Pioneer VSX-LX50 manual Additional information Surround sound formats, Dolby

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13Additional 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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Dolby Digital Plus

Dolby Digital Plus is the next-generation audio technology for all high-definition programming and media. It combines the efficiency to meet future broadcast demands with the power and flexibility to realize the full audio potential expected in the upcoming high-definition era. Built on Dolby Digital, the multi-channel audio standard for DVD and HD broadcasts worldwide, Dolby Digital Plus was designed for the next-generation A/V receivers but remains fully compatible with all current A/V receivers.

Dolby Digital Plus delivers multi-channel audio programs of up to 7.1 channels (*) and supports multiple programs in a single encoded bitstream with the maximum bit rate potential of up to 6 Mbps and the maximum bit rate performance of up to 3 Mbps on HD DVD and 1.7 Mbps on Blu-ray Disc, and it outputs Dolby Digital bitstreams for playback on existing Dolby Digital systems. Dolby Digital Plus can accurately reproduce the sound originally intended by directors and producers.

It also features multi-channel sound with discrete channel output, interactive mixing and streaming capability in advanced systems. Supported by High-Definition Media Interface (HDMI), a single-cable digital connection is possible for high-definition audio and video.

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby TrueHD is the next-generation lossless encoding technology developed for high-definition optical discs in the upcoming era. Dolby TrueHD delivers tantalizing sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, unlocking the true high-definition entertainment experience on high-definition optical discs in the next generation. When coupled with high-definition video, Dolby TrueHD offers an unprecedented home theater experience with stunning sound and high- definition picture.

It supports bit rates of up to 18 Mbps and records up to 8 full- range channels (*) individually with 24-bit/96 kHz audio. It also features extensive metadata including dialogue normalization and dynamic range control. Supported by High-Definition Media Interface (HDMI), a single-cable digital connection is possible for high-definition audio and video.

*HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc standards currently limit their maximum number of audio channels to eight, whereas Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD support more than eight audio channels.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, “Surround EX” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

