Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7 Operating Instructions Manual

Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7 Operating Instructions Manual

Audio/video multi-channel receiver
Table of Contents

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AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL
RECEIVER
VSX-1018AH
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Operating Instructions

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Summary of Contents for Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7

  • Page 1: Operating Instructions

    • Receive free tips, updates and service bulletins on your new product • Improve product development Your input helps us continue to design products that meet your needs. • Receive a free Pioneer newsletter Registered customers can opt in to receive a monthly newsletter. Operating Instructions...
  • Page 2: Operating Environment

    Product Name: AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER Model Number: VSX-1018AH-K Responsible Party Name: PIONEER ELECTRONICS SERVICE, INC. Address: 1925 E. DOMINGUEZ ST. LONG BEACH, CA 90801-1760, U.S.A. Phone: 1-800-421-1404 IMPORTANT NOTICE – THE SERIAL NUMBER FOR THIS EQUIPMENT IS LOCATED IN THE REAR.
  • Page 3 IMPORTANT The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
  • Page 4 WARNING: Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories sold with the product will expose you to chemicals listed on proposition 65 known to the State of California and other governmental entities to cause cancer and birth defect or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling If the AC plug of this unit does not match the AC outlet you want to use, the plug must be removed...
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Thank you for buying this Pioneer product. Please read through these operating instructions so you will know how to operate your model properly. After you have finished reading the instructions, put them away in a safe place for future reference.
  • Page 6 ZONE Audio Setup ......69 SR+ Setup for Pioneer flat panel TVs ... . 70 OSD Adjustment .
  • Page 7: Before You Start

    • Advanced Direct Energy design This receiver offers a new advancement in discrete design unique to Pioneer for high-power drivability, low distortion and stable imaging. Through a circuit design that minimizes the energy loss of the amplifier for each of...
  • Page 8: Checking What's In The Box

    Before you start • XM and SIRIUS Ready With the new XM and SIRIUS Radio terminals, you’ll be up and running in no time. This receiver’s enhanced compatibility makes XM HD Surround playback as well as on-screen control of XM and SIRIUS Radio an added possibility.
  • Page 9: 02 5 Minute Guide

    5 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.
  • Page 10: Automatically Setting Up For Surround Sound

    5 minute guide Automatically setting up for surround sound (Auto MCACC) The Auto MCACC 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 receiver uses the information from a series of test tones to optimize the speaker settings and equalization for your...
  • Page 11: Problems When Using The Auto Mcacc Setup

    5 minute guide • With error messages (such as Too much ambient noise! or Check Microphone.) select RETRY after checking for ambient noise (see Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup below) and verifying the mic connection. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply select GO NEXT and continue.
  • Page 12: Better Sound Using Phase Control

    5 minute guide It is possible to check on the display whether or not multi- channel playback is being performed properly. When using a surround back speaker, 2D+PL IIx MOVIE is displayed when playing Dolby Digital signals, and DTS+Neo:6 is displayed when playing DTS 5.1- channel signals.
  • Page 13: Connecting Your Equipment

    SURROUND BACK / SELECTABLE SELECTABLE Control input/output Use to connect other Pioneer components so that you can control all your equipment from a single IR remote sensor.  See Operating other Pioneer components with this receiver’s sensor on page 79.
  • Page 14 Connecting your equipment 11 SIRIUS Radio input  See Using SIRIUS Radio on page 56. 12 ZONE 2 audio/video outputs Use to connect a second receiver in a separate room.  See MULTI-ZONE listening on page 60. 13 Component video connections (x4) Use the inputs to connect any video source that has component video output, such as a DVD recorder.
  • Page 15: When Making Cable Connections

    Connecting your equipment When making cable connections • To avoid hum, do not lay connected cables over the top of the receiver. • When connecting optical cables, be careful when inserting the plug not to damage the shutter protecting the optical socket. •...
  • Page 16: Connecting Using Hdmi

    Connecting your equipment Connecting using HDMI If you have an HDMI or DVI (with HDCP) equipped component, you can connect it to this receiver using a commercially available HDMI cable. The HDMI connection transfers uncompressed digital video, as well as almost every kind of digital audio that the connected component is compatible with, including DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio (see below for...
  • Page 17: Connecting Your Tv And Dvd Player

