Pioneer VSXD-909 Owners manual

AUDIO/VIDEO

MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

VSX-D909S

Operating Instructions

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

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

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

THE STANDBY/ON BUTTON IS

[For U.S. model]
IMPORTANT NOTICE

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

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

IMPORTANT

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interfer­ence in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio commu­nications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turn­ing the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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

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

Information to User

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

[For Canadian model]

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

[Pour le modèle Canadien]

ATTENTION: AFIN DE PREVENIR TOUS

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

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

LE BOUTON STANDBY/ON EST RACCORDE
SECONDAIREMENT ET PAR CONSEQUENT

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

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

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

ATTENTION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS

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

II

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ INSTRUCTIONS — All the safety

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

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The safety and

operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.

HEED WARNINGS — All warnings on the

product and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS — All operating

and use instructions should be followed.

CLEANING — Unplug this product from the

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

ATTACHMENTS — Do not use attachments

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

WATER AND MOISTURE — Do not use

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

ACCESSORIES — Do not place this product

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

CART — A product and cart combination

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

VENTILATION — Slots and openings in the

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

POWER SOURCES — This product should

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

LOCATION – The appliance should be in-

stalled in a stable location.

NONUSE PERIODS – The power cord of

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

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION

÷ If this product is equipped with a

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

÷ If this product is equipped with a three-

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

POWER-CORD PROTECTION — Power-

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

OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING — If

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

LIGHTNING — For added protection for this

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

POWER LINES — An outside antenna

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

OVERLOADING — Do not overload wall

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

GROUND
CLAMP

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

Fig. A

OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY — Never

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

SERVICING — Do not attempt to service

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

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE — Unplug

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

÷ When the power-supply cord or plug is

damaged.

÷ If liquid has been spilled, or objects

have fallen into the product.

÷ If the product has been exposed to rain

or water.

÷ If the product does not operate normally

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

÷ If the product has been dropped or

damaged in any way.

÷ When the product exhibits a distinct

change in performance — this indicates
a need for service.

REPLACEMENT PARTS — When

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

SAFETY CHECK — Upon completion of any

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

WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING — The

product should not be mounted to a
wall or ceiling.

HEAT — The product should be situated

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

ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

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

NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

III

Quick Start Guide

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

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

11

1 Hooking Up Your DVD Player & TV

11

In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks which are at the heart of home theater you need to hook up your
DVD player with digital audio connections. You can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection, you don’t
need to do both. The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some digital components
only have one type of digital terminal you need to figure out which yours has and hook it up to the appropriate
terminal on the receiver. In order to do this you will need the proper cable. For coaxial connections you can use a
regular RCA stereo cord or the specially-made coaxial cords, they have the same type of plugs. For optical
connections you will need a special optical cord which you can buy at your local stereo store. Also hook up the
video connection of your DVD player, the analog audio (for recording the audio on DVDs, use regular RCA stereo
cords), and your TV (it's easiest to use a regular composite RCA video cords) as shown below. It is important
that you hook up your TV (or monitor) in order to see a video image as well as the on screen displays (OSDs)
shown by this receiver (for more on p. 16-17). We also recommend hooking up your all your digital components
to analog audio jacks. For this you can use regular RCA stereo cords.

Coaxial Digital Connection

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

VIDEOAUDIO

PCM/

2

1

DTS

IN5IN4IN3IN2IN

DIGITAL

DVD /

/

LD
IN

R

L

S2 VIDEOVIDEO

IN

RCA video cord

RCA stereo cord

coaxial cord

VIDEO

VIDEO

OUT

ANALOG

STEREO

R

R

L

L

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DVD player

(not a PCM-only output)

MONITOR

OUT

RCA video cord

VIDEO INPUT

Optical Digital Connection

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

VIDEO

VIDEO

OUT

ANALOG

STEREO

R

L

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

VIDEO INPUT

R

L

DVD player

(not a PCM-only output)

1

MONITOR

OUT

VIDEOAUDIO

PCM/

2

DTS

IN5IN4IN3IN2IN

DIGITAL

/

R

L

DVD /

LD
IN

RCA video cord

S2 VIDEOVIDEO

IN

RCA video cord

RCA stereo cord

optical cord

IV

Quick Start Guide

22

2 Speaker Connections

22

Home theater is designed to be setup with five, or seven speakers (front left & right; center; surround left &
right; and, optimally, surround back left & right) and a subwoofer but you can use this receiver with fewer
speakers. Hook up the speakers you have to the A speaker terminals on the back of the receiver. If you only
have two speakers hook them up as "FRONT." If you have three hook up the single speaker as "CENTER." Follow
the diagram on p.19 in order to hook up all your speakers. A center speaker is very important for watching films
because the dialog comes from the center speaker in digital soundtracks. If you do not have a CENTER

speaker you must tell the receiver the CENTER channel is OFF or when you listen to digital soundtracks
you won't hear any dialog. Use the instructions on page 32-33 in order to do this.

Follow the diagram below to hook up an additional amplifier in order to use surround back speakers. These
speakers are important to hear all the sound channels on new, eight channel home theater DVDs. The diagram
below also explains how to hook up a subwoofer which provides realistic bass sounds.

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

RCA audio cord

SUB

WOOFER

33

3 Setting up the Remote Control & Unit

33

RCA stereo cord

L

R

R

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

L (Single)

ANALOG

INPUT

R

R

Surround back

speaker (Left)

INPUT

Additional Amplifier (See p.21)

L

L

SPEAKERS

R

Powered

subwoofer

FRONT

L

Surround back

speaker (Right)

1 Put the batteries in the REMOTE CONTROL.

2 Plug the main unit into a wall outlet.

3 Press the

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

mode.

