Pioneer VSX-LX51 User Manual

Operating Instructions

audio/video multi-channel receiver

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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.

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.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

IMPORTANT

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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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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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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This product complies with the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.

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WARNING

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., 230 V or 120 V) written on the rear panel.

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Before plugging in for the first time, read the following

section carefully.

Replacement and mounting of an AC plug on the power supply cord of this unit should be performed only by qualified service personnel.

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IMPORTANT: THE MOULDED PLUG

This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin mains plug for your safety and convenience. A 5 amp fuse is fitted in this plug. Should the fuse need to be replaced, please ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating of 5 amps and that it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.

Check for the ASTA mark or the BSI mark on the body of the fuse.

If the plug contains a removable fuse cover, you must ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced. If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used until a replacement cover is obtained. A replacement fuse cover can be obtained from your local dealer.

If the fitted moulded plug is unsuitable for your socket outlet, then the fuse shall be removed and the plug cut off and disposed of safely. There is a danger of severe electrical shock if the cut off plug is inserted into any 13 amp socket.

If a new plug is to be fitted, please observe the wiring code as shown below. If in any doubt, please consult a qualified electrician.

IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: Blue : Neutral Brown : Live As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows ;

The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.

How to replace the fuse: Open the fuse compartment with a screwdriver and replace the fuse.

CAUTION

The STANDBY/ON switch on this unit will not completely shut off all power from the AC outlet. Since the power cord serves as the main disconnect device for the unit, you will need to unplug it from the AC outlet to shut down all power. Therefore, make sure the unit has been installed so that the power cord can be easily unplugged from the AC outlet in case of an accident. To avoid fire hazard, the power cord should also be unplugged from the AC outlet when left unused for a long period of time (for example, when on vacation).

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If the AC plug of this unit does not match the AC outlet you want to use, the plug must be removed and appropriate one fitted. Replacement and mounting of an AC plug on the power supply cord of this unit should be performed only by qualified service personnel. If connected to an AC outlet, the cut-off plug can cause severe electrical shock. Make sure it is properly disposed of after removal. The equipment should be disconnected by removing the mains plug from the wall socket when left unused for a long period of time (for example, when on vacation).

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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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Operating Environment

Operating environment temperature and humidity: +5 ºC to +35 ºC (+41 ºF to +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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If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.

Private households in the member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their used electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one).

For countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for the correct method of disposal.

By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

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Contents

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.

01 Before you start

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Checking what’s in the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Loading the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

02 5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Listening to Surround Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Automatically setting up for surround sound

(Auto MCACC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup . . . . 10

Playing a source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Better sound using Phase Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

03 Connecting your equipment

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

When making cable connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

About the video converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Connecting using HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

About HDMI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Connecting your TV and DVD player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting your Blu-ray disc player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting a satellite/cable receiver

or other set-top box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR

and other video sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Using the component video jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting digital audio sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

About the WMA9 Pro decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connecting analog audio sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connecting a component to the front

panel inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Installing your speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connecting the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Placing the speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

THX speaker system setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Connecting antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Connecting external antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Plugging in the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

04 Controls and displays

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Operating range of remote control unit . . . . . . . . . . 25

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

Remote control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

05 Listening to your system

Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Listening in surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Standard surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using the Home THX modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using the Advanced surround effects . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Listening in stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using Front Stage Surround Advance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using Stream Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Selecting MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Choosing the input signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using surround back channel processing . . . . . . . . . 33

Using the Virtual Surround Back mode . . . . . . . . . . 33

Using the genre synchronizing function. . . . . . . . . . . 34

06 Using the tuner

Listening to the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Improving FM stereo sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using Neural THX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Saving station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Naming station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Listening to station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

An introduction to RDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Searching for RDS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Using EON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

07 The System Setup menu

Making receiver settings from the System

Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Automatic MCACC (Expert) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Surround back speaker setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Manual MCACC setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Fine Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Fine Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Standing Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Acoustic Calibration EQ Adjust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Acoustic Calibration EQ Professional. . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Manual speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Speaker Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

X-Curve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

THX Audio Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

08 Other connections

Connecting an iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Connecting your iPod to the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

iPod playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Connecting your USB device to the receiver . . . . . . 53

Basic playback controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Compressed audio compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Connecting the multichannel analog inputs. . . . . . . . 55

Selecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . . . . . . 55

Speaker B setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Switching the speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Bi-amping your front speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Bi-wiring your speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Connecting additional amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

MULTI-ZONE listening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Making MULTI-ZONE connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Using the MULTI-ZONE controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Connecting an IR receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Switching components on and off

using the 12 volt trigger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Using this receiver with a Pioneer flat screen TV . . . . 60

Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer

flat screen TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Connecting a PC for Advanced MCACC output . . . . . 62

Advanced MCACC output using your PC . . . . . . . . . 62

09 HDMI Control

Making the HDMI Control connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Setting the HDMI options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Setting the HDMI Control mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Before using synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Synchronized amp mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Synchronized amp mode operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Canceling synchronized amp mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

About HDMI Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

10 Other Settings

The Input Setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Input function default and possible settings . . . . . . 66

The Other Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Multi Channel Input Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

ZONE Audio Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

SR+ Setup for Pioneer flat screen TVs . . . . . . . . . . . 68

OSD Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

11 Using other functions

Setting the Audio options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Setting the Video options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Making an audio or a video recording. . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Reducing the level of an analog signal . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Using the sleep timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Dimming the display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Switching the speaker impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Checking your system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Resetting the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Default system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

12 Controlling the rest of your system

Setting the remote to control other components. . . . 74

Selecting preset codes directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Preset code list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Controls for TVs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Controls for other components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Operating other Pioneer components

with this receiver’s sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

13 Additional information

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

Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

No sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Other audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Professional Calibration EQ graphical output . . . . . 82

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Important information regarding the HDMI

connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Surround sound formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Dolby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

DTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Windows Media Audio 9 Professional . . . . . . . . . . . 87

About THX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

About Neural – THX Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Listening modes with different input

signal formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Stream direct with different input signal formats . . . 94

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

Cleaning the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Before you start

Chapter 1:

Before you start

Features

• Advanced Direct Energy design

This receiver offers a new advancement in discrete design unique to Pioneer for high-power drivability, low distortion and stable imaging. Through a circuit design that minimizes the energy loss of the amplifier for each of the channels, this receiver generates equal amplifier power to all channels, eliminating the possibility of one channel dominating a particular sound field.

• Easy setup using Advanced MCACC

The Auto MCACC Setup provides a quick but accurate surround sound setup, which includes the advanced features of Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ. This innovative technology measures the reverb characteristics of your listening area, allowing you to customize your system calibration with the help of a graphical output that can be displayed on-screen or using computer. With the additional benefits of numerous MCACC preset memories, standing wave control and microphone measurements from a series of reference points, your home theater experience can be truly customized for optimal surround sound.

• THX Select2 Plus certified design

This receiver bears the THX Select2 Plus logo, which means it has passed a rigorous series of quality and performance tests covering every aspect of the product. This includes testing of pre-amplifier and power amplifier performance and operation, and hundreds of other parameters in both the digital and analog domain, making your home theater experience as faithful as possible to what the director intended.

• Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, including Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS 96/24, DTS-ES, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-EXPRESS and DTS-HD Master Audio

Dolby Digital and DTS decoding brings theater sound right into your home with up to six channels of surround sound, including a special LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel for deep, realistic sound effects.

The built-in Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo:6 decoders not only provide full surround sound decoding for Dolby Surround sources, but will also generate convincing surround sound for any stereo source.

Also, with the addition of a surround back speaker, you can take advantage of the built-in Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES decoders for six-channel surround sound.

Furthermore, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD, which are designed for the next-generation highdefinition media such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD, support up to 7.1 channels and 8 channels respectively.

