Getting started

Chapter 4

Getting started

Introduction to home theater

You are probably used to using stereo equipment to listen to music, but may not be used to home theater systems that give you many more options (such as surround sound) when listening to soundtracks.

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 the speakers you have set up in your room, but also on the source and the sound settings of the amplifier.

DVD-Video has become the basic source material for home theater due to its size, quality, and ease of use. The true multichannel audio possible using DVD is what creates a convincing surround sound effect and gives you the feeling of ‘being there’.

Follow the steps in Automatically setting up for surround sound below to achieve the best possible surround sound by calibrating this amplifier to your listening area.

Automatically setting up for surround sound

The Auto Surround Setup measures the acoustic characteristics of your listening area, taking into account ambient noise, speaker size and distance, and tests for both channel delay and channel level. After you have set up the microphone provided with your system, the amplifier uses the information from a series of test tones to optimize the speaker settings and equalization for your particular room.

Make sure you do this before moving on to Playing a source on page 37.

Important

Make sure the microphone and speakers are not moved during the Auto Surround Setup.

Using the Auto Surround Setup will overwrite any existing speaker settings in the amplifier.

After three minutes of inactivity during the Auto Surround Setup, the OSD will go to sleep until a button is pressed.

Caution

The test tones used in the Auto Surround Setup are output at high volume.

04

1 Switch on the amplifier and your TV.

If headphones are connected to the amplifier, disconnect them.

2Connect the microphone to the SETUP MIC jack on the front panel.

Make sure there are no obstacles between the speakers and the microphone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHLEVEL

 

 

SBCH

 

MIDNIGHT

LOUDNESS

TONE

OPTION

 

 

DIGITALNR

INPUTATT

SELECT

 

 

 

MODE

PHONES

SPSYSTEM

SIGNAL

VIDEO

TAPE2

STREAM

SETUP

 

 

VIDEOINPUT

 

 

 

 

A/B

SELECT

SELECT

MONITOR

DIRECT

MIC

DIGITALIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L

AUDIO

R

If you have a tripod, use it to place the microphone so that it’s about ear level at your normal listening position. Otherwise, place the microphone at ear level using a table or a chair.

3Using the remote control, press AMPLIFIER on the touch screen, then press the SYSTEM SETUP button.

HOME 1/3

AMPLIFIER AMPLIFIER

INPUT 1

2

3

DVD

TV

SAT

/ LD

/ DVD

 

DVR

CD

TUNER

/ VCR1

 

 

TV

MULTI

SYSTEM

CONT

OPERATION

OFF

 

SETUP

 

CHANNEL

ENTER

VOLUME

 

MENU

 

MUTE

SYSTEM

 

 

SETUP

 

 

 

AV AMPLIFIER

 

An on-screen display (OSD) appears on your TV. Use the hard keys and ENTER on the remote control to navigate through the screens and select menu items.

• The

(cursor up/down) hard keys select menu

items and the

(cursor left/right) hard keys

change the setting of the item selected.

35

En

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Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai Getting started Chapter, Introduction to home theater, Automatically setting up for surround sound

VSA-AX10Ai specifications

The Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai is a high-end, multi-channel home theater receiver that stands out for its robust performance and cutting-edge technologies. Launched as a flagship model, it combines advanced audio processing capabilities with a formidable power output, catering to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the VSA-AX10Ai is its Direct Energy HD Amplification technology, which incorporates a Class D amplifier design. This technology not only ensures high power efficiency but also minimizes distortion, delivering pristine sound quality at high volumes. The receiver boasts a substantial output of 200 watts per channel over eight channels, making it an ideal choice for driving large, demanding speaker systems.

In terms of audio decoding, the VSA-AX10Ai supports a multitude of formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This feature allows the receiver to provide a cinematic surround sound experience, ensuring that every detail of the soundtrack is delivered with accuracy and clarity. The device is also equipped with a high-quality 24-bit/192 kHz DAC, assuring top-notch sound reproduction from a variety of sources.

The VSA-AX10Ai features Pioneer’s sophisticated MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), which automatically calibrates the audio output to match the room's acoustics. By measuring sound from each speaker and adjusting levels, delays, and equalization, it ensures a balanced sound field, regardless of room shape or speaker placement.

Connectivity is extensive, with multiple HDMI inputs offering 4K pass-through and upscaling capabilities. This makes the receiver well-suited for modern home theater setups that require integration with 4K Ultra HD displays. It also includes legacy inputs, ensuring compatibility with older audio and video equipment.

Another noteworthy characteristic is the receiver’s build quality. The VSA-AX10Ai features a rigid chassis designed to minimize vibration as well as a premium-grade power supply, which contributes to its overall reliability and performance.

Overall, the Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai encapsulates the essence of high-fidelity home audio and video. With its extensive feature set, exceptional sound quality, and robust performance capabilities, it remains a top choice for those seeking a comprehensive and immersive home theater experience. Whether for music playback or movie watching, this receiver delivers an unparalleled audio experience that stands the test of time.