V

Quick Start Guide

44

4 Digital Input Assignment

44

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

Î

S0URCE

DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2

CD

CLASS MPX

¶

-

1¡4¢

USE SETUP

RECEIVER

MULTI

SYSTEM

OPERATION

OFF

MULTI CONTROL

MD/

TUNER TVCONT

TAPE1

DIRECT ACCESS

BAND

873

STATION

TUNING

-

+

+

CHANNELDTV ON/OFF DTV MENU

-

+

1

1 Set the remote control slide switch to SETUP.

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

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

2 Press the SYSTEM SETUP button.

You should see the following display on your TV.

123

456

789

GUIDE

+10

++

TV VOL

TV CONTROL

––

REMOTE SETUP

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP

EFFECT/

2

CH SEL

DIGITAL

NR

MIDNIGHT

LIGHT

MULTI CH

INPUT

TV

TV FUNC

MENU

+

ENTER

–

EXIT

ENTER

0

DISC

VOLUME

MUTE

FUNCTION

3-5

DSP

ADVANCED

SIGNAL
SELECT

STEREO/

DIRECT

/

DTS

STANDARD

System Setup

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

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

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

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

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

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

You should see the following display on your TV.

Digital-In Select

Digital-1
Digital-2
Digital-3
Digital-4
Digital-5

[EXIT] L

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

VI

4 Choose the Digital-3 you hooked up your DVD

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

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

Digital-In Select

Digital-1
Digital-2
Digital-3
Digital-4
Digital-5

[EXIT] L

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

5 Select EXIT with 5¥∞ buttons and press ENTER

to return to the SYSTEM SETUP MENU.

Digital-In Select

Digital-1
Digital-2
Digital-3
Digital-4
Digital-5

[EXIT] L

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

55

5 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound

55

Quick Start Guide

Î

S0URCE

2

DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2

CD

CLASS MPX

¶

-

1¡4¢

DTV ON/OFF DTV MENU

USE SETUP

MULTI

SYSTEM

OPERATION

OFF

MULTI CONTROL

MD/

TUNER TVCONT

TAPE1

DIRECT ACCESS

BAND

873

STATION

TUNING

-

+

+

CHANNEL

-

+

2

1

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

player.

2 Set the remote control slide switch to USE.

Press the DVD/LD button on the remote control.

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

123

456

789

GUIDE

+10

++

TV VOL

TV CONTROL

––

REMOTE SETUP

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP



EFFECT/
CH SEL

DIGITAL

NR

MULTI CH

MIDNIGHT

INPUT

LIGHT

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

TV

TV FUNC

+

ENTER

–

EXIT

ENTER

0

DISC

VOLUME

MENU

MUTE

FUNCTION

SIGNAL
SELECT

STEREO/

DSP

DIRECT

/

DTS

ADVANCED

STANDARD

3

3 Press the STANDARD button for the basic

surround sound setting.

4 Play a DVD.

66

6 For Better Surround Sound

66

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

of this instruction manual.

If you don't hook up any other components with digital audio or do so following the default settings of
the receiver (see page 14) you won't have to assign any more digital inputs, but many other
adjustments will improve the sound tremendously.

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

DSP buttons.

For more information see pages 41-45.

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

on pages 28-40 to set up your speakers properly. If you don't do this you, at
least, need to make sure the CENTER channel is turned off if you don't have a
center speaker. Use the instructions on pages 29-33.

Speaker Setting

Front L
Center
Surround
SurrBack
Subwoofer

[EXIT]

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

VII

Features

Multi Channel Stereophonic Concept

The VSX-D909S receiver is constructed with Pioneer’s industry-leading multi channel stereophonic concept. This well­developed approach to receiver circuitry takes the high level base technology that, up until now, has been only used for
stereo equipment and applies it to multi-channel audio-visual receivers. The result is that the product, in addition to
being expertly built, and gives you optimal sound reproduction of DVDs, other multi channel sources and stereo
sources as well. This receiver is designed capture to a true reproduction of the intentions of a filmmaker or music
producer at the time they were mastering the soundtrack in the studio. It incorporates 5 independent 100 watt built in
power amplifiers, with high-performance Hex power Direct Power MOS FET output transistors. This construction
provides improved linearity and accurate representation of each channel for true high fidelity reproduction from even
the most demanding Dolby Digital and DTS program sources. All these elements consolidated in one receiver afford
the listener a new surround sound experience in his or her home.

Universal Player Compatibility

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

Decoding of Next Generation Digital Source Film Formats

This receiver has the ability to decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and DTS (Digital Theater Systems) sources,
which are the standards of home theater today. It also offers component video terminals for the sharpest video
transmission available to the consumer.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby”, “AC-3”, “Pro Logic”, and double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential
unpublished works. © 1992 - 1997 Dolby Laboratories.
All rights reserved.

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

Advanced Theater Modes & DSP Surround Modes

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

Midnight Mode, Digital Noise Reduction & 7 Channel Tone Control

The Midnight mode allows you to obtain excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low volumes,
something that was previously impossible. Digital noise reduction filters out unwanted noise from recordings to
give you a clearer sound and the 7 channel tone control allows you to adjust the treble and bass of each channel
individually to suit your listening tastes.

Remote Control with Illuminated Buttons

This new remote control is extremely convenient to use. Its buttons can be easily viewed as they illuminate
when functions are preformed. In addition, one button can perform many tasks on this remote because of the
Use and Setup switch, which allows different uses for the same button in the different settings. This remote can
be used to operate a variety of other components simply by recalling the appropriate setup codes or by using
the learning function to teach the remote control new commands. In addition, the multi-operation functions
allow you to perform a variety of operations automatically.