DTS-EXPRESS is a low-bitrate encoding technology supporting up to 5.1 channels, with fixed data transfer rates ranging from 24 kbps to 256 kbps (this encoding is available only when signals are delivered to this receiver as primary audio).

DTS-HD Master Audio delivers audio signals to listeners without any loss of data with its high transfer rates.

• Phase Control

The Phase Control technology incorporated into this receiver’s design provides coherent sound reproduction through the use of phase matching for an optimal sound image at your listening position.

• Sound Retriever

The Sound Retriever feature employs DSP technology that helps bring CD quality sound back to WMA, MP3 and MPEG-4 AAC audio files by restoring sound pressure and smoothing jagged artifacts left over after compression.

• Front Stage Surround Advance

With the Front Stage Surround Advance feature, you can enjoy seamless, natural surround sound effects using only the front speakers, without deteriorating the quality of the original sound.

• Auto Level Control

When the source is played in Auto level control stereo mode (A.L.C.), this receiver automatically equalizes the playback sound level according to the variation in recording levels between music sources recorded in the portable audio player.

• HDMI and digital video conversion

This receiver is compatible with the HDMI digital video format, providing you with high-definition digital video/ audio via a single cable.

High-quality sound formats such as DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD are supported while this receiver is also compatible with the DeepColor feature. You can operate this receiver in synchronization with your Pioneer component that supports the HDMI Control function by connecting your component to this receiver via HDMI. Also, the built-in digital video converter of this receiver makes both de-interlacing and up-scaling possible, and analog video signals being input are converted and output as digital video signals at the HDMI terminal.

Before you start

• iPod and USB Ready

This receiver has the terminals for connecting an iPod unit and a USB mass storage device.

The iPod terminal is ready for handling digital audio, and this receiver’s enhanced compatibility makes on-screen control of your iPod an added possibility.

The USB terminal allows you to listen to two-channel audio from a USB mass storage device connected to this receiver.

Checking what’s in the box

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

• Setup microphone (cable: 5 m)

• Remote control unit

• AA/IEC R6P dry cell batteries x2

•AM loop antenna

•FM wire antenna

• Warranty card

• These operating instructions

Installing the receiver

• When installing this receiver, 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)

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.

• WARNING Do not use or store batteries in direct sunlight or other excessively hot place, such as inside a car or near a heater. This can cause batteries to leak, overheat, explode or catch fire. It can also reduce the life or performance of batteries.

Note

Center (C)

Front Right (R)

Surround Right (SR)

Surround Back Right (SBR)

Surround Back Left (SBL)

Surround

Left (SL)

Listening

position

Front

Left (L)

Subwoofer (SW)

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 Listening to your system on page 29.

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 Placing the speakers on page 21 for more on this.

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 receiver to an AC power source.

1 Connect your TV and DVD player.

See Connecting your TV and DVD player on page 16 to do 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 Installing your speaker system on page 20.

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

Plug the power cable into the AC outlet and switch on the receiver.

to this receiver. Check the manual that came with the TV if you don’t know how to do this.

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

See Automatically setting up for surround sound (Auto MCACC) on page 9 for more on this.

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

Make sure that DVD is showing in the receiver’s display, indicating that the DVD input is selected. If it isn’t, press DVD on the remote control to set the receiver to the DVD input.

In addition to the basic playback explained in Playing a source on page 10, there are several other sound options you can select. See Listening to your system on page 29 for more on this.

See also Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu on page 38 for more setup options.

Make sure you’ve set the video input on your TV

• Set the subwoofer volume to a comfortable level.

1 After this receiver is connected to an AC outlet, a 15-second HDMI initialization process begins. You cannot carry out any operations during this process. The HDMI indicator in the front panel display blinks during this process, and you can turn on this receiver once it has stopped blinking. When you set the HDMI Control mode to OFF, you can skip this process. For details about the HDMI Control feature, see HDMI Control on page 63.

5 minute guide

DVD BD TV HDMI

DVR 1 DVR 2 CD CD-R

FM/AM

iPod USB

RECEIVER

SOURCE

RECEIVER

MENU T.EDIT

TOP MENU

RETURN

iPod CTRL

SETUP

EXIT TOOLS

PTY SEARCH

AUDIO

PARAMETER

ENTER

TUNE

STST

TUNE

VIDEO

PARAMETER

ENTER

RETURN

SETUP

ENTER

TV CTRL

MAIN

ZONE 2

DTV/TV

AUDIO

DISPLAY

EON MPX

SIGNAL SEL

RECEIVERRECEIVER

Note

MCACC

SETUP MIC

Automatically setting up for surround sound (Auto 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 Playing a source on page 10.

• Push down on the PUSH OPEN tab to access the MCACC SETUP MIC jack:

AUTO SURR/

HOME

STANDARD

ADVANCED

STREAM DIRECT

PHONES

MULTI-ZONE

STEREO/

THX

SURROUND

A.L.C.

ST –SPEAKERSON/OFFCONTROL

VIDEO INPUT

MCACC

iPod DIRECT

DIGITAL INAUDIO RLVIDEO

SETUP MIC

USB

The Auto MCACC display appears once the microphone is connected.

1.Auto MCACC Surround Back System

[ Normal ] Save SYMMETRY to

[ M1.MEMORY 1 ]

START

ENTER:Start

:Cancel

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 and the iPod USB function should not be selected as an input source.

Caution

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

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.

3 Make sure ‘

, press

preset

Normal

RECEIVER

’ is selected,2 select an MCACC

and then select

START4.

4 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.

5 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.

If no operations are performed for 10 seconds while the speaker configuration check screen is being displayed, the Auto MCACC Setup will resume automatically. In this case, you don’t need to select ‘OK’ and press ENTER in step 6.

1 • You can’t use the System Setup menu in either the main or sub zone when the iPod USB input source is selected. When you set ZONE 2 to ON (page 58), you can’t use the System Setup menu.

• If you cancel the Auto MCACC Setup, or leave an error message for over three minutes, the screen saver will appear.

2 • If you are planning on bi-amping your front speakers, or setting up a separate speaker system in another room, read through Surround back speaker setting on page 41 and make sure to connect your speakers as necessary before continuing to step 4.

• If you have THX-certified speakers, select CUSTOM and choose YES for the THX Speaker setting.

3 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 Data Management on page 46). 4 Note that correction curves are saved only when set to SYMMETRY. Select CUSTOM to save other correction curves (such as ALL CH ADJUST and FRONT ALIGN). See Automatic MCACC (Expert) on page 38 for more on this. 5 Do not adjust the volume during the test tones. This may result in incorrect speaker settings.

Note

1.Auto MCACC Now Analyzing… (2/9)

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

:Cancel

1.Auto MCACC CHECK! Front [ YES ]

Center [ YES ] Surr [ YES ] SB [ YES x 2 ] SW [ YES ]

OK 10

:Cancel

DVD BD TV HDMI

DVR 1 DVR 2 CD CD-R

DIMMER

FM/AM

123

SLEEPMCACC

INPUT

SELECT

GENRE

iPod USB

RECEIVER

SOURCE

1212

DVD BD TV HDMI

DVR 1 DVR 2 CD CD-R

FM/AM iPod USB

RECEIVER

INPUT

SELECT

INPUT

MUTE

EXIT TOOLS

AUDIO

PARAMETER

VOLCH

TV CONTROL

456

A.ATTSBchSR+

789

CLASS

MASTER VOLUME

CH LEVELD.ACCESS

ENTER

TUNE

VIDEO

PARAMETER

MASTER VOLUME

RETURN

iPod CTRL

SETUP

PTY SEARCH

AUTO/ DIRECT

THX STATUS PHASE

HDD

STEREO/

A.L.C.

