Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi-G Listening to your system Chapter, Auto playback, Standard surround sound

Page 27

Listening to your system

05

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 82 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.1

STATUS

SIGNAL SEL

SBch

STEREO

MULTI OPE

THX

STANDARD

ADV. SURR

While listening to a source, 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.4

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 sources5

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)

SHIFT PHASE MCACC S.DIRECT

While listening to a source, press S.DIRECT (AUTO

SURR/STREAM DIRECT)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.

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 30.

Standard surround sound

The following modes provide basic surround sound for stereo and multichannel sources.3

STATUS

SIGNAL SEL

SBch

STEREO

MULTI OPE

THX

STANDARD

ADV. SURR

SHIFT PHASE MCACC S.DIRECT

Neo:6 CINEMA – 6.1 channel sound, especially suited to movie sources

Neo:6 MUSIC – 6.1 channel sound, especially suited to music sources6

With multichannel sources, if you have connected surround back speaker(s) and have selected SBch ON, you can select (according to format):

2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE – See above (only available when you’re using two surround back speakers)

2 Pro Logic IIx MUSIC – See above

Dolby Digital EX – Creates surround back channel sound for 5.1 channel sources and provides pure decoding for 6.1 channel sources (like Dolby Digital Surround EX)

DTS-ES– Allows you to hear 6.1 channel playback with DTS-ES encoded sources

DTS Neo:6 – Allows you to hear 6.1 channel playback with DTS encoded sources

Note

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 or select the multichannel analog inputs.

2For more options using this button, see Using Stream Direct on page 29.

3In modes that give 6.1 channel sound, the same signal is heard from both surround back speakers.

4If surround back channel processing (page 30) is switched OFF, or the surround back speakers are set to NO (this happens automatically if the Surround back speaker setting on page 35 is set to anything but Normal (SB)), 2 Pro Logic IIx becomes 2 Pro Logic II (5.1 channel sound).

5When listening to 2-channel sources in Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music mode, there are three further parameters you can adjust: Center Width, Dimension, and Panorama. See Setting the AV options on page 63 to adjust them.

6When listening to 2-channel sources in Neo:6 Music mode, you can also adjust the center image effect (see Setting the AV options on page 63).