The Energy-saving Design

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

8

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Display ....................................................................... 25

Remote Control ......................................................... 26

Initial Set Up ....................................... 28

On Screen Display .................................................... 28

Setting Up for Surround Sound .............................. 29

Remote Control of Other Components .. 58

Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other

Components .............................................................. 58

Using the Remote Control with Other Components ..

.................................................................................... 62

Using Other Functions....................... 69

Recording from Audio Components ....................... 69

Recording from Digital Audio Components ........... 70

Recording from Video Components ....................... 70

Multi Operations ....................................................... 71

System Off ................................................................. 73

Setting Up the Direct Function ................................ 74

Remote Back Light .................................................... 75

Resetting the Remote Control ................................. 75

Erasing Learned Remote Control Commands ........ 76

Erasing All Learned Commands and Preset Codes ...

Video Select .............................................................. 77

Multi-Room ............................................................... 78

76

Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving ... 83

Dolby Digital .............................................................. 83

DTS ............................................................................ 84

Preset Code List ........................................................ 84

Troubleshooting ........................................................ 85

Specifications ............................................................ 89

PREPARATION

PREPARATION

SET

UP

Basic Playback .................................... 41

Sound Modes ............................................................ 41

Selecting a Sound Mode .......................................... 44

Playing Sources with

Dolby Digital or DTS Sound ..................................... 45

Playing Stereo Sources ............................................ 46

Switching Analog and Digital Signal Input ............ 47

Reducing Noise During Playback ............................ 48

Listening in Midnight Mode ..................................... 49

Listening the Loudness Mode ................................. 49

Adjusting Bass and Treble ....................................... 50

MULTI CHANNEL IN Playback ................................. 51

96kHz 24bit Performance ......................................... 51

Direct Playback .......................................................... 52

Adjusting the Brightness of the Display ................. 52

DUAL MONO Setting ................................................ 53

Using the Tuner .................................. 54

Automatic and Manual Tuning ................................ 54

Direct Access Tuning ................................................ 55

Memorizing Frequently Used Stations ................... 56

Recalling Memorized Stations ................................. 57

OPERATION

9

Before You Start

Checking the Supplied Accessories

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

FM wire Antenna

AM loop Antenna

How to Use This Manual

This manual is for the
Channel Receiver.
This manual is divided into three main sections which
will tell you how to setup and use the unit :

PREPARATION

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

SET UP

Performing the tasks in “Initial Set Up“ (from p.28) is
essential to get proper surround sound.

VSX-D909S

Audio/Video Multi-

“AA” IEC LR6
batteries x 2

OPERATION

To play some music or soundtrack refer to “Basic
Playback“ on p.41. “Using the Tuner“ (p.54) explains
how to use the radio of this unit. Doing the operations
in “Remote Control of Other Components“ (p.58) is
highly recommended so you can use this unit’s
remote control for all your components. “Using Other
Functions“ (p.69) explain the other possibilities of the
receiver.
“Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving“ (p.83) provide
detailed technical information and a troubleshooting
guide.

The following marks and symbols are used throughout
the manual:

memo

Provides additional information,
precautions, and advice.

Indicates a blinking button, indicator, or
display.

Indicates a steadily lit button, indicator, or
display.

Remote Control Unit

• Operating Instructions

Preparing the Remote Control

Loading the batteries

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

123

"AA" IEC LR6

batteries x 2

\\

CAUTION!

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

• Never use new and old batteries together.

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

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

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

10

Operating range of remote control unit

The area in which you can use the remote control to
operate the
remote control toward the remote sensor on the front
panel of this unit while within the range shown right.

Remote control may not function properly if:

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

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

• The receiver located near a device emitting infrared
rays.

• Operated simultaneously with another remote control
which uses infrared rays.

VSX-D909S

is fairly large. To use, point the

Installing the Receiver

Please note:

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

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

Before You Start

PREPARATION

30°

30°

23 feet (7m)

8 inches (20 cm)

Opening the Front Panel

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

Receiver

11

L

R

Connecting Your Equipment

Audio Components

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

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

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

FM

ANTENNA

1

PRE OUT

SURR-

OUND

RL

FRONT

21

OUTOUT

R

FM UNBAL
75‰

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD

IN

MULTI­ROOM

&

SOURCE

R

OUT

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

AUDIO

L

L

SUB

WOOFER

IN5IN4IN3IN2IN

PCM/

2

DTS

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

WOOFER

/

L

FRONT

R

L

SURR­OUND

R

CENTER

SUB

R

R

VIDEOAUDIO

L

DVD /

LD
IN

TV /
SAT
IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

OUT

IN

VCR2

OUT

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT

MD /

TAPE1/

MONITOR

CD-R

OUT

REC

PHONO

REMOTE

IN

IN

MULTI-ROOM

L

&

SOURCE

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT

CONTROL

S VIDEOVIDEO

R

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

B

P

P

R

MONITOR

OUT

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

R

L

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

IN

OUTPUT

(PLAY)

OUTPUT

(PLAY)

ANALOG

L

R

ANALOG

L

R

INPUT
(REC)

L

R

Recorder 1 (MD/Tape)

INPUT
(REC)

L

R

Recorder 2 (MD/Tape)

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

Turntable

ANALOG

OUTPUT

L

R

CD player

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

7 Analog audio/video cords

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

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

Be sure to insert completely.

12

Cassette deck placement

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

Connecting Your Equipment

Digital Connections

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

Connect your digital components as shown below.