DVD

STANDARD

BD MENU ADV SURR

DTV/TV

AUDIO

DISPLAY

EON MPX

SIGNAL SEL

TUNE

AUTO/ DIRECT

HDD

5 minute guide

• With error messages (such as Too much ambient noise! or Check Microphone.) select RETRY after

checking for ambient noise (see Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup below) and verifying the

mic connection. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply select GO NEXT and continue.

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.

6 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, Standing Wave and Acoustic Cal EQ.

Again, try to be as quiet as possible while this is happening. It may take 3 to 7 minutes.

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

RETURN

Be sure to disconnect the microphone from this receiver upon completion of the Auto MCACC setup.

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 38).

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 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, 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.

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  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, INPUT SELECT, or the front panel controls.

3 Press DIRECT

AUTO/DIRECT (AUTO SURR/STREAM

) to select ‘

AUTO SURROUND

playback of the source.

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

and subwoofer (if you

’ and start

1 If you’re using the front panel display, the diagram in Listening to Surround Sound on page 8 indicates (in bold) how each speaker is displayed. 2 You can also choose to view the settings from the MCACC Data Check screen. See Automatic MCACC (Expert) on page 38 for more on this. 3 • Depending on the characteristics of your room, sometimes identical speakers with cone sizes of around 12 cm will end up with different size settings. You can correct the setting manually using the Manual speaker setup on page 47.

• 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.

• If Auto MCACC Setup measurement results are incorrect due to the interaction of the speakers and viewing environment, we recommend adjusting

the settings manually. 4 Make sure that the TV’s video input is set to this receiver (for example, if you connected this receiver to the VIDEO 1 jacks on you r TV, make s ure th at the VIDEO 1 input is now selected).

5 If you need to manually switch the input signal type press SIGNAL SEL (page 32). 6 • 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 kHz / 96 kHz 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 Listening in surround sound on page 29 if you need to do this) if you want multichannel surround sound.

5 minute guide

Front speaker

Subwoofer

Sound

source

Sound muffled due to a delay in time

Listening

position

Note

Front speaker

Subwoofer

Sound

source

Original sound preserved with no loss of clarity

Listening

position

THX STATUS PHASE

TV CTRL

DTV/TV

AUDIO

DISPLAY

EON MPX

SIGNAL SEL

RECEIVER

PHASE

RECEIVER

•See also Listening to your system on page 29 for

information on different ways of listening to sources.

It is possible to check on the display whether or not multichannel playback is being performed properly.

When using a surround back speaker, 2D+PL IIx MOVIE is displayed when playing Dolby Digital signals, and DTS+Neo:6 is displayed when playing DTS 5.1channel signals.

When not using a surround back speaker, DOLBY

DIGITAL is displayed when playing Dolby Digital signals.

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.

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).

During multichannel playback, LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) signals as well as low-frequency signals in each channel are assigned to the subwoofer or other the subwoofer and the most appropriate speaker. At least in theory, however, this type of processing involves a group delay that varies with frequency, resulting in phase distortion where the low-frequency sound is delayed or muffled by the conflict with other channels. With the Phase Control mode switched on, this receiver can reproduce powerful bass sound without deteriorating the quality of the original sound (see illustration below).

Phase Control ON

• Rhythms with crystal-like clarity

• Bass sound with no loss of depth

• Sound of musical instruments with superb reality

Phase Control technology provides coherent sound

reproduction through the use of phase matching

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

•Press CONTROL

RECEIVER

, then press

PHASE (PHASE

) to switch on phase correction.

The PHASE CONTROL indicator on the front panel lights.

Phase Control OFF

• Rhythms blurred and difficult to hear

• Bass sound with loss of depth

• Sound of musical instruments with no reality

1 • 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.

• The PHASE CONTROL feature is available even when the headphones are plugged in.

• If your subwoofer has a phase control switch, set it to the plus (+) sign (or 0°). However, the effect you can actually feel when PHASE CONTROL is set

to ON on this receiver depends on the type of your subwoofer. Set your subwoofer to maximize the effect. It is also recommended you try changing the orientation or the place of your subwoofer.

• Set the built-in lowpass filter switch of your subwoofer to OFF. If this cannot be done on your subwoofer, set the cutoff frequency to a higher value.

• If the speaker distance is not properly set, you may not have a maximized PHASE CONTROL effect.

• The PHASE CONTROL mode cannot be set to ON in the following cases: – When the PURE DIRECT mode is switched on. – When the HDMI audio output parameter is set to THROUGH in Setting the Audio options on page 69.

DIGITAL

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

OPTICAL

RS-232C

MULTI CH IN

SPEAKERS

CD CD-R

ANTENNA

PRE OUT

DVD TV SAT DVR1

CON- TROL

ZONE2

12 V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

COAXIAL

HDMI

OUT

BD IN

1 -

ASSIGNABLE

21 -

(DVR2)

(DVR1)

(TV SAT)

S- VIDEO

AUDIO

IN IN

IN IN IN

INOUT

OUT

DVR2 ZONE 2

INOUT

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

FM UNBAL 75

COMPONENT VIDEO

OUT

OUT OUT

FRONT CENTER

FRONT

FRONT CENTER SURROUND SURROUND BACK /

RLRLR L

(Single)

CENTER

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

SUBWOOFER

SURROUND SURROUND BACK

(Single)

VIDEO

(DVD)

IN2IN3IN

(CD)

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

31 -

AM LOOP

SELECTABLE SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SELECTABLE VOIR LE MODE D'EMPLOI

1 2

11 12 13

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

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 HDMI connectors (x4)

Three inputs and one output for high-quality audio/video connection to compatible HDMI devices.  See Connecting using HDMI on page 15.

2 Coaxial digital audio inputs (x2)

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

 See also The Input Setup menu on page 65 to assign the inputs.

3 Optical digital audio output/input(s) (x4)

Use the OUT jack for recording to a CD or MiniDisc recorder.  See Connecting digital audio sources on page 18.

Use the IN jacks for digital audio sources, including DVD players/recorders, digital satellite receivers, CD players, etc.  See also The Input Setup menu on page 65 to assign the inputs.

4 RS-232C connector

Use for connection to a PC for graphical output when using Advanced MCACC.  See Connecting a PC for Advanced MCACC output on page 62.

5 Control input/output

Use to connect other Pioneer components so that you can control all your equipment from a single IR remote sensor.

 See Operating other Pioneer components with this receiver’s sensor on page 77.

6 Remote input/output (

MULTI-ZONE

)

Use for connection to an external remote control sensor for use in a MULTI-ZONE setup, for example.  See Connecting an IR receiver on page 59.

7 12 V trigger jacks

(total 50 mA max.)

(x2)

Use to switch components in your system on and off according to the input function of the receiver.

 See Switching components on and off using the 12 volt trigger on page 60.

8 Audio/video source inputs/(outputs) (x6)

Use for connection to audio/visual sources, such as DVD players/recorders, VCRs, etc. Each set of inputs has jacks for composite video, S-Video and stereo analog audio.  See Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other video sources on page 17.

9 Multichannel analog audio inputs

7.1 channel inputs for connection to a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs.  See Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 55.

Connecting your equipment

10 Speaker terminals

Use for connection to the main front, center, surround and surround back speakers.  See Installing your speaker system on page 20.

11 Composite and S-Video monitor outputs

Use to connect monitors and TVs.  See Connecting your TV and DVD player on page 16.

ZONE 2

audio/video outputs

Use to connect a second receiver in a separate room.  See MULTI-ZONE listening on page 57.

13 Component video connections (x4)

Use the inputs to connect any video source that has component video output, such as a DVD recorder. Use the output for connection to a monitor or TV.  See Using the component video jacks on page 18.

14 Stereo analog audio source inputs/(outputs) (x3)

Use for connection to audio sources such as CD players, tape decks, turntables, etc.  See Connecting analog audio sources on page 19.

15 Multichannel pre-amplifier outputs

Use to connect separate amplifiers for front, center, surround, surround back and subwoofer channels.  See Connecting additional amplifiers on page 57 (see also Installing your speaker system on page 20 for powered subwoofer connection).

