Pioneer VSX-818V, VSX-918V operating instructions Listening to your system, Listening in stereo

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Listening to your system

05

Using the Advanced surround effects

The Advanced surround feature creates a variety of surround effects. Try different modes with various soundtracks to see which you like.1

AUTO/DIRECT

STEREO/

STANDARD

ADVSURR

A.L.C.

ACOUSTIC

DIALOG

SOUND

PHASE

EQ

RETRIEVER

Press ADV SURR repeatedly to select a listening mode.

ACTION – Designed for action movies with dynamic soundtracks.

DRAMA – Designed for movies with lots of dialog.

MONOFILM – Creates surround sound from mono soundtracks.

ENT.SHOW – Suitable for musical sources.

EXPANDED – Creates an extra wide stereo field.2

TV SURR. – Provides surround sound for both mono and stereo TV sources.

ADV.GAME – Suitable for video games.

SPORTS – Suitable for sports programs.

ROCK/POP – Creates a live concert sound for rock and/or pop music.

UNPLUGED – Suitable for acoustic music sources.

X-STEREO– Gives multichannel sound to a stereo source, using all of your speakers.

PHONESUR. – Creates the effect of overall surround with headphones.

Listening in stereo

When you select STEREO you will hear the source through just the front left and right speakers (and possibly your subwoofer depending on your speaker settings). Dolby Digital and DTS multichannel sources are downmixed to stereo.

In the Auto level control stereo mode (A.L.C.), this unit equalizes playback sound levels if each sound level varies with the music source recorded in a portable audio player.

AUTO/DIRECT

STEREO/

STANDARD

ADVSURR

A.L.C.

ACOUSTIC

DIALOG

SOUND

PHASE

EQ

RETRIEVER

While listening to a source, press STEREO/A.L.C. for stereo playback. Press repeatedly to switch between:

STEREO – The audio is heard with your surround settings and you can still use the Midnight, Loudness, and Tone functions.

A.L.C. – Listening in Auto level control stereo mode.

F.S.S.FOCUS – See Using Front Stage Surround Advance on page 32 for more on this.

F.S.S. WIDE – See Using Front Stage Surround Advance on page 32 for more on this.

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Note

1• If you press ADV SURR with the headphones connected, PHONESUR. will automatically be selected.

• When an Advanced Surround listening mode is selected, the effect level can be adjusted using the EFFECT parameter in Setting the AV options on page 34.

2Use with Dolby Pro Logic for a stereo surround effect (stereo field is wider than Standard modes with Dolby Digital sources).

