Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi-G, VSX-AX2AV-G manual About THX

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Additional information

WMA9 Pro can support up to 5.1/7.1 channel playback with sampling rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. Using the unique WMA compression techniques, WMA9 Pro can deliver multichannel music and soundtracks over high-speed internet networks at low bit rates with minimal audio degradation. Playback may be enjoyed with the Windows

Media® Player 9 Series (or above) and other third-party media players on a personal computer, or with an AV amplifier with on-board WMA9 Pro decoding.

Windows Media® and the Windows logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

About THX

The THX technologies are explained below. See www.thx.com for more detailed information.

•THX Cinema processing

THX is an exclusive set of standards and technologies established by the world-renowned film production company, Lucasfilm Ltd. THX grew from George Lucas' personal desire to make your experience of the film soundtrack, in both movie theatres and in your home theatre, as faithful as possible to what the director intended. Movie soundtracks are mixed in special movie theatres called dubbing stages and are designed to be played back in movie theatres with similar equipment and conditions. This same soundtrack is then transferred directly onto Laserdisc, VHS tape, DVD, etc., and is not changed for playback in a small home theatre environment. THX engineers developed patented technologies to accurately translate the sound from the movie theatre environment into the home, correcting the tonal and spatial errors that occur. On this product, when the THX indicator is on, THX features are automatically added in Cinema modes (e.g. THX Cinema, THX Surround EX).

•Re-Equalization

The tonal balance of a film soundtrack will be excessively bright and harsh when played back over audio equipment in the home because film soundtracks were designed to be played back in large movie theaters using very different professional equipment. Re-Equalization restores the correct tonal balance for watching a movie soundtrack in a small home environment.

•Timbre Matching

The human ear changes our perception of a sound depending on the direction from which the sound is coming. In a movie theatre, there is an array of surround speakers so that the surround information is all around you. In a home theatre, you use only two speakers located to the side of your head. The Timbre Matching feature filters the information going to the surround speakers so that they more closely match the tonal characteristics of the sound coming from the front speakers. This ensures seamless panning between the front and surround speakers.

•Adaptive Decorrelation

In a movie theatre, a large number of surround speakers help create an enveloping surround sound experience, but in a home theatre there are usually only two speakers. This can make the surround speakers sound like headphones that lack spaciousness and envelopment. The surround sounds will also collapse into the closest speaker as you move away from the middle seating position. Adaptive

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Decorrelation slightly changes one surround channel's time and phase relationship with respect to the other surround channel. This expands the listening position and creates—with only two speakers— the same spacious surround experience as in a movie theatre.

•THX Select2

Before any home theatre component can be THX Select2 certified, it must incorporate all the features above and also pass a rigorous series of quality and performance tests. Only then can a product feature the THX Select2 logo, which is your guarantee that the Home Theatre products you purchase will give you superb performance for many years to come. THX Select2 requirements cover every aspect of the product including pre-amplifier and power amplifier performance and operation, and hundreds of other parameters in both the digital and analog domain.

•THX Surround EX

THX Surround EX - Dolby Digital Surround EX is a joint development of Dolby Laboratories and the THX Ltd. In a movie theater, film soundtracks that have been encoded with Dolby Digital Surround EX technology are able to reproduce an extra channel which has been added during the mixing of the program. This channel, called Surround Back, places sounds behind the listener in addition to the currently available front left, front center, front right, surround right, surround left and subwoofer channels. This additional channel provides the opportunity for more detailed imaging behind the listener and brings more depth, spacious ambience and sound localization than ever before. Movies that were created using the Dolby Digital Surround EX technology, when released into the home consumer market may exhibit wording to that effect on the packaging. A list of movies created using this technology can be found on the Dolby web site at www.dolby.com.

Only receiver and controller products bearing the THX Surround EX logo, when in the THX Surround EX mode, faithfully reproduce this new technology in the home.

This product may also engage the “THX Surround EX” mode during the playback of 5.1 channel material that is not Dolby Digital Surround EX encoded. In such case the information delivered to the Surround Back channel will be program dependent and may or may not be very pleasing depending on the particular soundtrack and the tastes of the individual listener.

•Advanced Speaker Array (ASA)

ASA is a proprietary THX technology which processes the sound fed to 2 side and 2 back surround speakers to provide the optimal surround sound experience. When you set up your home theater system using all eight speaker outputs (Left, Center, Right, Surround Right, Surround Back Right, Surround Back Left, Surround Left and Subwoofer) placing the two Surround Back speakers close together facing the front of the room as shown in the diagram will provide the largest sweet spot. If for practical reasons you have to place the Surround Back speakers apart, you will need to go THX Audio Set-up screen and choose the setting that most closely corresponds to the speaker spacing, which will re-optimize the surround sound-field. ASA is used in three new modes; THX Select2 Cinema, THX MusicMode and THX Games Mode.

•THX Select2 Cinema mode

THX Select2 Cinema mode plays 5.1 movies using all 8 speakers giving you the best possible movie watching experience. In this mode, ASA processing blends the side surround speakers and back surround speakers providing the optimal mix of ambient and directional surround sounds.

DTS-ES (Matrix and 6.1 Discrete) and Dolby Digital Surround EX encoded soundtracks will be automatically detected in Select2 Cinema mode if the appropriate flag has been encoded.

