Pioneer Comprehensive Guide to Surround Sound Formats for VSX Models
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Additional information

Surround sound formats

Below is a brief description of the main surround sound formats you’ll find on DVDs, satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasts, and video cassettes.

Dolby

The Dolby technologies are explained below. See www.dolby.com for more detailed information.

Dolby Digital

Dolby Digital is a multichannel digital audio coding system widely used in cinemas, and in the home for DVD and digital broadcast soundtracks. It can deliver up to six discrete audio channels, comprising five full range channels and a special LFE (low frequency effects) channel used mainly for deep, rumbling sound effects; hence the term “5.1-channel” Dolby Digital.

In addition to the format features above, Dolby Digital decoders offer downmixing for compatibility with mono, stereo and Dolby Pro Logic audio from a number of bit rates and channels. Another feature, called Dialog Normalization, attenuates programs based on the average level of dialog in a program relative to its peak level (also known as Dialnorm) in order to achieve uniform playback level.

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Dolby Surround is an encoding system which embeds surround sound information within a stereo soundtrack, which a Dolby Pro Logic decoder can then use for enhanced surround listening with greater sound detail.

Dolby Digital Plus

Dolby Digital Plus is the next-generation audio technology for all high-definition programming and media. It combines the efficiency to meet future broadcast demands with the power and flexibility to realize the full audio potential expected in the upcoming high-definition era. Built on Dolby Digital, the multi- channel audio standard for DVD and HD broadcasts worldwide, Dolby Digital Plus was designed for the next- generation A/V receivers but remains fully compatible with all current A/V receivers.

Dolby Digital Plus delivers multi-channel audio programs of up to 7.1 channels (*) and supports multiple programs in a single encoded bitstream with the maximum bit rate potential of up to 6 Mbps and the maximum bit rate performance of up to 3 Mbps on HD DVD and 1.7 Mbps on Blu-ray Disc, and it outputs Dolby Digital bitstreams for playback on existing Dolby Digital systems. Dolby Digital Plus can accurately reproduce the sound originally intended by directors and producers.

It also features multi-channel sound with discrete channel output, interactive mixing and streaming capability in advanced systems. Supported by High- Definition Media Interface (HDMI), a single-cable digital connection is possible for high-definition audio and video.

Dolby Digital Surround EX

Dolby Digital Surround EX (the EX stands for EXtended) is an extension of Dolby Digital encoding whereby a surround back channel is matrixed into the surround left/ right channels for 6.1 channel playback. This allows for compatibility with Dolby Digital 5.1 channel decoding, as well as for decoding using Dolby Digital EX.

Dolby Pro Logic IIx and Dolby Surround

Dolby Pro Logic IIx is an improved version of the Dolby Pro Logic II (and Dolby Pro Logic) decoding system. Using the innovative “steering logic” circuit, this system extracts surround sound from sources as follows:

•Dolby Pro Logic – 4.1 channel sound (mono surround) from any stereo source

•Dolby Pro Logic II – 5.1 channel sound (stereo surround) from any stereo source

•Dolby Pro Logic IIx – 6.1 or 7.1 channel sound (stereo surround and surround back) from two channel or 5.1 (and 6.1) channel sources

With two channel sources, the “.1” subwoofer channel is generated by bass management in the receiver.

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby TrueHD is the next-generation lossless encoding technology developed for high-definition optical discs in the upcoming era. Dolby TrueHD delivers tantalizing sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, unlocking the true high-definition entertainment experience on high-definition optical discs in the next generation. When coupled with high-definition video, Dolby TrueHD offers an unprecedented home theater experience with stunning sound and high-definition picture.

It supports bit rates of up to 18 Mbps and records up to 8 full-range channels (*) individually with 24-bit/96 kHz audio. It also features extensive metadata including dialogue normalization and dynamic range control. Supported by High-Definition Media Interface (HDMI), a single-cable digital connection is possible for high- definition audio and video.

*HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc standards currently limit their maximum number of audio channels to eight, whereas Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD support more than eight audio channels.