16 AM and FM antenna terminals

Use to connect indoor or outdoor antennas for radio broadcasts.  See Connecting antennas on page 22.

Note

High picture quality

Terminal for connection

with source device

Terminal for connection

with TV monitor

Video signals can be output

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

Connecting your equipment

When making cable connections

• To avoid hum, do not lay connected cables over the top of the receiver.

• When connecting optical cables, be careful when inserting the plug not to damage the shutter protecting the optical socket.

• When storing optical cable, coil loosely. The cable may be damaged if bent around sharp corners.

About the video converter

The video converter ensures that all video sources are output through all of the MONITOR VIDEO OUT jacks. The only exception is HDMI: since this resolution cannot be downsampled, you must connect your monitor/TV to the receiver’s HDMI video outputs when connecting this

video source.

If several video components are assigned to the same input function (see The Input Setup menu on page 65), the converter gives priority to HDMI, component, SVideo, then composite (in that order).

HDMI IN

COMPONENT VIDEO IN

S-VIDEO IN

HDMI OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

S-VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

1 • If the video signal does not appear on your TV or flat screen TV, 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, try switching Digital Video Conversion (in Setting the Video options on page 70) OFF.

• The ZONE 2 video input can also be converted. For details, see Setting the Video options on page 70.

VIDEO IN

VIDEO

MONITOR OUT

• For optimal video performance, THX recommends

switching Digital Video Conversion (in Setting the Video options on page 70) OFF.

Connecting your equipment

Note

HDMI

OUT

HDMI OUT

HDMI IN

VSX-LX51

HDMI/DVI-equipped component

HDMI/DVI-compatible monitor or flat screen TV

Connecting using HDMI

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

commercially 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, SACD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio (see below for limitations), Video CD/Super VCD, CD and MP3. See About the video converter on page 14 for more on HDMI compatibility.

HDMI

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

OUT

(DVD)

(CD)

BD IN

OPTICAL

(TV SAT)

(DVR1)

(DVR2)

ASSIGN-

ABLE

21 -

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

1 -

DIGITAL

1 Use an HDMI cable to connect one of the interconnects on this receiver to an HDMI output on your HDMI component.

The HDMI indicator lights on the front panel when an HDMI-equipped component is connected.

21 -

RS-232C

CONTROL

OUT

ZONE2

OUT

12V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

S-

IN IN

VIDEO

DVD TV SAT DV R1

AUDIO

MULTI CH IN

FRONT CENTER

SUBWOOFER

OUT

SURROUND

INOUT

OUT

SPE

SURROUND BACK

HDMI IN

2 Use an HDMI cable to connect the

HDMI OUT interconnect on this receiver to an HDMI interconnect on an HDMI-compatible monitor.

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

3Use the input you’ve connected to (for example,

INPUT SELECT

button to select the HDMI

HDMI 2

You can also perform the same operation by using the

INPUT SELECTOR dial on the front panel or by pressing HDMI on the remote control repeatedly.

• Set the HDMI parameter in Setting the Audio options on page 69 to THROUGH if you want to hear HDMI audio output from your T V or fla t screen TV (no sou nd will be heard from this receiver).

• If the video signal does not appear on your TV or flat screen TV, 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 video connection.

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

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, one connector (instead of several cables and connectors), and communication between the AV source and AV devices such as DTVs.

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

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HDMI) to do so. A DVI connection, however, does not support audio signals. Consult your local audio dealer for more information.

• If you connect a component that is not compatible with HDCP, an HDCP ERROR message is displayed on the front panel display. Some components

that are compatible with HDCP still cause this message to be displayed, but so long as there is no problem with displaying video this is not a malfunction.

• Depending on the component you have connected, using a DVI connection may result in unreliable signal transfers.

• This receiver supports SACD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. To take advantage of these formats, however, make sure

that the component connected to this receiver also supports the corresponding format.

DIGITAL

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

OPTICAL

RS-232C

MULTI CH IN

SPEAKERS

DVD TV SAT DV R1

CONTROL

ZONE2

12V TRIGGER

HDMI

OUT

BD IN

1 -

21 -

(DVR2)

(DVR1)

(TV SAT)

AUDIO

IN INININOUT

OUT

DVR2 ZON

INOUT

MONITOR

OUT

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

VIDEO

(DVD)

(CD)

OUT

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

21 -

(OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SVIDEO

MONITOR

OUT

DVD

AUDIO

VIDEO

(DVR1)

(DVD)

SVIDEO

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

VIDEOINS-VIDEO

AUDIO LR

ANALOG OUT

DIGITAL OUT

COAXIAL

OPTICAL S-VIDEO

VIDEO OUT

2 4

VSX-LX51

DVD player

Note

VSX-LX51

Blu-ray disc player

Connecting your equipment

Connecting your TV and DVD player

3 Connect a coaxial-type1 digital audio output on your DVD player to the

COAXIAL IN 1 (DVD

) input.

Use a coaxial cable designed for digital audio.

4 Connect the stereo audio outputs on your DVD player to the

DVD AUDIO

inputs.

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack cable.

• If your DVD player has multichannel analog outputs,

you can connect these instead. See also Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 55.

Connecting your Blu-ray disc player

21 -

CONTROL

12V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

RS-232C

ZONE2

OUT

S-

IN IN

VIDEO

DVD TV SAT DV R1

AUDIO

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

CENTER

SUBWOOFER

OUT

SURROUND

INOUT

SURROUND BACK

DVR2 ZON

OUT

SPEAKERS

ASSIGN-

HDMI

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

OUT

(DVD)

(CD)

BD IN

OPTICAL

(TV SAT)

(DVR1)

(DVR2)

ABLE

21 -

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

1 -

DIGITAL

HDMI OUT

The diagram shows a basic setup of this receiver together with a Blu-ray disc player, with HDMI connections. If your

The diagram shows a basic setup of this receiver together with a TV and DVD player, with S-Video or composite video connections. Different TVs and DVD players may offer alternative connections. See also Using the component video jacks on page 18 if your TV and/or DVD player has component video inputs/outputs. If your DVD player offers multichannel analog audio outputs, see Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 55.

1 Connect the input on your TV.

Use a standard RCA/phono jack video cable to connect to the composite video jack, or for higher quality video, use an S-Video cable to connect to the S-Video jack.

2 Connect a composite or S-Video output on your DVD player to the

Connect using a standard video cable or an S-Video cable.

1 If your DVD player only has an optical digital output, you can connect it to one of the optical inputs on this receiver using an optical cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the player to (see The Input Setup menu on page 65).

MONITOR OUT

DVD VIDEO

video jack to a video

DVD S-VIDEO

input.

Blu-ray disc player offers multi-channel analog audio outputs, see Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 55.

• Connect an player to the

HDMI

BD HDMI

output on your Blu-ray disc

input.

Connect using an HDMI cable.

MONITOR

OUT

INOUT

FRONT

Connecting your equipment

Note

(CD)

(TV SAT)

TV SAT

OPTICAL

AUDIO

VIDEO

COAXIAL

SVIDEO

DIGITAL OUT

AV OUT

VIDEO S-VIDEOAUDIO LR

VSX-LX51

STB

DVR1

(DVR1)

INOUT

OUT

(CD)

SVIDEO

AUDIO

VIDEO

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

AV IN

VIDEOAUDIO LR

AV OUT

S-VIDEO AUDIO

VIDEO S-VIDEO

OPTICALCOAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

1 23

VSX-LX51

DVR, VCR, etc.

Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or other set-top box

Satellite and cable receivers, and terrestrial digital TV tuners are all examples of so-called ‘set-top boxes’.