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

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

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

VSX-D909S

has two coaxial and three optical inputs for a

PREPARATION

FM

ANTENNA

PRE OUT

SURR­OUND

RL

FRONT

21

OUTOUT

R

FM UNBAL
75‰

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD
IN

MULTI­ROOM

&

SOURCE

R

OUT

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

AUDIO

L

4IN3IN2IN1

L

SUB

WOOFER

IN5IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

WOOFER

PCM/

2

/

DTS

L

FRONT

R

L

SURR-

OUND

R

CENTER

SUB

R

R

VIDEOAUDIO

L

DVD /

LD

IN

IN

TV /
SAT

IN

IN

IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

VCR2

OUT

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT

MD /

TAPE1/

MONITOR

CD-R

OUT

REC

PHONO

REMOTE

IN

IN

MULTI-ROOM

L

&

SOURCE

S VIDEOVIDEO

IN

OUT

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

B

P

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

R

L

R

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

7 Coaxial cords/Optical cables

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

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

IN

MONITOR

OUT

Coaxial cord
(or standard video cord)

OUTPUT

(PLAY)

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

(not a PCM-only output)

DVD player

CD player

TV tuner

INPUT
(REC)

MD recorder

Optical cable

13

Connecting Your Equipment

Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD player

To connect a DVD/LD player or LD player with it's 2 RF output, a commercially available RF demodulator (RFD-1) is
required. The RF demodulator changes the RF signal to a digital signal which is then processed by the VSX-D909S
model through their digital input jacks. For more details, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the RFD-1.
We also recommend hooking up your digital components to analog audio jacks.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

ANTENNA

FM

FM UNBAL
75‰

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

1

21

OUTOUT

RF demodulator RFD-1

PCM/

PCM/

(OPT.)

DIGITAL OUT

R

PCM/

2

/

DTS

IN5IN4IN3IN2IN

DIGITAL

PRE OUT
SURR­OUND

RL

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

RRL

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD
IN

MULTI­ROOM

&

SOURCE

OUT

L

FRONT

R

SUB

WOOFER

L

SURR­OUND

CENTER

SUB

L

R

WOOFER

AUDIO

R

PCM/

PCM/

(OPT.)

DIGITAL IN

VIDEOAUDIO

L

DVD /

LD
IN

TV /

SAT

IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

IN
VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT

MD /

TAPE1/

MONITOR

CD-R

OUT

REC

PHONO

REMOTE

IN

IN

MULTI-ROOM

L

&

SOURCE

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT

CONTROL

S VIDEOVIDEO

RF IN
(AC-3)(LD)

DIGITAL IN

OPTICAL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

B

P

P

R

MONITOR

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

R

L

R

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

OUT

COAXIAL

IN

2

RF OUT

(AC-3)(LD)

1

23

(not a PCM-only output)

DIGITAL OUT

DVD/LD player
or LD player

VIDEO

COMPO-

VIDEO

NENT

OUT

ANALOG

STEREO

Y

S-VIDEO

P

B

R

P

L

R

memo

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

Digital Input Assignment

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

DIGITAL IN 1: DVD/LD
DIGITAL IN 2: CD
DIGITAL IN 3: MD
DIGITAL IN 4: TV/SAT
DIGITAL IN 5: VCR1

You will notice that Digital IN 1, for example, is a coaxial jack. If your DVD/LD player only has an optical out jack on
it then you won't be able to hook up your components in accordance with the VSX-D909S default setting. In this
case you will need to assign the digital inputs. See Digital-In Select on p.31 in order to do this.

14

Connecting Your Equipment

Video Components

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

*The arrows indicate the direction of the video signal.

Connecting DVD/LD players

VIDEOAUDIO

COMPONENT VIDEO

FM

ANTENNA

1

PRE OUT

SURR­OUND

RL

FRONT

21

OUTOUT

R

FM UNBAL
75‰

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD
IN

MULTI-

ROOM

&

SOURCE

R

OUT

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

S VIDEOVIDEO

REMOTE

&

MONITOR

MONITOR
OUT

IN

OUT

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT

CONTROL

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

B

P

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

R

L

R

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

MONITOR

IN

OUT

R

L

PCM/

DVD /

2

/

DTS/

IN5IN4IN3IN2IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

L

SUB

WOOFER

CENTER

L

WOOFER

AUDIO

LD
IN

TV /
SAT
IN

L

IN

VCR1 /

FRONT

DVR

R

OUT

L

IN

SURR-

VCR2

OUND

OUT

R

PLAY

MD /
TAPE1/
CD-R

REC

SUB

PHONO

IN

MULTI-ROOM

R

L

SOURCE

COMPO-

NENT

ANALOG

STEREO

VIDEO

Y

B

P

P

R

L

R

VIDEO

OUT

L

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL

DVD/LD player

(not a PCM-only output)

PCM/

2

/ DTS

DIGITAL

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

PREPARATION

Connecting VCRs or DVRs

VIDEOAUDIO

L

DVD /

LD
IN

TV /
SAT
IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

IN

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY
MD /

TAPE1/

MONITOR

CD-R

OUT

REC

PHONO

REMOTE

IN

IN

MULTI-ROOM

L

&

SOURCE

PHONES

FM

ANTENNA

1

PRE OUT

SURR­OUND

RL

FRONT

21

OUTOUT

RRL

FM UNBAL
75‰

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD
IN

MULTI­ROOM

&

SOURCE

R

OUT

AM LOOP

AUDIO

ANTENNA

L

SUB

WOOFER

IN5IN4IN3IN2IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

PCM/

2

DTS

FRONT

CENTER

WOOFER

R

/

L

R

L

SURR­OUND

SUB

R

VIDEO INPUT

LV

R

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

S VIDEOVIDEO

IN

IN

IN

OUT

IN

OUT

OUT

IN

OUT

CONTROL

S-VIDEO VIDEO L AUDIO R

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

B

P

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

R

L

R

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

VIDEO INPUT

MONITOR

OUT IN

AUDIO

AUDIO

(PLAY)

(REC)

L

L

R

R

S-VIDEO

OUT IN

AUDIO
(PLAY)

L

R

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

VIDEOVIDEO

S-VIDEO

AUDIO
(REC)

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

VCR 1/DVR

L

R

VCR 2

IN

OUT

memo

If your video components have S-video jacks,
you could use S-video cords (not supplied) to

connect them on the back of the receiver.

