Pioneer VSX-917V manual 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 28.

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 13 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 19.

Where you place the speakers will have a big effect on the sound. Place your speakers as shown below for the best surround sound effect. Also see Hints on speaker placement on page 20 for more on this.

Center

Front

speaker

speaker

(R)

(C)

 

Front

 

 

speaker

Subwoofer (SW)

 

(L)

Surround

 

speaker (RS)

 

Surround

Listening

back

speaker (SBR)

position

 

 

Surround

 

speaker (LS)

 

Surround back

 

speaker (SBL)

3Plug in and switch on the receiver, followed by your DVD player, subwoofer and TV.

Make sure you’ve set the video input on your TV to this receiver. Check the manual that came with the TV if you don’t know how to do this.

4Use the on-screen automatic MCACC setup to set up your system.

See Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC) below for more on this.

5Play a DVD, and adjust the volume. Make sure that DVD 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 28

for more on this.2

02

English Deutsch Français Italiano Nederlands Español

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).

2 Depending 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 28 if you need to do this) if you want multichannel surround sound.

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Contents VSX-917V Federal Communications Commission Declaration of Conformity Information to UserRisk of Electric Shock Do not Open Contents 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 Automatically setting up for surround sound McaccMake 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 Connecting up About the video converter English Deutsch Connecting up Connecting a DVD player and TVFrançais Italiano Use an optical cable for the connection.4 This receiver Connecting upConnecting the multichannel analog outputs Audio and Video inputs on this receiver.2Italiano Nederlands Español Connecting other audio componentsAbout the WMA9 Pro decoder English Deutsch FrançaisThis receiver Connecting other video componentsConnecting to the front panel video terminal Using the component video jacksConnecting to the front panel audio mini jack To improve AM reception Connecting up Connecting antennasUsing external antennas To improve FM receptionThis receiver Powered Connecting up Connecting the speakersEnglish Deutsch Français Italiano Fig. a Hints on speaker placementView of 7.1 channel speaker setup Overhead view of speaker setupAC outlet Controls and displays Chapter Controls and displaysFront panel Español Controls and displaysDisplay English Deutsch Français Italiano NederlandsAuto Surr DigitalVIR.SB DirectRECEIVER Controls and displays Remote controlDeutsch Français Italiano Number buttons and other receiver/ component controlsReceiver Control buttons  TUNE/ST +/- /ENTERTV Control buttons Component control buttonsOperating range of remote control Listening in surround sound Listening to your systemListening to your system Chapter Auto playbackUsing the Advanced surround effects Setting the effect optionsListening to your system Imageb Using Front Stage Surround AdvanceUsing Stream Direct Listening in stereoCustom 1/2 Custom settings Using surround back channel processingListening with Acoustic Calibration EQ Using Virtual Surround Back VSB Using Midnight and LoudnessEnhancing dialog Listening to your system Using the Sound RetrieverUsing the tone controls Choosing the input signalPlayback the connected component Digital Selects an optical or coaxial digital signalPress F.AUDIO SHIFT+DVD on the remote control Selecting the front audio inputsSelect the setting you want to adjust System Setup menuSystem Setup menu Chapter Surround back speaker settingSelect the surround back speaker setting System Setup menuManual Mcacc speaker setup Select ‘Surr Back System’ from the System Setup menuFine Speaker Distance Fine Channel LevelAcoustic Calibration EQ Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ automaticallySelect ‘EQ Auto Setting’ from the Manual Mcacc setup menu Wait for the Auto Mcacc Setup to finishManually Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQChecking your Acoustic Calibration EQ settings Manual speaker setupManual SP Setup menu Speaker SettingFrançais Italiano Nederlands Español Channel Level Select ‘Crossover Network’ from the Manual SP Setup menuWhen you’re finished, press Return Crossover NetworkSpeaker Distance Listening to the radio Using the tunerUsing the tuner Chapter Saving station presetsListening to station presets Using the tunerNaming station presets Making 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 / to select Erase then press Erasing all of the remote control presetsUse / to select Preset then press Use / to select Reset then pressControlling the rest of your system Confirming preset codesDirect function Controlling the rest of your system Controls for TVs Controls for other components HDD Shift JukeboxEnter Guide SubtitleOther connections Chapter Using XM RadioConnecting your XM Radio receiver Other connectionsListening to XM Radio Using XM HD SurroundSaving channel presets Other connectionsConnecting your Sirius Connect Tuner Using Sirius RadioUsing the XM Menu Listening to channel presetsCategory , use Press Sirius SHIFT+AM to switch to the Sirius inputListening to Sirius Radio One at time withParental Lock Use / and Enter to Connecting using HdmiUsing the Sirius Menu Channel Skip/Add Use /About Hdmi Button to select the audio input signalTo the corresponding input source Select ‘Second Zone’ from the ‘Surr Back System’ menu Other connections Second Zone speaker B setupSwitching the speaker system Bi-amping your front speakersConnection is recommended Bi-wiring your speakersUsing a banana plug for the second Make sure that the + / connections are properly insertedDVD player Satellite receiver, etc Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma displayPioneer plasma DisplayAssigning the digital inputs Other SettingsOther Settings Chapter Input Assign menuOther Setup menu Other SettingsAssigning the Hdmi inputs Dual Mono Setup Dynamic Range Control SetupLFE Attenuator Setup Default setting on SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displaysDigital Video Converter Setup Select the ‘PDP Volume Control’ setting you wantAdditional information TroubleshootingAdditional information Chapter Additional information Phase Control featureXM radio messages Switching the speaker impedance Resetting the main unitSirius radio messages Additional information Specifications Miscellaneous Power cord cautionCleaning the unit AM Tuner SectionDecibel Level Example We Want You Listening For a LifetimeTo establish a safe level Once you have established a comfortable sound levelLimited Warranty Pioneer Corporation