INOUT

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

INOUT

DVR2 ZON

FRONT

SPEAKERS

ASSIGN-

21 -

RS-232C

CONTROL

OUT

ZONE2

OUT

12V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

S-

IN IN

VIDEO

DVD TV SAT DV R1

AUDIO

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

CENTER

SUBWOOFER

SURROUND

OUT

SURROUND BACK

HDMI

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

OUT

(DVD)

(CD)

BD IN

OPTICAL

(TV SAT)

(DVR1)

(DVR2)

ABLE

21 -

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

1 -

DIGITAL

Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other video sources

This receiver has two sets of audio/video inputs and outputs suitable for connecting analog or digital video devices, including DVD/HDD recorders and VCRs.

MONITOR

INOUT

DVR2 ZON

OUT

SPEAKERS

OUT

FRONT

ASSIGN-

21 -

RS-232C

CONTROL

ZONE2

12V TRIGGER

(OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

OUT

S-

IN INININOUT

VIDEO

DVD TV SAT DV R1

AUDIO

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

CENTER

SUBWOOFER

OUT

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

HDMI

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

OUT

(DVD)

(CD)

BD IN

OPTICAL

(TV SAT)

(DVR1)

(DVR2)

ABLE

21 -

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

1 -

DIGITAL

1 Connect the audio/video outputs on the set-top box to the

TV SAT AUDIO

and

VIDEO

inputs.

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack cable and a video or S-Video cable.

2 Connect an optical-type1 digital audio output from your set-top box to the

Use an optical cable for the connection.

OPTICAL IN 1 (TV SAT

) input.

1 Connect the audio/video outputs of the video player/recorder to the

Use a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable for the audio

connection and a video or S-Video cable for the video

DVR1 AUDIO

and

connection.

• For a second recorder, use the DVR2 IN inputs.

2 If the device can record, connect the and

VIDEO

outputs to the recorder’s audio/video

inputs.

Use a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable for the audio connection and a video or S-Video cable for the video connection.

• For a second recorder, use the DVR2 OUT outputs.

1 If your set-top box only has a coaxial digital output, you can connect it to one of the coaxial inputs on this receiver using a coaxial digital audio cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the set-top box to (see The Input Setup menu on page 65). 2 If your satellite/cable receiver doesn’t have a digital audio output, you can skip this step.

VIDEO

inputs.

DVR1 AUDIO

Note

SPEAKERS

CD CD-R

ANTENNA

PRE OUT

DVR1

IN IN IN

INOUT

OUT

DVR2 ZONE 2

INOUT

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

FM UNBAL 75

COMPONENT VIDEO

OUT

OUT OUT

FRONT CENTER

FRONT CENTER SURROUND SURROUND BACK /

RLRLR

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

SURROUND SURROUND BACK

(Single)

1IN2IN3

ASSIGNABLE

31 -

AM LOOP

SELECTABLE SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SELECTABLE VOIR LE MODE D'EMPLOI

(Single)

SUBWOOFER

MONITOR

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

COMPONENT

VIDEO

COMPONENT

VIDEO

DVD player

VSX-LX51

DIGITAL

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

OPTICAL

RS-232C

MULTI CH IN

SPEAKERS

DVD TV SAT DV R1

CONTROL

ZONE2

12V TRIGGER

HDMI

OUT

BD IN

1 -

21 -

(DVR2)

(DVR1)

(TV SAT)

AUDIO

IN INININOUT

OUT

DVR2

INOUT

OUT

FRONT

CENTER

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

VIDEO

(DVD)

(CD)

OUT

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

21 -

(OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SUBWOOFER

SVIDEO

OUT

(DVR2)

(CD)

OPTICAL

COAXIAL

OPTICAL COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

OPTICAL

DIGITAL IN

VSX-LX51

CD-R, MD,

DAT, etc.

Connecting your equipment

3 If the device can output digital audio, connect an

optical-type the

OPTICAL IN 2 (DVR1

Use an optical cable for the connection.

digital audio output from the recorder to

) input.

• For a second recorder, use the OPTICAL IN 3 (DVR2)

inputs.

Using the component video jacks

Component video should give superior picture quality when compared to composite or S-Video. You can also take advantage of progressive scan video (if your source and TV are both compatible), which delivers a very stable, flicker-free picture. See the manuals that came with your TV and source component to check whether they are compatible with progressive-scan video.

1 Connect the component video outputs of your source to a set of

ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO

inputs.

Connect using a three-way component video cable.

• Since they are assignable, it doesn’t matter which component video inputs you use for which source. After connecting everything, you’ll need to assign the component video inputs—see The Input Setup menu on page 65.

2 Connect the

COMPONENT VIDEO MONITOR OUT jacks to the component video inputs on your TV or monitor.

Use a three-way component video cable.

Connecting digital audio sources

This receiver has both digital inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect digital audio components for playback and for making digital recordings.

Most digital components also have analog connections. See Connecting analog audio sources on page 19 if you want to connect these too.

1 • In order to record, you must connect the analog audio cables (the digital connection is for playback only).

2 If your recorder only has a coaxial digital output, you can connect it to one of the coaxial inputs on this receiver using a coaxial digital audio cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the recorder to (see also The Input Setup menu on page 65).

• If your video component doesn’t have a digital audio output, you can skip this step.

Connecting your equipment

Note

SPEAKERS

CD CD-R

ANTENNA

PRE OUT

DVR1

IN IN IN

INOUT

OUT

DVR2 ZONE 2

INOUT

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

FM UNBAL 75

COMPONENT VIDEO

OUT

OUT OUT

FRONT CENTER

FRONT CENTER SURROUND SURROUND BACK /

RLRLR

SURROUND BACK

SURROUND SURROUND BACK

(Single)

1IN2IN3

ASSIGNABLE

31 -

AM LOOP

SELECTABLE SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SELECTABLE VOIR LE MODE D'EMPLOI

(Single)

SUBWOOFER

CD-R

OUT

PLAY

OUT

REC

R L

AUDIO IN/OUT

VSX-LX51

Tape deck, etc.

iPod DIRECT

USB

DIGITAL INAU DIO RLVIDEO

VIDEO INPUT

VIDEO OUTPUT

DIGITAL OUT

PUSH OPEN

MCACC

SETUP MICDIGITAL INAUDIO RLVIDEO

VIDEO INPUT

iPod DIRECT

USB

TV game, video camera, etc.

1 Connect a coaxial-type1 digital audio output on your digital component to the

COAXIAL IN 2 (CD

)

input.

Use a coaxial cable for the connection.

2 For recording equipment, connect the optical-type DIGITAL

Use an optical cable to connect to the OPTICAL OUT.

output to a digital input on the recorder.

About the WMA9 Pro decoder

This receiver has an on-board Windows Media™ Audio 9 Professional

playback WMA9 Pro-encoded audio using a coaxial or optical digital connection when connected to a WMA9 Pro-compatible player. However, the connected PC, DVD player, set-top box, etc. must be able to output WMA9 Pro format audio signals through a coaxial or optical digital output.

(WMA9 Pro) decoder, so it is possible to

Connecting analog audio sources

This receiver features two stereo audio-only inputs. One of these inputs (CD-R) has corresponding outputs for use with audio recorders.

• Connect the analog audio outputs of the source component to one of the

AUDIO

inputs.

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable.

• If you’re connecting a tape deck, MD recorder, etc.,

connect the analog audio outputs (OUT) to the analog audio inputs on the recorder.

Connecting a component to the front panel inputs

The front panel inputs comprise a composite video jack (VIDEO), stereo analog audio inputs (AUDIO L/R) and an optical digital audio input (DIGITAL IN). You can use these connections for any kind of audio/video component, but they are especially convenient for portable equipment such as camcorders, video games and portable audio/video equipment.

• Push down on the PUSH OPEN tab to access the

front video connections.

AUTO SURR/

HOME

STANDARD

ADVANCED

SURROUND

STEREO/

A.L.C.

