat steps 1-3 and input four spaces instead of a name.

• Once you have named a station preset, you can press DISP when listening to a station to switch the display between name and frequency.

Listening to station presets

You will need to have some presets stored to do this. See Saving station presets above if you haven’t done this already.

1 Press 2 Press CLASS to select the class in which the station

is stored.

Press repeatedly to cycle through classes A, B and C.

3 Press ST

TUNER

to select the tuner.

/

to select the station preset you want.

• You can also use the number buttons on the remote control to recall the station preset.

Page 33

The System Setup menu

Chapter 7:

The System Setup menu

Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu

The following section shows you how to make detailed settings to specify how you’re using the receiver (for example, if you want to set up two speaker systems in separate rooms), and also explains how to fine-tune individual speaker system settings to your liking.

SYSTEM OFF

INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

TV VIDEO 2

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

DVD SAT

DVR2

CD-R

MULTI IN

TUNER

ROOM2/3

RECEIVER

DVR1 i Pod

D.ACCESS

AV PARAMETER

TOP MENU 

SETUPSETUP

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

TV VOL

1 Switch on the receiver and your TV.

Use the  RECEIVER

button to switch on.

• If headphones are connected to the receiver, disconnect them.

2 Press the

SETUP

RECEIVER

button.

on the remote control, then press

An on-screen display (OSD) appears on your TV. Use the

///

buttons and

ENTER

to navigate through the screens and select menu items. Press confirm and exit the current menu.

• Press

SETUP

at any time to exit the System Setup

menu.

3 Select the setting you want to adjust.

System Setup

1.Auto MCACC

2.Surr Back System

3.Manual MCACC

4.Data Management

5.Manual SP Setup

6.Input Setup

7.Other Setup

 : Exit

•

Auto MCACC

surround sound (MCACC)

– See

Automatically setting up for

on page 7 for a quick and

effective automatic surround setup. See

MCACC (Expert)

below for a more detailed setup.

TV CONTROL

INPUT

SELECT

ENTER

CLASS

DISC

ENTER

CH LEVEL

T.ED IT

RETURNRETURN

BAND

TV CH

VOL

RETURN

Automatic



Surr Back System

• surround back speakers (see

setting

on page 35).

Manual MCACC

•

– Specify how you are using your

Surround back speaker

– Fine tune your speaker settings

and customize the Acoustic Calibration EQ (see

Manual MCACC setup

•

Data Management

on page 36).

– Check your MCACC presets and manage them through copying, renaming or deleting (see

Manual SP Setup

•

Data Management

on page 41).

– Specify the size, number, distance and overall balance of the speakers you’ve connected (see

•

Input Setup

digital and component video inputs (see

Setup menu

•

Other Setup

how you are using the receiver (see

on page 61).

Manual speaker setup

on page 42).

– Specify what you’ve connected to the

The Input

on page 60).

– Make customized settings to reflect

The Other Setup

Automatic MCACC (Expert)

If your setup requires more detailed settings than those provided in

(MCACC)

options below. You can calibrate your system differently for up to six different MCACC presets

if you have different listening positions depending on the type of source (for example, watching movies from a sofa,

or playing a video game close to the TV).

• Make sure the microphone and speakers are not

• Using the Auto MCACC Setup will overwrite any

• The screen saver will automatically appear after three

• The test tones used in the Auto MCACC Setup are

Automatically setting up for surround sound

on page 7, you can customize your setup

, which are useful

Important

moved during the Auto MCACC Setup.

existing settings for the MCACC preset you select.

minutes of inactivity.

Caution

output at high volume.

Note

1 Make sure not to switch off the power when using the System Setup menu.

2• Note that when editing items in the

MCACC

before pressing

• You can’t use the System Setup menu when the iPod input source is selected (in either the main or sub room).

3 These are stored in memory and referred to as 4 You may also want to have separate calibration settings for the same listening position, depending on how you’re using your system.

5 Except in cases where you are only adjusting one parameter (i.e. channel level) from the

SETUP

Manual MCACC

MEMORY1–6

menu, you will need to first specify the MCACC preset you want to adjust by pressing

(or M1–6) until you rename them in

Data Management

Option

setup screen (step 3).

on page 41.

Page 34

The System Setup menu

1 Connect the microphone to the MCACC

SETUP MIC

jack on the front panel.

Make sure there are no obstacles between the speakers and the microphone.

SPEAKERS

PHONES

(TUNE +)

AV PARAMETER

(ST –) (ST +)

ENTER

SETUP

(TUNE –)

BAND

TUNER

EDIT

MCACC SETUP MIC



RETURN

SOURCE/REC SEL

CONTROL ON/OFF

DIGITAL IN S-VIDEO VIDEO L RAUDIO

VIDEO SELECT

VIDEO/GAME 2 INPUT

SBch

SIGNAL

STEREO

PROCESSING

SELECT

MULTI – ROOM &

If you have a tripod, use it to place the microphone so that it’s about ear level at your normal listening position. Otherwise, place the microphone at ear level using a table or a chair.

2 Select ‘Auto MCACC’ from the System Setup menu then press

3 Make sure ‘Normal (SB)’ is selected, MCACC preset

For a fully customized Auto MCACC setup, select

ENTER

System Setup

1.Auto MCACC

2.Surr Back System

3.Manual MCACC

4.Data Management

5.Manual SP Setup

6.Input Setup

7.Other Setup

then select OK.

 : Exit

1.Auto MCACC

Surr Back System [ Normal (SB) ] Data Save to [M1. MEMORY 1 ]

Setting Start? [OK]

[Option]

ENTER:Next :Cancel

select an

Option

and set the following parameters:

1.Auto MCACC Option

Auto Mode [ ALL ] Speaker settings will be updated.

THX Speaker NO If you are using THX speakers, select YES.

( Next )

 : Return to Auto MCACC

Auto Mode

•

1. Auto MCACC Option

( Back )

EQ Type : FRONT ALIGN Data Save to M2. MEMORY 2 EQ Type : OFF Data Save to [ – – . – – – ]

: Return to Auto MCACC

– The default is

1.Auto MCACC Option

Auto Mode [ Aco Cal EQ Pro. ] EQ Type [ALL CH ADJUST] Multi-Point NO

 : Return to Auto MCACC

ALL

(recommended), but

you can limit the system calibration to only one

The available

Speaker

YES

SMALL

if you

setting (to save time) if you want. options are

Setting Acoustic Cal EQ

•

THX Speaker (only available when the Auto Mode

above is

ALL, ALL (Keep SPsetting)

Channel Level, Speaker Distance

, and

Aco Cal EQ Pro.

ALL

Speaker Setting) – Select

are using THX speakers (set all speakers to otherwise leave it set to

•

EQ Type (only available when the Auto Mode above is Acoustic Cal EQ or

Aco Cal EQ Pro.) – This

determines how the frequency balance is adjusted.

ALL CH ADJUST

(default) is a ‘flat’ setting where all

the speakers are set individually so no special

weighting is given to any one channel. Optionally,

FRONT ALIGN

sets all speakers in accordance with

the front speaker settings (no equalization is applied to the front left and right channels), and available when

ALL

is selected) allows you to save

OFF

(only

calibration settings (such as speaker distance and channel level) with no EQ or standing wave adjustment to your selected preset.

•

Multi-Point (only available when the Auto Mode

above is

Acoustic Cal EQ or

Aco Cal EQ Pro.) – In

addition to measurements at the listening position, you can use two more reference points for which test tones will be analyzed for standing waves. This is useful if you want to get a balanced ‘flat’ calibration

for several seating positions in your listening area.

Place the microphone at the reference point indicated on-screen and note

the last microphone

placement will be at your main listening position:

2nd reference

point

Main listening

position

3rd reference

point

When you’re finished settings the options, press

RETURN

to go back to the Auto MCACC main setup.

4 Follow the instructions on-screen.

• Make sure the microphone is connected.

• If you’re using a subwoofer, it is automatically detected every time you switch on the system. Make sure it is on and the volume is turned up.

• See

Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup

on page 9 for notes regarding high background noise levels and other possible interference.

5 Wait for the Auto MCACC Setup to finish outputting test tones.

A progress report is displayed on-screen while the receiver outputs test tones to determine the speakers present in your setup. Try to be as quiet as possible while it’s doing this.

• Do not adjust the volume during the test tones. This may result in incorrect speaker settings.

Note

1 If you are planning on bi-amping your front speakers, or setting up a separate speaker system in another room, read through

ting

on page 35 and make sure to connect your speakers as necessary before continuing to step 4. 2 The six MCACC presets are used for storing surround sound settings for different listening positions. Simply choose an unused preset for now (you can rename it later in

Aco Cal EQ Pro.

3 The 4 The

ALL (Keep SPsetting)

5 If you selected 6 Switch the

Data Management

measurement is also taken when

ALL

Multi-Point

option allows you to calibrate your system while leaving your current speaker setting (page 42) unchanged.

as your

Auto Mode

setting

OFF if you only use one listening position.

on page 41).

ALL

is selected. See

Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ

setting, you can specify the MCACC preset where you want to save the

on page 38 for more on this.

FRONT ALIGN

Surround back speaker set-

and/or

OFF

settings.

Page 35

The System Setup menu

• With error messages (such as

Microphone Check

ambient noise (see

MCACC Setup

) select

Problems when using the Auto

on page 9) and verifying the mic

Ambient Noise

RETRY

after checking for

connection. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply select

GO NEXT

and continue.

6 If necessary, confirm the speaker configuration in the OSD.

The configuration shown on-screen should reflect the actual speakers you have.

1.Auto MCACC

Now Analyzing… (2/9)

Environment Check Ambient Noise [ OK ] Microphone [ ] Speaker YES/NO [ ]

:Cancel

If you see an error message (

1.Auto MCACC

Check!

Front [ YES ] Center [ YES ] Surround [ YES ] SB [ Yx2 ] SUB W. [ YES ]

[ OK ]

ERR

:Cancel

) in the right side column (or the speaker configuration displayed isn’t correct), there may be a problem with the speaker connection. If selecting

RETRY

doesn’t work, turn off the power and check the speaker connections. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply use to select the speaker and

/

to change the setting

/

(and number for surround back) and continue.

7 Make sure ‘OK’ is selected, then press

ENTER

A progress report is displayed on-screen while the receiver outputs more test tones to determine the optimum receiver settings for channel level, speaker distance, and Acoustic Calibration EQ.

1.Auto MCACC

Now Analyzing

Subwoofer Check

:Cancel

…

1.Auto MCACC

Now Analyzing… (6/9)

Surround Analyzing Speaker System [ OK ] Channel Level [ OK ] Speaker Distance [ ]

:Cancel

Again, try to be as quiet as possible while this is happening. It may take 2–6 minutes.

• If you selected a

Multi-Point

setup (in step 3), you will be asked to place the mic at the 2nd and 3rd reference points before finally placing it at your main listening position.

8 The Auto MCACC Setup has finished! Press

RETURN

to go back to the System Setup menu.

4a.MCACC Data Check

1.Speaker Setting

2.Channel Level

3.Speaker Distance

4.Standing Wave

5.Acoustic Cal EQ

ENTER:Next :Return

The settings made in the Auto MCACC Setup should give you excellent surround sound from your system, but it is also possible to adjust these settings manually using the

System Setup menu (starting on page 33).

You can also choose to view the settings by selecting individual parameters from the

MCACC Data Check

screen:

•

Speaker Setting

– The size and number of speakers

you’ve connected (see page 42 for more on this)

•

Channel Level

– The overall balance of your speaker

system (see page 43 for more on this)

•

Speaker Distance

– The distance of your speakers

from the listening position (see page 44 for more on

this)

•

Standing Wave

– Filter settings to control lower

‘boomy’ frequencies (see page 37 for more on this)

•

Acoustic Cal EQ

– Adjustments to the frequency balance of your speaker system based on the acoustic characteristics of your room (see page 38 for more on this)

Press

ENTER

screen. When you’re finished, select

after you have finished checking each

RETURN

to go back

to the System Setup menu.

Surround back speaker setting

• Default setting:

There are several ways you can use the surround back speaker channels with this system. In addition to a normal home theater setup where they are used for the surround back speakers, they can be used for bi-amping the front speakers or as an independent speaker system in another room.

Normal (SB)

Note

1 This screen is only shown if you selected 2• Depending on the characteristics of your room, sometimes identical speakers with cone sizes of around 12cm will end up with different size settings. You can correct the setting manually using the

• The subwoofer distance setting may be farther than the actual distance from the listening position. This setting should be accurate (taking delay and room characteristics into account) and generally does not need to be changed. 3 Since the distance measurements have been set according to the sound characteristics of your speakers, there are cases where (for optimal surround sound) the actual distance may differ from the speaker distance setting.

ALL

Speaker Setting

Manual speaker setup

Auto Mode

on page 42.

from the Auto MCACC Option menu.

Page 36

The System Setup menu

1 Select ‘Surr Back System’ from the System Setup menu.

See

Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu

above if you’re not already at this screen.

System Setup

1.Auto MCACC

2.Surr Back System

3.Manual MCACC

4.Data Management

5.Manual SP Setup

6.Input Setup

7.Other Setup

 : Exit

2.Surround Back System

Surround Back System

Normal (SB)

:Return

2 Select the surround back speaker setting.

•

Normal (SB)

– Select for normal home theater use with surround back speakers in your main (speaker system A) setup.

•

2nd Zone

– Select to use the (surround back) B speaker terminals to listen to stereo playback in another room (see

Second Zone speaker B setup

page 52).

•

Front Bi-Amp

amping your front speakers (see

speakers

•

Multi Room & Source

– Select this setting if you’re bi-

Bi-amping your front

on page 53).

