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.

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 16 for more on this.

Subwoofer (SW)

Front

Right (R)

Front

Surround

Right (RS)

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

Left (L)

Center (C)

Surround

Left (LS)

Listening position

multichannel surround sound) are explained in Listening to your system on page 24.

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 9 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 15.

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.

4Press QUICK SETUP to specify your speaker setup, room size and listening position.

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

5Play a DVD, and adjust the volume. Make sure that DVD/BD is showing in the receiver’s display, indicating that the DVD input is selected. If it isn’t, press DVD on the remote to set the receiver to the DVD input.

There are several other sound options you can select. See Listening to your system on page 24 for more on this.1 See also The System Setup menu on page 31 for more setup options.

Note

1Depending on your DVD player or source discs, you may only get digital 2 channel stereo and analog sound. In this case, the listening mode must be set to STANDARD (it should already be set—see Listening in surround sound on page 24 if you need to do this) if you want multichannel surround sound.

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Pioneer VSX-518 manual Minute guide, 02 5 minute guide Chapter, Introduction to home theater, Listening to Surround Sound
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VSX-518 specifications

The Pioneer VSX-518 is a versatile and powerful home theater receiver that has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional audio performance and comprehensive connectivity options. As part of the renowned Pioneer lineup, the VSX-518 integrates advanced technologies that enhance the listening experience, making it a popular choice among audio enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the VSX-518 is its multi-channel audio processing capability. With 5.1 channels of amplification, this receiver can deliver immersive surround sound, ideal for movies, music, and gaming. The unit boasts an output power of up to 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms, ensuring that it can drive a wide range of speakers with ease.

The VSX-518 supports various surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS, which allow users to experience the full spectrum of audio in their favorite films and shows. Additionally, Pioneer’s proprietary technology, called Advanced Sound Retriever, enhances compressed audio formats by restoring lost details, offering improved audio clarity and depth.

Connectivity is another strong point of the VSX-518. It is equipped with multiple HDMI inputs, allowing users to connect a variety of devices, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, all while maintaining high-definition audio and video quality. The receiver also includes legacy connections, such as composite and component video inputs, as well as multiple audio inputs, ensuring compatibility with older equipment.

For those who enjoy customizing their audio environment, the VSX-518 features a user-friendly interface and on-screen setup guide. The built-in automatic speaker setup system simplifies the calibration process by analyzing the acoustics of the room and adjusting the receiver settings accordingly.

Another noteworthy characteristic is the inclusion of a built-in FM/AM tuner, which allows users to enjoy their favorite radio stations without the need for external components. The unit also supports FM RDS, providing useful information about broadcasted content.

In summary, the Pioneer VSX-518 is a feature-rich home theater receiver that offers a blend of powerful audio performance, advanced technologies, and extensive connectivity options. Its ability to drive multiple speakers, support for high-definition audio formats, and user-friendly setup features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment system. Whether watching movies, listening to music, or gaming, the VSX-518 aims to deliver an enjoyable audio experience.
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