ST –SPEAKERSON/OFFCONTROL

VIDEO INPUT

MCACC

iPod DIRECT

DIGITAL INAU DIO RLVIDEO

SETUP MIC

USB

STREAM DIRECT

PHONES

THX

MULTI-ZONE

1 • I f your digit al com ponen t only has an optical digital output, you can connect it to one of the optical inputs on this receiver using an optical cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the component to (see also The Input Setup menu on page 65).

• The digital outputs from other components can be connected to any spare digital audio inputs on this receiver. You can assign them when setting up

the receiver (see also The Input Setup menu on page 65). 2 In order to record some digital sources, you must make analog connections as explained in Connecting analog audio sources below. 3• Windows Media and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

• With WMA9 Pro, sound problems may occur depending on your computer system. Note that WMA9 Pro 96 kHz sources will be downsampled to 48 kHz.

• Select these inputs by pressing VIDEO or using INPUT SELECT (remote) to select VIDEO.

Note

DIGITAL

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGN-

ABLE

OPTICAL

RS-232C

MULTI CH IN

SPEAKERS

CD CD-R

ANTENNA

PRE OUT

DVD TV SAT DVR1

CONTROL

ZONE2

12V TRIGGER

COAXIAL

HDMI

OUT

BD IN

ASSIGNABLE

21 -

(DVR2)

(DVR1)

(TV SAT)

SVIDEO

AUDIO

IN IN

IN IN IN

INOUT

OUT

DVR2 ZONE 2

INOUT

MONITOR

OUT

MONITOR

OUT

FM UNBAL 75

COMPONENT VIDEO

OUT

OUT OUT

FRONT CENTER

FRONT

FRONT CENTER SURROUND SURROUND BACK /

RLRLR L

(Single)

CENTER

SURROUND

SURROUND BACK

SUBWOOFER

SURROUND SURROUND BACK

(Single)

VIDEO

(DVD)

IN2IN3IN

(CD)

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

31 -

AM LOOP

(OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX)

SELECTABLE SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SELECTABLE VOIR LE MODE D'EMPLOI

SPEAKERS

FRONT CENTER SURROUND SURROUND BACK /

RLRL

R L

(Single)

SUBWOOFER

SELECTABLE SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SELECTABLE VOIR LE MODE D'EMPLOI

LINE LEVEL

INPUT

Front left

Center

Front

right

Subwoofer

VSX-LX51

Surround left

Surround back right

Surround

back left

Surround

right

Connecting your equipment

Installing your speaker system

To take full advantage of the receiver’s surround sound capabilities connect front, center, surround and surround back speakers, as well as a subwoofer.

no center speaker, or even no surround speakers—will work. At the very least, front left and right speakers only are necessary. Note that your main surround speakers should always be connected as a pair, but you can connect just one surround back speaker if you like (it must be connected to the left surround back terminal). You can use speakers with a nominal impedance between 6 Ω and 16 Ω (please see Switching the speaker impedance on page 72 if you plan to use speakers with an impedance of less than 8 Ω).

Although this is ideal, other configurations with fewer speakers—no subwoofer or

Caution

• These speaker terminals carry HAZARDOUS LIVE voltage. To prevent the risk of electric shock when

connecting or disconnecting the speaker cables, disconnect the power cord before touching any uninsulated parts.

• Make sure that all the bare speaker wire is twisted together and inserted fully into the speaker terminal. If any of the bare speaker wire touches the back panel

Connecting the speakers

Each speaker connection on the receiver comprises a positive (+) and negative (–) terminal. Make sure to match these up with the terminals on the speakers themselves.

it may cause the power to cut off as a safety measure.

1 • When using only one surround back speaker, connect it to the SURROUND BACK L (Single) terminals.

• To use a 5.1-channel speaker set, use the surround speakers for the surround channel, not the surround back channel.

Connecting your equipment

fig. A fig. B fig. C

10 mm

Center

Subwoofer

Front

left

Front right

Surround

left

Surround

right

Listening position

Single surround back speaker

Surround back left

Surround back right

Bare wire connections

Make sure that the speaker cable you’re going to use is properly prepared with about 10 mm of insulator stripped from each wire, and the exposed wire strands twisted together (fig. A).

To connect a terminal, unscrew the terminal a few turns until there is enough space to insert the exposed wire (fig. B). Once the wire is in position, tighten the terminal until the wire is firmly clamped (fig. C).

Important

• Please refer to the manual that came with your speakers for details on how to connect the other end of the speaker cables to your speakers.

• Other connections on page 51 provides greater detail on alternate speaker setups, such as using speaker system B (page 55), bi-amping and bi-wiring (page 56).

• If you are using a THX certified subwoofer use the THX INPUT jack on the subwoofer (if your subwoofer has one) or switch the filter position to THX on your subwoofer.

• Place the center speaker above or below the TV so that the sound of the center channel is localized at the TV screen. Also, make sure the center speaker does not cross the line formed by the leading edge of the front left and right speakers.

• It is best to angle the speakers towards the listening position. The angle depends on the size of the room. Use less of an angle for bigger rooms.

• Surround and surround back speakers should be positioned 60 cm to 90 cm higher than your ears and titled slight downward. Make sure the speakers don’t face each other. For DVD-Audio, the speakers should be more directly behind the listener than for home theater playback.

• Try not to place the surround speakers farther away from the listening position than the front and center speakers. Doing so can weaken the surround sound effect.

• To achieve the best possible surround sound, install your speakers as shown below. Be sure all speakers are installed securely to prevent accidents and improve sound quality.

Placing the speakers

Where you put your speakers in the room has a big effect on the quality of the sound. The following guidelines should help you to get the best sound from your system.

• The subwoofer can be placed on the floor. Ideally, the other speakers should be at about ear-level when you’re listening to them. Putting the speakers on the floor (except the subwoofer), or mounting them very high on a wall is not recommended.

• For the best stereo effect, place the front speakers 2 m to 3 m apart, at equal distance from the TV.

• When placing speakers near the TV, we recommend using magnetically shielded speakers to prevent possible interference, such as discoloration of the picture when the TV is switched on. If you do not have magnetically shielded speakers and notice discoloration of the TV picture, move the speakers farther away from the TV.

• If you’re using a center speaker, place the front speakers at a wider angle. If not, place them at a narrower angle.

Caution

• Make sure that all speakers are securely installed. This not only improves sound quality, but also reduces the risk of damage or injury resulting from speakers being knocked over or falling in the event of external shocks such as earthquakes.

SBL

SBR

90° to 120°

0° to 60°

fig. A

fig. B

Surround

SBL

SBR

Surround back

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75

AM LOOP

fig. a fig. b fig. c

Connecting your equipment

The diagrams below show suggested surround and surround back speaker orientation. The first diagram (fig. A) shows orientation with one surround back speaker (or none) connected. The second (fig. B) shows orientation with two surround back speakers connected.

• If you have two surround back speakers THX recommends placing them together and the same distance from your listening position (see below).

THX speaker system setup

If you have a complete THX speaker system, follow the diagram below to place your speakers. Note that the

surround speakers ( indicates bi-polar radiating speakers) should output at an angle parallel to the listener.

• If you have two surround back speakers THX recommends placing them together and the same distance from your listening position for the following THX modes: THX Select2 CINEMA, THX MUSICMODE and THX GAMES MODE.

See also THX Audio Setting on page 50 to make the settings that will give you the best sound experience when using the Home THX modes (page 30).

Connecting antennas

Connect the AM loop antenna and the FM wire antenna as shown below. To improve reception and sound quality, connect external antennas (see Connecting external antennas on page 23).

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

2 Push open the tabs, then insert one wire fully into each terminal, then release the tabs to secure the AM antenna wires.

3 Fix the AM loop antenna to the attached stand.

To fix the stand to the antenna, bend in the direction indicated by the arrow (fig. a), then clip the loop onto the stand (fig. b).

• If you plan to mount the AM antenna to a wall or other

surface, secure the stand with screws (fig. c) before clipping the loop to the stand. Make sure the reception is clear.

