12Additional information

Surround sound formats

Below is a brief description of the main surround sound formats you’ll find on DVDs, satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasts, and video cassettes.

Dolby

The Dolby technologies are explained below. See

www.dolby.com for more detailed information.

Dolby Digital

Dolby Digital is a multichannel digital audio coding system widely used in cinemas, and in the home for DVD and digital broadcast soundtracks. It can deliver up to six discrete audio channels, comprising five full range channels and a special LFE (low frequency effects) channel used mainly for deep, rumbling sound effects; hence the term “5.1-channel” Dolby Digital.

In addition to the format features above, Dolby Digital decoders offer downmixing for compatibility with mono, stereo and Dolby Pro Logic audio from a number of bit rates and channels. Another feature, called Dialog Normalization, attenuates programs based on the average level of dialog in a program relative to its peak level (also known as Dialnorm) in order to achieve uniform playback level.

Dolby Digital Surround EX

Dolby Digital Surround EX (the EX stands for EXtended) is an extension of Dolby Digital encoding whereby a surround back channel is matrixed into the surround left/right channels for 6.1 channel playback. This allows for compatibility with Dolby Digital 5.1 channel decoding, as well as for decoding using Dolby Digital EX.

Dolby Pro Logic IIx and Dolby Surround

Dolby Pro Logic IIx is an improved version of the Dolby Pro Logic II (and Dolby Pro Logic) decoding system. Using the innovative “steering logic” circuit, this system extracts surround sound from sources as follows:

Dolby Pro Logic – 4.1 channel sound (mono surround) from any stereo source

Dolby Pro Logic II – 5.1 channel sound (stereo surround) from any stereo source

Dolby Pro Logic IIx – 6.1 or 7.1 channel sound (stereo surround and surround back) from two channel or 5.1(and 6.1) channel sources

With two channel sources, the “.1” subwoofer channel is generated by bass management in the receiver.

Dolby Surround is an encoding system which embeds surround sound information within a stereo soundtrack, which a Dolby Pro Logic decoder can then use for enhanced surround listening with greater sound detail.

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Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, “Surround EX”, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

DTS

The DTS technologies are explained below. See www.dtstech.com for more detailed information.

DTS Digital Surround

DTS Digital Surround is a 5.1-channel audio coding system from Digital Theater Systems Inc. now widely used for DVD- Video, DVD-Audio, 5.1 music discs, digital broadcasts, and video games. It can deliver up to six discrete audio channels, comprising five full range channels, including an LFE channel. Higher sound quality is achieved through the use of a low compression rate, and high rates of transmittance during playback.

DTS-ES

DTS-ES (the ES stands for Extended Surround) is a decoder that is capable of decoding both DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 encoded sources. DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 gives ‘true’ 6.1 channel sound, with a completely separate (discrete) surround back channel. DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 has a surround back channel matrixed into the surround left/right channels. Both sources are also compatible with a conventional DTS 5.1 channel decoder.

DTS Neo:6

DTS Neo:6 can generate 6.1 channel surround sound from any matrixed stereo source (such as video or TV) and from

5.1channel sources. It uses both the channel information already encoded into the source, as well as its own processing to determine channel localization (with two channel sources, the “.1” subwoofer channel is generated by bass management in the receiver). Two modes (Cinema and Music) are available using DTS Neo:6 with two channel sources.

DTS 96/24

DTS 96/24 is an extension of the original DTS Digital Surround which offers high quality 96 kHz/24-bit audio using a DTS 96/24 decoder. This format is also fully backward compatible with all existing decoders. This means that DVD players can play this software using a conventional DTS 5.1 channel decoder.

“DTS”, “DTS-ES”, “Neo:6” and “DTS 96/24” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

Windows Media® Audio 9 Professional

Windows Media® Audio 9 Professional (WMA9 Pro) is a discrete surround format developed by Microsoft Corporation.

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Pioneer VSX-84TXSI, VSX-82TXS-S Additional information Surround sound formats, Dolby, Windows Media Audio 9 Professional

VSX-84TXSi-S, VSX-82TXS, VSX-82TXS-S, VSX-84TXSI specifications

The Pioneer VSX-84TXSi, VSX-82TXS, VSX-84TXSi-S, and VSX-82TXS are part of Pioneer's renowned lineup of home theater receivers, notable for their impressive audio capabilities and advanced features. Designed for enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality sound, these receivers stand out in the crowded market of A/V receivers.

The VSX-84TXSi and VSX-84TXSi-S come equipped with a robust 7.1-channel amplifier configuration, delivering a powerful output that ensures dynamic and immersive audio experience. Both models boast Pioneer's sophisticated Class D3 amplification technology, which efficiently provides high power output while minimizing distortion and heat. This feature allows listeners to enjoy their favorite music and movies with clarity and depth.

One standout feature of these receivers is the Advanced MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) technology. This automatically adjusts the speaker settings to fit the unique acoustics of the room, ensuring balanced sound across all channels. The calibration process is user-friendly, allowing even novice users to achieve optimal sound performance.

In terms of connectivity, the VSX-84TXSi and VSX-82TXS are equipped with multiple HDMI inputs, supporting the latest audio and video formats, including 4K Ultra HD. They also support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which deliver lossless audio quality for a truly cinematic experience at home.

The VSX-84TXSi and VSX-82TXS models feature a user-friendly interface that includes on-screen displays and intuitive controls. They also offer extensive compatibility with various formats, including MP3, WMA, and AAC. For those who want to stream their music, both models have built-in support for networking capabilities, allowing users to connect to their home network and stream content from devices seamlessly.

The VSX-82TXS, while slightly less powerful than the VSX-84TXSi, offers many features that appeal to casual users and audiophiles alike. It retains the same high-quality audio processing and supports a variety of surround sound formats, making it a versatile choice for different media types.

Overall, the Pioneer VSX-84TXSi, VSX-82TXS, VSX-84TXSi-S, and VSX-82TXS are excellent choices for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment experience. With a blend of advanced technology, impressive audio performance, and user-friendly features, these receivers continue to be favored options for home theater setups.