– Select to use the (surround back) B speaker terminals for an independent system in another room (see

Multi-room listening

page 54).

3 When you’re finished, press

RETURN

You will return to the System Setup menu.

Manual MCACC setup

You can use the settings in the Manual MCACC setup menu to make detailed adjustments when you’re more familiar with the system. Before making these settings, you should have already completed

up for surround sound (MCACC)

You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers).

Caution

• The test tones used in the System Setup are output at high volume.

Important

• You will need to first specify the MCACC preset you want to adjust by pressing

SETUP

(step 2 in

System Setup menu

Making receiver settings from the

on page 33).

• For some of the settings below, you’ll have to connect the setup microphone to the front panel and place it about ear level at your normal listening position. See

Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC)

Automatically setting

on page 7.

MCACC

before pressing

on page 7 if you’re unsure how to do this. Also see

Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup

page 9 for notes regarding high background noise levels and other possible interference.

• If you’re using a subwoofer, switch it on and turn up the volume to the middle position.

1 Select ‘Manual MCACC’ from the System Setup menu.

See

Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu

on page 33 if you’re not already at this screen.

System Setup

1.Auto MCACC

2.Surr Back System

3.Manual MCACC

4.Data Management

5.Manual SP Setup

6.Input Setup

7.Other Setup

 : Exit

3.Manual MCACC

a.Fine Ch Level

b.Fine SP Distance c.Standing Wave d.EQ Adjust e.EQ Professional

:Return

2 Select the setting you want to adjust.

If you’re doing this for the first time, you might want to make these settings in order.

•

Fine Ch Level

balance of your speaker system (see

Level

below).

•

Fine SP Distance

your speaker system (see

– Make fine adjustments to the overall

Fine Channel

– Make precise delay settings for

Fine Speaker Distance

page 37).

•

Standing Wave

frequencies in your listening room (see

Wave

on page 37).

– Control overly resonant low

Standing

The last two settings are specifically for customizing the parameters explained in

Acoustic Calibration EQ

page 38:

•

EQ Adjust

– Manually adjust the frequency balance of your speaker system while listening to test tones (see

Acoustic Calibration EQ

•

EQ Professional

– Calibrate your system based on

on page 38).

the direct sound coming from the speakers and make detailed settings according to your room’s reverb characteristics (see

on page 38).

Professional Acoustic Calibration

Fine Channel Level

• Default setting:

You can achieve better surround sound by properly adjusting the overall balance of your speaker system. The following setting can help you make detailed adjustments that you may not achieve using the

speaker setup

1 Select ‘Fine Ch Level’ from the Manual MCACC setup menu.

0dB

on page 42.

(all channels)

Manual

Page 37

The System Setup menu

The volume increases to the

3.Manual MCACC

a.Fine Ch Level

b.Fine SP Distance c.Standing Wave d.EQ Adjust e.EQ Professional

:Return

0dB

reference level.

3a.Fine Channel Level

Please Wait... 20

Caution! Loud test tones will be output.

:Cancel

2 Adjust the level of the left channel.

This will be the reference speaker level, so you may want to keep the level around

0dB

so that you’ll have plenty of

room to adjust the other speaker levels.

3a.Fine Channel Level

MCACC:M1. MEMORY 1

L(Reference) +0.5dB

Enter:Next  :Cancel

• After pressing

3 Select each channel in turn and adjust the levels (

– 10dB )

Use

as necessary.

/

ENTER

, test tones will be output.

to adjust the volume of the speaker you

selected to match the reference speaker. When it sounds like both tones are the same volume, press



to confirm

and continue to the next channel.

3a.Fine Channel Level

L +0.5dB (Reference) R [ 0.0dB ] C +1.0dB SL [ -3.0dB ] SR [ +10.0dB ] SBL [ -10.0dB ] SBR [ +9.5dB ] SW [ -1.5dB ]

:Finish

1 Select ‘Fine SP Distance’ from the Manual MCACC setup menu.

3.Manual MCACC

a.Fine Ch Level

b.Fine SP Distance

c.Standing Wave d.EQ Adjust e.EQ Professional

:Return

3b.Fine SP Distance

MCACC:M1. MEMORY 1

L(Reference)

3.0 m

Enter:Next :Cancel

2 Adjust the distance of the left channel from the listening position.

3 Select each channel in turn and adjust the distance as necessary.

Use

/

to adjust the delay of the speaker you selected to match the reference speaker. The delay is measured in terms of speaker distance from

3b.Fine SP Distance

L R [ 3.0 m ] C SL [ 3.0 m ] SR [ 3.0 m ] SBL [ 3.0 m ] SBR [ 3.0 m ] SW [ 3.0 m ]

0.1

3.0 m (Reference

2.5 m

:Finish

)

9.0

meters.

Listen to the reference speaker and use it to measure the target channel. From the listening position, face the two speakers with your arms outstretched pointing at each speaker. Try to make the two tones sound as if they are arriving simultaneously at a position slightly in front of

you and between your arm span.

• For comparison purposes, the reference speaker will change depending on which speaker you select.

• If you want to go back and adjust a channel, simply use

/

to select it.

4 When you're finished, press RETURN.

You will return to the Manual MCACC setup menu.

Fine Speaker Distance

• Default setting:

For proper sound depth and separation with your system, it is necessary to add a slight bit of delay to some speakers so that all sounds will arrive at the listening position at the same time. The following setting can help you make detailed adjustments that you may not achieve using the

Manual speaker setup

3.0 m

(all speakers)

below.

When it sounds like the delay settings are matched up, press



to confirm and continue to the next channel.

• For comparison purposes, the reference speaker will change depending on which speaker you select.

• If you want to go back and adjust a channel, simply use

/

to select it.

4 When you're finished, press RETURN.

You will return to the Manual MCACC setup menu.

Standing Wave

• Default setting: ON

Acoustic standing waves occur when, under certain conditions, sound waves from your speaker system resonate mutually with sound waves reflected off the walls in your listening area. This can have a negative effect on the overall sound, especially at certain lower

Note

1• If you can’t seem to achieve this by adjusting the distance setting, you may need to change the angle of your speakers very slightly.

• For better audibility, the subwoofer emits a continuous test tone (oscillating pulses are heard from your other speakers). Note that it may be difficult

to compare this tone with the other speakers in your setup (depending on the low frequency response of the reference speaker).

Page 38

The System Setup menu

frequencies. Depending on speaker placement, your listening position, and ultimately the shape of your room, it results in an overly resonant (‘boomy’) sound. The Standing Wave Control uses filters to reduce the effect of overly resonant sounds in your listening area. During playback of a source, you can customize the filters used for Standing Wave Control for each of your MCACC

presets.

1 Select ‘Standing Wave’ from the Manual MCACC setup menu.

3.Manual MCACC

a.Fine Ch Level b.Fine SP Distance

c.Standing Wave

d.EQ Adjust e.EQ Professional

:Return

3c.Standing Wave

MCACC : M1. MEMORY 1 Standing Wave Control [ ON ] Filter Ch

No. 1 2 3 f [ 68 Q [ 5.0

A T

[ 0.0

MAIN

] [ 120

] [ 201

] [ 5.0 ] [ 5.0 ]

] [ 0.0

] [ 0.0 :Finish

]

2 Select ‘ON’ (if it is not already selected) then adjust the parameters for the Standing Wave Control.

•

Filter Ch

the filter(s): subwoofer),

TRIM (only available when the filter channel above is

•

– Select the channel to which you will apply

Main

(all except center channel and

Center

SUB W.

(subwoofer).

SUB W.) – Adjust the subwoofer channel level (to

compensate for the difference in output post-filter).

•

/ Q /

ATT

represents the frequency you will be targeting and

– These are the filter parameters where f

is the bandwidth (the higher the Q, the narrower the bandwidth, or range) of the attenuation (

ATT

, the

amount of reduction to the targeted frequency).

3 When you're finished, press RETURN.

You will return to the Manual MCACC setup menu.

Acoustic Calibration EQ

Acoustic Calibration Equalization is a kind of room equalizer for your speakers (excluding the subwoofer). It works by measuring the acoustic characteristics of your room and neutralizing the ambient characteristics that can color the original source material (providing a ‘flat’ equalization setting). If you’re not satisfied with the adjustment provided in

surround sound (MCACC) MCACC (Expert)

settings manually to get a frequency balance that suits your tastes.

Automatically setting up for

on page 7 or

Automatic

on page 33, you can also adjust these

1 Select ‘EQ Adjust’ from the Manual MCACC setup menu.

3.Manual MCACC

a.Fine Ch Level b.Fine SP Distance c.Standing Wave

d.EQ Adjust

e.EQ Professional

:Return

3d.EQ Adjust

MCACC:M1. MEMORY 1

Setting Start? [ OK ]

Enter:Next :Cancel

2 Confirm that the MCACC preset shown in the display is the one you want to adjust, then select OK.

3 Select the channel(s) you want and adjust to your liking.

3d.EQ Adjust unit:dB

63Hz [ 0.0] MCACC : M1 125Hz [ 0.0] Ch [SBL] 250Hz [ 0.0] 500Hz [ 0.0] 1kHz 0.0 2kHz [ -1.0]

Use the Use the

4kHz [ 8kHz [ -4.5] 16kHz [ -7.0]

1k2k4k

125

250

500

TRIM [

/

buttons to select the channel.

/

buttons to select the frequency and

-2.0]

16k

0.0]

TRM

:Finish

/

to boost or cut the EQ. When you’re finished, go back to the top of the screen and use the

/

buttons to select

the next channel.

• The

OVER!

indicator shows in the display if the frequency adjustment is too drastic and might distort. If this happens, bring the level down until

OVER!

disappears from the display.

Tip

• Changing the frequency curve of one channel too drastically will affect the overall balance. If the speaker balance seems uneven, you can raise or lower channel levels using test tones with the feature. Use

/

to select

TRIM

then use

TRIM

/

to raise or lower the channel level for the current speaker.

4 When you're finished, press

RETURN

You will return to the Manual MCACC setup menu.

Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ

This setup minimizes the unwanted effects of room reverberation by allowing you to calibrate your system based on the direct sound coming from the speakers. It can also provide you with a graphical output of the

frequency response of your room.

Note

1• Since they will be overwritten, you may want to save the standing wave settings made with the Auto MCACC Setup to another MCACC preset.

• Standing Wave control filter settings cannot be changed during playback of sources using the HDMI connection. 2 This system allows you to customize your system calibration with the help of a graphical output that can be displayed on-screen, or using a computer (with software available from Pioneer—see

Connecting a PC for Advanced MCACC output

on page 59 for more on this).

Page 39

The System Setup menu

How to use Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ

If you find that lower frequencies seem overly reverberant in your listening room (i.e. it sounds `boomy'), or that different channels seem to exhibit different reverb characteristics, select

Auto Mode

setting in

Aco Cal EQ Pro.

(or

ALL

Automatic MCACC (Expert)

) for the

on page 33 to calibrate the room automatically. This should provide a balanced calibration that suits the characteristics of your listening room.

If you still aren't satisfied with the results, the manual Advanced EQ setup (below) provides a more customized calibration of your system using the direct sound of the speakers. This is done with the help of a graphical output that can be displayed on-screen, or using a computer (with software available from Pioneer — see

a PC for Advanced MCACC output

on page 59).

Connecting

How to interpret the graphical output

The graph shows decibels on the vertical axis and time (in milliseconds) on the horizontal axis. A straight line indicates a flat-response room (no reverb), whereas a sloping line indicates the presence of reverberation when outputting test tones. The sloping line will eventually flatten out when the reverberant sound stabilizes (this usually takes about 100ms or so).

By analyzing the graph, you should be able to see how your room is responding to certain frequencies. Differences in channel level and speaker distance are taken into account automatically (compensation is provided for comparison purposes), and the frequency measurements can be examined both with and without

the equalization performed by this receiver.

Setting Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ according to your room characteristics

Using the manual setup, you can set the time period at which the frequency response is analyzed, pinpointing the time that is best for system calibration with your particular room characteristics.

The graph below shows the difference between standard acoustic calibration and professional calibration (the gray circles represent the point at which the microphone captures the sound for frequency analysis).

Level

Test tone

As soon as audio is output from your speaker system, it is influenced by room characteristics, such as walls, furniture, and the dimensions of the room. The sooner the frequency analysis, the less it is influenced by the room. We recommend an earlier time setting of 20–40ms to compensate for two major factors that will influence the sound of most rooms:

Reverberance of high vs. low frequencies

•

– Depending on your room, you may find that lower frequencies seem overly reverberant compared to higher frequencies (i.e. your room sounds ‘boomy’). This may result in a skewed frequency analysis if the measurement is done too late.

Level

Acoustic Cal. EQ Pro calibration range

0 16080

•

Reverb characteristics for different channels

Standard Acoustic Cal. EQ calibration range

Low frequencies

High frequencies

Time (in msec.)

– Reverb characteristics can be somewhat different for each channel. Since this difference increases as the sound is influenced by the various room characteristics, it is often better to capture a frequency analysis early on for smoother mixing of channel frequencies/sounds.

Level

Acoustic Cal. EQ Pro calibration range

0 16080

Standard Acoustic Cal. EQ calibration range

Left surround

Right Surround

Time (in msec.)

If your room isn’t affected by the factors above, it is often not necessary to make a 20–40ms setting. Later time settings may provide a more detailed sound experience with your speaker system. It is best to try and see what works best for your particular room.

Note that changing the room (for example, moving furniture or paintings) will affect the calibration results. In such cases, you should recalibrate your system.