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

15

Connecting Your Equipment

Satellite TV Components

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

*The arrows indicate the direction of the TV signal.

VIDEO

COMPO-

NENT

ANALOG

STEREO

VIDEO

OUT

Y

S-VIDEO

B

P

P

R

DIGITAL

L

R

TV/Satellite tuner

DIGITAL

FM

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL
75‰

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

R

PCM/

2

/

DTS

5IN4IN3IN2IN1

IN

DIGITAL

PRE OUT
SURR­OUND

R

L

FRONT

21

OUTOUT

R

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD

IN

MULTI­ROOM

&

SOURCE

OUT

MULTI CH IN

L

L

FRONT

R

SUB

WOOFER

L

SURR­OUND

R

CENTER

SUB

AUDIO

WOOFER

L

R

VIDEOAUDIO

L

DVD /

LD

IN

IN

TV /
SAT

IN

IN

IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

VCR2

OUT

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

MONITOR
OUT

REC

PHONO

IN

REMOTE

IN

MULTI-ROOM

&

SOURCE

S VIDEOVIDEO

IN

OUT

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

B

P

P

R

MONITOR

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

R

L

R

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

IN

OUT

7 Analog audio/video cords

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

R

L

VIDEO

7 Digital audio coaxial cords/

Optical cables

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

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

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

Be sure to insert completely.

Digital audio coaxial

Optical cable

cord

(or standard video
cord)

16

Connecting Your Equipment

TV

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

PREPARATION

FM UNBAL
75‰

FM

ANTENNA

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

memo

VIDEOAUDIO

L

DVD /

LD

IN

IN

TV /
SAT

IN

IN

IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

VCR2

OUT

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

MONITOR
OUT

REC

PHONO

REMOTE

IN

IN

MULTI-ROOM

L

&

SOURCE

RL

FRONT

21

OUTOUT

R

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD
IN

MULTI­ROOM

&

SOURCE

OUT

MULTI CH IN

L

SUB

WOOFER

L

R

AUDIO

5IN4IN3IN2IN1

IN

PRE OUT

SURR­OUND

DIGITAL

WOOFER

PCM/

2

DTS

FRONT

SURR­OUND

CENTER

SUB

R

/

L

R

L

R

R

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

IN

OUT

CONTROL

S VIDEOVIDEO

R

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

B

P

P

R

MONITOR

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

L

R

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

IN

VIDEO IN

COMPO-

VIDEO

OUT

NENT

Y

S-VIDEO

B

P

P

R

TV/monitor

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

to be seen on the S video out terminals.

Multi Channel Input (External Decoder)

In some cases you may want to have your source material (DVD, etc) decoded externally. If you find you need a
multi channel external decoder hook one up as shown below, but for most people this component is
unnecessary (For more on this see p.51).

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

FM

ANTENNA

PRE OUT

SURR­OUND

RL

FRONT

21

OUTOUT

R

FM UNBAL
75‰

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD
IN

MULTI­ROOM

&

SOURCE

R

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

AUDIO

L

SUB

WOOFER

L

IN

5IN4IN3IN2IN1

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

WOOFER

PCM/

2

DTS

FRONT

R

SURR­OUND

R

CENTER

SUB

R

/

L

L

VIDEOAUDIO

L

DVD /

LD

IN

IN

TV /
SAT

IN

IN

IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

VCR2

OUT

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

MONITOR
OUT

REC

PHONO

REMOTE

IN

IN

MULTI-ROOM

&

SOURCE

S VIDEOVIDEO

IN

OUT

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

P

B

P

R

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

RL

R

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

IN

Components equipped with

7.1 (5.1) channel analog output jack

SURR­OUND

ANALOG

SUB

CENTER

L

R

WOOFER

SURR-

OUND BACK

L

R

FRONT

L

R

17

Connecting Your Equipment

Connecting the Radio Antennas

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

FM wire
antenna

AM loop
antenna

7 AM loop antenna

1 Assemble the antenna.

R

L

FM

ANTENNA

1

PRE OUT

SURR­OUND

RL

FRONT

21

OUTOUT

R

FM UNBAL
75‰

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD
IN

MULTI-

ROOM

&

SOURCE

R

OUT

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

AUDIO

WOOFER

L

PCM/

2

/

DTS

IN5IN4IN3IN2IN

DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

L

L

FRONT

R

SUB

L

SURR­OUND

R

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

DVD /

LD
IN

TV /
SAT

IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

IN

VCR2

OUT

PLAY

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

PHONO

IN

R

L

2 Twist exposed wire strands

together and insert.

3/8 in. (10 mm)

REMOTE

MULTI-ROOM

&

SOURCE

VIDEOAUDIO

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT

IN

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

IN

OUT

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

B

P

P

R

MONITOR

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

R

L

R

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

IN

OUT

3 Attach to a wall, etc. (if

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

Using external antennas

7 To improve FM reception

Connect an external FM antenna.

FM UNBAL
75Ω

FM

ANTENNA

75Ω coaxial cable

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

Ground

18

7 To improve AM reception

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

For best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors.

AM loop antenna

Outdoor antenna

15–18 ft (5–6 m.)