    Connecting your equipment Connecting your TV and DVD player VIDEO VSX-1018AH HDMI COAXIAL COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE VIDEO VIDEO (DVD) (DVD) (CD) TV SAT DVR1 BD IN AUDIO AUDIO CON- TROL OPTICAL OPTICAL (TV SAT) (DVR1) (DVR1) ZONE2 ASSIGNABLE MULTI CH IN ASSIGN- ABLE FRONT...
  • Page 18: Connecting A Satellite/Cable Receiver

    Connecting your equipment Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or other set-top box Satellite and cable receivers, and terrestrial digital TV tuners are all examples of so-called ‘set-top boxes’. VSX-1018AH HDMI COAXIAL COAXIAL ASSIGNABLE VIDEO VIDEO (DVD) (CD) (CD) BD IN AUDIO AUDIO CON- TROL...
  • Page 19: Using The Component Video Jacks

    Connecting your equipment If the device can output digital audio, connect an optical-type digital audio output from the recorder to the OPTICAL IN 2 (DVR1) input. Use an optical cable for the connection. Using the component video jacks Component video should give superior picture quality when compared to composite.
  • Page 20: About The Wma9 Pro Decoder

    Connecting your equipment Connect a coaxial-type your digital component to the COAXIAL IN 2 (CD) input. Use a coaxial cable for the connection. For recording equipment, connect the optical-type DIGITAL output to a digital input on the recorder. Use an optical cable to connect to the OPTICAL OUT. About the WMA9 Pro decoder This receiver has an on-board Windows Media™...
  • Page 21: Installing Your Speaker System

    Connecting your equipment Installing your speaker system To take full advantage of the receiver’s surround sound capabilities connect front, center, surround and surround back speakers, as well as a subwoofer. Although this is ideal, other configurations with fewer speakers—no subwoofer or no center speaker, or even no surround speakers—will work.
  • Page 22: Placing The Speakers

    Connecting your equipment Bare wire connections Make sure that the speaker cable you’re going to use is properly prepared with about 10 mm ( stripped from each wire, and the exposed wire strands twisted together (fig. A). To connect a terminal, unscrew the terminal a few turns until there is enough space to insert the exposed wire (fig.
  • Page 23: Connecting Antennas

    Connecting your equipment The diagrams below show suggested surround and surround back speaker orientation. The first diagram (fig. A) shows orientation with one surround back speaker (or none) connected. The second (fig. B) shows orientation with two surround back speakers connected. 90°...
  • Page 24: Plugging In The Receiver

    Check the power cord once in a while. If you find it damaged, ask your nearest Pioneer authorized independent service company for a replacement. • The receiver should be disconnected by removing the mains plug from the wall socket when not in regular use, e.g., when on vacation.
  • Page 25: Controls And Displays

    Controls and displays Chapter 4: Controls and displays Front panel STANDBY/ON PHASE CONTROL INPUT SELECTOR AUTO SURR/ STREAM DIRECT PHONES MULTI-ZONE CONTROL AUTO SURR/ SOUND STANDARD STREAM DIRECT RETRIEVER SURROUND PHONES MULTI-ZONE CONTROL ON/OFF SPEAKERS INPUT SELECTOR dial Use to select an input source. ...
  • Page 26: Operating Range Of Remote Control Unit

    Controls and displays 10 MCACC SETUP MIC jack Use to connect the supplied microphone. 11 PHONES jack Use to connect headphones. When the headphones are connected, there is no sound output from the speakers. 12 Listening mode buttons AUTO SURR/STREAM DIRECT – Switches between Auto surround mode (Auto playback on page 30) and Stream Direct playback.
  • Page 27: Display

    Controls and displays Display AUTO HDMI SBL SB DIGITAL ANALOG STREAM DIRECT PRO LOGIC ADV.SURROUND STEREO STANDARD SLEEP SIGNAL indicators Light to indicate the currently selected input signal. AUTO lights when the receiver is set to select the input signal automatically (page 33). Program format indicators These change according to which channels are active in digital sources.
  • Page 28: Remote Control

    GENRE – Automatically selects the most appropriate Advanced Surround mode for the genre of the source currently being played back (this feature is available only when a Pioneer DVD recorder supporting HDMI Control is connected to this receiver via HDMI) (page 35).
  • Page 29 Controls and displays RETURN – Press to confirm and exit the current menu screen (also use to return to the previous menu with DVDs or to select closed captioning with DTV). /// (TUNE/ST) /ENTER Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround sound system (page 38) and the Audio or Video options (page 71 or 72).
  • Page 30: Listening To Your System

