Pioneer VSX-AX5Ai-S, VSX-AX5Ai-G manual Minute guide Chapter, Introduction to home theater

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5 minute guide

02

Chapter 2:

5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater

You are probably used to using stereo equipment to listen to music, but may not be used to home theater systems that give you many more options (such as surround sound) when listening to soundtracks.

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 the speakers you have set up in your room, but also on the source and the sound settings of the receiver.

DVD-Video has become the basic source material for home theater due to its size, quality, and ease of use. Depending on the DVD, you can have up to seven different audio tracks coming from one disc, all of them being sent to different speakers in your system. This is what creates a surround sound effect and gives you the feeling of ‘being there’.

This receiver will automatically decode Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Surround DVD-Video discs, 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 38.

Setting up for 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 unit to the AC power source.

1 Hook up your DVD player.

For surround sound, you’ll want to hook up using a digital connection from the DVD player to the receiver. You can do this with either a coaxial, or an optical connection (you don’t need to connect both). If you hook up using an optical cable, you should refer to The Input Assign menu on page 81 to assign the optical input to DVD/LD.

Use a standard RCA video cable to connect your DVD player video output to the receiver using the jacks shown below.

2 Hook up your TV.

Use a standard RCA video cable to connect your receiver to the TV using the jacks as shown below.