Indoor antanna
(vinyl-coated wire)

Ground

FM

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL
75‰

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

Connecting Your Equipment

Speakers

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

One of the latest features of home theater is the use of SURROUND BACK speakers. These speakers add even
greater realism in movie sound effects and new discs with soundtracks in Dolby Digital or DTS incorporates these
channels. In order to be able to use these channels you must hook your SURROUND BACK speakers up to an
external amplifier and then connect that to the VSX-D909S, as shown in the diagram below. If you only have one
SURROUND BACK speaker hook it up to the SURROUND BACK L (SINGLE) terminal on the back of the receiver.

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

memo

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

Powered

Front

speaker (A)

(Left)

subwoofer

INPUT

TV/monitor

Center

speaker

Front

speaker (A)

(Right)

PREPARATION

Surround

speaker

2

RF IN

1

(AC-3)

(Left)

FM UNBAL
75‰

FM

ANTENNA

Surround back

speaker (Left)

7 Speaker terminals

1 Twist exposed wire

strands together.

3/8 in. (10 mm)

3

IN5IN4IN

IN2IN

PRE OUT
SURR­OUND

RL

FRONT

21

OUTOUT

RRL

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD
IN

L

R

AUDIO

AM LOOP

ANTENNA

MULTI CH IN

PCM/

2

/
DTS/
MPEG

DIGITAL

L

FRONT

R

L

SURR-

OUND

CENTER

SUB
WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

R

L

DVD /

LD

IN

IN

TV /
SAT

IN

IN

IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

OUT

IN

IN

VCR2

OUT

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

IN

REC

OUT

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

IN

R

CONTROL

L

2 Loosen speaker terminal

and insert exposed wire.

S VIDEOVIDEO

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

B

P

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

R

L

R

L (Single)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

IN

MONITOR

OUT

SPEAKERS
A

FRONT

RL RRL

SURROUND

CENTER

FRONT

B

L

Additional Amplifier (See p.21)

Surround back

speaker (Right)

The speaker terminals

3 Tighten

terminal.

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

Surround

speaker

(Right)

19

Connecting Your Equipment

Surround

Left

Surround Back

Left

Surround

Right

Surround Back

Right

Listening

Position

Front

Left

Front
RightCenter

Sub

Woofer

N

T

Speaker impedance

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

setting.

STANDBY/ON

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

memo

STANDBY/ON

PHONES

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

STANDBY

SIGNAL SELECTADVANCED STANDARD

VIDEO INPUT

S-VIDEO VIDEO

Digital Signal Processor

VSX-D909S

DSP

STEREO/

MODE

DIRECT

/DTS

CHANNEL

MULTI CH

SELECT

LOUDNESS

TONE

INPUT

L AUDIO R

SPEAKERS

- TREBLE +-

BASS +

SPEAKERS

Choose the impedance setting by pressing the SPEAKERS button

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

FL

DIGITAL

CLASS BAND

- TU

DIMMER

NR

TUNER CONTROL

TAPE 2

VIDEO

MEMORYMPX

MONITOR

- STA

SELCT

SIGNAL
SELECT

ANALOG

A

SP

VOLUME

(This display indicates a 6Ω-

dB

less than 8Ω impedance

setting.)

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

SIGNAL
SELECT

ANALOG

A

SP

VOLUME

dB

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

impedance setting.

Placing Your Speakers

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

Speaker placement

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

memo

• Install the left and right front speakers at equal distances from the TV.
When installing speakers near the TV, we recommend using magnetically shielded speakers to prevent

•
possible interference such as distortion in the color of the TV screen. If you do not have magnetically
shielded speakers and notice discoloration of the TV screen, place the speakers farther away from the TV.

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

CAUTION:

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

the TV screen.

20

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

• It may be difficult to obtain a cohesive surround effect if the surround speakers are installed farther
away from the listening position than the front and center speakers.

Connecting Your Equipment

Connecting Additional Amplifiers

To hook up surrounbd back speakers you need to use an additional amplifier. Other than for that purpose this
receiver has more than sufficient power for any home use, but it is possible to add additional amplifiers to
every channel of your system. Make the connections shown below to add amplifiers to power your speakers.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC
wall outlet.

1

21

OUTOUT

FM UNBAL
75‰

FM

ANTENNA

AM LOOP
ANTENNA

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2
MONITOR

REC

CD
IN

MULTI­ROOM

SOURCE

OUT

SURR­OUND

FRONT

&

R

R

IN5IN4IN3IN2IN

PRE OUT

L

L

SUB

WOOFER

RL

AUDIO

PCM/

2

DTS
DIGITAL

MULTI CH IN

WOOFER

/

FRONT

SURR­OUND

CENTER

SUB

DVD /

LD
IN

TV /
SAT

IN

IN

VCR1 /
DVR

OUT

IN

VCR2

OUT

PLAY

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

PHONO

IN

RL

MULTI-ROOM

SOURCE

REMOTE

&

VIDEOAUDIO

OUT

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

IN

OUT

CONTROL

S VIDEOVIDEO

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

RL

SURROUND

R

L (Single)

BACK

PRE OUT

MONITOR

OUT

IN

ANALOG

INPUT

LR

ANALOG

INPUT

LR

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

LR

Surround channel amplifier

Front channel amplifier

Powered subwoofer

Center channel amplifier
(mono)

Surround back channel
amplifier

PREPARATION

memo

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

Plugging In

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

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

IN

Y

P

B

P

R

Y

P

B

P

R

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

RL

BACK

SURROUND

L (Single)R

BACK

PRE OUT

MONITOR

OUT

SPEAKERS

FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT

RALRLRL

SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SE REPORTER AU MODE D’EMPLOI

B

SWITCHED

TOTAL 100W(0.8A)MAX

AC120V 60Hz

AC OUTLETS

UNSWITCHED
100W(0.8A)MAX

Caution!

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

Caution!