    Listening to your system Chapter 5: Listening to your system Important • The listening modes and many features described in this section may not be available depending on the current source, settings and status of the receiver. See Listening modes with different input signal formats on page 92 for more on this.
  • Page 31: Using The Advanced Surround Effects

    Listening to your system • 2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE – See above (only available when you’re using two surround back speakers) • 2 Pro Logic IIx MUSIC – See page 30 • Dolby Digital EX – Creates surround back channel sound for 5.1 channel sources and provides pure decoding for 6.1 channel sources (like Dolby Digital Surround EX)
  • Page 32: Using Front Stage Surround Advance

    Listening to your system Using Front Stage Surround Advance The Front Stage Surround Advance function allows you to create natural surround sound effects using just the front speakers and the subwoofer. AUTO/ STEREO/ STEREO/ DIRECT A.L.C. A.L.C. STATUS AUDIO DISPLAY TV CTRL •...
  • Page 33: Choosing The Input Signal

    Listening to your system • While listening to a source, press RECEIVER, then press MCACC. Press repeatedly to select one of the six MCACC presets or to switch calibration off. See Data Management on page 46 to check and manage your current settings. Choosing the input signal You need to hook up a component to both analog and digital inputs on the receiver to select between input...
  • Page 34: Using The Virtual Surround Back Mode

    Listening to your system Using the Virtual Surround Back mode When you’re not using surround back speakers, selecting this mode allows you to hear a virtual surround back channel through your surround speakers. You can choose to listen to sources with no surround back channel information, or if the material sounds better in the format (for example, 5.1) for which it was originally encoded, you can have the receiver only apply this effect...
  • Page 35: Using The Genre Synchronizing Function

    This feature automatically selects the most appropriate Advanced Surround mode for the source currently being played back on a Pioneer DVD recorder supporting HDMI Control connected to this receiver via HDMI. on HDMI Control, see About HDMI Control on page 66.
  • Page 36: Using The Tuner

    Using the tuner Chapter 6: Using the tuner Listening to the radio The following steps show you how to tune in to FM and AM radio broadcasts using the automatic (search) and manual (step) tuning functions. If you already know the frequency of the station you want, see Tuning directly to a station below.
  • Page 37: Naming Station Presets

    Using the tuner Naming station presets For easier identification, you can name your station presets. Choose the station preset you want to name. See Listening to station presets below for how to do this. Press T.EDIT (Tuner Edit). The display shows STATION NAME, then a blinking cursor at the first character position.
  • Page 38: The System Setup Menu

    The System Setup menu Chapter 7: The System Setup menu Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu The following section shows you how to make detailed settings to specify how you’re using the receiver (for example, if you want to set up two speaker systems in separate rooms), and also explains how to fine-tune individual speaker system settings to your liking.
  • Page 39 The System Setup menu Select ‘Auto MCACC’ from the System Setup menu, then press ENTER. If the System Setup screen is not displayed, refer to Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu on page 38. System Setup MENU 1.Auto MCACC 1 .
  • Page 40 The System Setup menu Wait for the Auto MCACC Setup to finish outputting test tones. A progress report is displayed on-screen while the receiver outputs test tones to determine the speakers present in your setup. Try to be as quiet as possible while it’s doing this.
  • Page 41: Surround Back Speaker Setting

    The System Setup menu Press ENTER after you have finished checking each screen. When you’re finished, select RETURN to go back to the System Setup menu. Be sure to disconnect the microphone from this receiver upon completion of the Auto MCACC setup. Surround back speaker setting •...
  • Page 42: Fine Channel Level

    The System Setup menu Select the setting you want to adjust. If you’re doing this for the first time, you might want to make these settings in order. • Fine Channel Level – Make fine adjustments to the overall balance of your speaker system (see Fine Channel Level on page 42).
  • Page 43: Standing Wave

    The System Setup menu Listen to the reference speaker and use it to measure the target channel. From the listening position, face the two speakers with your arms outstretched pointing at each speaker. Try to make the two tones sound as if they are arriving simultaneously at a position slightly in front of you and between your arm span.
  • Page 44: Acoustic Calibration Eq Professional