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Contents VSX-1018AH-K Federal Communications Commission Declaration of Conformity Operating EnvironmentModel Number VSX-1018AH-K Responsible Party Name Keep in a Secure AREA. this is for Your SecurityRisk of Electric Shock Do not Open Wash hands after handling Contents Using other functions Other SettingsOther connections Hdmi ControlBefore you start Chapter FeaturesBefore you start Before you start Installing the receiverChecking what’s in the box Loading the batteriesMinute guide Chapter Minute guideIntroduction to home theater Listening to Surround SoundStart Minute guide Problems when using the Auto Mcacc SetupPlaying a source Select the input source you want to playPhase Control on Better sound using Phase ControlPhase Control OFF Phase Control indicator on the front panel lightsRear panel Connecting your equipmentConnecting your equipment Chapter Connecting your equipment About the video converter Connecting your equipment When making cable connectionsAbout Hdmi Connecting your equipment Connecting using HdmiConnecting your Blu-ray disc player Connecting your equipment Connecting your TV and DVD playerConnect using a standard video cable Connect using an Hdmi cableFor a second recorder, use the DVR2 in inputs Connecting digital audio sources Using the component video jacksUse an optical cable for the connection.2 Use a three-way component video cableConnecting a component to the front panel inputs Connecting analog audio sourcesAbout the WMA9 Pro decoder Use a coaxial cable for the connectionConnecting the speakers Connecting your equipment Installing your speaker systemBanana plug connections Bare wire connectionsPlacing the speakers Connecting external antennas Connecting antennasPlug the power cord into a power outlet Connecting your equipment Plugging in the receiverControls and displays Chapter Controls and displaysFront panel 12 13Speakers Operating range of remote control unitControls and displays Controls and displays Display RECEIVER Controls and displays Remote controlSOURCE TV CtrlMute ReceiverListening to your system Chapter Listening to your systemAuto playback Listening in surround soundListening to your system Using the Advanced surround effectsListening in stereo Pro Logic IIx Music SeeSelecting Mcacc presets Listening to your system Using Front Stage Surround AdvanceUsing Stream Direct Hdmi Digital Analog Choosing the input signalUsing surround back channel processing Using the Virtual Surround Back mode Sources Using the genre synchronizing functionDTS-HD Master Audio/DTS-HD DTS-EXPRESS encoded stereo Using the tuner Chapter Using the tunerSaving station presets Listening to the radioNaming station presets Using the tunerListening to station presets AbcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzSystem Setup menu Chapter System Setup menuMaking receiver settings from the System Setup menu Select the setting you want to adjustMcacc System Setup menuIf necessary, confirm the speaker configuration OSD.1 Manual Mcacc setup Surround back speaker settingSelect ‘Fine SP Distance’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menu Adjust the level of the left channelFine Channel Level Fine Speaker DistanceStanding Wave Acoustic Calibration EQ AdjustHow to interpret the graphical output How to use Acoustic Calibration EQ ProfessionalAcoustic Calibration EQ Professional Frequency response of your room.1Select an option and press Enter Using Acoustic Calibration EQ ProfessionalSelect ‘EQ Professional’, then press Enter Data Management Select ‘Data Management’ from the System Setup menuCopying Mcacc preset data Checking Mcacc preset dataRenaming Mcacc presets Clearing Mcacc presetsSpeaker Setting System Setup menu Manual speaker setupSelect ‘Manual SP Setup’, then press Enter Select ‘Speaker Setting’ from the Manual SP Setup menuConfirm your selected setup option Select a setup optionAdjust the level of each channel using / Channel LevelCurve Speaker DistanceConnecting your iPod to the receiver Connecting an iPodOther connections Other connections ChapterBasic playback controls Switching the iPod controls2Other connections Connecting your USB device to the receiver Other connections Connecting a USB deviceSwitch on the receiver and your TV Basic playback controlsCompressed audio compatibility Using XM RadioConnecting your XM Radio receiver Saving channel presets Using XM HD SurroundUsing the XM Menu Listening to XM RadioConnecting your Sirius Connect Tuner Using Sirius RadioPress Sirius to switch to the Sirius input Listening to Sirius RadioUsing the Sirius Menu Connecting the multichannel analog inputsPress / to select the channel preset you want Sirius Menu provides additional Sirius Radio features.2Switching the speaker system Speaker B setupAre for the Speaker B setting only.2 Selecting the multichannel analog inputsConnect your speakers as shown below Bi-wiring your speakersBi-amping your front speakers MULTI-ZONE listening Other connections Connecting additional amplifiersMaking MULTI-ZONE connections LargeBasic MULTI-ZONE setup Zone Using the MULTI-ZONE controlsSurround Back System MULTI-ZONE setup Zone MULTI-ZONE listening optionsMULTI-ZONE remote controls Connecting an IR receiverUse the Master Volume dial to adjust the volume Press ControlVideo ANT MPX Signal SEL Setting the Hdmi Control mode Setting the Hdmi optionsHdmi Control Hdmi Control ChapterBefore using synchronization Synchronized amp modeHdmi Control About Hdmi ControlOther Settings Chapter Other SettingsInput Setup menu SetupOther Setup menu Other SettingsInput function default and possible settings Press Receiver on the remote control, then press SetupZone Audio Setup Multi Channel Input SetupOSD Adjustment SR+ Setup for Pioneer flat panel TVsSelect ‘SR+ Setup’ from the Other Setup menu Select the ‘PDP Volume Control’ setting you wantUsing other functions Chapter Using other functionsSetting the Audio options Press Return to confirm and exit the menuSetting the Video options Using other functionsAUTOc IMAGEhSelect the source you want to record Making an audio or a video recordingPrepare the source you want to record Tune to the radio station, load the CD, video, DVD, etcSwitching the speaker impedance Using the sleep timerChecking your system settings Dimming the displayDefault system settings Resetting the systemPress the front panel Auto SURR/STREAM Direct button Press Sound Retriever to confirmSelecting preset codes directly Setting the remote to control other componentsPreset code list Controlling the rest of your systemControls for TVs Controlling the rest of your systemTV  Controls for other componentsCH + VOL +Decide which component you want to use the remote sensor Power TroubleshootingAdditional information Additional information ChapterAdditional information Other audio problems Video SettingsDisplay Signal SEL buttonProfessional Calibration EQ graphical output USB interface Remote control Other setting for your component Or other setting for your component Receiver to a component or TV with the DeepColor feature Hdcp Error showsConfiguration B Configuration aImportant information regarding the Hdmi connection XM radio messagesSirius radio messages Dolby Additional information Surround sound formatsDTS Digital Surround Windows Media Audio 9 ProfessionalDTS Neo6 DTS 96/24About Sirius Additional information About XMAbout Neural THX Surround About XM Radio XM Ready LegalNeural THX b Stereo 2 channel signal formatsPRO Logic a PRO Logic DTS +2 Pro Logic llx Movie a Multichannel signal formatsDTS +2 Pro Logic llx Music DTS +Neo6Dolby Digital Plus Straight decoding Dolby Digital Surround Direct Pure DirectAdditional information Specifications Additional information Cleaning the unit Decibel Level Example To establish a safe levelOnce you have established a comfortable sound level Pioneer Corporation

VSX-1018AH-K specifications

The Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K is a powerful home theater receiver that embodies a blend of quality, features, and innovative technology, making it a standout choice for audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. This 7.1-channel receiver boasts a robust output of 110 watts per channel, designed to deliver immersive audio across various environments.

One of the key features of the VSX-1018AH-K is its support for advanced audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. These formats provide a lossless soundtrack experience, ensuring that audio reproduction remains faithful to the original source. This receiver is also equipped with Pioneer’s proprietary MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), which allows users to optimize sound settings based on their specific room acoustics. By analyzing and adjusting the sound fields, MCACC ensures that every listener enjoys an enhanced audio experience.

In terms of connectivity, the VSX-1018AH-K excels with its array of inputs and outputs. It includes multiple HDMI inputs, allowing users to seamlessly connect various devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Additionally, it supports HDMI version 1.3, which means it can handle high-definition video signals and deep color technology, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

For those who appreciate versatility, this receiver also features built-in support for both wireless and wired network audio streaming. Users can connect to their home network to enjoy music stored on their devices or access popular streaming services. The USB port allows for easy connection of flash drives, enabling playback of high-resolution audio files.

Moreover, the receiver is equipped with a user-friendly interface and an intuitive remote control, making it easy to navigate through various settings and options. The graphical user interface is designed for simplicity, enabling users to customize preferences without hassle.

The Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K not only focuses on sound but also on video quality, thanks to its upscale capabilities that can convert standard-definition video to high-definition, ensuring that all media looks great on HD displays. Overall, the Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K represents a comprehensive solution for anyone looking to enhance their home theater system, merging advanced technology with user-friendly features aimed at delivering an unparalleled home entertainment experience.
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