Pioneer VSX-818V, VSX-918V Minute guide Chapter, Introduction to home theater

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5 minute guide

Chapter 2:

5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater

Home theater refers to the use of multiple audio tracks to create a surround sound effect, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the action or concert. The surround sound you get from a home theater system depends not only on your speaker setup, but also on the source and the sound settings of the receiver.

This receiver will automatically decode multichannel Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Surround sources according to your speaker setup. In most cases, you won’t have to make changes for realistic surround sound, but other possibilities (like listening to a CD with multichannel surround sound) are explained in Listening to your system on page 30.

Listening to Surround Sound

With the following quick setup guide, you should have your system hooked up for surround sound in no time at all. In most cases, you can simply leave the receiver in the default settings.

•Be sure to complete all connections before connecting to an AC power source.

1 Connect your DVD player and TV.

See Connecting a DVD player and TV on page 12 to do this. For surround sound, you’ll want to hook up using a digital connection from the DVD player to the receiver.

2Connect your speakers and place them for optimal surround sound.

See Connecting the speakers on page 20.

02

 

 

English

Where you place the speakers will have a big

 

effect on the sound. Place your speakers as

Deutsch

shown below for the best surround sound

 

effect. Also see Hints on speaker placement on

 

page 21 for more on this.

 

 

Subwoofer (SW)

 

 

Front

 

 

Right (R)

 

Français

Front

Surround

Right (RS)

 

Left (L)

 

 

Center (C)

 

 

 

Listening

 

Surround

position

Italiano

 

Left (LS)

 

 

 

3 Plug in and switch on the receiver,

 

followed by your DVD player, subwoofer and

 

TV.

 

 

Make sure you’ve set the video input on your

Nederlands

TV to this receiver. Check the manual that

 

came with the TV if you don’t know how to do

 

this.

 

 

4 Use the on-screen automatic MCACC

 

setup to set up your system.

 

Español

5 Play a DVD, and adjust the volume.

See Automatically setting up for surround

 

sound (MCACC) on page 8 for more on this.

Make sure that DVD/BD is showing in the receiver’s display. If it isn’t, press DVD on the remote to set the receiver to the DVD input.1

There are several other sound options you can select. See Listening to your system on page 30 for more on this.2

Note

1You may need to set your DVD player to output Dolby Digital, DTS and 88.2 kHz/96 kHz PCM (2 channel) audio (see your DVD player’s manual for more on this).

2Depending on your DVD player or source disc, you may only get 2 channel sound. In this case, the listening mode must be set to STANDARD (see Listening in surround sound on page 30 if you need to do this) if you want multichannel surround sound.

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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.
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