    The System Setup menu Select the channel(s) you want and adjust to your liking. 3d.EQ Adjust MCACC : M1 [SBL] :Finish Use / to select the channel. Use / to select the frequency and / to boost or cut the EQ. When you’re finished, go back to the top of the screen and use /...
  • Page 45 The System Setup menu Level Acoustic Cal. EQ Pro. Conventional MCACC calibration range EQ calibration range • Reverb characteristics for different channels – Reverb characteristics can be somewhat different for each channel. Since this difference increases as the sound is influenced by the various room characteristics, it is often better to capture a frequency analysis early on for smoother mixing of channel frequencies/sounds.
  • Page 46: Data Management

    The System Setup menu If ‘Advanced EQ Setup’ is selected, enter the desired time setting for calibration. Press  to proceed to the next screen, and then select START. Based on the reverb measurement above, you can choose the time period that will be used for the final frequency adjustment and calibration.
  • Page 47 The System Setup menu Checking MCACC preset data After you have completed Automatically setting up for surround sound (Auto MCACC) on page 10 or Automatic MCACC (Expert) on page 38, you can check your calibrated settings using the on-screen display. Select ‘MCACC Data Check’...
  • Page 48: Manual Speaker Setup

    The System Setup menu Manual speaker setup This receiver allows you to make detailed settings to optimize the surround sound performance. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers).
  • Page 49: Channel Level

    The System Setup menu • SW – LFE signals and bass frequencies of channels set to SMALL are output from the subwoofer when YES is selected. Choose the PLUS setting if you want the subwoofer to output bass sound continuously or you want deeper bass (the bass frequencies that would normally come out the front and center speakers are also routed to the subwoofer).
  • Page 50: Speaker Distance

    The System Setup menu Speaker Distance For good sound depth and separation from your system, you need to specify the distance of your speakers from the listening position. The receiver can then add the proper delay needed for effective surround sound. Important •...
  • Page 51: Other Connections

    • Features such as the equalizer cannot be controlled using this receiver, and we recommend switching the equalizer off before connecting. • Pioneer cannot under any circumstances accept responsibility for any direct or indirect loss arising from any inconvenience or loss of recorded material resulting from the iPod failure.
  • Page 52 Other connections Continue browsing until you arrive at what you want to play, then press  to start playback. Navigation through categories on your iPod looks like this: Playlists  Songs Artists  Albums  Songs Albums  Songs Songs Podcasts Genres ...
  • Page 53: Connecting A Usb Device

    FAT16/32. It is not possible to connect this receiver to a personal computer for USB playback. • Pioneer cannot guarantee compatibility (operation and/or bus power) with all USB mass storage devices and assumes no responsibility for any loss of data that may occur when connected to this receiver.
  • Page 54: Compressed Audio Compatibility

    Other connections Compressed audio compatibility Note that although most standard bit/sampling rate combinations for compressed audio are compatible, some irregularly encoded files may not play back. The list below shows compatible formats for compressed audio files: • MP3 (MPEG-1/2/2.5 Audio Layer 3) – Sampling rates: 8 kHz to 48 kHz;...
  • Page 55: Listening To Xm Radio

    Other connections • If after pressing XM the display shows Check XM Tuner or Check Antenna, try disconnecting the receiver and tuner connections, and then plugging them back in. Listening to XM Radio After connecting, you will be able to use this receiver to select channels and navigate categories using the on- screen display.
  • Page 56: Using Sirius Radio

    Other connections • Memory Recall – Use / to browse your saved song information (See Tip above) When you’re finished press TOP MENU to return to the reception display. Using SIRIUS Radio With SIRIUS you get The Best Radio on Radio™ with all your favorite entertainment including 100 % commercial- free music, plus superior sports coverage, uncensored talk and comedy, world-class entertainment, news,...
  • Page 57: Saving Channel Presets

    Other connections • You can select channels directly by pressing D.ACCESS, then the three-digit channel number. • You can press DISPLAY to change SIRIUS Radio information in the front panel display. • The currently selected channel is automatically chosen (without pressing ENTER) after 5 seconds. Saving channel presets This receiver can memorize up to 30 channels, stored in three banks, or classes, (A, B and C) of 10 channels each.
  • Page 58: Selecting The Multichannel Analog Inputs