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

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

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

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

21

Displays & Controls

Front Panel

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

12 536789

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

STANDBY/ON

PHONES

DSP

MODE

VIDEO INPUT

/DTS

L AUDIO R

STEREO/

DIRECT

STANDBY

SIGNAL SELECT ADVANCED STANDARD

S-VIDEO VIDEO

MULTI CH

INPUT

SPEAKERS

4

VSX-D909S

CHANNEL

TONE

- BASS +

SELECT

Digital Signal Processor

DIGITAL

LOUDNESS

NR

- TREBLE +

VIDEO

SELECT

10 11 12 13 14 15

1 STANDBY/ON button

Press to switch the receiver ON or into
STANDBY mode.

STANDBY indicator

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

2 DSP MODE button (See p.43 & 44)

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

STEREO/DIRECT button (See p.43 & 52)

Switches the receiver into STEREO mode if it
was in a different sound mode (like DSP mode)
or toggles between DIRECT and STEREO
mode. For more on STEREO mode see p.52

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

INPUT
SELECTOR

MASTER
VOLUME

FL

DIMMER

TAPE 2

MONITOR

CLASS BAND

MEMORYMPX

TUNER CONTROL

- TUNING +

- STATION +

MULTI-ROOM

&SOURCE

CONTROL

DOWN UP

16

SIGNAL SELECT button (See p.47)

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

ANALOG – To select an analog signal.

DIGITAL – To select a optical or coaxial digital

signal.

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

/ DTS buttons (See p.41-45, 83, 84)

ADVANCED – Use to select one of the four

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

STANDARD – Use for pure decoding of multi
channel sources, especially Dolby Digital, Dolby
Pro Logic or DTS sources. Each press toggles
between STANDARD and STANDARD 7.1
mode (for use with SURROUND BACK
speakers). Those with surround back speakers
can use two STANDARD modes, those without
can only use the STANDARD mode.

22

Displays & Controls

3 MULTI CH INPUT (See p.40, 51)

Use to hook up an external component that can
decode other types of signals and input them
into the VSX-D909S.

4 TONE control buttons

TONE button

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

CHANNEL SELECT button

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

BASS (–/+) button (See p.50)

Use to adjust low frequencies.

TREBLE (–/+) button (See p.50)

Use to adjust the high frequencies.

5 LOUDNESS button (See p.49)

Switches the LOUDNESS mode on or off
(cannot be used in DIRECT or MULTI CH IN
mode).

DIGITAL NR button (See p.48)

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

FL DIMMER button (See p.52)

Use to adjust the brightness of the main
display.

6 Display (See p.25)
7 Remote sensor

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

8 MULTI-ROOM & SOURCE button (See

p.78-82)

Press to use the multi room feature(requires an
optional PIONEER Multi-Room Remote Sensor
Unit MR-100 or another IR receiver).

CONTROL button (See p.78-82): Used
together with the INPUT SELECTOR to select
the function or use with the MASTER VOLUME
to select the volume of the MULTI ROOM
system.

9 INPUT SELECTOR dial

Turn to select a source component. (You can
also use to select a function in the MULTI­ROOM & SOURCE mode). The source
indicators show the current component:

DVD/LD – DVD player or Laser Disc player.

TV/SAT– TV or satellite tuner.

CD – Compact Disc player.

MD/TAPE1/CD-R – Tape deck, Mini Disc

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

TUNER – The built-in tuner.

PHONO – Turntable.

VIDEO – Video camera (etc.) connected to the

VIDEO INPUT on the front panel.

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

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

10 PHONES jack

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

11 VIDEO INPUT jacks (See p.15)

S-VIDEO: Video input for connecting a video

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

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

12

SPEAKERS (A/B) button

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

13

VIDEO SELECT button

Switches the receiver between the various
types of video input.

14

TAPE 2 MONITOR button

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

PREPARATION

23

Displays & Controls

15

TUNER CONTROL buttons (See p.54-57)

CLASS – Press repeatedly to switch the preset

station classes.

BAND – Press to select the AM or FM band.

TUNING –/+ – Use to manually tune to radio

stations.

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

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

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

16

MASTER VOLUME

Adjusts the overall receiver volume.

24

Display

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

Displays & Controls

5

AUTO

L

2

OVER

SP AB

MONO STEREO

TUNED AMFM

C

R

34

LFE

1

SELECT

ANALOG

DIGITAL

AC-3DTS

LS S RS

H.P

6

789

MIDNIGHTLOUDNESSATTSIGNAL

15

1 SIGNAL SELECT indicators

Light to indicate the input signal you selected.

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

2 Program Format indicators

AC-3: Lights when a source with Dolby Digital

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

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

3 Analog level indicators

OVER – When the source signal is analog, this

lights if the signal is in danger of distorting. Press
INPUT ATT on the remote control to lower the
signal level.
ATT – Lights when INPUT ATT is used to reduce
the level of the analog source signal.

4 Speaker indicators

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

5 LOUDNESS indicator (See p.49)

Lights when the LOUDNESS mode is on.

6 H.P (headphones)

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

DSP

12

VOLUME

TAPE 2

13

dB

STEREO

10

11

PRO LOGIC

DIGITAL

14

7 MIDNIGHT indicator (See p.49)

Lights when the MIDNIGHT LISTENING mode
is on.

8 DSP indicator (See p.41-45, 47)

Light when a DSP or Advanced Theater mode
is selected.

9 STEREO indicator

Lights when a STEREO mode is selected.

10 Radio Frequency/Function indicator

Displays the function or the frequency of the
current radio station.

11 2/dts mode indicators

2 DIGITAL : When the 2 /dts mode on the

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

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

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

2/dts mode on the receiver is

on, this indicator lights to indicate playback of a
DTS signal.