VSX-917V specifications

The Pioneer VSX-917V is a sophisticated receiver that stands out in the crowded landscape of home audio systems. Launched as part of the Pioneer VSX series, the VSX-917V embodies a blend of practicality and advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for both movie lovers and music enthusiasts.

One of the main features of the VSX-917V is its impressive power output, delivering a robust 110 watts per channel across a total of seven channels. This ensures that even larger spaces can be filled with rich, immersive sound without distortion. Partnered with the receiver’s Dynamic Range Control, it allows for an optimized audio experience, where both soft whispers and booming action sequences can be enjoyed with equal clarity.

The VSX-917V supports various surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, and DTS. This capability allows users to experience multi-dimensional audio that encapsulates them in their favorite films and games. The receiver also features Pioneer's proprietary MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), which automatically calibrates the audio settings based on the acoustics of the room, providing a tailored audio experience for every listener.

Connectivity is another essential aspect of the VSX-917V. The receiver comes with multiple HDMI inputs, capable of handling high-definition video and audio signals, making it compatible with the latest devices such as Blu-ray players and gaming consoles. The HDMI 1.3 port also supports 1080p video upscaling, ensuring that all content played through the receiver is delivered in outstanding quality.

Additionally, the VSX-917V boasts a built-in AM/FM tuner and allows for convenient iPod integration via a direct connection, enabling users to play their favorite digital music seamlessly. The intuitive interface and remote control feature enhance user-friendliness, making system configuration straightforward.

In terms of design, the receiver features a sleek black finish, giving it a modern aesthetic that fits well into any home entertainment setup. The comprehensive menu system makes navigation effortless, allowing users to customize audio settings quickly.

Overall, the Pioneer VSX-917V is a feature-rich receiver that combines power, connectivity, and advanced audio technologies to create a compelling audio experience. With its robust build and user-centric design, it remains a remarkable choice for anyone looking to elevate their home audio system. Whether for casual listening or cinematic evenings, the VSX-917V meets all expectations.