    Other connections Selecting the multichannel analog inputs If you have connected a decoder or a DVD player as above, you must select the analog multichannel inputs for surround sound playback. SIRIUS GITAL IN ADVANCED DIGITAL PRECISION DIGITAL VIDEO MCACC PROCESSING SCALER HDMI DVR 1/DVR 2...
  • Page 59: Bi-Amping Your Front Speakers

    Other connections • SP (off) – No sound is output from the speakers. The same sound is output from the pre-out terminals (including from your subwoofer, if connected) as when selecting speaker system A (above). Bi-amping your front speakers Bi-amping is when you connect the high frequency driver and low frequency driver of your speakers to different amplifier (in this case, to both front and surround back terminals) for better crossover performance.
  • Page 60: Connecting Additional Amplifiers

    Other connections Connecting additional amplifiers This receiver has more than enough power for any home use, but it’s possible to add additional amplifiers to every channel of your system using the pre-outs. Make the connections shown below to add amplifiers to power your speakers.
  • Page 61: Using The Multi-Zone Controls

    Other connections MULTI-ZONE listening options The following table shows what you can listen to in the sub zone: Sub Zone Input sources available ZONE2 iPod, XM or SIRIUS Radio, the built-in tuner and other analog audio sources. sources, only composite video is possible. a.•...
  • Page 62: Connecting An Ir Receiver

    Please see the manual supplied with your IR receiver for the type of cable necessary for the connection. • If you want to link a Pioneer component to the IR receiver, see Operating other Pioneer components with this receiver’s sensor on page 79 to connect to the CONTROL jacks instead of the IR ZONE2 OUT jack.
  • Page 63: Using This Receiver With A Pioneer Flat Panel Tv

    Note 1 The 3-ringed SR+ cable from Pioneer is commercially available under the part number ADE7095. Contact the Pioneer Customer Support division for more information on obtaining an SR+ cable (you can also use a commercially available 3-ringed mini phone plug for the connection).
  • Page 64: Using The Sr+ Mode With A Pioneer

    • On-screen display of listening mode. • Automatic video input switching on the flat panel TV. • Automatic volume muting on the flat panel TV. See also SR+ Setup for Pioneer flat panel TVs on page 70 for more on setting up the receiver. Important •...
  • Page 65: Hdmi Control

    Choose whether to set this receiver’s HDMI Control function ON or OFF. You will need to set it to ON to use the HDMI Control function. • When using a TV not manufactured by Pioneer, put this setting to OFF. AV OUT...
  • Page 66: Before Using Synchronization

    HDMI Control Press RECEIVER, then press the SETUP button. Select ‘Other Setup’, then press ENTER. Select ‘HDMI Control Setup’ from the Other Setup menu. 7.Other Setup a . Multi Channel In Setup b . ZONE Audio Setup c . SR+ Setup d .
  • Page 67: Other Settings

    2 You will have to make an SR+ cable connection from a CONTROL OUT jack on the display to the CONTROL IN jack on this receiver (opposite from the setup in Using this receiver with a Pioneer flat panel TV on page 63). Note that to control this receiver using the remote, you will have to point it at the flat panel TV’s remote sensor after making this connection.
  • Page 68: Input Function Default And Possible Settings

    MULTI-ZONE setup (see ZONE Audio Setup on page 69). • SR+ Setup – Specifies how you want to control your Pioneer flat panel TV (see SR+ Setup for Pioneer flat panel TVs on page 70). • HDMI Control Setup – Synchronizes this receiver...
  • Page 69: Multi Channel Input Setup

    • Fixed – Use this setting if you’ve connected a fully integrated amplifier (such as another Pioneer VSX receiver) in the sub room and want to use that receiver’s volume controls. (This setting is not available if the surround back system setting is set to ZONE 2.)
  • Page 70: Sr+ Setup For Pioneer Flat Panel Tvs

    Note that the number of function settings available will depend on the flat panel TV you’ve connected. See also Using this receiver with a Pioneer flat panel TV on page 63 and Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer flat panel TV on page 64.
  • Page 71: Using Other Functions

    Using other functions Chapter 11: Using other functions Setting the Audio options There are a number of additional sound settings you can make using the Audio Parameter menu. The defaults, if not stated, are listed in bold. Important • Note that if a setting doesn’t appear in the Audio Parameter menu, it is unavailable due to the current source, settings and status of the receiver.
  • Page 72: Setting The Video Options