27

En

Image 27
Contents VSX-AX4AVi-GVSX-AX2AV-G Risk of Electric Shock Do not Open Operating EnvironmentFor Taiwan exclusively Changing the TV format settingDisplay shows the new setting PAL or Ntsc Voltage selectorContents Controlling the rest of your system Other SettingsUsing other functions Other connectionsChecking what’s in the box Installing the receiverBefore you start Before you start ChapterIntroduction to home theater Automatically setting up for surround sound McaccMinute guide Minute guide ChapterEnter 02 5 minute guidePlaying a source Better sound using Phase ControlProblems when using the Auto Mcacc Setup Minute guideConnecting your equipment Connecting your equipment ChapterRear panel Connecting your equipment When making cable connectionsAbout the video converter 324 Connecting your equipment Connecting your TV and DVD playerUse an optical cable for the connection Or other set-top box Other video sourcesDVD player Using the component video jacksFor a second recorder, use the DVR/VCR2 outputs Use a three-way component video cableAbout the WMA9 Pro decoder Connecting your equipment Connecting digital audio sourcesInput Selector dial front panel to select Connecting your equipment Connecting analog audio sourcesConnecting a component to the front panel inputs Select these inputs using Input Select remote orConnecting the speakers Connecting your equipment Installing your speaker systemPlacing the speakers Bare wire connectionsAssemble the stand as shown in the illustration Connecting antennasTHX speaker system setup AM loop antennaAntenna FM wire antennaUsing an external antenna to improve FM reception Using an external antenna to improve AM receptionAC power cord and converter plug use Connecting your equipment Plugging in the receiverSTANDBY/ON Controls and displaysControls and displays Chapter Front panelControls and displays Operating range of remote control unitControls and displays Display 6TUNE/ST /ENTER Controls and displays Remote controlReceiver Input SelectSource StatusMultiope ShiftListening in surround sound Listening to your systemListening to your system Chapter Auto playbackListening to your system Using the Home THX modesUsing the Advanced surround effects THX Games ModeListening to your system Listening in stereo Using Stream DirectSelecting Mcacc presets Choosing the input signalUsing the Virtual Surround Back mode Using surround back channel processingListening to the radio Using the tunerUsing the tuner Chapter Saving station presetsAbcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz Using the tunerNaming station presets Listening to station presetsAutomatic Mcacc Expert System Setup menuSystem Setup menu Chapter Making receiver settings from the System Setup menuMemory System Setup menuIf necessary, confirm the speaker configuration in the OSD.1 Surround back speaker settingFine Channel Level Manual Mcacc setupStanding Wave Adjust the level of the left channelWhen youre finished, press Return Fine Speaker DistanceAcoustic Calibration EQ Select ‘Standing Wave’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menuSelect ‘EQ Adjust’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menu Select the channels you want and adjust to your likingHow to interpret the graphical output How to use Professional Acoustic Calibration EQUsing Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ Select ‘EQ Professional’ then press EnterSelect an option and press Enter Checking Mcacc preset data Copying Mcacc preset dataData Management Clearing Mcacc presets Manual speaker setupSpeaker Setting Renaming Mcacc presetsConfirm your selected setup option Select ‘Speaker Setting’ from the Manual SP Setup menuSelect ‘Channel Level’ from the Manual SP Setup menu Select a setup optionSpeaker Distance Bass Peak LevelEnter Curve THX Audio SettingOther connections Chapter Connecting an iPodConnecting your iPod to the receiver Other connectionsButton What it does Connecting using HdmiOther connections Basic playback controlsUsing the i.LINK interface About HdmiOn a HDMI-compatible monitor.1 Checking the i.LINK inputs About i.LINKCreating an i.LINK network About Pqls rate controlUse standard RCA/phono jack cables for the connections Using the USB interfaceConnecting the multichannel analog inputs Selecting the multichannel analog inputsStart playback of a source on your computer Second Zone speaker B setupSwitching the speaker system Use the Input Select button to select USBBi-wiring your speakers Bi-amping your front speakersConnect your speakers as shown below Other connections Connecting additional amplifiers Multi-room listeningMaking multi-room connections Basic multi-room setup Room Multi-room listening optionsSub room Input sources available Input Connecting an IR receiverUsing the multi-room controls Multi-room remote controlsUsing this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display Switching components on and off using the 12 volt triggerPioneer plasma display DVD player Satellite receiver, etc Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma displayPioneer plasma DisplayAdvanced Mcacc output using your PC Other connections Connecting a PC for Advanced Mcacc outputOther Settings Other Settings ChapterInput Setup menu Select ‘Other Setup’ then press Enter Other SettingsOther Setup menu Input function default and possible settingsMulti-Room and IR receiver setup OSD AdjustmentSR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays Setting What it does Options Using other functionsUsing other functions Chapter Setting the AV optionsRecout Source Using other functionsPlaying a different source when recording Making an audio or a video recordingDimming the display Switching the speaker impedanceUsing the sleep timer Checking your system settingsSetting Default Resetting the systemDefault system settings Display shows RESET?Controlling the rest of your system Setting the remote to control other componentsSelecting preset codes directly Programming signals from other remote controlsControlling the rest of your system Erasing one of the remote control button settingsResetting the remote control presets Confirming preset codesProgramming a multi-operation or a shutdown sequence Renaming input source namesDirect function Multi Operation and System OffUsing System off Using multi operationsFunction Components Controlling the rest of your system Controls for TVsControls for other components Buttons Function ComponentsOperating other Pioneer components with this unit’s sensor Button s Function ComponentsDecide which component you want to use the remote sensor Additional information Chapter TroubleshootingPower Additional informationAdditional information Other audio problemsVideo SettingsProfessional Calibration EQ graphical output DisplayLink interface Remote controlLink messages USB interfaceMessage Explanation Jacks Symptom Cause ActionThere is a problem with the signal path from IPod messagesAdditional information Surround sound formats DolbyWindows Media Audio 9 Professional About THX THX MusicMode Listening modes with different input signal formatsStereo 2 channel signal formats THX Games ModeMultichannel signal formats Input signal format StandardAuto Surround Input signal format Surround Back speakersUnavailable with only one surround back speaker connected Additional information Specifications Cleaning the unit FeaturesAdditional information Our philosophy 05F00001 Printed ARB7336-A Pioneer Corporation

VSX-AX4AVi-G, VSX-AX2AV-G specifications

The Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi-G and VSX-AX2AV-G are two impressive receivers that exemplify Pioneer’s commitment to high-fidelity audio performance and advanced home theater technology. Both models cater to audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike with their robust feature sets and innovative technologies.

The VSX-AX4AVi-G is a flagship model that boasts a powerful 7.1 channel surround sound system, delivering an immersive audio experience. With 130 watts per channel, it ensures that even the most demanding soundtracks are reproduced with clarity and strength. Supporting various surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, the receiver creates a cinema-like experience at home. The inclusion of Pioneer's proprietary MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) enables automatic speaker setup and calibration, optimizing audio quality based on the specific characteristics of the room.

In contrast, the VSX-AX2AV-G is designed for those seeking high-end audio without a plethora of features. While it also supports 7.1 channel playback, it focuses on delivering a more straightforward user experience. The AX2AV-G offers similar power output per channel, ensuring rich and full-bodied sound reproduction. Its straightforward user interface makes it accessible for users who want quality audio without the complexity.

Both models feature advanced video processing capabilities and support high-definition video formats. They can upscale standard-definition content to 1080p through HDMI, ensuring that users get the best quality possible from their video sources. The HDMI connectivity allows for multiple input sources and supports 4K video resolution, making both receivers future-proof for evolving home theater setups.

In terms of connectivity, the VSX-AX4AVi-G and VSX-AX2AV-G offer a wide range of inputs and outputs, including multiple HDMI ports, component video inputs, and composite connections, accommodating various devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The receivers also feature advanced digital signal processing, enhancing sound quality and making music playback more enjoyable.

Additionally, these receivers come equipped with a range of audio enhancement features such as Phase Control and Advanced Sound Retriever, which help to improve audio playback by enhancing high frequencies and restoring lost details, especially when streaming compressed audio formats.

In summary, the Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi-G and VSX-AX2AV-G represent two excellent options in the receiver market. With their combined focus on high-quality audio, advanced video processing, and user-friendly operation, they provide an ideal solution for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment experience.