Easy Setup Guide Part1

Home Theater: The Basics

Most consumers are used to using stereo equipment to listen to music but many people are not used to home theater systems that give you many more options when listening to soundtracks. In fact, home theater is not really complicated and this little guide should give you an understanding of the basics. Home theater refers to the use of multiple audio tracks combined with multiple speakers to create a surround sound effect.

There are three different factors involved in getting surround sound. Each contribute to what kind of sound you get. These factors are:

1)The equipment you are using for your home theater setup. Particularly important is the number of speakers you are using. We call this your speaker configuration.

2)The source material you are using. This is the actual product (like a DVD) or broadcast (like cable TV) you are listening to/watching. We call this the source.

3)The last factor is the listening mode you choose on the VSX-D2011 receiver. These are explained below and in subsequent chapters but most likely the PRO LOGIC II MOVIE for moves and the PRO LOGIC II MUSIC for music will be fine.

Let's start with the home theater setup you have in your home.

1)Your Home System

The heart of your system is the VSX-D2011 receiver and it is very flexible in getting you theater-like surround sound. You can use this receiver with anywhere from two to seven speakers (front left, front right, center, surround left and right, and surround back left and right) and a subwoofer to get home theater surround sound. We recommend you use seven speakers and a subwoofer. If this is not possible follow the instructions in "Auto Surround Setup" in the "Easy Setup Guide Part 2" and you will still be able to get good surround sound. Also, a DVD player is essential for home theater and you can also hook up satellite or cable TV tuner to this receiver and get a more home theater-like sound from these sources.

2) The Source Material

DVDs have become the basic source material for home theater because they are convenient to use and offer excellent sound and picture quality as well as allow users to enjoy home theater soundtracks with more than two channels of audio. For example, Dolby Pro Logic plays back four channels (front left, front right, center and a single channel for both surround speakers), Dolby Digital and DTS sources usually have six discrete channels (front left, front right, center, surround left and right and a channel that powers the subwoofer) of sound. Since the subwoofer channel is only for bass sounds it is expressed as .1 of a channel and this multichannel setup has been named 5.1 channel sound.

It is important you consult the manual that came with your DVD player as well to make sure the player is outputting a surround soundtrack and all the other settings are appropriate for your home theater.

3) The Listening Modes

This receiver has many different listening modes and they are designed to cover all the speaker configurations and types of sources you might be using. In general, the PRO LOGIC II MOVIE listening mode is the easiest way to get realistic surround sound for movies. For music the basic listening mode for music is PRO LOGIC II MUSIC.

To listen to music in stereo simply choose the STEREO listening mode. Other possibilities (like listening to a stereo CD with all seven speakers or taking a stereo source and getting multichannel home theater-like sound) are explained in listening modes (pages 46–48).

Conclusion

These are the three basic factors that contribute to your home theater sound. The easiest thing is to hook up seven speakers and a subwoofer and simply play your DVDs with PRO LOGIC II MOVIE listening mode. This will give you realistic and enjoyable home theater sound. First hook up your equipment, like your DVD player, TV and speakers. Then follow the Easy Setup Guide instructions to set up your system for surround sound. It is very important you do one of the surround sound setups to get optimal sound from your receiver.

For more details on any of the information presented here check the main section of the manual.

EASY SETUP GUIDE

PREPARATION

VSX-D2011-S, VSX-D2011-G specifications

The Pioneer VSX-D2011-G and VSX-D2011-S are impressive home theater receivers that embody Pioneer’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio and video performance. Both models are tailored for home entertainment enthusiasts who seek an immersive audiovisual experience without compromising on functionality or user-friendliness.

One of the most notable features of the VSX-D2011 series is its advanced audio processing capabilities. With Dolby Digital and DTS support, these receivers are built to handle surround sound formats with precision, allowing users to experience cinematic audio from the comfort of their own homes. The inclusion of multi-channel audio decoding ensures that every sound is delivered with clarity, making movie nights and music listening vibrant and engaging.

Equipped with a powerful amplifier, the VSX-D2011 models offer robust power output, which is crucial for driving larger speakers effectively. This ensures that even at high volumes, the audio remains clear without distortion, providing a listening experience that’s rich and full. The receivers also feature various speaker configuration options, making them versatile for any home theater setup.

In terms of connectivity, the VSX-D2011 boasts an array of inputs and outputs, including multiple HDMI ports, optical and coaxial digital inputs, and traditional analog connections. This variety allows users to connect multiple source devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices easily. The inclusion of HDMI support also ensures compatibility with high-definition video formats, which is essential for today’s modern home entertainment systems.

Another significant characteristic of the VSX-D2011 series is its user-friendly interface. Pioneer's intuitive on-screen menus and remote control make it easy to navigate through settings and preferences. This simplicity is beneficial for users who may not be technically inclined but still desire a sophisticated home theater experience.

Additionally, the receivers are designed with comprehensive audio calibration systems, such as MCACC, which automatically adjusts the sound settings based on the room’s acoustics. This feature ensures optimal sound quality, providing a tailored listening experience that can accommodate different environments.

In summary, the Pioneer VSX-D2011-G and VSX-D2011-S are robust home theater receivers that combine cutting-edge sound technology with ease of use. Their advanced audio processing, powerful amplification, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly design make them ideal choices for both audiophiles and casual listeners looking to elevate their home entertainment experience. Whether watching movies, enjoying music, or gaming, these receivers deliver exceptional performance that captures every detail and nuance.

Pioneer VSX-D2011-S, VSX-D2011-G manual Easy Setup Guide Part1, Home Theater The Basics

Models: VSX-D2011-S VSX-D2011-G