Acoustic Cal. EQ Pro calibration range

0 16080

Note

1 Note that due to an effect known as ‘group delay’, lower frequencies will take longer to be generated than higher frequencies (this is most obvious when comparing the frequencies at 0ms). This initial slope is not a problem (i.e. excessive reverb) with your listening room.

Standard Acoustic Cal. EQ calibration range

Time (in msec.)

Page 40

The System Setup menu

Using Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ

1 Select ‘EQ Professional’ then press ENTER.

3.Manual MCACC

a.Fine Ch Level b.Fine SP Distance c.Standing Wave d.EQ Adjust

e.EQ Professional

:Return

3e.EQ Professional

1.Reverb Measurement

2.Reverb View

3.Reverb Output PC

4.Advanced EQ Setup

ENTER:Next :Return

2 Select an option and press ENTER.

•

Reverb Measurement

– Use this to measure the reverb characteristics of your room (for graphical output using a PC, see

MCACC output

Connecting a PC for Advanced

on page 59 to connect an RS-232C

cable before selecting this option).

•

Reverb View

– You can check the reverb measurements made for specified frequency ranges in each channel.

•

Reverb Output PC

Advanced MCACC output

•

Advanced EQ Setup

– See

Connecting a PC for

on page 59 for more on this.

– Use this to select the time period that will be used for frequency adjustment and calibration, based on the reverb measurement of your listening area. Note that customizing system calibration using this setup will alter the settings you made in

(MCACC)

Automatically setting up for surround sound

on page 7 or

Automatic MCACC (Expert)

on page 33 and is not necessary if you’re satisfied with these settings.

3 If you selected ‘Reverb Measurement’, select EQ ON or OFF and then OK.

3e1.Reverb Measurement

MCACC: M1.MEMORY 1

Measure with EQ OFF

Setting Start? [OK]

:Cancel

3e1.Reverb Measurement

Now Analyzing… (1/5)

M1.

MEMORY 1 EQ:ON Ambient Noise OK Microphone [ ] Speaker Level [ ] Delay Check [ ] Reverb [ ]

:Cancel

The following options determine how the reverb characteristics of your listening area are displayed in

Reverb View

EQ OFF

• your listening area

and

Reverb Output PC

– You will see the reverb characteristics of

without

the equalization

performed by this receiver (before calibration).

•

EQ ON

– You will see the reverb characteristics of

your listening area by this receiver (after calibration).

with

the equalization performed

Note that the EQ response may not appear entirely flat due to adjustments necessary for your listening area.

When the reverb measurement is finished, you can select

Reverb View

Professional Calibration EQ graphical output

to see the results on-screen. See

on page 76

for troubleshooting information.

4 If you selected ‘Reverb View’, you can check the reverb characteristics for each channel. Press RETURN when you’re done.

3e2.Reverb View

M1 : EQ OFF Ch [ L ] Fq [ 63Hz ]

080160ms

:Return

This appears according to the setting you chose in

Reverb Measurement

(step 3 above). Use the

/

buttons to select the channel and the frequency you want to check. Use the

/

buttons to go back and forth between the two. Note that the markers on the vertical axis indicate decibels in 2dB steps.

5 If you selected ‘Advanced EQ Setup’, input the time setting you want to use for calibration, then select ‘Go’. Select ‘Start’ from the next screen.

Based on the reverb measurement above, you can choose the time period that will be used for the final frequency adjustment and calibration. Even though you can make this setting without reverb measurement, it is best to use the measurement results as a reference for your time setting. For an optimal system calibration based on the direct sound coming from the speakers, we recommend using the

3e4. Adv. EQ Setup (1/2)

Ch [ L ] Fq [ 63Hz ]

Tm [60

080160ms

( Next)

/

Use the

buttons to select the channel, frequency,

and time setting. Use the

20–40ms

~80ms]

:Cancel

/

setting.

3e4. Adv. EQ Setup (2/2)

( Back ) EQ Type [ALL CH ADJUST] Multi-Point NO

Setting Start? [OK]

 : Cancel

buttons to switch

between them. You can switch between your connected speakers

(excluding the subwoofer), and display the measurements for the following frequencies: 63Hz, 125 Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz and 16kHz.

Select the setting from the following time periods (in milliseconds): 0–20ms, 10–30ms, 20–40ms, 30–50ms, 40–60ms, 50–70ms and 60–80ms. This setting will be applied to all channels during calibration.

When you’re finished, select

. It will take about 1–4

minutes for the calibration to finish.

Note

1 The calibration corresponding to the currently selected MCACC preset will be used when System Setup menu and

press

MCACC

to select it before pressing

SETUP

EQ ON

is selected. To use another MCACC preset, exit the

Page 41

The System Setup menu

After the Acoustic Calibration Equalization is set, you are given the option to check the settings on-screen.

Data Management

This system allows you to store up to six MCACC presets, allowing you to calibrate your system for different listening positions (or frequency adjustments for the

same listening position). settings to match the kind of source you’re listening to and where you’re sitting (for example, watching movies from a sofa, or playing a video game close to the TV).

From this menu you can check your current settings, copy from one preset to another, name presets for easier identification and clear any ones you don’t need.

1 Select ‘Data Management’ from the System Setup menu.

See

Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu

above if you’re not already at this screen.

System Setup

1.Auto MCACC

2.Surr Back System

3.Manual MCACC

4.Data Management

5.Manual SP Setup

6.Input Setup

7.Other Setup

2 Select the setting you want to adjust.

•

MCACC Data Check

your MCACC presets using the on-screen display (see

Checking MCACC preset data

MCACC Data Copy

• MCACC preset to another (see

preset data

Memory Rename

•

below).

easy identification (see below).

•

Memory Clear

don’t want (see

Checking MCACC preset data

After you have completed

surround sound (MCACC) MCACC (Expert)

on page 33, you can check your

calibrated settings using the on-screen display.

This is useful for alternate

4.Data Management

a.MCACC Data Check

b.MCACC Data Copy c.Memory Rename d.Memory Clear

 : Exit

:Return

– Check the settings for any of

below).

– Copy settings from one

Copying MCACC

– Name your MCACC presets for

Renaming MCACC presets

– Clear any MCACC presets that you

Clearing MCACC presets

below).

Automatically setting up for

on page 7 or

Automatic

1 Select ‘MCACC Data Check’ from the Data Management setup menu.

4.Data Management

a.MCACC Data Check

b.MCACC Data Copy c.Memory Rename d.Memory Clear

:Return

4a.MCACC Data Check

1.Speaker Setting

2.Channel Level

3.Speaker Distance

4.Standing Wave

5.Acoustic Cal EQ

ENTER:Next :Return

2 Select the setting you want to check.

• It is useful to do this while a source is playing so you can compare the different settings.

3 Select the MCACC preset that you want to check.

Use the

/

buttons if necessary to switch speakers/

settings.

4a4.EQ Data Check

63Hz : 0.0 MCACC M1 125Hz : 0.0 Ch [SBL] 250Hz : 0.0 500Hz : 0.0 1kHz : 0.0 2kHz : -1.0

4 Press

RETURN

4kHz : 8kHz : -4.5 16kHz : -7.0

1k2k4k

125

250

500

TRIM : 0.0

to go back to the Data Check menu,

-2.0

16k

TRM

:Return

repeating steps 2 and 3 to check other settings.

4a2.Speaker Distance

MCACC M1. MEMORY 1 L : 2.0m C : 2.0m R : 2.0m SR : 2.5m SBR : 3.0m SBL : 3.0m SL : 2.5m SW : 2.3m

:Return

5 When you're finished, press

4a3.Standing Wave

MCACC M1. MEMORY 1 Sranding Wave Control : ON Filter Ch [ SUB W. ] TRIM : +12.0dB No. 1 2 3 f : 110

: 110Hz : 110

Q : 3.0 : 3.0 : 3.0

A T

: 12.0

: 10.0dB : 12.0

RETURN

:Return

You will return to the Data Management setup menu.

Copying MCACC preset data

If you want to manually adjust the Acoustic Calibration EQ (see

copying your current settings

Manual MCACC setup

above), we recommend

to an unused MCACC preset. Instead of just a flat EQ curve, this will give you a reference point from which to start.

1 Select ‘MCACC Data Copy’ from the Data Management setup menu.

4.Data Management

a.MCACC Data Check

b.MCACC Data Copy

c.Memory Rename d.Memory Clear

:Return

4b.MCACC Data Copy

From

[ M1. MEMORY 1 ]

[ M2. MEMORY 2 ]

Start Copy [Cancel ]

:Cancel

Note

1 This can be done in have already completed. 2 The settings made in

Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC)

on page 7 or

Automatic MCACC (Expert)

on page 33, either of which you should

on page 33.

Page 42

The System Setup menu

2 Select the MCACC preset you’ll be copying the settings ‘From’ then specify where you want to copy them (‘To’).

Make sure you don’t overwrite an MCACC preset you’re currently using (this can’t be undone).

3 Select ‘Copy’ to confirm and copy the settings.

Copy Complete!

MCACC preset has been copied, then you automatically return to the Data Management setup menu.

Renaming MCACC presets

If you have several different MCACC presets that you’re using, you may want to rename them for easier identification.

1 Select ‘Memory Rename’ from the Data Management setup menu.

2 Select the MCACC preset you want to rename, then select an appropriate preset name.

Use

/

preset name.

3 Repeat for as many MCACC presets as necessary, then press

You will return to the Data Management setup menu.

Clearing MCACC presets

If you are no longer using one of the MCACC presets stored in memory, you can choose to clear the calibration settings of that preset.

1 Select ‘Memory Clear’ from the Data Management setup menu.

2 Select the MCACC preset you want to clear.

Make sure you don’t clear an MCACC preset you’re currently using (this can’t be undone).

3 Select ‘Clear’ to confirm and clear the preset.

Clear Complete!

MCACC preset has been cleared, then you automatically return to the Data Management setup menu.

shows in the OSD to confirm the

4.Data Management

a.MCACC Data Check b.MCACC Data Copy

c.Memory Rename

d.Memory Clear

:Return

4c.Memory Rename

MCACC Position Rename

M1 [ MEMORY 1 ] M2 [ MEMORY 2 ] M3 [ MEMORY 3 ] M4 [ MEMORY 4 ] M5 [ MEMORY 5 ] M6 [ MEMORY 6 ]

to select the preset, then

RETURN

4.Data Management

a.MCACC Data Check b.MCACC Data Copy c.Memory Rename

d.Memory Clear

when you're finished.

4d.Memory Clear

Clear M1. MEMORY 1

Start Clear [Cancel]

:Return

shows in the OSD to confirm the

/

:Finish

to select a

:Cancel

Manual speaker setup

This receiver allows you to make detailed settings to optimize the surround sound performance. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers.).

These settings are designed to customize your system, but if you’re satisfied with the settings made in

Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC)

page 7, it isn’t necessary to make all of these settings.

Caution

• The test tones used in the System Setup are output at high volume.

1 Select ‘Manual SP Setup’ then press

System Setup

1.Auto MCACC

2.Surr Back System

3.Manual MCACC

4.Data Management

5.Manual SP Setup

6.Input Setup

7.Other Setup

 : Exit

5.Manual SP Setup

a.Speaker Setting

b.Channel Level c.Speaker Distance d.Bass Peak Level e.X-Curve f.THX Audio Setting

ENTER

:Return

2 Select the setting you want to adjust.

If you are doing this for the first time, you may want to adjust these settings in order:

•

Speaker Setting

– Specify the size and number of

speakers you’ve connected (see below).

•

Channel Level

– Adjust the overall balance of your

speaker system (page 43).

•

Speaker Distance

– Specify the distance of your

speakers from the listening position (page 44).

•

Bass Peak Level

– Prevent bass tones from distorting

the sound from your speakers (page 44).

•

X-Curve

– Adjust the tonal balance of your speaker

system for movie soundtracks (page 45).

•

THX Audio Setting

– Specify whether you are using

a THX speaker setup (page 45).

3 Make the adjustments necessary for each setting, pressing RETURN to confirm after each screen.

Speaker Setting

Use this setting to specify your speaker configuration (size, number of speakers and crossover frequency). It is a good idea to make sure that the settings made in

Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC)

page 7 are correct. MCACC presets, and cannot be set independently.

Note that this setting applies to all

Note

1 If you’re using a THX speaker setup, set all speakers to

SMALL

Page 43

The System Setup menu

1 Select ‘Speaker Setting’ from the Manual SP Setup menu.

5.Manual SP Setup

a.Speaker Setting

b.Channel Level c.Speaker Distance d.Bass Peak Level e.X-Curve f.THX Audio Setting

:Return

5a.Speaker Setting

Front SMALL Center [ SMALL ] Surr [ SMALL ] SB [

SMALL x2

SUB W. [ YES ]

X. OVER [ 80Hz ]

(THX:ALL SMALL )

]

:Finish

2 Choose the set of speakers that you want to set then select a speaker size.

Use

/

to select the size (and number) of each of the

following speakers:

•

Front

– Select

LARGE

if your front speakers reproduce bass frequencies effectively, or if you didn’t connect a subwoofer. Select

SMALL

to send

the bass frequencies to the subwoofer.

•

Center

– Select

LARGE

if your center speaker

reproduces bass frequencies effectively, or select

SMALL

to send bass frequencies to the other speakers or subwoofer. If you didn’t connect a center speaker, choose

(the center channel is sent to

the front speakers).

•

Surround

– Select

LARGE

if your surround speakers

reproduce bass frequencies effectively. Select

SMALL

to send bass frequencies to the other speakers or subwoofer. If you didn’t connect surround speakers choose

(the sound of the surround channels is sent to the front speakers or a subwoofer).