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Contents VSX-918V VSX-818V Wash hands after handling Operating Environment Ventilation CautionContents Additional information Other SettingsControlling the rest of your system Other connectionsLoading the batteries Before you startBefore you start Chapter Checking what’s in the boxListening to Surround Sound Minute guideMinute guide Chapter Introduction to home theater02 5 minute guide Switch on the receiver and your TVMake sure ‘OK’ is selected, then press Minute guideFollow the instructions on-screen Wait for the test tones to finishOther problems when using the Auto Mcacc Setup Better sound using Phase ControlPress Phase Phase Control to switch on phase correction Connecting up Chapter Connecting upMaking cable connections Receiver Connecting up Connecting a DVD player and TVNederlands Connecting upConnecting the multichannel analog outputs Audio and Video inputs on this receiver.2About the WMA9 Pro decoder Connecting up Connecting other audio componentsConnections for the VSX-818V are the same Connecting an HDD/DVD recorder, VCR and other video sourcesConnecting using Hdmi Connecting up Using the component video jacksComponent 1 DVD Component 2 TV Component 3 DVR About Hdmi Connecting to the front panel video terminal Connecting up Connecting to the front panel audio mini jackAC outlet To improve AM reception Connecting up Connecting antennasUsing external antennas To improve FM receptionComponent Video Connecting up Connecting the speakersTighten terminal Hints on speaker placementBare wire connections Twist exposed wire strands togetherSwitching the speaker system Speaker placement diagrams14 15 16 Controls and displaysControls and displays Chapter Front panelDisplay Controls and displaysVIR. SB AnalogDTS PRO LogicControls and displays Remote control AV Parameter Master Volume +Setup Level +Class AccessSignal SEL Tuner DispOperating range of remote control Listening in surround sound Listening to your systemListening to your system Chapter Auto playbackListening in stereo Using the Advanced surround effectsPress ADV Surr repeatedly to select a listening mode Listening to your systemUsing Stream Direct Listening to your system Using Front Stage Surround AdvanceUsing the Sound Retriever Using Virtual Surround Back VSB Setting Listening to your system Setting the AV optionsWhat it does Options Ch1 Setting What it does OptionsSelecting the front audio inputs Choosing the input signalPress Portable SHIFT+iPod on the remote control Listening to your system Playing other sourcesManual Mcacc speaker setup System Setup menuSystem Setup menu Chapter Using the System Setup menuFine Channel Level System Setup menuSelect ‘Manual MCACC’ from the System Setup menu Select ‘Fine Ch Level’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menuFine Speaker Distance Select ‘Fine SP Distance’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menuCopying your Acoustic Calibration EQ settings Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ automaticallyAcoustic Calibration EQ Might distort. If this happens, bring Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ manuallySelect the channels you want and adjust to your liking Select ‘OK’ to copy and confirmSpeaker Setting Manual speaker setupChecking your Acoustic Calibration EQ settings Crossover Network Select ‘Speaker Setting’ from the Manual SP Setup menuChannel Level Select ‘Crossover Network’ from the Manual SP Setup menuSelect ‘Channel Level’ from the Manual SP Setup menu Adjust the level of each channel usingAdjust the distance of each speaker Using Select ‘Speaker Distance’ from the Manual SP Setup menuSpeaker Distance Listening to the radio Using the tunerUsing the tuner Chapter Tuning directly to a stationNederlands Español Using the tuner Saving station presetsListening to station presets Naming station presetsMaking recordings Chapter Making recordingsMaking an audio or a video recording Operating other Pioneer components Setting the remote to control other componentsControlling the rest of your system Controlling the rest of your system ChapterUse the number buttons to enter the preset code Clearing all the remote control settingsDirect function Buttons Function Components Controlling the rest of your system Controls for TVsShift + SHIFT+ Function ComponentsControlling the rest of your system On digital STB Controlling the rest of your system Preset Code ListDVD Recorder Other connections Chapter Connecting an iPodConnecting your iPod to the receiver Other connectionsBasic playback controls Other connectionsIPod playback Finding what you want to playPress iPod Ctrl to switch the iPod controls.2 Using XM RadioConnecting your XM Radio receiver Switching the iPod controls1Selecting channels and browsing by genre Using XM HD SurroundSaving channel presets Listening to XM RadioAbout Neural Surround Using the XM MenuAbout XM Connecting your Sirius Connect Tuner Using Sirius RadioEnter to listen to the Sirius radio broadcast Listening to Sirius RadioSelect the channel you want to memorize One at time withUsing the Sirius Menu Using this receiver with a Pioneer flat panel TVParental Lock Use Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer flat panel TV Assigning the digital inputs Other SettingsOther Settings Chapter Input Assign menuAssigning the component video inputs Other SettingsAssigning the Hdmi inputs Select the ‘PDP Volume Control’ setting you want Other Settings Other Setup menuSR+ Setup for Pioneer flat panel TVs Select ‘Other Setup’ then press EnterAdditional information Chapter TroubleshootingProblem Remedy Additional informationAdditional information Symptom RemedyImportant information regarding the Hdmi connection Configuration1XM radio messages Symptom CauseSymptom Cause Action IPod messagesTuner Sirius radio messagesAmplifier section Additional information Resetting the main unitSwitching the speaker impedance SpecificationsAM Tuner Section Video SectionComponent video section FM Tuner SectionCleaning the unit Power cord cautionWe Want You Listening For a Lifetime Limitedwarranty Pioneer Corporation

VSX-818V, VSX-918V specifications

The Pioneer VSX-918V and VSX-818V are standout receivers in the contemporary home audio landscape, delivering exceptional sound quality, versatile connectivity, and advanced features aimed at enhancing the listening experience for audiophiles and casual users alike.

Both models support a wide array of audio formats, including Dolby Digital, DTS, and others, ensuring rich, immersive sound for movies, music, and gaming. The VSX-918V is particularly notable for its higher wattage output, offering 100 watts per channel, which provides ample power for larger rooms and demanding speakers. The VSX-818V, while slightly lower in wattage at 90 watts per channel, still delivers robust performance suitable for most home theater setups.

A defining characteristic of these receivers is their multi-zone capabilities. The VSX-918V allows users to enjoy different audio sources in separate rooms, making it ideal for individuals who wish to create a whole-house audio solution. The VSX-818V also offers multi-zone functionality but is better suited for simpler applications, maintaining a balance between performance and cost.

Both receivers feature Pioneer’s proprietary MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), which automatically calibrates the audio output to match the listening environment. This technology analyzes speaker placement and room acoustics, delivering optimal sound performance tailored to specific room characteristics. Users benefit from a straightforward setup process with the included microphone, allowing for quick adjustments to achieve premium sound quality.

Connectivity options abound on both models, with multiple HDMI inputs supporting advanced video and audio formats, including 1080p pass-through. They also offer component and composite video inputs, optical and coaxial digital audio inputs, as well as analog audio connections. This extensive connectivity ensures compatibility with a variety of devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.

Another notable feature is the built-in PLL (Phase Locked Loop) technology for the FM tuner, which enhances radio reception quality, allowing for clearer and more stable signals. The VSX-918V and VSX-818V also provide users with customizable sound fields, including various surround sound modes, to cater to different media types and personal preferences.

For maximum usability, each receiver comes equipped with an intuitive remote control, allowing users to access functions quickly and manage their sound settings without hassle. In summary, whether choosing the power-packed VSX-918V or the versatile VSX-818V, both receivers exemplify Pioneer's commitment to delivering high-quality audio performance and user-friendly features for any home entertainment setup.