025 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 31.

Listening to Surround Sound

This receiver was designed with the easiest possible setup in mind, so 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 TV and DVD player.

See Connecting a TV and DVD player 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.

8

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)*

* VSX-817 model only

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.

4VSX-517 model – Press QUICK SETUP on the front panel to specify your speaker setup, room size and listening position.

Use the MULTI JOG dial to select and ENTER to confirm your selection. See Using the Quick Setup below for more on this.

VSX-817 model – Use the display 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, indicating that the DVD input is selected. If it isn’t, press DVD (VSX-517 model)/DVD/LD (VSX-817 model) on the remote to set the receiver to the DVD input.

En

Page 8
Image 8
Pioneer VSX-517-S/-K Minute guide, 02 5 minute guide Chapter, Introduction to home theater, Listening to Surround Sound

VSX-517-S/-K specifications

The Pioneer VSX-517-S/-K is a noteworthy addition to the realm of home theater receivers, offering a blend of performance, versatility, and user-friendly features. This model is popularly recognized for its impressive audio capabilities, making it a great choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.

One of the key features of the VSX-517 is its 5.1 channel surround sound system. This allows users to enjoy immersive audio experiences, whether they are watching movies, playing video games, or listening to music. The receiver delivers a robust power output, enabling dynamic sound reproduction that can fill a room, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.

The VSX-517 is equipped with Dolby Digital and DTS decoding technologies, which are staples in the industry for delivering high-quality sound reproduction. This ensures that the audio is as close to the original recording as possible, providing an engaging listening experience. Additionally, the receiver supports a range of other audio formats, allowing users to enjoy their favorite media without restrictions.

Another attractive feature of the VSX-517 is its advanced setup options. The receiver includes an on-screen graphical user interface that simplifies the installation and configuration process. This user-friendly interface allows users to easily adjust settings according to their preferences, making it more accessible for those who may not be tech-savvy.

The VSX-517 also boasts multiple inputs and outputs, including HDMI, component, composite, and digital audio inputs, ensuring compatibility with various devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. This versatility means that users can connect their entire entertainment system to one central hub, streamlining their setup.

In terms of user convenience, the remote control is designed for intuitive operation, allowing easy access to essential functions such as volume control, input selection, and audio adjustments directly from the comfort of the couch.

The amplifier section of the Pioneer VSX-517 features Class D technology, which contributes to its efficiency. This means that the device can produce a remarkable sound output while consuming less power, making it an eco-friendly option for users.

Overall, the Pioneer VSX-517-S/-K stands out for its combination of strong audio performance, versatility in connectivity, and user-friendly features, making it an appealing choice for consumers looking to elevate their home entertainment experience without breaking the bank.