    Using other functions Setting What it does Adjusts the level of dynamic (Dynamic range for movie soundtracks Range optimized for Dolby Digital, DTS, Control) Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio (you may need to use this feature when listening to surround sound at low volumes).
  • Page 73: Making An Audio Or A Video Recording

    Using other functions Setting What it does Converts video signals for output V. CONV (Digital from the MONITOR OUT jacks for Video all video types. Conversion) BRIGHT Adjusts the overall brightness. (Brightness) CONTRAST Adjusts the contrast between light and dark. Adjusts the red/green balance.
  • Page 74: Reducing The Level Of An Analog Signal

    Using other functions Reducing the level of an analog signal The input attenuator lowers the input level of an analog signal when it’s too strong. You can use this if you find the that the OVER indicator is lights often, or you can hear distortion in the sound.
  • Page 75: Resetting The System

    Using other functions The front panel display shows each of the following settings for three seconds each: Input source ↓ Surround Back Processing ↓ MCACC preset ↓ ZONE 2 ↓ HDMI Control When you’re finished, press STATUS again to switch off the display. Resetting the system Use this procedure to reset all the receiver’s settings to the factory default.
  • Page 76: Controlling The Rest Of Your System

    AUDIO DISPLAY PANASONIC 003, 019 PHILIPS 013 TV CTRL TV CTRL RECEIVER RECEIVER PIONEER 000, 003, 009, 018, 020, 021 (BDP), 023 (BDP) RCA 008, 011 MAIN ZONE 2 SAMSUNG 005 SHARP 006 SONY 002, 016 (video game) THOMSON 015...
  • Page 77: Controls For Tvs

    PATHE MARCONI 417 PENTAX 406 Manufacturer Code PERDIO 441 PANASONIC 491, 492 PHILIPS 414, 428 PIONEER 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, PHONOLA 414 487, 488, 489, 493 PIONEER 400, 407, 414, 437, 438, SHARP 496 SONY 490, 494 PROLINE 441...
  • Page 78: Controls For Other Components

    Controlling the rest of your system Button(s) Function Press to switch the component TV assigned to the TV CTRL button on or off. Switches the TV input. (Not INPUT possible with all models.) Selects channels. CH +/– Adjust the TV volume. VOL +/–...
  • Page 79: Operating Other Pioneer Components With This Receiver's Sensor

    If you have connected a remote control to the CONTROL IN jack (using a mini-plug cable), you won’t be able to control this receiver using the remote sensor. • See Using this receiver with a Pioneer flat panel TV on page 63 if you are connecting a Pioneer flat panel TV.
  • Page 80: Additional Information

    • Try switching the receiver off, then back on again. • Try disconnecting the power cable, then connect again. • The receiver may have a serious problem. Do not try switching the receiver on. Contact a Pioneer authorized independent service company for help.
  • Page 81 Additional information Symptom Remedy No sound from the surround or • Check that the Stereo listening mode or the Front Stage Surround Advance mode isn’t selected; center speakers. select one of the surround listening modes (see Listening in surround sound on page 30). •...
  • Page 82: Other Audio Problems

    Additional information Other audio problems Symptom Broadcast stations cannot be selected automatically, or there is considerable noise in radio broadcasts. A multichannel DVD source appears to be downmixed to 2 channels during playback. Noise is output when scanning a DTS CD. When playing a DTS format LD there is audible noise on the soundtrack.
  • Page 83: Video

    Additional information Video Symptom Remedy No image is output when an • Check the video connections of the source component (see page 18). input is selected. • For high-definition video (using component video connections), or when digital video conversion is switched off (in Setting the Video options on page 72), you must connect your TV to this receiver using the same type of video cable as you used to connect your video component.
  • Page 84: Professional Calibration Eq Graphical Output

    Additional information Professional Calibration EQ graphical output Symptom The EQ response displayed in the graphical output following calibration does not appear entirely flat. EQ adjustments made using the Manual MCACC setup on page 41 do not appear to change the graphical output. Lower frequency response curves do not seem to have been calibrated for SMALL...
  • Page 85: Remote Control

    • Make sure that there is an analog or HDMI connection between the units. This is necessary for the remote. SR feature to work. • Check that the other component is made by Pioneer. The SR feature only works with Pioneer equipment. USB interface...
  • Page 86: Hdmi