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

5 Connect the FM wire antenna in the same way as the AM loop 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.

Connecting your equipment

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75

AM LOOP

75 Ω coaxial cable

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75

AM LOOP

Outdoor antenna

5 m to 6 m

Indoor antenna

(vinyl-coated wire)

Connecting external antennas

To improve FM reception connect an external FM antenna to the FM UNBAL 75 Ω terminal.

To improve AM reception, connect a 5 m to 6 m length of vinyl-coated wire to the AM LOOP terminals without disconnecting the supplied AM loop antenna.

For the best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors.

Plugging in the receiver

Only plug in after you have connected all your components to this receiver, including the speakers.

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.

• 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.

• Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

MASTER VOLUME

INPUT

SELECTOR

STANDBY/ON

VSX-LX51

PHONES

DVD BD TV SAT DVR 1/DVR 2 VIDEO HDMI 1/HDMI 2 CD CD-R iPod USB MULTI CH IN

HDMI

DIGITAL PRECISION

PROCESSING

DIGITAL VIDEO

SCALER

ADVANCED

MCACC

PHASE

CONTROL

FM/AM

AUTO SURR/

STREAM DIRECT

HOME

THX

STANDARD SURROUND

ADVANCED SURROUND

STEREO/

A.L.C.

SPEAKERSON/OFFCONTROL

MULTI-ZONE

MCACC

SETUP MIC

iPod DIRECT

USB

DIGITAL INAUDIO RLVIDEO

VIDEO INPUT

PHONES

AUTO SURR/

STREAM DIRECT

HOME

THX

STANDARD

SURROUND

ADVANCED SURROUND

STEREO/

A.L.C.

SPEAKERSON/OFFCONTROL

MULTI-ZONE

–

12 3 4 6

11 12

1514

Note

Controls and displays

Chapter 4:

Controls and displays

Front panel

INPUT SELECTOR

dial

Use to select an input source.

 STANDBY/ON

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

3 Remote sensor

Receives the signals from the remote control (see Operating range of remote control unit on page 25).

PHASE CONTROL

Control is switched on (page 11). ADVANCED MCACC indicator – Lights when one of

the MCACC presets (page 32) is selected. DIGITAL PRECISION PROCESSING indicator –

Lights to indicate digital processing (for example, it disappears when Pure Direct (page 32) is on, or when listening through the multichannel analog inputs).

indicator

– Lights when the Phase

DIGITAL VIDEO SCALER indicator – Lights when Resolution is set to a setting other than PURE (for example, when the video input signal is upscaled) (page 69).

HDMI indicator – Blinks when connecting an HDMIequipped component; lights when the component is

connected (page 63).

MULTI CH IN

Press to select the multichannel analog inputs (page 55).

MASTER VOLUME

7 Input source buttons

Press to select an input source.

VIDEO INPUT

See Connecting a component to the front panel inputs on page 19.

iPod DIRECT USB

terminal

Use to connect your Apple iPod as an audio source (page 51), or connect a USB audio device for playback (page 53).

1 The MCACC indicator does not light when the MCACC preset memory currently being selected has not been corrected with Acoustic Calibration EQ Professional or when EQ is set to OFF in the Audio parameter menu (see Setting the Audio options on page 69).

dial

Controls and displays

T A N D

B Y /O N

7 m

30°

MCACC SETUP MIC

Use to connect the supplied microphone.

PHONES

jack

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

12 Listening mode buttons

AUTO SURR/STREAM DIRECT – Switches between

Auto surround mode (Auto playback on page 29) and Stream Direct playback. Stream Direct playback bypasses the bass/treble controls for the most accurate reproduction of a source (page 32).

HOME THX – Press to select a Home THX listening mode (page 30).

STANDARD SURROUND – Press for Standard decoding and to switch between the various 2 Pro Logic IIx and Neo:6 options (page 29).

ADVANCED SURROUND – Use to switch between the various surround modes (page 30).

STEREO/A.L.C. – Switches between stereo playback, Auto level control stereo mode and Front Stage Surround Advance modes (page 31).

MULTI-ZONE

If you’ve made MULTI-ZONE connections (see MULTIZONE listening on page 57), use these controls to control the sub zone from the main zone (see Using the MULTIZONE controls on page 58).

SPEAKERS

Use to change the speaker system (page 55).

ST +/–

Use to select preset radio stations (page 35).

jack

controls

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.

STREAM DIRECT

HDMI

PCM

L C R

SL S SR

SBL SB

LFE

SBR

AUTO

ADV.SURROUND

STANDARD

SLEEP

THX STEREO SP

DIGITAL

PRO LOGIC

DIGITAL

WMA9 Pro

SR+

DTS

OVER

ATT

S.RTRV

MONO

DIALOG E

PHASE CONTROL

STEREO

V.S B

TUNED

EON

RDS

: 6

ANALOG

MULTI-ZONE

DSD

PCM

DNR

SOUND

USB

VIDEO

DVD

HDMI

DVR

BDP

TUNER

CD-R

iPod

[ 1 ]

[ 2 ]

21 3 765 9 10 1211 13

191514 17 2018

4 8

Controls and displays

Display

SIGNAL

indicators

10 EON/RDS indicators

Light to indicate the currently selected input signal. AUTO lights when the receiver is set to select the input signal automatically (page 32).

2 Program format indicators

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

L – Left front channel C – Center channel R – Right front channel SL – Left surround channel S – Surround channel (mono) SR – Right surround channel SBL – Left surround back channel SB – Surround back channel (mono) SBR – Right surround back channel LFE – Low frequency effects channel (the ((( ))) indicators light when

an LFE signal is being input)

3 Digital format indicators

Light when a signal encoded in the corresponding format is detected (DSDPCM lights during the DSD (Direct

Lights when any of the Midnight, Loudness or bass/treble controls feature is selected (page 69).

12 Master volume level

Lights when the SR+ mode is switched on (page 61).

Lights when Direct/Pure Direct is selected (page 32).

15 Speaker indicators

Indicate the current speaker system, A and/or B (page 55)

16 Listening mode indicators

Stream Digital) to PCM conversion with SACDs).

S.RTRV

Lights when the Sound Retriever is switched on (page 69).

MULTI-ZONE

Lights when the MULTI-ZONE feature is active (page 57).

PHASE CONTROL

Lights when the Phase Control is switched on (page 11).

7 Sound processing indicators

Light according to the active Audio parameter(s) (page 69) and/or ANALOG ATT (page 72).

V.SB

Lights during Virtual surround back processing

TUNER

indicators

(page 33)

Lights when the receiver is in sleep mode (page 72).

18 Matrix decoding format 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.

19 Character display

Displays various system information.

20 Input source indicators

Light to indicate the input source you have selected.

EON – Lights when the EON mode is set (flashes during EON reception). The indicator lights when the current station carries the EON service (page 37).

RDS – Lights when an RDS broadcast is received (page 36).

SOUND

SR+

STREAM DIRECT

THX – Lights when a Home THX mode is selected. ADV. SURROUND – Lights when an Advanced

Surround mode has been selected (page 30). STEREO – Lights when the stereo mode is selected

(page 31). STANDARD – Lights when a Standard Surround

mode is switched on (see Listening in surround sound on page 29).

SLEEP

2PRO LOGIC IIx – This lights to indicate 2 Pro Logic II / 2 Pro Logic IIx decoding (page 29).

Neo:6 – When one of the Neo:6 modes of the receiver is on, this lights to indicate Neo:6 processing (page 29).

DVD BD TV HDMI

DVR 1 DVR 2 CD CD-R

DIMMER

FM/AM

INPUT

T.EDIT

TOP MENU

MUTE

RETURN

iPod CTRL

SETUP

EXIT TOOLS

PTY SEARCH

AUDIO

PARAMETER

VOL

AUTO/ DIRECT

THX STATUS PHASE

TV CTRL

MAIN

ZONE 2

HDD

STEREO/

A.L.C.