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Contents VSX-LX50 Important the Moulded Plug Risk of Electric Shock Do not OpenOperating Environment Contents Using other functions System Setup menu Controlling the rest of your systemOther Settings Other connectionsBefore you start Chapter FeaturesBefore you start Before you start Installing the receiverEasy-to-use LCD remote control Checking what’s in the box02 5 minute guide Chapter Automatically setting up for surround sound Auto McaccMinute guide Introduction to home theaterMinute guide 02 5 minute guide Better sound using Phase ControlProblems when using the Auto Mcacc Setup Playing a sourceRear panel Connecting your equipmentConnecting your equipment Chapter About the video converter Connecting your equipmentWhen making cable connections Connect using a standard video cable or an S-video cable Connecting your equipment Connecting your TV and DVD playerConnecting a satellite/cable receiver or other set-top box 342DVR, VCR, etc Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other video sourcesUsing the component video jacks Connecting digital audio sources Use a three-way component video cableConnect using a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable Connecting analog audio sourcesConnecting a component to the front panel inputs About the WMA9 Pro decoderConnecting your equipment Installing your speaker system Connecting the speakersBare wire connections Placing the speakersConnecting antennas THX speaker system setupPlugging in the receiver Connecting external antennasPlug the power cord into a power outlet Front panel Controls and displaysControls and displays Chapter Operating range of remote control unit Controls and displaysSound Phase ControlRtrv Stream DirectInput Select Controls and displays Remote controlRECEIVER SelectShift StatusMulti OPE SOURCEAuto playback Listening in surround sound Listening to your systemListening to your system Chapter Standard surround soundTHX Games Mode Using the Home THX modesUsing the Advanced surround effects Listening to your systemListening in stereo Using Front Stage Surround AdvanceUsing Stream Direct Stereo See Listening in stereo above for more on thisUsing surround back channel processing Listening to your system Selecting Mcacc presetsChoosing the input signal While listening to a source, press McaccUsing the Virtual Surround Back mode Using the tone controls Listening to your system Using Midnight and LoudnessUsing the Sound Retriever Press Tone to select the frequency you want to adjustUSB playback Chapter Using the USB interfaceUSB playback Basic playback controlsUSB playback Compressed audio compatibilitySaving station presets Using the tunerUsing the tuner Chapter Listening to the radioListening to station presets Using the tunerNaming station presets An introduction to RDSPress Disp for RDS information Using EONDisplaying RDS information Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu System Setup menuSystem Setup menu Chapter Select the setting you want to adjustSystem Setup menu PointSurround back speaker setting Default setting Normal SBManual Mcacc setup Fine Channel LevelSelect ‘Fine SP Distance’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menu Select ‘Fine Ch Level’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menuAdjust the level of the left channel When youre finished, press ReturnSelect the channels you want and adjust to your liking Select ‘Standing Wave’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menuSelect ‘EQ Adjust’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menu Standing WaveProfessional Acoustic Calibration EQ How to use Professional Acoustic Calibration EQHow to interpret the graphical output Select an option and press Enter Using Professional Acoustic Calibration EQSelect ‘EQ Professional’ then press Enter Checking Mcacc preset data System Setup menu Data ManagementCopying Mcacc preset data Select ‘Data Management’ from the System Setup menuRenaming Mcacc presets Manual speaker setupSpeaker Setting Clearing Mcacc presetsConfirm your selected setup option Select ‘Channel Level’ from the Manual SP Setup menuSelect a setup option Adjust the level of each channel using the / ButtonsCurve THX Audio SettingSpeaker Distance Other connections Connecting an iPodConnecting your iPod to the receiver Other connections ChapterBasic playback controls Watching photos and video contentOther connections Use / to move to previous/next levelsYou can also use the front panel controls Other connections Connecting using HdmiAbout Hdmi Switching the speaker system Connecting the multichannel analog inputsSpeaker B setup Selecting the multichannel analog inputsConnect your speakers as shown below Bi-wiring your speakersBi-amping your front speakers Large Other connections Connecting additional amplifiersUsing this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display Display Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma displayPioneer plasma DVD player Satellite receiver, etcInput Setup menu Other SettingsOther Settings Chapter Input function default and possible settingsSR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays Other SettingsOther Setup menu OSD AdjustmentSetting the AV options Using other functionsUsing other functions Chapter Setting What it does OptionsSelect the source you want to record Using other functionsMaking an audio or a video recording Prepare the recorderChecking your system settings Using the sleep timerSwitching the speaker impedance Press Status to check the system settingsPress System Setup to confirm Using other functions Resetting the systemDefault system settings Setting DefaultProgramming signals from other remote controls Setting the remote to control other componentsSelecting preset codes directly Controlling the rest of your systemConfirming preset codes Erasing one of the remote control button settingsResetting the remote control presets Controlling the rest of your systemDirect function Renaming input source namesMulti Operation and System Off Programming a multi-operation or a shutdown sequenceSelect the button for the command you want to input Using multi operationsUsing System off Press Multi OPEButtons Function Components Controlling the rest of your system Controls for TVsControls for other components Operating other Pioneer components with this unit’s sensor Decide which component you want to use the remote sensorAdditional information TroubleshootingPower Additional information ChapterAdditional information Other audio problemsSymptomRemedy Settings VideoDisplay 96 kHzUSB interface Remote controlSymptom IPod messages Symptom Cause ActionThere is a problem with the signal path from Noisy or distorted pictureAdditional information Surround sound formats DolbyAbout THX Windows MediaTM Audio 9 ProfessionalRe-Equalization THX Select2 Cinema modeTHX Games Mode Timbre MatchingAuto Surround Stereo 2 channel signal formatsInput signal format Standard Multichannel signal formats Channel decoding used for all sourcesDecoding Dolby Digital Plus Straight decodingChannel Surround Back speakers Input signal format Additional information Specifications Cleaning the unitPioneer Corporation