Pioneer VSX-AX2AV-G, VSX-AX4AVi-G manual Additional information Surround sound formats, Dolby

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12Additional 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.

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 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.

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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.

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

5.1channel 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.

Windows Media® Audio 9 Professional

Windows Media® Audio 9 Professional (WMA9 Pro) is a discrete surround format developed by Microsoft Corporation.

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Contents VSX-AX4AVi-GVSX-AX2AV-G Operating Environment Risk of Electric Shock Do not OpenChanging the TV format setting Display shows the new setting PAL or NtscVoltage selector For Taiwan exclusivelyContents Other Settings Using other functionsOther connections Controlling the rest of your systemInstalling the receiver Before you startBefore you start Chapter Checking what’s in the boxAutomatically setting up for surround sound Mcacc Minute guideMinute guide Chapter Introduction to home theater02 5 minute guide EnterBetter sound using Phase Control Problems when using the Auto Mcacc SetupMinute guide Playing a sourceRear panel Connecting your equipmentConnecting your equipment Chapter About the video converter Connecting your equipmentWhen making cable connections Connecting your equipment Connecting your TV and DVD player 324Or other set-top box Other video sources Use an optical cable for the connectionUsing the component video jacks For a second recorder, use the DVR/VCR2 outputsUse a three-way component video cable DVD playerConnecting your equipment Connecting digital audio sources About the WMA9 Pro decoderConnecting your equipment Connecting analog audio sources Connecting a component to the front panel inputsSelect these inputs using Input Select remote or Input Selector dial front panel to selectConnecting your equipment Installing your speaker system Connecting the speakersBare wire connections Placing the speakersConnecting antennas THX speaker system setupAM loop antenna Assemble the stand as shown in the illustrationFM wire antenna Using an external antenna to improve FM receptionUsing an external antenna to improve AM reception AntennaConnecting your equipment Plugging in the receiver AC power cord and converter plug useControls and displays Controls and displays ChapterFront panel STANDBY/ONOperating range of remote control unit Controls and displaysControls and displays Display Controls and displays Remote control ReceiverInput Select 6TUNE/ST /ENTERStatus MultiopeShift SourceListening to your system Listening to your system ChapterAuto playback Listening in surround soundUsing the Home THX modes Using the Advanced surround effectsTHX Games Mode Listening to your systemUsing Stream Direct Selecting Mcacc presetsChoosing the input signal Listening to your system Listening in stereoUsing surround back channel processing Using the Virtual Surround Back modeUsing the tuner Using the tuner ChapterSaving station presets Listening to the radioUsing the tuner Naming station presetsListening to station presets AbcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzSystem Setup menu System Setup menu ChapterMaking receiver settings from the System Setup menu Automatic Mcacc ExpertSystem Setup menu MemorySurround back speaker setting If necessary, confirm the speaker configuration in the OSD.1Manual Mcacc setup Fine Channel LevelAdjust the level of the left channel When youre finished, press ReturnFine Speaker Distance Standing WaveSelect ‘Standing Wave’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menu Select ‘EQ Adjust’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menuSelect the channels you want and adjust to your liking Acoustic Calibration EQHow to use Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ How to interpret the graphical outputSelect an option and press Enter Using Professional Acoustic Calibration EQSelect ‘EQ Professional’ then press Enter Data Management Checking Mcacc preset dataCopying Mcacc preset data Manual speaker setup Speaker SettingRenaming Mcacc presets Clearing Mcacc presetsSelect ‘Speaker Setting’ from the Manual SP Setup menu Select ‘Channel Level’ from the Manual SP Setup menuSelect a setup option Confirm your selected setup optionEnter Speaker DistanceBass Peak Level THX Audio Setting CurveConnecting an iPod Connecting your iPod to the receiverOther connections Other connections ChapterConnecting using Hdmi Other connectionsBasic playback controls Button What it doesOn a HDMI-compatible monitor.1 Using the i.LINK interfaceAbout Hdmi About i.LINK Checking the i.LINK inputsAbout Pqls rate control Creating an i.LINK networkUsing the USB interface Connecting the multichannel analog inputsSelecting the multichannel analog inputs Use standard RCA/phono jack cables for the connectionsSecond Zone speaker B setup Switching the speaker systemUse the Input Select button to select USB Start playback of a source on your computerConnect your speakers as shown below Bi-wiring your speakersBi-amping your front speakers Making multi-room connections Other connections Connecting additional amplifiersMulti-room listening Sub room Input sources available Basic multi-room setup RoomMulti-room listening options Connecting an IR receiver Using the multi-room controlsMulti-room remote controls InputPioneer plasma display Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma displaySwitching components on and off using the 12 volt trigger Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma display Pioneer plasmaDisplay DVD player Satellite receiver, etcOther connections Connecting a PC for Advanced Mcacc output Advanced Mcacc output using your PCInput Setup menu Other SettingsOther Settings Chapter Other Settings Other Setup menuInput function default and possible settings Select ‘Other Setup’ then press EnterSR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays Multi-Room and IR receiver setupOSD Adjustment Using other functions Using other functions ChapterSetting the AV options Setting What it does OptionsUsing other functions Playing a different source when recordingMaking an audio or a video recording Recout SourceSwitching the speaker impedance Using the sleep timerChecking your system settings Dimming the displayResetting the system Default system settingsDisplay shows RESET? Setting DefaultSetting the remote to control other components Selecting preset codes directlyProgramming signals from other remote controls Controlling the rest of your systemErasing one of the remote control button settings Resetting the remote control presetsConfirming preset codes Controlling the rest of your systemRenaming input source names Direct functionMulti Operation and System Off Programming a multi-operation or a shutdown sequenceUsing multi operations Using System offControlling the rest of your system Controls for TVs Controls for other componentsButtons Function Components Function ComponentsDecide which component you want to use the remote sensor Operating other Pioneer components with this unit’s sensorButton s Function Components Troubleshooting PowerAdditional information Additional information ChapterOther audio problems Additional informationSettings VideoDisplay Professional Calibration EQ graphical outputRemote control Link interfaceMessage Explanation Link messagesUSB interface Symptom Cause Action There is a problem with the signal path fromIPod messages JacksWindows Media Audio 9 Professional Additional information Surround sound formatsDolby About THX Listening modes with different input signal formats Stereo 2 channel signal formatsTHX Games Mode THX MusicModeAuto Surround Multichannel signal formatsInput signal format Standard Unavailable with only one surround back speaker connected Input signal formatSurround Back speakers Additional information Specifications Additional information Our philosophy Cleaning the unitFeatures Pioneer Corporation 05F00001 Printed ARB7336-A

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.
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