Optical cable

Coaxial digital audio cable

DIGITAL OUT

DVD player

VIDEO OUT

S

VIDEO IN

TV

Standard RCA

video cable

CENTER

CE

S400

S400

SELECTABLE

Standard RCA

video cable

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Contents VSX-AX5Ai-SVSX-AX5Ai-G Risk of Electric Shock Do not Open Operating EnvironmentInformation to User Voltage selectorContents Using other functions Controlling other equipment Advanced setupOther connections Additional informationChecking the supplied accessories FeaturesBefore you start Before you start ChapterUsing the remote control Installing the receiverBefore you start Opening the front panelRemote control battery indicator Operating range of the remote controlMinute guide Setting up for Surround SoundMinute guide Chapter Introduction to home theaterConnect your speakers 02 5 minute guideUse the on-screen Auto Surround setup to set up your system Minute guideLarge ‘Surround Setup’ should be highlighted. Press Switch on the receiver and your TVEnter ‘SurrBack System’ should be highlighted. Press‘Auto Setting’ should be highlighted. Press Make sure ‘Normal System’ is selected, then select ‘Exit’Follow the instructions on-screen Other problems when using the Auto Surround Setup Checking the settings on your DVD or other playerIf the receiver isn’t already on, switch on the power Playing a sourceConnecting your equipment Connecting your equipment ChapterRear panel About the video converter Connecting your equipmentAbout cable types When making cable connectionsAnalog audio cables Digital 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 systemConnecting the speakers Bare wire connectionsPlacing the speakers FM wire antenna Connecting your equipment Connecting antennasConnecting external antennas AM loop antennaOutdoor antenna Indoor antenna Vinyl-coated wire Meters Plugging in the receiverAbout the AC outlet Controls and displays Controls and displays ChapterFront panel Controls and displays Tone Control Mcacc Setup MIC jackTone BASS/TREBLETuned Controls and displays DisplayControls and displays Remote control Audio Remote SetupTV Input Movie / MusicListening to your system Listening to your system ChapterAuto playback Listening in surround sound Movie listening modes Listening to your systemBasic modes Advanced effect modesDolby Pro Logic IIx Music settings Music listening modesPro Logic IIx Music See above Adjusting the advanced effect level Listening with headphonesNeo6 Music settings Listening in stereoListening 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-samplingSwitching the tone control on or off Using the tone controlAdjusting the bass and treble TrebleRelease the button when you see the setting you want Reducing noise during playbackListening to dual mono soundtracks Using the tuner Chapter Using the tunerTuning directly to a station Finding a stationMPX mode Using the tunerListening to memorized station presets Naming station presetsAbcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz Using the tuner An introduction to RDS Press Disp Mode to select the RDS information displayDisplaying RDS information Press EON Mode to select one of the possible modes Using EONAn introduction to EON Searching for RDS programsPress and hold EON Mode for about two seconds Clearing all stations from the RDS and EON searchesPress Enter Surround Setup menu Chapter Surround Setup menuMaking receiver settings from the Surround Setup menu Select the setting you want to adjustSurround back speaker setting Surround Setup menuNormal surround setting Speaker SettingChannel Level Select ‘Channel Level’ from the Normal setup menuSpeaker Distance Select ‘Speaker Distance’ from the Normal setup menuRecalling preset codes Using the remote control with other componentsControlling other equipment Controlling other equipment ChapterControlling other equipment Programming signals from other remote controlsMenu Controlling other equipment Controls for TVsGuide DiscSubtitle Controlling other equipment Controls for other componentsDisp ModeExit TOPMulti Operation and System Off Controlling other equipment Direct functionProgramming a multi-operation or a shutdown sequence Repeat steps 2-4 for as many components as you wantUsing multi operations To add or change a command select ‘Change’ and press EnterPress Multi Operation Switching components on and off using the 12 volt trigger Using System offOperating other Pioneer components with this unit’s sensor Using other functions Chapter Using other functionsAdjusting the delay of a soundtrack Making an audio or a video recordingDimming the display Enhancing Sacd playbackSwitching the speaker impedance Using other functionsAdvanced remote control features Editing remote control display namesClearing remote control settings Adjusting the remote control backlightUsing other functions Resetting the system Switching the speaker system Second Zone speaker B setupOther connections Other connections ChapterOther connections Bi-amping your front speakers Bi-wiring your speakersFront left SpeakerSurrBack System multi-room setup Basic multi-room setupOther connections Multi-room listening Making multi-room connectionsUse the Master Volume dial to adjust the volume Using the multi-room controlsOther connections Press ControlOther connections Connecting additional amplifiersOther connections Using the i.LINK interface Other connections About i.LINK About Pqls rate controlCreating an i.LINK network Other connections Using the USB interface Press Input on the remote control repeatedly to select USBConnect your computer’s USB terminal to Other connections Connecting a PC for Advanced Mcacc output Advanced Mcacc output using your PCSelect ‘PC Output’ and press Enter Advanced setup Chapter Advanced setupSystem Setup menu Select the setting you want to adjust then pressTHX Cinema Setup Advanced setupInput Assign menu Assigning the digital inputsAssigning the i.LINK inputs Assigning the component video inputsComponent-1 OFF Component-2 OFF Select ‘Component-In Select’ from the Input Assign menuSelect ‘Function Rename’ from the System Setup menu Function RenameSelect 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 menuSelect ‘Fine Channel Level’ from the Expert setup menu Select ‘Crossover Network’ from the Expert setup menuAdjust the level of the left channel Crossover NetworkFine Channel Delay Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ automaticallyAcoustic Calibration EQ Select CUSTOM1 Adjust or CUSTOM2 Adjust Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ manuallySelect the channels you want and adjust to your liking Front AlignChecking your Acoustic Calibration EQ settings Copying your Acoustic Calibration EQ settingsSelect ‘DATA COPY’ then press Enter Select ‘Exit’ to copy and confirmHow to use Professional Acoustic Calibration How to interpret the graphical outputProfessional Acoustic Calibration Select a setup option Using Professional Acoustic CalibrationSelect ‘Professional’ If you selected ‘Auto Pro.’, select ‘Start’ and pressBass Peak Level Select ‘Bass Peak Level’ from the Expert setup menuSelect ‘D-Range Control’ from the Expert setup menu Choose the setting that you wantDynamic Range Control Power TroubleshootingAdditional information Additional information ChapterNo sound Additional informationDigital inputs on Other audio problemsVideo Symptom CauseDisplay SettingsPRO Logic II or Neo6 Remote controlLink messages Link interfaceMaintenance of external surfaces Changing the frequency stepUSB interface Dolby Additional information Surround sound formatsAdditional information About THX DVD Additional information Preset code brandsCD-R DVRAdditional 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.