Pioneer VSX-AX5Ai-S, VSX-AX5Ai-G manual Additional information Surround sound formats, Dolby

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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.

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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.

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 receiver.

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 receiver). Two modes (Cinema and Music) are available using DTS Neo:6 with two channel sources.

DTS 96/24

DTS 96/24 is an extension of the original DTS Digital Surround which offers high quality 96 kHz / 24-bit audio using a DTS 96/24 decoder. This format is also fully backward compatible with all existing decoders. This means that DVD players can play this software using a conventional DTS 5.1 channel decoder.

“DTS”, “DTS-ES”, “Neo:6” and “DTS 96/24” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

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Contents VSX-AX5Ai-SVSX-AX5Ai-G Risk of Electric Shock Do not Open Operating EnvironmentInformation to User Voltage selectorContents Additional information Controlling other equipment Advanced setupUsing other functions Other connectionsBefore you start Chapter FeaturesChecking the supplied accessories Before you startOpening the front panel Installing the receiverUsing the remote control Before you startRemote control battery indicator Operating range of the remote controlIntroduction to home theater Setting up for Surround SoundMinute guide Minute guide ChapterConnect your speakers 02 5 minute guideMinute guide Use the on-screen Auto Surround setup to set up your systemLarge ‘SurrBack System’ should be highlighted. Press Switch on the receiver and your TV‘Surround Setup’ should be highlighted. Press EnterMake sure ‘Normal System’ is selected, then select ‘Exit’ ‘Auto Setting’ should be highlighted. PressFollow the instructions on-screen Playing a source Checking the settings on your DVD or other playerOther problems when using the Auto Surround Setup If the receiver isn’t already on, switch on the powerConnecting your equipment Chapter Connecting your equipmentRear panel About the video converter Connecting your equipmentDigital audio cables When making cable connectionsAbout cable types Analog audio cablesConnecting your equipment Connecting your TV DVD player Connecting your equipment Connecting a DVD playerVSX-AX5Ai Connecting the multichannel analog outputsSTB Connecting your equipment Connecting a VCR or DVD recorder Connecting your equipment Connecting other video sources DVD player Connecting your equipment Using the component video jacksConnecting your equipment Connecting digital audio sources Tape deck, etc Connecting your equipment Connecting analog audio sourcesPortable DVD player, etc Front left Center Front right Connecting your equipment Installing your speaker systemBare wire connections Connecting the speakersPlacing the speakers AM loop antenna Connecting your equipment Connecting antennasFM wire antenna Connecting external antennasPlugging in the receiver Outdoor antenna Indoor antenna Vinyl-coated wire MetersAbout the AC outlet Controls and displays Chapter Controls and displaysFront panel Controls and displays BASS/TREBLE Mcacc Setup MIC jackTone Control ToneTuned Controls and displays DisplayControls and displays Remote control Movie / Music Remote SetupAudio TV InputListening to your system Chapter Listening to your systemAuto playback Listening in surround sound Advanced effect modes Listening to your systemMovie listening modes Basic modesMusic listening modes Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music settingsPro Logic IIx Music See above Listening in stereo Listening with headphonesAdjusting the advanced effect level Neo6 Music settingsListening with Acoustic Calibration Listening to your system Selecting the input signal type NEO6 Listening to your system Using the surround back channelOn the remote control, press RECEIVER, then press HI-BIT Using the audio scaler for Hi-bit and Hi-samplingTreble Using the tone controlSwitching the tone control on or off Adjusting the bass and trebleReducing noise during playback Release the button when you see the setting you wantListening to dual mono soundtracks Finding a station Using the tunerUsing the tuner Chapter Tuning directly to a stationMPX mode Using the tunerNaming station presets Listening to memorized station presetsAbcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz Press Disp Mode to select the RDS information display Using the tuner An introduction to RDSDisplaying RDS information Searching for RDS programs Using EONPress EON Mode to select one of the possible modes An introduction to EONClearing all stations from the RDS and EON searches Press and hold EON Mode for about two secondsPress Enter Select the setting you want to adjust Surround Setup menuSurround Setup menu Chapter Making receiver settings from the Surround Setup menuSpeaker Setting Surround Setup menuSurround back speaker setting Normal surround settingChannel Level Select ‘Channel Level’ from the Normal setup menuSpeaker Distance Select ‘Speaker Distance’ from the Normal setup menuControlling other equipment Chapter Using the remote control with other componentsRecalling preset codes Controlling other equipmentControlling other equipment Programming signals from other remote controlsDisc Controlling other equipment Controls for TVsMenu GuideMode Controlling other equipment Controls for other componentsSubtitle DispExit TOPRepeat steps 2-4 for as many components as you want Controlling other equipment Direct functionMulti Operation and System Off Programming a multi-operation or a shutdown sequenceTo add or change a command select ‘Change’ and press Enter Using multi operationsPress Multi Operation Using System off Switching components on and off using the 12 volt triggerOperating other Pioneer components with this unit’s sensor Making an audio or a video recording Using other functionsUsing other functions Chapter Adjusting the delay of a soundtrackDimming the display Enhancing Sacd playbackEditing remote control display names Using other functionsSwitching the speaker impedance Advanced remote control featuresClearing remote control settings Adjusting the remote control backlightUsing other functions Resetting the system Other connections Chapter Second Zone speaker B setupSwitching the speaker system Other connectionsSpeaker Bi-wiring your speakersOther connections Bi-amping your front speakers Front leftMaking multi-room connections Basic multi-room setupSurrBack System multi-room setup Other connections Multi-room listeningPress Control Using the multi-room controlsUse the Master Volume dial to adjust the volume Other connectionsOther connections Connecting additional amplifiersOther connections Using the i.LINK interface About Pqls rate control Other connections About i.LINKCreating an i.LINK network Press Input on the remote control repeatedly to select USB Other connections Using the USB interfaceConnect your computer’s USB terminal to Advanced Mcacc output using your PC Other connections Connecting a PC for Advanced Mcacc outputSelect ‘PC Output’ and press Enter Select the setting you want to adjust then press Advanced setupAdvanced setup Chapter System Setup menuAssigning the digital inputs Advanced setupTHX Cinema Setup Input Assign menuSelect ‘Component-In Select’ from the Input Assign menu Assigning the component video inputsAssigning the i.LINK inputs Component-1 OFF Component-2 OFFFunction Rename Select ‘Function Rename’ from the System Setup menuSelect the name of the input you want to rename PHONO/LINE Setup Sacd SetupVolt Trigger Multi-Room and IR receiver setupSelect ‘Expert’ then press Enter Advanced setup Expert setup menuCrossover Network Select ‘Crossover Network’ from the Expert setup menuSelect ‘Fine Channel Level’ from the Expert setup menu Adjust the level of the left channelSetting the Acoustic Calibration EQ automatically Fine Channel DelayAcoustic Calibration EQ Front Align Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ manuallySelect CUSTOM1 Adjust or CUSTOM2 Adjust Select the channels you want and adjust to your likingSelect ‘Exit’ to copy and confirm Copying your Acoustic Calibration EQ settingsChecking your Acoustic Calibration EQ settings Select ‘DATA COPY’ then press EnterHow to interpret the graphical output How to use Professional Acoustic CalibrationProfessional Acoustic Calibration If you selected ‘Auto Pro.’, select ‘Start’ and press Using Professional Acoustic CalibrationSelect a setup option Select ‘Professional’Bass Peak Level Select ‘Bass Peak Level’ from the Expert setup menuChoose the setting that you want Select ‘D-Range Control’ from the Expert setup menuDynamic Range Control Additional information Chapter TroubleshootingPower Additional informationNo sound Additional informationDigital inputs on Other audio problemsVideo Symptom CauseDisplay SettingsPRO Logic II or Neo6 Remote controlLink messages Link interfaceChanging the frequency step Maintenance of external surfacesUSB interface Dolby Additional information Surround sound formatsAdditional information About THX DVR Additional information Preset code brandsDVD CD-RAdditional information Specifications European model Continuous Power Output Additional information Specifications Multi-voltage modelPioneer Corporation