•

Surr Back

speakers you have (one, two or none).

– Select the number of surround back

Select

LARGE

if your surround back speakers reproduce bass frequencies effectively. Select

SMALL

to send bass frequencies to the other speakers or subwoofer. If you didn’t connect surround back speakers choose

•

Subwoofer

channels set to subwoofer when

– LFE signals and bass frequencies of

SMALL

are output from the

YES

is selected. Choose the

PLUS

setting if you want the subwoofer to output bass sound continuously or you want deeper bass (the bass frequencies that would normally come out the

front and center speakers are also routed to the subwoofer).

choose

If you did not connect a subwoofer

(the bass frequencies are output from

other speakers).

3 Select ‘X. OVER’ and set the crossover frequency.

Frequencies below this point will be sent to the subwoofer (or

LARGE

speakers).

4 When you’re finished, press RETURN.

You will return to the Manual SP Setup menu.

Channel Level

Using the channel level settings, you can adjust the overall balance of your speaker system, an important factor when setting up a home theater system.

1 Select ‘Channel Level’ from the Manual SP Setup menu.

5.Manual SP Setup

a.Speaker Setting

b.Channel Level

c.Speaker Distance d.Bass Peak Level e.X-Curve f.THX Audio Setting

:Return

2 Select a setup option.

•

Manual

– Move the test tone manually from speaker

to speaker and adjust individual channel levels.

•

Auto

– Adjust channel levels as the test tone moves

from speaker to speaker automatically.

3 Confirm your selected setup option.

The test tones will start after you press

5b.Channel Level

Test Tone [ Manual ]

Setting Start Please Wait . . . 20

Caution! Loud test tones will be output.

:Cancel

5b.Channel Level

Test Tone Manual

ENTER:Next :Cancel

ENTER

Note

1 If you select if the front speakers are set to 2• If you selected

• If the surround speakers are set to

• If you select one surround back speaker only, make sure that speaker is hooked up to the left surround back terminal. 3 If you have a subwoofer and like lots of bass, it may seem logical to select however, yield the best bass results. Depending on the speaker placement of your room you may actually experience a decrease in the amount of bass due low frequency cancellations. In this case, try changing the position or direction of speakers. If you can’t get good results, listen to the bass response with it set to lems, the easiest option is to route all the bass sounds to the subwoofer by selecting 4• This setting decides the cutoff between bass sounds playing back from the speakers selected as back from those selected as

• If you’re using a THX speaker setup, confirm that the crossover frequency is set to

SMALL

for the front speakers the subwoofer will automatically be fixed to

SMALL

. In this case, all bass frequencies are sent to the subwoofer.

Front Bi-Amp

SMALL

. It also decides where the cutoff will be for bass sounds in the LFE channel.

(in

Surround back speaker setting

, the surround back speakers will automatically be set to NO.

LARGE

and

PLUS

2nd Zone

and

YES

or the front speakers set to

YES

. Also, the center and surround speakers can’t be set to

on page 35) you can’t adjust the surround back settings.

LARGE

for your front speakers and

SMALL

alternatively and let your ears judge which sounds best. If you’re having prob-

SMALL

for the front speakers.

LARGE

80Hz

PLUS

for the subwoofer. This may not,

, or the subwoofer, and bass sounds playing

LARGE

Page 44

The System Setup menu

4 Adjust the level of each channel using the

/

buttons.

If you selected

Auto

setup will output test tones in the order shown on-

Manual

, use

/

to switch speakers. The

screen:

5b.Channel Level

L 0.0dB C [ 0.0dB ] R [ 0.0dB ] SR [ 0.0dB ] SBR [ 0.0dB ] SBL [ 0.0dB ] SL [ 0.0dB ] SW [ 0.0dB ]

:Finish

Adjust the level of each speaker as the test tone is

emitted.

5 When you’re finished, press RETURN.

You will return to the Manual SP Setup menu.

Tip

• You can change the channel levels at any time by pressing

CH LEVEL

then using

/

on the remote

control.

Speaker Distance

For good sound depth and separation from your system, you need to specify the distance of your speakers from the listening position. The receiver can then add the proper delay needed for effective surround sound.

1 Select ‘Speaker Distance’ from the Manual SP Setup menu.

5.Manual SP Setup

a.Speaker Setting b.Channel Level

c.Speaker Distance

d.Bass Peak Level e.X-Curve f.THX Audio Setting

:Return

2 Adjust the distance of each speaker using the buttons.

You can adjust the distance of each speaker in 0.1 meter increments.

3 When you’re finished, press

You will return to the Manual SP Setup menu.

5c.Speaker Distance

L 3.0 m C [ 3.0 m ] R [ 3.0 m ] SR [ 3.0 m ] SBR [ 3.0 m ] SBL [ 3.0 m ] SL [ 3.0 m ] SW [ 3.0 m ]

RETURN

:Finish

/

Bass Peak Level

Some audio sources (for example, Dolby Digital and DTS) include ultra-low bass tones. Set the bass limiter as needed to prevent the bass from distorting the sound.

1 Select ‘Bass Peak Level’ from the Manual SP Setup menu.

The current setting is displayed. When the attenuator is off (bass output is not affected).

5.Manual SP Setup

a.Speaker Setting b.Channel Level c.Speaker Distance

d.Bass Peak Level

e.X-Curve f.THX Audio Setting

:Return

5d.Bass Peak Level

Bass Peak Level :OFF

[Setting Start ] [Setting Clear ]

2 Select a setup option.

5d.Bass Peak Level

Bass Peak Level :OFF [Setting Start ] [Setting Clear ]

Enter:Setting Start

:Return

•

Setting Start

– The volume is set to –60dB, a test

tone plays back and you make the setting.

•

Setting Clear

– Clears any previous setting and

switches limiting off.

3 If you selected ‘

Setting Start’

the test tones and specify the bass peak level then press

ENTER

5d.Bass Peak Level

Bass Peak Level

-60dB

Increase the Bass Peak Level to a comfortable volume (-80dB = no sound)

ENTER:Finish :Cancel

, use

OFF

is displayed

:Return

/

to adjust

Tip

• For best surround sound, make sure the surround back speakers are the same distance from the listening position.

Note

1• If you are using a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter, take the readings from your main listening position and adjust the level of each speaker to 75 dB SPL (C-weighting/slow reading).

• The subwoofer test tone is output at low volumes. You may need to adjust the level after testing with an actual soundtrack.

Page 45

The System Setup menu

Set the bass peak level gradually, then press the point just before the tone starts to distort.

display on the receiver shows

RESUME

ENTER

The

while the volume returns to its original position, then you automatically return to the main Bass Peak Level menu.

4 When you're finished, press

RETURN

You will return to the Manual SP Setup menu.

X-Curve

Most soundtracks mixed for cinema sound too bright when played back in large rooms. The X-Curve setting acts as a kind of re-equalization for home theater listening, and restores proper tonal balance of movie

soundtracks.

1 Select ‘X-Curve’ from the Manual SP Setup menu.

2 Choose the X-Curve setting you want.

Use

/

as a downwards slope in decibels per octave, starting at 2kHz. The sound becomes less bright as the slope increases (to a maximum of following guidelines to set the X-Curve according to your

room size:

Room size (m2)

X-Curve (dB/oct)

• If you select the X-Curve has no effect.

3 Select ‘Return’ then press ENTER to finish.

5.Manual SP Setup

a.Speaker Setting b.Channel Level c.Speaker Distance d.Bass Peak Level

e.X-Curve

f.THX Audio Setting

:Return

5e.X-Curve

X-Curve -2.0dB/oct

1k2k4k

125

250

500

:Finish

16k

to adjust the setting. The X-Curve is expressed

≤≤≤≤36

-3.0dB/oct

≤≤≤≤48

≤≤≤≤60

). Use the

≤≤≤≤72

≤≤≤≤300

≤≤≤≤1000

–0.5 –1 –1.5 –2 –2.5 –3

OFF

, the frequency curve will be flat and

THX Audio Setting

For the most effective results when using the THX Select2 Cinema and THX MusicMode listening modes (see

the Home THX modes

Speaker Array (ASA) system (see

on page 28) with the Advanced

About THX

it is required that you make the setting. See

speakers

placement.

on page 18 for more on THX speaker

1 Select ‘THX Audio Setting’ from the Manual SP Setup menu.

5.Manual SP Setup

a.Speaker Setting b.Channel Level c.Speaker Distance d.Bass Peak Level e.X-Curve

f.THX Audio Setting

:Return

2 Specify the distance of your surround back speakers from each other.

5f.THX Audio Setting

SB SP Position

0.0-0.3m

SBL-SBR

:Finish

•

0.0 – 0.3m –

Surround speakers within 30cm apart

(best for THX surround sound).

•

> 0.3 – 1.2m

– Surround speakers between 30cm and

1.2m apart.

•

1.2m <

– Surround speakers more than 1.2m apart.

3 When you're finished, press RETURN.

You will return to the Manual SP Setup menu.

Using

on page 81),

Placing the

Note

1 If the

YES

PLUS

test tone will play back from the front and surround speakers set to 2 Since the principal is the same, X-Curve isn’t applied when you’re using any of the Home THX modes (see 3 If you don't have surround back speakers, or just have one, you won't be able to select this setting (

setting on the subwoofer is selected (in

Speaker Setting

LARGE

on page 42), the test tone will only play back from the subwoofer. If not, the

Cannot select

Using the Home THX modes

shows in the display).

on page 28).

Page 46

Other connections

Chapter 8:

Other connections

Caution

• Make sure the power is switched off before making or changing the connections.

Connecting an iPod

This receiver has a dedicated iPod terminal that will allow you to control playback of your iPod using the controls of

this receiver.

Connecting your iPod to the receiver

OOM E

(ZONE3)

S400

–

NA-

–

DIGITAL

(AUDIO)

IN1

IN2

OUT

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

HDMI

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

ROOM2(ZONE2)

12 V TRIGGER

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN3IN

–

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

IN1(DVD/LD)

(TV)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

S - VIDEO

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

VIDEO AUDIO

ROOM2(ZONE2)

R L

OUT

DVD/ LD

TV IN

SAT

VIDEO1/ GAME1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

R L

VIDEO

ANTENNA

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE

FR FL

SUB W. CENTER

SUR- ROUND

R L

CONTROL

AUDIO P RE OUT

R L

SUB W.

RRL

iPod

RS-232C

SURROUND

BACK

MULTI CH IN

OUT

VSX-AX4AVi

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

(Single)

SPEAKERS

2 Use the

iPod input source

button to switch the

receiver to the iPod.

The front panel display shows Loading while the receiver verifies the connection and retrieves data from the iPod.

3 Use the TOP MENU button to display iPod Top menu.

When the display shows Top Menu you’re ready to play music from the iPod.

• If after pressing iPod the display shows No Connection, try switching off the receiver and reconnecting the iPod to the receiver.

Playing music from your iPod

To navigate the music on your iPod it’s easiest if you have your TV switched on to take advantage of the OSDs.

can, however, use just the receiver’s front panel display to do everything if you prefer.

Finding what you want to play

When connected to this receiver, you can browse the music stored on your iPod by playlist, artist, album name, song name, genres or composers, similar to using the iPod directly.

iPod Top

[ Playlists [ Artists [ Albums [ Songs [

Genres [ Composers [ Shuffle Songs

] ] ] ] ] ] ]

You

iPod Music > Extras > Settings >

Shuffle Songs

Backlight





1 Use the

ENTER

• To return to the previous level any time, press



2 Use the category (e.g., albums).

/

buttons to select a category then press

to browse that category.

RETURN.

/

buttons to browse the selected

• Use / to move to previous/next levels.

iPod

1 Use a dedicated iPod audio control cable (JCA-IP115) to connect your iPod to the

iPod

jack on the rear of the

receiver.

Make sure to switch off the receiver before making this connection.

Note

1 This system is compatible with an iPod, iPod mini and iPod Photo portable device (third generation and above), however, compatibility may vary depending on the software version of your iPod. This receiver does not support software versions prior to iPod update 2004-10-20. For supported versions, consult your local Pioneer dealer. 2• The controls of your iPod will be inoperable when connected to this receiver (Pioneer shows in the iPod display). Features such as the equalizer cannot be controlled using this receiver, and we recommend switching the equalizer off before connecting. 3 Note that non-roman characters in playlists will be displayed as #. 4 If you’re in the song category, you can also press ENTER to start playback.

3 Continue browsing until you arrive at what you want to play, then press



to start playback.

Navigation through categories on your iPod looks like this:

Playlist  Song Artist  Album  Song Album  Song Song

Page 47

Other connections

Genre  Artist  Album  Song Composer  Album  Song Shuffle Songs

Tip

• You can play all of the songs in a particular category by selecting the list. For example, you can play all the songs by a particular artist.

Basic playback controls

The following table shows the basic playback controls for your iPod:

Button



What it does

Press to start playback. If you start playback when something other than a song is selected, all the songs that fall into that category will play.





Press to stop playback. Pauses playback, or restarts playback when

paused.

/

Press and hold during playback to start scanning.

/

Press to skip to previous/next song. Press repeatedly to switch between

One, Repeat All

Press repeatedly to switch between

Songs, Shuffle Albums

DISP

Press repeatedly to change the song playback information displayed.

/

During playback, press to skip to previous/next playlist; when browsing, press to move to previous/next levels.

TOP

Press to return to the

RETURN

Press to return to the previous level.

iPod® is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

All

item at the top of each category

Repeat

and

Repeat Off

Shuffle

and

Shuffle Off

iPod Top

menu screen.