DVD

STANDARD

BD MENU ADV SURR

TV CONTROL

123

SLEEPMCACC

INPUT

SELECT

GENRE

456

A.ATTSBchSR+

789

CLASS

MASTER VOLUME

CH LEVELD.ACCESS

ENTER

iPod USB

RECEIVER

SOURCE

ENTER

DTV/TV

AUDIO

DISPLAY

EON MPX

SIGNAL SEL

RECEIVER

TUNE

STST

TUNE

VIDEO

PARAMETER

RECEIVER

16 17

Controls and displays

Remote control

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

• White – Receiver controls (see below)

• Blue – Other controls (page 76)

This switches between standby and on for this receiver.

2 Input source buttons

Press to select control of other components (see Controlling the rest of your system on page 74).

3 Number buttons and other receiver/component controls

Use the number buttons to directly select a radio frequency (page 35) or the tracks on a CD, DVD, etc.

RECEIVER

ENTER can be used to enter commands for TV or DTV,

and also to select a disc in a multi-CD player. Press RECEIVER first to access:

INPUT SELECT – Use to select the input source. DIMMER – Dims or brightens the display (page 72). GENRE – Automatically selects the most appropriate

Advanced Surround mode for the genre of the source currently being played back (this feature is available only when a Pioneer DVD recorder supporting HDMI Control is connected to this receiver via HDMI) (page 34).

MCACC – Press to switch between MCACC presets (page 32).

SLEEP – Use to put the receiver in sleep mode and select the amount of time before sleep (page 72).

SR+ – Switches the SR+ mode on/off (page 61). SBch – Use to select the surround/virtual back

channel mode (page 33). A.ATT – Attenuates (lowers) the level of an analog

input signal to prevent distortion (page 72). CH LEVEL – Press repeatedly to select a channel,

then use / to adjust the level (page 48).

Press FM/AM first to access:

D.ACCESS – After pressing, you can access a radio station directly using the number buttons (page 35).

CLASS – Switches between the three banks (classes) of radio station presets (page 35).

TV CONTROL

buttons

These buttons are dedicated to control the TV assigned to the TV CTRL button. Thus if you only have one TV to hook up to this system assign it to the TV CTRL input source button. If you have two TVs, assign the main TV to the TV

CTRL button (see page 76 for more on this).

TV – Use to turn on/off the power of the TV. INPUT – Use to select the TV input signal. CH +/– – Use to select channels. VOL +/– – Use to adjust the volume on your TV.

5 Tuner/component control buttons/

SETUP

These button controls can be accessed after you have selected the corresponding input source button (DVD, DVR1, TV, etc.). The T.EDIT and PTY SEARCH tuner controls are explained from page 35.

Press RECEIVER first to access:

AUDIO PARAMETER – Use to access the Audio options (page 69).

VIDEO PARAMETER – Use to access the Video options (page 70).

SETUP – Use to access the System Setup menu (page 38).

Controls and displays

RETURN – 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

Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround sound system (page 38) and the Audio or Video options (page 69 or 70). Also used to control DVD menus/options and for deck 1 of a double cassette deck player. Use the

TUNE / buttons to find radio frequencies and use ST / to find preset stations (page 35).

7 Receiver controls Press RECEIVER first to access:

AUTO/DIRECT – Press to select Auto Surround

(page 29) or Stream Direct (page 32) listening. STEREO/A.L.C. – Switches between the stereo

playback mode and the Front Stage Surround Advance mode (page 31).

STANDARD – Press for Standard decoding and to switch between the various 2 Pro Logic IIx and Neo:6 options (page 29).

ADV SURR – Use to switch among the various surround modes (page 30).

THX – Press to select a Home THX listening mode (page 30).

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 DVD, DVR1 or TV). These buttons also function as described below.

Press RECEIVER first to access:

STATUS – Press to check selected receiver settings (page 72).

PHASE – Press to switch on/off Phase Control (page 11).

SIGNAL SEL – Use to select an input signal (page 32).

Press FM/AM first to access:

EON – Use to search for programs that are broadcasting traffic or news information (page 37).

MPX – Switches between stereo and mono reception of FM bro adcasts . If the si gna l is wea k t hen switch in g to mono will improve the sound quality (page 35).

AUDIO – Changes the audio or channel on DVD

discs. DISPLAY – Switches between named station presets and radio frequencies (page 36). Also used to display RDS information (page 36).

CH +/– – Use to select channels for DVD/DVR units.

) /

ENTER

TV CTRL

Use this button to set preset code of your TV’s manufacturer when controlling TV (see Selecting preset codes directly on page 74 for more on this).

MULTI-ZONE

Switch to perform operations in the main zone and zone 2 (page 57).

12 Remote control LED

Lights when a command is sent from the remote control.

SOURCE

Press to turn on/off other components connected to the receiver (see page 74 for more on this).

MASTER VOLUME +/–

Use to set the listening volume.

MUTE

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

16 Remote control illumination button

Press to turn on/off the illumination of some of the buttons. This function is convenient when operating in dark rooms.

RECEIVER

Switches the remote to control the receiver (used to select the white commands above the number buttons (A.ATT, etc.)). Also use this button to set up surround sound (page 9, page 38).

operation selector switch

Listening to your system

Note

AUTO/

DIRECT

THX STATUS PHASE

TV CTRL

STEREO/

A.L.C.

DVD

STANDARD

BD MENU ADV SURR

DTV/TV

AUDIO

DISPLAY

EON MPX

SIGNAL SEL

RECEIVER

HDD

AUTO/

DIRECT

RECEIVER

HDD

AUTO/

DIRECT

THX STATUS PHASE

TV CTRL

HDD

STEREO/

A.L.C.

DVD

STANDARD

BD MENU ADV SURR

DTV/TV

AUDIO

DISPLAY

EON MPX

SIGNAL SEL

RECEIVER

STANDARD

RECEIVER

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 90 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.

• While listening to a source, press AUTO/DIRECT (AUTO SURR/STREAM DIRECT

press

RECEIVER

, then

)2 for auto playback of a source. AUTO SURROUND shows briefly in the display before

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

• When listening to the FM Radio, the Neural THX

feature is selected automatically (see Using Neural THX on page 35 for more on this).

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 Using surround back channel processing on page 33.

Standard surround sound

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

• While listening to a source, press press

STANDARD (STANDARD SURROUND

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, you can select from:

• 2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE – Up to 7.1 channel sound, especially suited to movie sources

• 2 Pro Logic IIx MUSIC – Up to 7.1 channel sound, especially suited to music sources

• 2 Pro Logic IIx GAME – Up to 7.1 channel sound, especially suited to video games

• 2 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 – 6.1 channel sound, especially suited to music sources

• Neural THX – Up to 7.1 channel sound, especially suited to music sources

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

can select (according to format):

RECEIVER

, then

1 • Stereo surround (matrix) formats are decoded accordingly using Neo:6 CINEMA or 2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE (see Listening in surround sound above for more on these decoding formats).

• The Auto Surround feature is canceled if you connect headphones.

2 For more options using this button, see Using Stream Direct on page 32. 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 33) is switched off, or the surround back speakers are set to NO (this happens automatically if the Surround back speaker setting on page 41 is set to anything but Normal), 2 Pro Logic IIx becomes 2 Pro Logic II (5.1 channel sound). 5 When listening to 2-channel sources in Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music mode, there are three further parameters you can adjust: C.WIDTH, DIMENSION, and PANORAMA. See Setting the Audio options on page 69 to adjust them. 6 When listening to 2-channel sources in Neo:6 Cinema or Neo:6 Music mode, you can also adjust the center image effect (see Setting the Audio options on page 69). 7 Neural THX can be selected when the input signal is an analog, PCM signal or FM input.

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