Some Dolby Digital Surround EX soundtracks are missing the digital flag that allows automatic switching. If you know that the movie that you are watching is encoded in Surround EX, you can manually select

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Contents VSX-AX4AVi-GVSX-AX2AV-G Risk of Electric Shock Do not Open Operating EnvironmentDisplay shows the new setting PAL or Ntsc Changing the TV format settingVoltage selector For Taiwan exclusivelyContents Using other functions Other SettingsOther connections Controlling the rest of your systemBefore you start Installing the receiverBefore you start Chapter Checking what’s in the boxMinute guide Automatically setting up for surround sound McaccMinute guide Chapter Introduction to home theaterEnter 02 5 minute guideProblems when using the Auto Mcacc Setup Better sound using Phase ControlMinute guide Playing a sourceConnecting 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 sourcesFor a second recorder, use the DVR/VCR2 outputs Using the component video jacksUse a three-way component video cable DVD playerAbout the WMA9 Pro decoder Connecting your equipment Connecting digital audio sourcesConnecting a component to the front panel inputs Connecting your equipment Connecting analog audio sourcesSelect these inputs using Input Select remote or Input Selector dial front panel to selectConnecting the speakers Connecting your equipment Installing your speaker systemPlacing the speakers Bare wire connectionsTHX speaker system setup Connecting antennasAM loop antenna Assemble the stand as shown in the illustrationUsing an external antenna to improve FM reception FM wire antennaUsing an external antenna to improve AM reception AntennaAC power cord and converter plug use Connecting your equipment Plugging in the receiverControls and displays Chapter Controls and displaysFront panel STANDBY/ONControls and displays Operating range of remote control unitControls and displays Display Receiver Controls and displays Remote controlInput Select 6TUNE/ST /ENTERMultiope StatusShift SourceListening to your system Chapter Listening to your systemAuto playback Listening in surround soundUsing the Advanced surround effects Using the Home THX modesTHX Games Mode Listening to your systemSelecting Mcacc presets Using Stream DirectChoosing the input signal Listening to your system Listening in stereoUsing the Virtual Surround Back mode Using surround back channel processingUsing the tuner Chapter Using the tunerSaving station presets Listening to the radioNaming station presets Using the tunerListening to station presets AbcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzSystem Setup menu Chapter System Setup menuMaking receiver settings from the System Setup menu Automatic Mcacc ExpertMemory System Setup menuIf necessary, confirm the speaker configuration in the OSD.1 Surround back speaker settingFine Channel Level Manual Mcacc setupWhen youre finished, press Return Adjust the level of the left channelFine Speaker Distance Standing WaveSelect ‘EQ Adjust’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menu Select ‘Standing Wave’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menuSelect the channels you want and adjust to your liking Acoustic Calibration EQHow 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 Speaker Setting Manual speaker setupRenaming Mcacc presets Clearing Mcacc presetsSelect ‘Channel Level’ from the Manual SP Setup menu Select ‘Speaker Setting’ from the Manual SP Setup menuSelect a setup option Confirm your selected setup optionSpeaker Distance Bass Peak LevelEnter Curve THX Audio SettingConnecting your iPod to the receiver Connecting an iPodOther connections Other connections ChapterOther connections Connecting using HdmiBasic playback controls Button What it doesUsing 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 controlConnecting the multichannel analog inputs Using the USB interfaceSelecting the multichannel analog inputs Use standard RCA/phono jack cables for the connectionsSwitching the speaker system Second Zone speaker B setupUse the Input Select button to select USB Start playback of a source on your computerBi-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 Using the multi-room controls Connecting an IR receiverMulti-room remote controls InputUsing this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display Switching components on and off using the 12 volt triggerPioneer plasma display Pioneer plasma Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma displayDisplay DVD player Satellite receiver, etcAdvanced Mcacc output using your PC Other connections Connecting a PC for Advanced Mcacc outputOther Settings Other Settings ChapterInput Setup menu Other Setup menu Other SettingsInput function default and possible settings Select ‘Other Setup’ then press EnterMulti-Room and IR receiver setup OSD AdjustmentSR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays Using other functions Chapter Using other functionsSetting the AV options Setting What it does OptionsPlaying a different source when recording Using other functionsMaking an audio or a video recording Recout SourceUsing the sleep timer Switching the speaker impedanceChecking your system settings Dimming the displayDefault system settings Resetting the systemDisplay shows RESET? Setting DefaultSelecting preset codes directly Setting the remote to control other componentsProgramming signals from other remote controls Controlling the rest of your systemResetting the remote control presets Erasing one of the remote control button settingsConfirming preset codes Controlling the rest of your systemDirect function Renaming input source namesMulti Operation and System Off Programming a multi-operation or a shutdown sequenceUsing System off Using multi operationsControls for other components Controlling the rest of your system Controls for TVsButtons Function Components Function ComponentsOperating other Pioneer components with this unit’s sensor Button s Function ComponentsDecide which component you want to use the remote sensor Power TroubleshootingAdditional information Additional information ChapterAdditional information Other audio problemsVideo SettingsProfessional Calibration EQ graphical output DisplayLink interface Remote controlLink messages USB interfaceMessage Explanation There is a problem with the signal path from Symptom Cause ActionIPod messages JacksAdditional information Surround sound formats DolbyWindows Media Audio 9 Professional About THX Stereo 2 channel signal formats Listening modes with different input signal formatsTHX Games Mode THX MusicModeMultichannel 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.
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