Connecting using HDMI

If you have a HDMI or DVI (with HDCP) equipped component, you can connect it to this receiver using a commer-

cially available HDMI cable. The HDMI connection transfers uncompressed digital

video, as well as almost every kind of digital audio that the connected component is compatible with, including DVD-Video, DVD-Audio (see below for limitations), Video CD/Super VCD, CD and MP3. See

converter

on page 11 for more on HDMI compatibility.

HDMI OUT

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

S400

USB AUDIO IN

(AUDIO)

IN (SAT)

S400

IN (DVR/ VCR 1)

IN (DVR/ VCR 2)

IN (CD-R)

–

ASSIGNABLE

1–2

IN (DVD/ LD)

IN (CD)

DIGITAL

HDMI IN

1 Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI IN 1/2 interconnect on this receiver to an HDMI output on your HDMI component.

HDMI

appears on the front panel when an HDMI-

equipped component is connected.

About the video

HDMI/DVI-equipped component

VIDEO1/

GAME1

VIDEO

ANTENNA

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

R L

OUT

DVD/ LD

SAT

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

R L

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

12 V TRIGGER

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2

MULTI-ROOM

(ZONE2)

HDMI

IN1

IN2

OUT

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

& SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN1(DVD/LD)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

IN3IN

S - VIDEO

–

FM UNBAL 75ΩAM LOOP

MONITOR OUT

(TV)

VIDEO AUDIO

VSX-AX4AVi

HDMI/DVI-compatible monitor or plasma display

AUDIO

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE

FR F

SUB W.

SURROUND

CONTROL

SURRO

OUT

Note

1• An HDMI connection can only be made with DVI-equipped components compatible with both DVI and High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). If you choose to connect to a DVI connector, you will need a separate adaptor (DVI audio signals. Consult your local audio dealer for more information.

• This unit has been designed to be compliant with HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) Version 1.1. Depending on the component you have

connected, using a DVI connection may result in unreliable signal transfers. Also, when using a component with HDMI version 1.0, it is not possible to output copy-controlled DVD-Audio CPPM sources from the HDMI connection.

• SACD playback is not possible when using the HDMI connection.



HDMI) to do so. A DVI connection, however, does not support

Page 48

Other connections

2 Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI OUT interconnect on this receiver to an HDMI interconnect

on a HDMI-compatible monitor.

• The arrow on the cable connector body should be facing right for correct alignment with the connector on the player.

3 Use the INPUT SELECT button to select HDMI 1 or 2 (depending on which input you’ve connected to).

You can also use the front panel

• Set the HDMI parameter in page 63 to audio output from your TV or plasma display (no sound will be heard from this receiver).

• If the video signal does not appear on your TV or plasma display, try adjusting the resolution settings on your component or display. Note that some components (such as video game units) have resolutions that may not be converted. In this case, use an (analog) S-video or composite connection.

• You can’t hear HDMI audio through this receiver’s digital out jacks.

THROUGH

INPUT SELECTOR

Setting the AV options

if you want to hear HDMI

dial.

Using the i.LINK interface

VSX-AX4AVi only

If you have a component with an i.LINK connector, you can connect it to this receiver using an i.LINK cable.

Since the i.LINK interface does not transmit video signals, the video signal of i.LINK-connected components must be connected with other cables (see

Connecting your equipment

making video connections). If you’ve already hooked up the video signal from the component, assign the i.LINK input to the input function to which you’ve connected the video signals (see

Checking the i.LINK inputs

settings. The two i.LINK connectors on the rear of your receiver are

4-pin connectors. Use a 4-pin, S400 i.LINK cable to connect i.LINK-equipped components.

Caution

• If your i.LINK connector comes into contact with metallic parts of the receiver other than the i.LINK terminal, an electrical short may occur. Some cables have metal parts that may touch the unit when connected. Please take care to use a suitable i.LINK cable only.

The Input Setup menu

on page 10 for more on

on page 60). See

below to confirm your i.LINK

About HDMI

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) supports both video and audio on a single digital connection for use with DVD players, DTV, set-top boxes, and other AV devices. HDMI was developed to provide the technologies of High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) as well as Digital Visual Interface (DVI) in one specification. HDCP is used to protect digital content transmitted and received by DVI-compliant displays.

HDMI has the capability to support standard, enhanced, or high-definition video plus standard to multi-channel surround-sound audio. HDMI features include uncompressed digital video, a bandwidth of up to 2.2 gigabytes per second (with HDTV signals), one connector (instead of several cables and connectors), and communication between the AV source and AV devices such as DTVs.

HDMI, the logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI licensing LLC.

Note

1 To see this receiver’s on-screen display, monitors (or projectors) must be compatible with 480i resolution digital video.

Important

• Please use 4-pin, S400 cables less than 3.5 meters long. Although longer ones are available, they may not work reliably.

• There may be cases where the PQLS/rate control function and/or the i.LINK audio does not work properly even when connected to i.LINK Audio-compatible equipment.

• Do not connect/disconnect i.LINK cables or switch on/off any components connected using i.LINK when the receiver is on.

Page 49

Other connections

1 Use an i.LINK cable to connect one of the i.LINK connectors on this receiver to an i.LINK connector on your i.LINK component.

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

USB AUDIO IN

IN (SAT)

IN (DVR/ VCR 1)

IN (DVR/ VCR 2)

IN (CD-R)

ASSIGNABLE

1–2

IN (DVD/ LD)

IN (CD)

S400

(AUDIO)

–

DIGITAL

S400

(AUDIO)

S400

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

HDMI

IN1

IN2

OUT

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

OUT

12 V TRIGGER

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN1(DVD/LD)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

IN3IN

S - VIDEO

–

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

(TV)

i.LINK-equipped component

MONITOR OUT

VIDEO1/ GAME1

VIDEO

VIDEO AUDIO

ANTENNA

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

R L

OUT

DVD/ LD

TV IN

SAT

OUT

DVR/ VCR 1

OUT

DVR/ VCR 2

R L

AUDIO PRE OUT

PHONO

SUB W.

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE

FR FL

SUB W. CENTER

SURROUND

R L

SURROUND

BACK

MULTI CH IN

OUT

CONTROL

VSX-AX4AVi

iPod

R L

RRL

RS-232C

• The arrow on the cable connector body should be lined up with the arrow (to the left of the connector) on the receiver for correct alignment. The i.LINK cable should be inserted straight into the connector so that it snaps easily into place. If not connected properly the receiver will not be able to recognize any connected components. Note that the i.LINK cable is fragile and can be broken easily if too much force is used when connecting.

Checking the i.LINK inputs

If you have several i.LINK-equipped components and have assigned them to input functions in

on page 60, you can confirm the settings you made

below.

1 Select ‘i.LINK Check’ from the Other Setup menu and press ENTER.

See

The Other Setup menu

on page 61 for more on

navigating this menu screen.

• If no i.LINK-equipped components are connected

i.LINK Check

cannot be selected.

7.Other Setup

a.Multi Room Setup b.SR+ Setup c.OSD Adjustment

d.i.LINK Check

:Return

7d.i.LINK Check (1/2)

* DVD-Audio5 : TV 1 DVD-Audio1 : DVD 2 DVD-Audio2 : DVR 3 DVD-Audio3 : i.LINK 4 DVD-Audio4 : i.LINK 5 DVD-Video1 : --- ( Next )

2 Scroll through the list to confirm your settings.

When a number of i.LINK-equipped components are connected to your receiver, the i.LINK-equipped component you are looking for might be listed on additional display screens.

•

i.LINK

is displayed after unassigned device names

(e.g.

DV-868AVi [i.LINK]

• If a connected devices cannot output (playback) a source using the i.LINK connection, displayed after the input device name (e.g.

868AVi [- - - -]

). Non-compatible devices cannot be

assigned to inputs.

• When the cables for an assigned input device become loose or the power is cut to the device, an asterisk (

*DV-868AVi [CD]

) appears before the device name (e.g.

3 When you're finished, press

You will return to the Other Setup menu.

( End )

RETURN

The Input Setup

:Return

[- - - -]

DV-

2 Assign the i.LINK component to the input you want, then make any necessary output settings on the component.

See

The Input Setup menu

on page 60 to assign the component to an input function on this receiver. Follow the operating instructions that came with the component to make any necessary output settings.

• You can connect several components together using i.LINK. See

Creating an i.LINK network

below.

About i.LINK

i.LINK is a trademark name for IEEE1394, a high-speed interface for digital audio, video and other data found on personal computers, digital camcorders, and other kinds of audio and audio/visual equipment. A single i.LINK connector can both send and receive data at the same time, so only one cable is required to connect components for two-way communication.

“i.LINK” and the “i.LINK” logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Page 50

Other connections

About PQLS rate control

Pioneer's PQLS (Precision Quartz Lock System) technology provides high-precision digital audio from DVD-A, SACD and audio CD sources when you use the i.LINK interface. A precision quartz controller in this receiver eliminates distortion caused by timing errors (jitter), giving you the best possible digital-to-analog conversion from the digital source.

To take advantage of PQLS, you must have a player compatible with rate-control, and it must be switched on and connected to this receiver through the i.LINK network.

Creating an i.LINK network

Using i.LINK it is possible to chain up to 17 components together so that the digital audio and control signals from each component is available to other components in the network. With the addition of an i.LINK repeater, it’s possible to connect up to 63 components.

i.LINK connectors come in 4-pin and 6-pin configurations. This player uses the 4-pin connection, but the two types can be mixed on a network.

This receiver is compatible with i.LINK Audio (A&M protocol) components, such as DVD players. Note that when connected to i.LINK MPEG-II TS equipment (such as a digital satellite tuner), i.LINK DV equipment (such as a DVD recorder or DV camcorder), or an i.LINK-equipped personal computer, audio and video signals are not transmitted, and connecting to these devices sometimes causes network interruptions. Check the operating instructions supplied with your other i.LINK components for compatibility information.

This receiver is DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection) compliant, so you can play DVD-A, DVDVideo, and SACD i.LINK audio.

When setting up an i.LINK network, it’s important that the components form an open ended chain (fig. 1), or a tree (fig. 2).

fig. 1

i.LINK cable

The system will not work if the connected components form a loop. If a loop is detected, the message

CONNECT

shows in the display. Figs. 3 and 4 show

LOOP

connections that form a loop.

fig. 3

fig. 4

i.LINK cable

Another consideration when connecting i.LINK devices is the speed of the interface. At present there are three speeds; S100 (slowest), S200 and S400 (fastest). This receiver uses the S400 type. Although you can use components with different speeds together, we recommend connecting slower-speed components at the edge of the network if possible (shown by the shaded boxes in figs. 1 and 2). This will keep the network free of bottlenecks.

When used within an i.LINK network, this receiver must be on for the i.LINK connection to be maintained. Other components in the network may or may not maintain the connection in standby (none will when the power is completely off)—check the operating instructions supplied with individual components. Note that the audio may be momentarily interrupted if a component in the i.LINK network is switched on/off, or its i.LINK connection is switched on/off.

This product complies with the following i.LINK interface specifications:

1) IEEE Std. 1394a-2000, Standard for a High Performance Serial Bus

2) Audio and Music Data Transmission Protocol 2.0 Following the standard for AM824 sequence adaptation layers, the product is compatible with IEC60958 bitstream, DVD-A and SACD.

fig. 2

i.LINK cable

Page 51

Other connections

• Depending on the DVD player you’re using, the

Connecting the multichannel analog inputs

For DVD Audio and SACD playback, your DVD player may have 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channel analog outputs (depending on whether your player supports surround back

channels). multichannel analog audio.

1 Connect the front, surround, center and subwoofer outputs on your DVD player to the corresponding MULTI CH input jack on this receiver.

• Use standard RCA/phono jack cables for the

2 If your DVD player also has outputs for surround back channels, connect these to the corresponding MULTI CH input jacks on this receiver.

• Use standard RCA/phono jack cables for the

• If there is a single surround back output, connect it to

Selecting the multichannel analog inputs

If you have connected a decoder or a DVD player as above, you must select the analog multichannel inputs

for surround sound playback.

Make sure that the player is set to output

connections.

the

SURROUND BACK L (Single)

receiver.

SYSTEM OFF

INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

CD TV VIDEO 2

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

DVD SAT

jack on this

analog output level of the subwoofer channel may be too low. In this case switch the receiver into standby, then press

VIDEO SELECT

between

SW IN 0dB

Using the USB interface

VSX-AX4AVi only

It is possible to listen to two channels of audio from your computer by connecting to the USB interface on the rear of this receiver. Depending on your model of computer and the software installed, you can listen to the stereo audio source through the speaker setup you’ve

connected to this receiver.

B-type USB connector



STANDBY/ON

while holding down

on the front panel. This switches

SW IN +10dB

(increase of 10 decibels) and

(default) in the subwoofer channel.

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

USB AUDIO IN

IN (SAT)

IN (DVR/ VCR 1)

IN (DVR/ VCR 2)

IN (CD-R)

ASSIGNABLE

1–2

IN (DVD/ LD)

IN (CD)

–

S400

(AUDIO)

S400

DIGITAL

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

12 V TRIGGER

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2

MULTI-ROOM

(ZONE2)

HDMI

IN1

IN2

OUT

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

A-type USB connector

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

OUT

& SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN1(DVD/LD)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

IN3IN

S - VIDEO

–

MONITOR OUT

(TV)

VIDEO AUDIO

VIDEO

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

R L

OUT

DVD/ LD

TV IN

SAT

VIDEO1/

GAME1

OUT

DVR/ VCR 1

OUT

DVR/ VCR 2

R L

ANTENNA

AUDIO PRE OUT

PHONO

SUB W.