    Additional information HDMI Symptom The HDMI indicator blinks continuously. No picture or sound. No picture. No sound, or sound suddenly ceases. Noisy or distorted picture. HDCP ERROR shows in the display. Remedy • Check all the points below. • This receiver is HDCP-compatible. Check that the components you are connecting are also HDCP- compatible.
  • Page 87: Important Information Regarding

    Additional information Important information regarding the HDMI connection There are cases where you may not be able to route HDMI signals through this receiver (this depends on the HDMI- equipped component you are connecting–check with the manufacturer for HDMI compatibility information). If you aren’t receiving HDMI signals properly through this receiver (from your component), please try one of the following configurations when connecting up.
  • Page 88: Sirius Radio Messages

    Additional information Symptom Cause CH Unavailable The selected channel is not available. The channel may have been reassigned to a different channel number. This message may occur initially with a new radio or a radio that has not received XM’s signal for an extended period.
  • Page 89: Surround Sound Formats

    Additional 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...
  • Page 90: Dts 96/24

    Additional information Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, “Surround EX” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. 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 DTS Inc.
  • Page 91: About Xm

    For additional information, please visit www.neuralsurround.com. This product is manufactured under license from Neural Audio Corporation and THX Ltd. PIONEER hereby grants the user a non- exclusive, non-transferable, limited right of use to this product under USA and foreign patent, patent pending and other technology or trademarks owned by Neural Audio Corporation and THX Ltd.
  • Page 92: Listening Modes With Different Input

    Additional information Listening modes with different input signal formats The following charts outline the listening modes available with different input signal formats, depending on the surround back channel processing and decoding method you have selected. Stereo (2 channel) signal formats SBch Processing SBch Processing ON/AUTO...
  • Page 93 Additional information SBch Processing Input signal format SBch Processing Dolby Digital Plus Dolby TrueHD DTS-HD Master Audio DTS-HD DTS-EXPRESS Dolby Digital Surround DTS Surround SACD XM Radio Other stereo sources a.No sound is output from the surround back speakers when 2 Pro Logic is selected. b.This is only selectable when the input signal is an analog or PCM signal.
  • Page 94 Additional information Multichannel signal formats SBch Processing SBch Processing (7.1 channel decoding used for all sources) Input signal format Standard Dolby Digital Plus Straight decoding Dolby TrueHD DTS-HD DTS-HD Master Audio WMA9 Pro (6.1/7.1 channel) Dolby Digital Plus Dolby Digital EX Dolby TrueHD 2 Pro Logic llx MOVIE (5.1 channel)
  • Page 95 Additional information SBch Processing Input signal format SBch Processing Dolby Digital Plus AUTO Dolby TrueHD (Automatically selects DTS-HD 6.1/7.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio decoding) WMA9 Pro (6.1/7.1 channel) Dolby Digital EX (6.1 channel flagged) DTS-ES (6.1 channel sources/6.1 channel flagged) Other 5.1 channel sources (5.1 channel encoding) SACD...
  • Page 96: Stream Direct With Different Input Signal Formats

    Additional information Stream direct with different input signal formats The following charts show what you will hear with different input signal formats, depending on the Stream Direct mode (see Using Stream Direct on page 32) you have selected. Stereo (2 channel) signal formats Surround Back speaker(s) Connected Not connected...
  • Page 97: Specifications

    Additional information Specifications Amplifier section Continuous average power output of 110 watts* per channel, min., at 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz with no more than 0.09 %** total harmonic distortion (front). Continuous Power Output (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 8 Ω, 0.09 %) Front.
  • Page 98: Cleaning The Unit

    Additional information Cleaning the unit • Use a polishing cloth or dry cloth to wipe off dust and dirt. • When the surface is dirty, wipe with a soft cloth dipped in some neutral cleanser diluted five or six times with water, and wrung out well, and then wipe again with a dry cloth.
  • Page 99 Additional information Selecting fine audio equipment such as the unit you’ve just purchased is only the start of your musical enjoyment. Now it’s time to consider how you can maximize the fun and excitement your equipment offers. This manufacturer and the Electronic Industries Association’s Consumer Electronics Group want you to get the most out of your equipment by playing it at a safe level.
  • Page 100 Should this product require service in the U.S.A. and you wish to locate the nearest Pioneer Authorized Independent Service Company, or if you wish to purchase replacement parts, operating instructions, service manuals, or accessories, please call the number shown below.

This manual is also suitable for:

1018ah-k - vsx av receiverVsx-1018ah-k

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