12 MASTER VOLUME indication

Displays current volume level.

13 TAPE 2 indicator

Lights when the TAPE 2 monitor is on.

14 Character display

Shows current mode, status, etc.

15 Tuner indicators

MONO: Lights when the tuner is set to receive

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

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

AM).

PREPARATION

2

25

Displays & Controls

Remote Control

Î

S0URCE

DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2

CD

CLASS MPX

¶

TUNING

-

1¡4¢

DTV ON/OFF DTV MENU

123

456

789

GUIDE

+10

++

TV VOL

––

REMOTE SETUP

INPUT

ATT

SYSTEM SETUP

EFFECT/

CH SEL

DIGITAL

NR

MIDNIGHT

LIGHT

AV PRE-PROGRAMMED AND LEARNING

26

MULTI

SYSTEM

OPERATION

OFF

MULTI CONTROL

MD/

TUNER TVCONT

TAPE1

BAND

-

+

-

0

TV

TV CONTROL

TV FUNC

MENU

+

ENTER

–

MULTI CH

DSP

INPUT

ADVANCED

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

USE SETUP

RECEIVER

DIRECT ACCESS

873

STATION

+

CHANNEL

+

EXIT

ENTER

DISC

VOLUME

MUTE

FUNCTION

SIGNAL
SELECT

STEREO/

DIRECT

/

DTS

STANDARD

1 USE/SETUP slide switch

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

1

2

2 SOURCE button

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

3

MULTI OPERATION button

Use this button to start the MULTI OPERATION

4

mode. See page 71-72 for how to program and
use the MULTI OPERATION mode.

SYSTEM OFF button

This button turns off components in two ways.
First, when pressed it will turn off all PIONEER

5

components. Secondly, any component that
has programmed into the SYSTEM OFF
settings will also be turned off (see p.73).

For example : If you programmed power on for
your TV and VCR, pressing the SYSTEM OFF
button will turn off these components even if

76

they are not PIONEER products.

RECEIVER button

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

8

3 MULTI CONTROL buttons

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

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

9

tuner functions.

4 Component Control buttons

Use to control specific components, like a CD
player or DVD player, after you have
programmed the remote control to do these
operations (see pages 58-61) and the remote is
put in that operation mode.

5 Number buttons

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

6 TV CONTROL buttons

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

button – Press to turn the power of the

TV

TV on/off.

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

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

Displays & Controls

7 MASTER VOLUME buttons

Use to raise or lower the volume of the
receiver.

8 INPUT ATT button (when USE mode is

selected)

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

REMOTE SETUP button (when SETUP
mode is selected)

Use to customize the remote control functions
and the remote control itself. (See “Setting Up
the Remote Control to Control Other Compo­nents“ starting on p.58, “Multi Operations“
starting on p.71)

MENU button

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

MUTE button

Press to mute or restore the volume.

EFFECT/CH SEL (when USE mode is
selected) button (see memo on p.44)

EFFECT – Use these buttons to increase or

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

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

SYSTEM SET UP button (when SETUP
mode is selected)

Use to set up the speaker and sound systems.
For more information see “Setting up for
Surround Sound“ starting on p.29.

FUNCTION button

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

5(+)/∞(–)/2/3/ENTER buttons

Use to operate the on-screen menu on your TV
screen and enter commands when setting up
surround sound, speakers levels & settings,
and other set up features see p.28-40.
Specific use of these buttons is described in
conjunction with the operations they perform.
For more information see each individual
section.

DIGITAL NR button

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

48)

SIGNAL SELECT button

Press SIGNAL SELECT repeatedly to select one
of the following:

ANALOG – Analog signal.

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

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

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

9 MIDNIGHT button (See p.49)

Switches the MIDNIGHT mode on or off.

MULTI CH INPUT button (See p.40, 51)

Press to switch to MULTI CH IN mode.

DSP button (See p.41-45)

Press repeatedly to select a DSP sound mode.

STEREO/DIRECT button (See p.44 & 46)

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

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

LIGHT button

Press to light the remote control buttons.

/DTS buttons (See p.41-45)

Press these buttons to put the receiver in the
selected sound mode. For more information on
the sound modes see p.83.

PREPARATION

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P

Initial Set Up

On Screen Display

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

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

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

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

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

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

Switching video system between PAL and NTSC (if necessary)

This receiver is able to use two types of video systems for its OSD (on screen display) either PAL or NTSC. If
you don't match the system on the amplifier with your home system no OSD will appear on your TV. The

default setting is NTSC, which is the standard in North America. If you use this system you don't need to
make any settings here. People with multi-system TVs don’t need to worry about changing the setting either.

If necessary, follow the instructions below to switch the type of video system.

STANDBY/ON

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

STANDBY/ON

PHONES

DSP

STANDBY

MODE

SIGNAL SELECT ADVANCED STANDARD

VIDEO INPUT

S-VIDEO VIDEO

VSX-D909S

STEREO/

DIRECT

/DTS

MULTI CH

INPUT

L AUDIO R

SPEAKERS

LOUDNESS

TONE

- BASS +

CHANNEL

SELECT

Digital Signal

LOUDNESS

- TREBLE +

1 Put the receiver in the STANDBY mode.

2 While holding down the LOUDNESS button

press the STANDBY/ON button.

The video system type will change depending on the state the
receiver was previously in. The new type, either PAL or NTSC,
will appear in the display. It will be shown for about seven

DIGITAL

NR

seconds and then the receiver returns to normal operating
mode.

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

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

SIGNAL
SELECT

DIGITAL

A

SP

VOLUME

dB

When a PAL system is selected

SIGNAL
SELECT

DIGITAL

A

SP

VOLUME

dB

When a NTSC system is selected

memo

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

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