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE

FR FL

SUB W. CENTER

SURROUND

R L

SURROUND

BACK

MULTI CH IN

OUT

CONTROL

VSX-AX4AVi

iPod

R L

RRL

RS-232C

1 Make sure you have set the playback source to the proper output setting.

For example, you might need to set your DVD player to output multichannel analog audio.

2 Use the INPUT SELECT button to select MULTI CH IN.

You can also use the panel.

INPUT SELECTOR

dial on the front

1 Connect your computer’s USB terminal to the USB terminal on the rear panel of this receiver.

Personal computer

2 Switch on your computer and this receiver.

Note

1 To listen to multichannel analog audio you’ll need to switch the input signal selector to above for more on this). 2• When playback from the multichannel inputs is selected, you can’t use Midnight/Loudness, Dialog Enhancement or the

LOG ATT

buttons, as well as any of the listening modes (including

• When playback from the multichannel inputs is selected, only the volume and channel levels can be set.

• You can’t listen to your speaker B (Second Zone) system during playback from the multichannel inputs.

3• Windows® XP, Windows® 2000, Windows® Millennium Edition and Windows® 98 Second Edition operating systems have been tested for compatibility with this interface, but depending on your computer setup, you may find that your system is not compatible.

• Make sure you use a USB cable that connects from an A-type connector (from your PC) to a 4-pin B-type connector (to the receiver).

• The USB specification is version 1.1 compatible, and the USB Audio Class specification is 1.0 compatible.

• Any computer alert sounds will also be heard through the speakers unless you switch them off from the computer’s control panel.

• You won’t be able to hear the audio from the USB connection through the digital outputs of this receiver.

• Note that using hubs or extensions may cause connection problems.

STEREO

and the surround back channel processing).

MULTI CH INPUT

(see

Selecting the multichannel analog inputs

SIGNAL SELECT

and

ANA-

Page 52

Other connections

3 If you’re connecting for the first time, wait for the USB driver installation to finish.

The installation may take a minute or two to complete. Make sure you leave the USB cable connected until the dialog box indicates that the USB setup is finished. Note that some older operating systems may require a disc for

installation.

4 Use the INPUT SELECT button to select USB.

You can also use the panel.

5 Make any necessary settings required to select the USB interface as your computer audio output.

You will need to make sure the correct speaker setting is selected with the audio software you’re using. Please refer to the manual that came with the software to make these settings.

6 Turn up the volume control on your computer and this receiver.

You may want to start with a fairly low volume on this receiver and turn it up as necessary after you’ve checked your levels.

7 Start playback of a source on your computer.

• Make sure you don’t switch off the computer or

• To prevent noise being output, don’t use other

• Pioneer is not responsible for computer system

Microsoft®, Windows® XP, Windows® 2000, Windows® Millennium Edition, Windows

either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

INPUT SELECTOR

dial on the front

Caution

unplug the USB cable during playback.

software on your computer during playback.

damage, software crashes or failures, or any other possible computer problems due to this configuration.

98, and Windows NT® are

Second Zone speaker B setup

Caution

•

Before making or changing the connections

the power and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. Plugging in components should be the last connection you make with your system.

• Be careful not to allow any contact between speaker wires from different terminals.

• You can use speakers with a nominal impedance between 6–16

impedance

with an impedance of less than 8

After selecting

setting

on page 35, you can use the speakers connected

Ω

(please see

Switching the speaker

on page 65 if you plan to use speakers

Ω

2nd Zone

Surround back speaker

to the (surround back) B speaker terminals on the rear panel to listen to stereo playback in another room. See

Switching the speaker system

below for the listening

options with this setup.

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

Connect them the same way you connected your speakers in Make sure to review

Installing your speaker system

Placing the speakers

when placing the speakers in another room.

2 Select ‘2nd Zone’ from the ‘Surr Back System’ menu.

See

Surround back speaker setting

on page 35 to do this.

Switching the speaker system

If you selected on page 35, three speaker system settings are possible using the or

Front Bi-Amp

speaker system on or off. The options below are for the

2nd Zone

• Use the SPEAKERS button on the front panel to select a speaker system setting.

As mentioned above, if you have selected the button will simply switch your main speaker system (A) on or off.

SPEAKERS

PHONES

2nd Zone

SPEAKERS

Surround back speaker setting

button. If you selected

, the button will simply switch your main

(TUNE +)

ENTER

(TUNE –)

RETURN

MULTI – ROOM &

BAND

SOURCE/REC SEL

TUNER

CONTROL ON/OFF

EDIT

MCACC

SETUP MIC



DIGITAL IN S-VIDEO VIDEO L RAUDIO

setting only.

AV PARAMETER

(ST –) (ST +)

SETUP

on page 17.

on page 18

Normal (SB)

VIDEO

SIGNAL

SELECT

PROCESSING

VIDEO/GAME 2 INPUT

, switch off

SBch

STEREO

Press repeatedly to choose a speaker system option:

Note

1 If your PC doesn’t recognize the receiver, try disconnecting the USB cable and connecting it again. If it is still unrecognized, restart the computer. 2• The subwoofer output depends on the settings you made in from the subwoofer (the LFE channel is not downmixed).

• Depending on the settings in

• All speaker systems (except

Surround back speaker setting

2nd Zone

connections) are switched off when headphones are connected.

Manual speaker setup

on page 35 output from the surround back pre-out terminals may change.

on page 42. However, if SPB is selected above, no sound is heard

Page 53

Other connections

•SPA – Sound is output from speaker system A and the same signal is output from the pre-out terminals.

•

SPB

– Sound is output from the two speakers connected to speaker system B. Multichannel sources will not be heard. The same signal is output from the surround back channel pre-out terminals.

•

SPAB

– Sound is output from speaker system A (up to 5 channels, depending on the source), the two speakers in speaker system B, and the subwoofer. The sound from speaker system B will be the same as the sound from speaker system A (multichannel sources will be downmixed to 2 channels).

•

SP (off) – No sound is output from the speakers. The

same sound is output from the pre-out terminals (including from your subwoofer, if connected) as when selecting speaker system A (above).

Bi-amping your front speakers

Bi-amping is when you connect the high frequency driver and low frequency driver of your speakers to different amplifiers (in this case, to both front and surround back terminals) for better crossover performance. Your speakers must be bi-ampable to do this (having separate terminals for high and low) and the sound improvement will depend on the kind of speakers you’re using.

1 Connect your speakers as shown below.

This illustration below shows the connections for biamping your front left speaker. Hook up your front right speaker in the same way.

SPEAKERS

FRONT

CENTER SURROUND

RL R LRL(Single)

SURROUND BACK /

Caution

• Most speakers with both have two metal plates that connect the

Low

terminals. These must be removed when you are

High

and

Low

terminals

High

to the

bi-amping the speakers or you could severely damage the amplifier. See your speaker manual for more information.

• If your speakers have a removable crossover network, make sure you do not remove it for bi-amping. Doing so may damage your speakers.

Bi-wiring your speakers

The reasons for bi-wiring are basically the same as biamping, but additionally, interference effects within the wire could be reduced, producing better sound. Again, to do this your speakers must be bi-wireable (that is they must have separate terminals for the high and low frequencies). When bi-wiring, make sure you’ve selected

Normal (SB)

setting

• To bi-wire a speaker, connect two speaker cords to the speaker terminal on the receiver.

2nd Zone

on page 35.

Surround back speaker

Front left

speaker

SELECTABLE

High

Low

Since both front and surround back speaker terminals output the same audio, it doesn’t matter which set (front or surround back) is powering which part (

High

Low

)

of the speaker.

• Make sure that the

/ – connections are properly

inserted.

2 Select the ‘Front Bi-Amp’ setting from the ‘Surr Back System’ menu.

See

Surround back speaker setting

on page 35 to specify

how you’re using the surround back speaker terminals.

Caution

• Make sure you use a parallel (not series, which are fairly uncommon) connection when bi-wiring your speakers.

• Don't connect different speakers from the same terminal in this way.

Page 54

OUT

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

12 V TRIGGER

ROOM2(ZONE2)

MONITOR OUT

OUT

DVD/ LD

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

1 2

OUT

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

R L

Other connections

Connecting additional amplifiers

This receiver has more than enough power for any home use, but it’s possible to add additional amplifiers to every channel of your system using the pre-outs. Make the connections shown below to add amplifiers to power your speakers.

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

ANALOG

INPUT

PRE OUT

FRONT

CENTER

SUB W.

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

(Single)

R L

iPod

SPEAKERS

FRONT

RS-232C

VSX-AX4AVi

• You can use the additional amplifier on the surround back channel pre-outs for a single speaker as well. In this case plug the amplifier into the left ( terminal only.

• The sound from the surround back terminals will depend on how you have configured the

back speaker setting

on page 35.

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

OFF

, or simply disconnect any

speakers that are connected directly to the receiver.

• If you’re not using a subwoofer, change the front speaker setting (see

Speaker Setting

large.

L R

Front channel amplifier

ANALOG

INPUT

Center channel amplifier (mono)

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

L R

Surround channel amplifier

ANALOG

INPUT

L R

Surround back channel amplifier

L (Single)

on page 42) to

Powered subwoofer

Surround

Multi-room listening

This receiver can power up to three independent systems in separate rooms after you have made the proper multiroom connections. An example multi-room setup is shown below, but the number of multi-room connections (and the way you choose to connect them) depends on how you want to set up your system.

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

S400

USB AUDIO IN

(AUDIO)

IN (SAT)

S400

IN (DVR/ VCR 1)

Sub room (ROOM 2)Sub room (ROOM 3) Main room

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

S400

USB AUDIO IN

IN (SAT)

S400

IN (DVR/ VCR 1)

IN (DVR/ VCR 2)

IN (CD-R)

–

ASSIGNABLE

1–2

IN (DVD/ LD)

DIGITAL IN

R E CE

I V E R

I N P U T S E L E C T

S Y S T E M

U R CE

C D

D V

V VI

2 R 2

V I D

O D

D-

R 1

C O

L T

3 L E

E P

R E C E I V E

V I DE O S E

L S R +

A N A

L O

G A T

M M E R

D . A C C E S S + 1 0

AV P A R

A T O



D I

E R

C H

EV S E T

E U

EN T

E R

T.E

T Y I

D D S E

I E A

T R CH

T U N E

R E T U



C O

R O

V O L I N P U S

T E L E C

V O

R E C

P X

E R E C

P D I OS

U B

T I S

I T

L E

H D

D S T A T U S

G NA L SEL

C H

c U

h L T I O PE

S T E R E

X S

I F

V I

. S

RR H A S

E M C

AC C S . D I R ECT

R E C E I V E

IR OUT

R E C E I V E R

I S N ELE P U

T CT

V R

R 1

MET



I N

DE S

I VE

I S

C T

RET



S Bch

U S TA

TE N

D ACC

T E

RR I R E C T

Different sources can be playing in three rooms at the same time or, depending on your needs, the same source can also be used. The main and sub rooms have

)

independent power (the main room power can be off while one (or both) of the sub rooms is on) and the sub rooms can be controlled by the remote or front panel controls. However, you may need to specify the volume settings in

Multi-Room and IR receiver setup

Making multi-room connections

It is possible to make these connections if you have a separate TV and speakers for your primary (

room, and a separate amplifier secondary (

ROOM 3

) sub room. You will also need a

separate amplifier if you are not using the Surround Back System setup (see below) for your primary sub room. There are two primary sub room setups possible with this system. Choose whichever works best for you.

(and speakers) for your

(CD)

DIGITAL

IR receiver

ROOM 2

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

MONITOR

ROOM2(ZONE2)

OUT

ROOM2(ZONE2)

OUT

12 V TRIGGER

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN3IN

–

COMPONENT VIDEO

IN1(DVD/LD)

(TV)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

S - VIDEO

VIDEO

VIDEO AUDIO

DVD/ LD

O TV IN

CD-

TAP

SAT

IN IN

VIDEO1/ GAME1

OUT

SU DVR/

RO VCR 1

OUT

DVR/ VCR 2

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

HDMI

IN1

IN2

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

on page 62.

) sub

Note

1 You can't use sound controls (such as the tone controls or Midnight listening) or any surround modes with a separate amplifier in the sub room. You can, however, use the features available with your sub room amplifier.

Page 55

Other connections

OUT

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

12 V TRIGGER

ROOM2(ZONE2)

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

MONITOR OUT

OUT

CD TA

DVD/ LD

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

1 2

OUT

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

OUT

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

HDMI

RL(Single)

SURROUND BACK /

S400

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

USB AUDIO IN

(SAT)

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

12 V TRIGGER

ROOM2(ZONE2)

ROOM2

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

IN1

HDMI

Multi-room listening options

The following table shows what you can listen to in each sub room

Sub room

ROOM2 (ZONE2)

ROOM3 (ZONE3)

Input sources available

iPod, the built-in tuner and other analog audio sources (except sources, only composite video is possible.

Only digital audio sources (the input source must already be assigned using the

Setup menu

MULTI CH IN

on page 60) are available.

). With video

The Input

Basic multi-room setup (ROOM 2)

1 Connect a separate amplifier to the MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE OUT jacks and a TV monitor to the MULTIROOM & SOURCE MONITOR OUT jacks, both on the rear of this receiver.

You should have a pair of speakers attached to the sub room amplifier as shown in the following illustration.