VSX-AX5Ai-S, VSX-AX5Ai-G specifications

The Pioneer VSX-AX5Ai-S and VSX-AX5Ai-G are standout home theater receivers known for their robust performance and advanced features that cater to audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Designed with a focus on versatility and high-fidelity audio reproduction, these receivers deliver exceptional sound quality for both music and movies.

One of the most significant features of the VSX-AX5Ai series is its powerful amplification system. With a capacity to drive multiple channels, these receivers provide dynamic sound and enough power to fill even large spaces. The Class D3 amplification technology used in these models ensures efficient performance, producing clean and distortion-free audio. This technology contributes to higher energy efficiency while providing rich bass and clear highs.

These receivers are equipped with advanced audio codecs, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which create an immersive surround sound experience. The ability to decode high-definition audio formats enhances the listening experience, bringing movie soundtracks and music to life with precision and depth. The multi-channel setup allows for easy integration into existing home theater systems, delivering a cinematic atmosphere at home.

Another notable feature is the MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System). This automatic calibration system optimizes speaker settings based on the room's acoustics, ensuring that users achieve the best possible sound from their speaker setup. It analyzes the acoustics and adjusts the receiver's settings to provide a balanced and harmonious sound profile.

Connectivity is a highlight of the VSX-AX5Ai-S and VSX-AX5Ai-G. They come equipped with multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, allowing users to connect various devices, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The presence of digital and analog audio inputs ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio sources. Furthermore, these models support video upscaling, enhancing lower-resolution content for improved playback quality.

The user-friendly interface and remote control make it easy to navigate settings and configurations, providing a seamless user experience. Additionally, both models support streaming services, allowing users to access their favorite music directly from apps over Wi-Fi.

In summary, the Pioneer VSX-AX5Ai-S and VSX-AX5Ai-G are exceptional receivers that combine powerful amplification, advanced audio processing, and user-friendly features. With technologies designed to optimize sound quality and provide versatile connectivity, these models are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience. Whether for movies, music, or gaming, they deliver a premium listening experience that stands out in the competitive home theater market.
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