Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai manual Additional information Surround sound formats, Dolby

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11Additional 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 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.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby", "Pro Logic", “Surround EX” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

DTS

The DTS technologies are explained below. See www.dtstech.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.

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 amplifier.

DTS Digital Surround

DTS Digital Surround is a 5.1-channel audio coding system from Digital Theater Systems Inc. now widely used for DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, 5.1 music discs, digital broadcasts, and video games. It can deliver up to six discrete audio channels, comprising five full range channels, including an LFE channel. Higher sound quality is achieved through the use of a low compression rate, and high rates of transmittance during playback.

DTS-ES

DTS-ES (the ES stands for Extended Surround) is a decoder that is capable of decoding both DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 encoded sources. DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 gives ‘true’ 6.1 channel sound, with a completely separate (discrete) surround back channel. DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 has a surround back channel matrixed into the surround left/right channels. Both sources are also compatible with a conventional DTS 5.1 channel decoder.

DTS Neo:6

DTS Neo:6 can generate 6.1 channel surround sound from any matrixed stereo source (such as video or TV) and from 5.1 channel sources. It uses both the channel information already encoded into the source, as well as its own processing to determine channel localization (with two channel sources, the “.1” subwoofer channel is generated by bass management in the amplifier). Two modes (Cinema and Music) are available using DTS Neo:6 with two channel sources.

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Contents VSA-AX10Ai Operating Environment Risk of Electric Shock Do not OpenPage Contents Using other functions Advanced setupOther connections Additional informationFeatures Our philosophyChecking the supplied accessories Using the remote controlBefore you start Before you start ChapterSetting up the remote control Calibrating the remote control screenBefore you start Press CalibrateSetting the button alert volume Setting the clockSetting the time-out setting Resetting the remote control Locking the remote controlRestarting the remote control Press Reset to DefaultReplacing the lithium-ion batteries Connecting your equipment Chapter Connecting your equipmentRear panel Connecting your equipment When making cable connectionsConnecting your equipment Connecting your TV Connecting your equipment Connecting a DVD player DVD playerConnecting the multichannel analog outputs STB Connecting your equipment Connecting a VCR or DVD recorder VSA-AX10AiConnecting your equipment Connecting other video sources Connecting your equipment Using the component video jacks About the video converterConnecting your equipment Connecting digital audio sources Connecting your equipment Connecting analog audio sources Portable DVD player, etc Connecting your equipment Installing your speaker system Connecting the speakersBare wire connections Placing the speakersConnecting your equipment Plugging in the amplifier About the AC outletControls and displays Chapter Controls and displaysDisplay Controls and displays Tone Basic remote control displays Controls and displays Remote controlHome menu screens Amplifier menu screens SetupDigital NR Remote control displays for other components TV control menu screensOperating menus for additional components Search Mode AudioSubtitle TOP MenuAutomatically setting up for surround sound Switch on the amplifier and your TVGetting started Getting started ChapterGetting started EnterOther problems when using the Auto Surround Setup Checking the settings on your DVD or other playerPlaying a source Change the amplifier input to the source you want to play Listening to your system Listening to your system ChapterAbout the listening modes Listening in surround soundNeo6 Music settings Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music settingsListening to your system Using the Advanced surround effects Using the Home THX modesAdjusting the Advanced Surround effect level Use the Option +/- buttons to adjust the effect levelListening with headphones Listening in stereoPro Logic IIx Movie PRO Logic NEO6 CinemaUsing the Stream Direct mode Press Multi CH Input on the remote control Home menu screenSelecting the input signal type AnalogSelecting USB and multichannel analog input channels Listening to high-sampling formatsChannel Listening to your system Using the surround back channel Press SB CH Mode repeatedly to cycle throughAuto Surround back channel optionsCreating a center speaker effect Use the Option +/- buttons to change the settingVSB Auto VSB on VSB OFF Listening to your system Using Hi-bit and Hi-sampling Using Midnight and Loudness listeningUsing the tone control Switching the tone control on or offReducing noise during playback Adjusting the bass and trebleTreble Listening to your system Listening to dual mono soundtracks Surround Setup menu Surround Setup menu ChapterMaking amplifier settings from the Surround Setup menu Select ‘Surround Setup’ then press EnterSurround Setup menu Speaker SystemsLarge Channel Level Select ‘Channel Level’ then press EnterSetting the Acoustic Calibration EQ automatically Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ manuallySpeaker Distance Acoustic Calibration EQCopying your Acoustic Calibration EQ settings Select ‘Manual’ then press EnterSelect CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2 then press Enter Select ‘Data Copy’ then press EnterHow to interpret the graphical output How to use Professional Acoustic Calibration EQProfessional Acoustic Calibration EQ Using Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ Select a manual setup option and press EnterSelect ‘Professional’ then press Enter If you selected ‘Auto Pro.’, select ‘Start’ and pressSwitch the X-Curve on or OFF CurveUse Cursor left/right buttons to select Select ‘X-Curve’ then press EnterSelect ‘Check’ from the Surround Setup menu and press Enter Checking your surround settingsCycle through the settings screen by screen Using the remote control with other components Recalling preset codesControlling other equipment Controlling other equipment ChapterSelect a setting type Controlling other equipmentPress Learning on the remote setup menu Programming signals from other remote controlsPioneer-1 DVR-7000 Editing remote control button names Press Direct Function on the remote setup menuPress OK to confirm the settings Press KEY Label on the remote setup menuSelect the button you want to rename Press OK when you’ve finishedChoose how you want to change the look of the button Controlling other equipment Multi Operation and System Off Programming a multi operation or a shutdown sequenceUsing multi operations Press OK when you’re finishedFrom the remote control Home menu press Multi OperationSwitching components on and off Using the 12 volt triggerUsing System off System OFFUsing other functions Using other functions ChapterMaking an audio or a video recording Monitoring your recordingUse the Option +/- buttons to adjust the amount of delay Adjusting the delay of a soundtrackWatching video and audio sources independently Switch the SD1 Normal Stream Direct mode Using other functionsEnhancing Sacd playback Using other functions Dimming the display Switching the speaker impedanceResetting the system Using other functions Checking your system settingsDefault amplifier settings Bypass Using speaker system B Switching the speaker systemUsing speaker system B in another room Other connectionsSelect the ‘ITU-R’ setting from the Speaker Systems menu Other connectionsBi-amping your front speakers SP B ITU-R is selectedUsing the pre-outs Bi-wiring your speakersConnecting additional amplifiers Using the i.LINK interface Connecting an external stereo pre-amplifierAbout Pqls rate control About i.LINKCreating an i.LINK network Using the USB interface Press ‘USB’ on the remote control Home menu ScreenConnecting a PC for Advanced Mcacc output Advanced Mcacc output using your PC Select ‘PC Output’ and press EnterAdvanced setup Advanced setup ChapterInput Assign menu Assigning the digital inputsAssigning the component video inputs Advanced setupAssigning the i.LINK inputs Expert Setup menu Select ‘Expert Setup’ then press EnterAssigning the video inputs Multi in OFF USB OFFOSD Adjustment Bass Peak LevelDynamic Range Control Function RenameOSD Overlay Edit the name as necessary and press EnterSelect ‘THX Audio Setup’ then press Enter THX Audio SetupVolt Trigger THX Ultra2 Subwoofer Setup Surround Back Speaker PositionOptimizing your speaker setup Basic surround setupAdditional information Additional information ChapterTHX speaker system setup Additional informationPower Additional information TroubleshootingNo sound Listening in surround sound on Other audio problems Cause RemedyVideo Audio sources onSettings Remote controlDisplay This unit’s sensor onLink interface Link messagesUSB interface MiscellaneousAdditional information Surround sound formats DolbyWindows Media Audio 9 Professional About THXPCM Pulse Code Modulation Maintenance of external surfaces THX Ultra2 Cinema modeAdvanced Speaker Array ASA THX MusicModeAdditional information Specifications 04B00001 ARB7291-A

VSA-AX10Ai specifications

The Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai is a high-end, multi-channel home theater receiver that stands out for its robust performance and cutting-edge technologies. Launched as a flagship model, it combines advanced audio processing capabilities with a formidable power output, catering to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the VSA-AX10Ai is its Direct Energy HD Amplification technology, which incorporates a Class D amplifier design. This technology not only ensures high power efficiency but also minimizes distortion, delivering pristine sound quality at high volumes. The receiver boasts a substantial output of 200 watts per channel over eight channels, making it an ideal choice for driving large, demanding speaker systems.

In terms of audio decoding, the VSA-AX10Ai supports a multitude of formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This feature allows the receiver to provide a cinematic surround sound experience, ensuring that every detail of the soundtrack is delivered with accuracy and clarity. The device is also equipped with a high-quality 24-bit/192 kHz DAC, assuring top-notch sound reproduction from a variety of sources.

The VSA-AX10Ai features Pioneer’s sophisticated MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), which automatically calibrates the audio output to match the room's acoustics. By measuring sound from each speaker and adjusting levels, delays, and equalization, it ensures a balanced sound field, regardless of room shape or speaker placement.

Connectivity is extensive, with multiple HDMI inputs offering 4K pass-through and upscaling capabilities. This makes the receiver well-suited for modern home theater setups that require integration with 4K Ultra HD displays. It also includes legacy inputs, ensuring compatibility with older audio and video equipment.

Another noteworthy characteristic is the receiver’s build quality. The VSA-AX10Ai features a rigid chassis designed to minimize vibration as well as a premium-grade power supply, which contributes to its overall reliability and performance.

Overall, the Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai encapsulates the essence of high-fidelity home audio and video. With its extensive feature set, exceptional sound quality, and robust performance capabilities, it remains a top choice for those seeking a comprehensive and immersive home theater experience. Whether for music playback or movie watching, this receiver delivers an unparalleled audio experience that stands the test of time.
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