Sub room Main room

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

OUT2

S400

IR USB AUDIO

12 V TRIGGER

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

(SAT)

ROOM2

S400

(ZONE2)

(DVR/

HDMI

VCR 1)

IN1

IN (DVR/ VCR 2)

IN (CD-R)

–

IN2

ASSIGNABLE

1–2

IN (DVD/

LD)

OUT

IN (CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

COMPONENT VIDEO

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

MONITOR

ROOM2(ZONE2)

OUT

ROOM2(ZONE2)

OUT

DVD/ LD

OUT

IN3IN

–

IN1(DVD/LD)

(TV)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

S - VIDEO

VIDEO AUDIO

O TV IN

CD-

TAP SAT

IN IN

VIDEO1/ GAME1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

VIDEO

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE MONITOR OUT

• Connect a TV monitor to the MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE MONITOR OUT jacks on the rear of this receiver.

You should have a pair of speakers attached to the surround back speaker terminals as shown below.

Sub room Main room

CENTER SURROUND

AC IN

230-

220V

240 V

120-127 V

110V

220V

110V

230-240V

120-12 7 V

SURROUND BACK /

SELECTABLE

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

OUT2

S400

IR USB AUDIO

12 V TRIGGER

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

(SAT)

ROOM2

S400

(ZONE2)

(DVR/

HDMI

VCR 1)

IN1

IN (DVR/ VCR 2)

IN (CD-R)

–

IN2

ASSIGNABLE

1–2

IN (DVD/

LD)

OUT

IN (CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

COMPONENT VIDEO

AUDIO PRE OUT

ANTENNA

R L

PHONO

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

MONITOR OUT

OUT

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE MONITOR

OUT

IN1(DVD/LD)

(TV)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

IN3IN

S - VIDEO

–

VIDEO AUDIO

FRONT

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

CENTER

SUB W.

R L

OUT

SUR-

ROUND DVD/ LD

SUR-

ROUND

OUT

BACK

TV IN

(Single)

CD-R/ TAPE

RRL

SAT

FR FL

iPod

SPEAKERS

VIDEO1/ GAME1

FRONT

RL R LRL(Single)

SUB W. CENTER

OUT

SUR-

DVR/

ROUND

VCR 1

R L

OUT

DVR/

R L

SURROUND

RS-232C

VCR 2

BACK

MULTI CH IN

OUT

VIDEO

CONTROL

Secondary multi-room setup (ROOM 3)

• Connect a separate amplifier to the OUT1 ROOM3 (ZONE3) digital output on the rear of this receiver.

The amplifier must have an optical digital input to make this connection. This will allow you to hear the digital

output of a component in a second sub room.

Surround Back System multi-room setup (ROOM

You must select

MR&S

Surround back speaker setting

on page 35 to use this setup. Note that the sound in the sub room will be temporarily interrupted when controlling the main room (for example, changing the input source or starting playback).

1 Only one sub room is possible if you connect the

Note

OUT1 ROOM3 (ZONE3)

Sub room (ROOM 3) Main room

digital output to your second sub room.

DIGITAL IN

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

USB AUDIO IN

IN (SAT)

IN (DVR/ VCR 1)

IN (DVR/ VCR 2) IN (CD-R)

IN (DVD/ LD)

IN (CD)

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

S400

12 V TRIGGER

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2

MULTI-ROOM

S400

(ZONE2)

HDMI

IN1

–

IN2

ASSIGNABLE

1–2

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL

COMPONENT VIDEO

OUT

& SOURCE MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN3IN

–

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

MONITOR OUT

IN1(DVD/LD)

(TV)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

S - VIDEO

VIDEO

VIDEO AUDIO

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

R L

OUT

DVD/ LD IN

TV IN

SAT IN

VIDEO1/ GAME1

OUT

DVR/ VCR 1

OUT

DVR/ VCR 2

ROOM2(ZONE2)

ANTENNA

CDTAP

SU RO

Page 56

Other connections

Using the multi-room controls

The following steps use the front panel controls to adjust the sub room volume and select sources. See

remote controls

SPEAKERS

PHONES

STANDBY/ON



PHASE

MCACC

CONTROL

POSITION

INPUT

SELECTOR

AV PARAMETER

(ST –) (ST +)

SETUP

CONTROL

AUTO SURR/

STREAM DIRECT

below

(TUNE +)

ENTER

(TUNE –)

PHASE

RETURN

MULTI – ROOM &

BAND

SOURCE/REC SEL

TUNER

CONTROL ON/OFF

EDIT

MCACC

SETUP MIC



DIGITAL IN S-VIDEO VIDEO L RAUDIO

DIGITAL PRECISION

PROCESSING

1 Press the MULTI ROOM & SOURCE ON/OFF button on the front panel.

Each press selects a multi-room option:

•

ROOM 2 ON

– Selects your primary (

room.

•

ROOM 2&3 ON

•

ROOM 3 ON

– Select both sub rooms.

– Selects your secondary (

sub room.

•

Off

– Switches the multi-room feature off

The

MULTI ROOM

indicator lights when the multi-room

control has been switched on.

2 Press CONTROL to select the sub room(s) you want.

If you selected between

• When the receiver is on,

ROOM 2&3 ON

ROOM 2

and

above, you can toggle

ROOM 3

make sure that any operations for the sub room are done while and your selected sub room(s) show in the display. If this is not showing, the front panel controls affect the main room only.

3 Use the

INPUT SELECTOR

dial to select the source

for the room you have selected.

For example, to the

ROOM 2 CD-R

CD-R

inputs to the primary (

sends the source connected

ROOM 2

VIDEO

SELECT

VIDEO/GAME 2 INPUT

Multi-room

SIGNAL

SBch

STEREO

SELECT

PROCESSING

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-AX4AVi

HOME THX

ROOM 2

ROOM 3

ZONE

) sub room.

STANDARD SURROUND

) sub

ADVANCED SURROUND

MASTER VOLUME

)

• If you select

TUNER

station presets

this).

4 Use the

TUNER

, you can use the front panel

controls to select a preset station (see

on page 31 if you’re unsure how to do

MASTER VOLUME

dial to adjust the

Saving

volume.

This is only possible if you selected the volume control in

page 62.

Multi-Room and IR receiver setup

VARIABLE

5 When you’re finished, press CONTROL again to return to the main room controls.

You can also press the

OFF

button on the front panel to switch off all output to

the sub room(s).

MULTI ROOM & SOURCE ON/

Multi-room remote controls

The following table shows the possible multi-room remote controls:

Button

SHIFT

RECEIVER



What it does

Selects the sub room you want to control,

shown in the display as

ROOM2

) or

RCV/RM3 (ZONE/ROOM3

RCV/RM2 (ZONE

Switches on/off power in the currently selected

sub room.

INPUT SELECT

Input source buttons

VOL +/–

Use to select the input source in the currently selected sub room.

Use to select the input source directly (this may not work for some functions) in the currently selected sub room.

Use to set the listening volume in the currently selected sub room (

ZONE/ROOM2

only).

Connecting an IR receiver

If you keep your stereo components in a closed cabinet or shelving unit, you can use an optional IR receiver (such as a Niles or Xantech unit) to control your system instead

of the remote sensor on the front panel of this receiver. You may need to specify your IR receiver type in

Room and IR receiver setup

on page 62.

Multi-

Note

1 Note that when recording, this also selects the 2 If the receiver is in standby, the display is dimmed, and 3 The tuner cannot be tuned to more than one station at a time. Therefore, changing the station in one room also changes the station in the other room. Please be careful not to change stations when recording a radio broadcast. 4 The volume levels of the main and sub rooms are independent. 5• You won’t be able to switch the main room off completely unless you’ve switched off the multi-room control first.

• If you don’t plan to use the multi-room feature for awhile, turn off the power in both the sub and main rooms so that this receiver is in standby.

6• Remote operation may not be possible if direct light from a strong fluorescent lamp is shining on the IR receiver remote sensor window.

• Note that other manufacturers may not use the IR terminology. Refer to the manual that came with your component to check for IR compatibility.

• If using two remote controls (at the same time), the IR receiver’s remote sensor takes priority over the remote sensor on the front panel.

RECOUT

input source. See

ZONE

and your selected sub room(s) continue to show in the display.

Making an audio or a video recording

on page 64 for more on this.

Page 57

Other connections

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

CONTROL

OUT

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

12 V TRIGGER

ROOM2(ZONE2)

OUT

(

1 Connect the IR receiver sensor to the MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE IR IN jack on the rear of this receiver.

• Connect the 12V TRIGGER jack of this receiver to the 12V trigger of another component.

Use a cable with a mono mini-plug on each end for the

Closet or shelving unit

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE MONITOR OUT

–

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

OUT

IN1(DVD/LD)

(TV)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

IN3IN

S - VIDEO

Non-Pioneer component

Pioneer component

ANTENNA

PHONO

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE MONITOR OUT

ROOM2(ZONE2)

R L

OUT

DVD/

OUT TV IN

CD-R/

TAPE SAT

IN IN

FR FL

VIDEO1/

GAME1

SUB W. CENTER

OUT

SUR-

DVR/

ROUND

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/ VCR 2

VIDEO

CONTROL

VIDEO AUDIO

AUDIO PRE

RRL

R L

SURROUND

BACK

MULTI CH IN

OUT

CONTROL

IN OUT

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

S400

USB AUDIO IN

IN (SAT)

S400

IN (DVR/ VCR 1)

IN (DVR/ VCR 2)

IN (CD-R)

–

ASSIGNABLE

1–2

IN (DVD/ LD)

IN (CD)

DIGITAL

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

HDMI

IN1

IN2

OUT

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

ROOM2(ZONE2)

12 V TRIGGER

SUB W.

iPod

RS-

connection.

• The trigger maximum power is DC OUT 12V/50mA total.

After you’ve specified the input functions that will switch on the trigger, you’ll be able to switch the component on or off just by pressing the input function(s) you’ve set on page 60.

Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display

If you have a Pioneer plasma display, you can use an SR+ cable

of various convenient features, such as automatic video

to connect it to this unit and take advantage

input switching of the plasma display when the input is

IR receiver

2 Connect the IR IN jack of another component to the MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE IR OUT jack on the rear of this receiver to link it to the IR receiver.

Please see the manual supplied with your IR receiver for

changed.

CONTROL

OUT

the type of cable necessary for the connection.

• If you want to link a Pioneer component to the IR receiver, see

with this unit’s sensor

CONTROL

Operating other Pioneer components

on page 72 to connect to the

jacks instead of the

IR OUT

jack.

Switching components on and off using the 12 volt trigger

You can connect components in your system (such as a screen or projector) to this receiver so that they switch on or off using 12 volt triggers when you select an input function. However, you must specify which input functions switch on the trigger using the

on page 60. Note that this will only work with

The Input Setup

ZONE3)

S400

(AUDIO)

S400

–

A-

–

DIGITAL

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

ROOM2(ZONE2)

12 V TRIGGER

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

HDMI

IN1

IN2

OUT

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN1(DVD/LD)

1–2

ASSIGNABLE

IN3IN

S - VIDEO

–

FM UNBAL 75Ω AM LOOP

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

MONITOR OUT

OUT

DVD/ LD

TV IN

SAT

(TV)

VIDEO1/ GAME1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 1

OUT

DVR/

VCR 2

VIDEO

VIDEO AUDIO

Pioneer plasma

display

AUDIO PRE OUT

ANTENNA

ROOM2(ZONE2)

R L

PHONO

OUT

CD-R/ TAPE

FR FL

SUB W. CENTER

SURROUND

R L

SURROUND

BACK

MULTI CH IN

OUT

CONTROL

R L

SUB W.

RRL

iPod

RS-232C

components that have a standby mode.

TRIGGER

12V

Important

• If you connect to a Pioneer plasma display using an SR+ cable, you will need to point the remote control

MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE /REC SEL

OUT1 ROOM3(ZONE3)

OUT2

USB AUDIO IN

IN (SAT)

S400

(AUDIO)

S400

ROOM2

(ZONE2)

MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE

(DC OUT 12V TOTAL 50mA MAX)

ROOM2(ZONE2)

12 V TRIGGER

MULTI-ROOM

& SOURCE MONITOR OUT

FM UNBAL 75Ω

MUL

MONITOR OUT

OUT

DVD/ LD

at the plasma display remote sensor to control the receiver. In this case, you won’t be able to control the receiver using the remote control if you switch the plasma display off.

Note

1 The 3-ringed SR+ cable from Pioneer is commercially available under the part number ADE7095. Contact the Pioneer Customer Support division for more information on obtaining an SR+ cable (you can also use a commercially available 3-ringed mini phone plug for the connection). 2 This receiver is compatible with all SR+ equipped Pioneer plasma displays from 2003 onward.

Page 58

Other connections

• Before you can use the extra SR+ features, you need to make a few settings in the receiver. See

Setup menu plasma displays

on page 60 and

SR+ Setup for Pioneer

on page 62 for detailed instructions.

• Use a 3-ringed miniplug SR+ cable to connect the

CONTROL IN OUT

jack of your plasma display.

jack of this receiver with the

VIDEO

INPUT 1

Pioneer plasma

display

The Input

CONTROL

VIDEO

INPUT 2

Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma display

When connected using an SR+ cable, a number of features become available to make using this receiver with your Pioneer plasma display even easier. These features include:

• On-screen displays when making receiver settings, such as speaker setup, MCACC setup, and so on.

• On-screen volume display.

• On-screen display of listening mode.

• Automatic video input switching on the plasma display.

• Automatic volume muting on the plasma display.

See also page 62 for more on setting up the receiver.

SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays

DVD player

DVD/LD

AUDIO IN

STANDBY/ON



MCACC

PHASE

POSITION

STREAM DIRECT

CONTROL

INPUT

SELECTOR

PHASE

CONTROL

AUTO SURR/

Satellite receiver, etc

SAT

AUDIO IN

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-AX4AVi

DIGITAL PRECISION

PROCESSING

HOME

STANDARD

ADVANCED

THX

SURROUND

MASTER VOLUME

This receiver

To make the most of the SR+ features, you should connect your source components (DVD player, etc.) in a slightly different way to that described in this chapter. For each component, connect the video output directly to the plasma display, and just connect the audio (analog and/ or digital) to this receiver.

Important

• The additional SR+ features do not work when the iPod function is selected.

SYSTEM OFF

INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

TV VIDEO 2

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

DVD SAT

DVR2

CD-R

MULTI IN

TUNER

ROOM2/3

RECEIVER

DVR1 i Pod

D.ACCESS

AV PARAMETER

TOP MENU 

SETUP

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

SLEEP

SR+

TUNE

ST ST

TUNE

ENTER

DIMMER

ANALOG

VIDEO

ATT

SEL

CLASS

DISC

ENTER

CH LEVEL

T.EDIT

RETURN



BAND

1 Make sure that the plasma display and this receiver are switched on and that they are connected with the SR+ cable.

See

Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display

above for more on connecting these components.

• Make sure you have also selected the display input to which you’ve connected the receiver in

Setup menu

on page 60.

2 To switch SR+ mode on/off, press

The Input

RECEIVER

, then

the SR+ button.

The front panel display shows

SR+ ON

SR+ OFF

• The automatic volume muting feature is enabled separately; see

SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays

on page 62.

Page 59

Other connections

Use a commercially-available cable to connect the RS-

Connecting a PC for Advanced MCACC output

If you use the Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ (see page 38) to measure the reverb characteristics of your listening room, you can check the results graphically using a computer connected to this receiver. Use a commercially-available RS-232C cable to connect the RS232C jack on your computer to the 9-pin RS-232C jack on the back panel of this receiver (the cable must be cross type, female–female).

To obtain the software to output the results, please register this unit online as instructed on the front cover of the manual. After registering, you will receive an email within a week, in which both the software and instruction manual will be available. If you have any questions regarding, please contact the Customer Support Division of Pioneer.

Please make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• Operating system must be Windows

2000, Windows

Millennium Edition, Windows® 98

Second Edition, or Windows

• CPU must be at least Pentium 3 / 300MHz or AMD K6 / 300MHz (or equivalent) with at least 128MB of memory, and your monitor must be able to display a minimum resolution of 800x600.

• An RS-232C port connector is necessary for graphical output. Refer to the operating instructions and/or the PC manufacturer for more information on making the proper port settings.

• System must have internet access.

• Connect your computer to the RS-232C jack on the rear panel of the receiver.

Make sure that the receiver and all connected components are switched off and disconnected from the

power outlet when you do this.

XP, Windows®

NT 4.0 (Service pack 6).

232C jack on your computer to the 9-pin RS-232C jack on this receiver. See the documentation provided with the Advanced MCACC application for more information.

Advanced MCACC output using your PC

Before continuing, make sure you have completed steps 1–3 in Note that transmission data is erased when the receiver is turned off.

1 Select ‘Reverb Output PC’ and press

When the receiver is ready for transmission,

MCACC application on your PC

2 Start the MCACC application on your computer.

Follow the instructions provided with the application. It will take about ten seconds for the transmission to complete, then you will be able to analyze the output on your computer. Since the data will be cleared from the receiver when you restart reverb measurement or turn off the receiver, you might want to save the information on your PC after measurement.

3 When you’re finished, press

You’ll be taken to the Advanced EQ Setup. Depending on the results, you may want to continue with the Advanced EQ setup (see on page 40 for more on this). You can also simply press

RETURN

Calibration EQ setup.

RS-232C

Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ

ENTER

shows on the OSD.

3e.EQ Professional

1.Reverb Measurement

2.Reverb View

3.Reverb Output PC

4.Advanced EQ Setup

ENTER:Next :Return

3e3.Reverb Output PC

MCACC:M1. MEMORY 1

Start the MCACC application on your PC

:Cancel

RETURN

Using Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ

again to exit the Professional Acoustic

on page 38.

Start the

Note

1 Make sure that you do this before continuing to the ment data is cleared if you switch off the power).

Reverb Measurement

option in

Using Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ

on page 40 (measure-

Page 60

Other Settings

Chapter 9:

Other Settings

The Input Setup menu

You only need to make settings in the Input Setup menu if you didn’t hook up your digital equipment according to the default settings (see

possible settings

receiver what equipment is hooked up to which terminal so the buttons on the remote correspond to the components you’ve connected.

INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

TV VIDEO 2

DVD SAT

DVR2

CD-R

DVR1 i Pod

1 Switch on the receiver and your TV.

Use the  RECEIVER

2 Press the

SETUP

RECEIVER

button.

An on-screen display (OSD) appears on your TV. Use the

///

buttons and screens and select menu items. Press confirm and exit the current menu.

3 Select ‘Input Setup’ from the System Setup menu.

System Setup

1.Auto MCACC

2.Surr Back System

3.Manual MCACC

4.Data Management

5.Manual SP Setup

6.Input Setup

7.Other Setup

Input function default and

below). In this case, you need to tell the

SYSTEM OFF

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

MULTI IN

ROOM2/3

TUNER

RECEIVER

D.ACCESS

AV PARAMETER

TOP MENU 

SETUPSETUP

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

TV VOL

TV CONTROL

INPUT SELECT

ENTER

TV CH

BAND

CLASS

ENTER

CH LEVEL

T.ED IT

RETURNRETURN

VOL

DISC



button to switch on.

on the remote control, then press

ENTER

to navigate through the

 : Exit

RETURN

6.Input Setup (1/2)

Input DV D

Digital In [ COAX-1 ] HDMI Input [ Input-2 ] Component In [ Comp-2 ] S-Video In [ Input-1 ] i.LINK In [ DV-S969A ]

( Next )

:Finish

4 Select the input function that you want to set up.

The default names correspond with the names next to the terminals on the rear panel (such as

1/GAME 1

) which, in turn, correspond with the names

DVD/LD

VIDEO

on the remote control.

6.Input Setup (1/2)

Input DV D

Digital In [ COAX-1 ] HDMI Input [ Input-2 ] Component In [ Comp-2 ] S-Video In [ Input-1 ] i.LINK In [ DV-S969A ]

( Next )

:Finish

6.Input Setup (2/2)

( Back)

TV Game Input Name Default 12V Trigger1 [ M.ROOM ] 12V Trigger2 [ ROOM 2 ] PDP In (SR+) [ Input-1 ]

ENTER : Next

:Finish

5 Select the input(s) to which you’ve connected your component.

For example, if your DVD player only has an optical output, you will need to change the function’s

Digital In

setting from

DVD/LD

COAX 1

input

(default) to the optical input you’ve connected it to.The numbering (

OPT1–4

) corresponds with the numbers beside the

inputs on the back of the receiver.

• If you change the setting to an input that has been previously assigned to another function (for example,

SAT

) then the setting for that function will

automatically be switched off.

• If you used component video cords to connect your component you must tell the receiver which input you connected it to, or else you may see the S-video or composite video input instead of the component

video signal.

• If you have more than one iLINK component connected, you can assign each one to a different input function in the same way (to check your settings after doing so, see

inputs

on page 49).

Checking the i.LINK

6 When you’re finished, select ‘Next’ to continue to the next screen.

The second screen of the Input setup has three optional settings:

•

Input name

function for easier identification. Select do so, or

– You can choose to rename the input

Rename

Default

to return to the system default.

Note

1 For high-definition video (using component video connections), or when digital video conversion is switched off (in you must connect your TV to this receiver using the same type of video cable as you used to connect your video component. 2• If you assign i.LINK-equipped components to an input (for example equipped components using the corresponding input source button (or the allows you to keeps the sound settings you’ve made for other input functions.

• An i.LINK-equipped video component should be assigned to the input function to which you have connected the video signal from the component.

• If you assign an i.LINK input to a certain function (for example

be set to

i.LINK

(not assigned).

DVD/LD

), you will be able to select both audio and video signals from i.LINK-

INPUT SELECT

DVD/LD

) then any digital inputs previously assigned to that function will automatically

button /

INPUT SELECTOR

Setting the AV options

on page 63),

dial). Assigning i.LINK sources also

Page 61

Other Settings

•

12V Trigger 1 / 2

one of the 12 volt triggers (see

on and off using the 12 volt trigger

M. ROOM, ROOM2, ROOM3

corresponding trigger setting to switch it on automatically along with the (main or sub) room specified.

•

PDP In (SR+)

receiver from a plasma display, select the display input to which you’ve connected the receiver.

7 When you're finished, press RETURN.

You will return to the System Setup menu.

Input function default and possible settings

The terminals on the rear of the receiver generally correspond to the name of one of the input source functions. If you have connected components to this receiver differently from (or in addition to) the defaults below, see receiver how you’ve connected up. The dots (

possible assignments.

Input source

DVD/LD

SAT

DVR/VCR1

DVR/VCR2

VIDEO/GAME1

VIDEO/GAME2

HDMI 1

HDMI 2

USB

CD-R/TAPE/MD

TUNER

PHONO

MULTI CH IN

iPod

iLINK

The Input Setup menu

Digital i.LINK HDMI

COAX 1

COAX 2

– After connecting a component to

Switching components

on page 57), select

OFF

for the

– To control certain functions on this

above to tell the



) indicate

Input Terminals

Component





OPT 1

OPT 2

OPT 3



(Fixed)



OPT 4







)

(

HDMI-1

(

)

HDMI-2



S-Video

IN 1

IN 2

(Fixed)

The Other Setup menu

The Other Setup menu is where you can make customized settings to reflect how you are using the receiver.

SYSTEM OFF

INPUT

RECEIVER SOURCE

SELECT

TV VIDEO 2

VIDEO 1 TV CONT

DVD SAT

DVR2

CD-R

MULTI IN

TUNER

ROOM2/3

RECEIVER

DVR1 i Pod

D.ACCESS

AV PARAMETER

TOP MENU 

SETUPSETUP

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

TV VOL

1 Switch on the receiver and your TV.

Use the  RECEIVER

2 Press the

SETUP

RECEIVER

button.

button to switch on.

on the remote control, then press

An on-screen display (OSD) appears on your TV. Use the

///

buttons and

ENTER

to navigate through the screens and select menu items. Press confirm and exit the current menu.

3 Select ‘Other Setup’ then press

System Setup

1.Auto MCACC

2.Surr Back System

3.Manual MCACC

4.Data Management

5.Manual SP Setup

6.Input Setup

7.Other Setup

 : Exit

7.Other Setup

a.Multi Room Setup

b.SR+ Setup c.OSD Adjustment d.i.LINK Check

4 Select the setting you want to adjust.

If you are doing this for the first time, you may want to adjust these settings in order:

•

Multi Room Setup

– Specify your volume setting for

a multi-room setup and your IR receiver type (see

Multi-Room and IR receiver setup

SR+ Setup

• Pioneer plasma display (see

plasma displays

•

OSD Adjustment

screen display on your TV (see

– Specify how you want to control your

SR+ Setup for Pioneer

below).

– Adjust the position of the on-

OSD Adjustment

below).

•

iLINK Check (VSX-AX4AVi only)

– Check which i.LINKequipped components you have connected, and which input function they are assigned to (

the i.LINK inputs

on page 49).

5 Make the adjustments necessary for each setting, pressing RETURN to confirm after each screen.

ENTER

TV CONTROL

INPUT

TV CH

SELECT

RETURN

ENTER

below).

CLASS

DISC

ENTER

CH LEVEL

T.ED IT

RETURNRETURN

BAND

VOL

:Return



Checking

Note

1 You will have to make an SR+ cable connection from a

from the setup in

Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display

CONTROL OUT

on page 57). Note that to control this receiver using the remote, you will

jack on the display to the

have to point it at the plasma display’s remote sensor after making this connection.

CONTROL IN

jack on this receiver (opposite

Page 62

Other Settings

Multi-Room and IR receiver setup

• Default setting:

If you’ve made multi-room connections (see

listening

on page 54) you may need to specify your volume setting. Also use this menu to specify your IR receiver type (if necessary).

1 Select ‘Multi-Room’ from the System Setup menu.

7.Other Setup

a.Multi Room Setup

b.SR+ Setup c.OSD Adjustment d.i.LINK Check

2 Select the volume level setting.

•

Variable

power amplifier in the sub room (this receiver is simply being used as a pre-amp) and you will be using this receiver’s controls to adjust the volume.

•

Fixed

– Use this setting if you’ve connected a fully integrated amplifier (such as another Pioneer VSX receiver) in the sub room and want to use that receiver’s volume controls. (This setting is not available if the surround back system setting is set to

Multi Room & Source

With the

Fixed

receiver at maximum volume, so make sure the volume is quite low in the sub room at first and then experiment to find the correct level.

3 Select the type of IR receiver you’re using.

•

Setting 1

•

Setting 2

using doesn’t seem to work after selecting

4 When you're finished, press RETURN.

You will return to the Other Setup menu.

Variable

Setting 1

Multi-room

7a.Multi Room Setup

Volume Level Variable IR Setting [ Setting 1 ]

Be careful of loud volume when "FIXED"

:Return

is selected.

:Finish

– Use this setting if you’ve connected a

setting, the source is sent from this

– Default setting. – Use this setting if the IR receiver you’re

Setting

SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays

Make the following settings if you have connected a Pioneer plasma display to this receiver using an SR+ cable. Note that the number of function settings available will depend on the plasma display you’ve connected.

Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi-G, VSX-AX2AV-G User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual