Pioneer VSX-C300 Operating Instructions Manual
Pioneer VSX-C300 Operating Instructions Manual

Pioneer VSX-C300 Operating Instructions Manual

Audio/video multi-channel receiver
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AUDIO/VIDEO
MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER
VSX-C300
VSX-C300-S
Operating Instructions

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Summary of Contents for Pioneer VSX-C300

  • Page 1 AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-C300 VSX-C300-S Operating Instructions...
  • Page 2: Operating Environment

    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 3 MPEG-2 Decoder The MPEG-2 sound format is emerging as an important medium to deliver multichannel soundtracks, especially for music, and the VSX-C300/C300-S is fully equipped to handle MPEG-2 format discs. Dolby Pro Logic Decoder This was the first multichannel sound format and many videos and other media can still be found in Pro Logic.
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Congratulations on buying this fine 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 5: Quick Start Guide

    2) The 'source' material you are using. This is the actual product (like a DVD) or broadcast (like cable TV) your are listening to/watching. We call this the source. 3) The last factor is the listening mode you choose on the VSX-C300/C300-S receiver. These are explained below and in subsequent chapters but most likely the default setting will be fine.
  • Page 6 This receiver was designed with the easiest possible setup in mind so if you just want to hook up your equipment and start enjoying quality home theater movies follow the four steps below and use these easy settings on the VSX-C300/ C300-S.
  • Page 7 Video cord (sold separately) MONITOR DIGITAL (OPTICAL) AUDIO VIDEO AUDIO VIDEO OUT DVD Player DVD PLA YER Î ¡ ¢ STANDBY/ON (DV-444, etc.) Lastly, hook up your DVD player to the DVD IN VIDEO and your TV to the MONITOR OUT VIDEO terminals as shown above.
  • Page 8 The above is a quick guide to getting you started with your home theater system and a few setup suggestions. It is a good idea, however, to read this manual in its entirety so you understand what you can do with the VSX-C300/C300- S and the possibilities of home theater in general.
  • Page 9: Introductory Information

    • Don’t place anything on top of the receiver except for a Pioneer DV-444 or 545 DVD player. If you do place one of these pieces of equipment on top of the receiver be sure to leave ventilation space over that as prescribed above.
  • Page 10: Loading The Batteries

    Introductory Information Loading the Batteries The remote control operates on two AA batteries (supplied). CAUTION: Incorrect use of batteries may result in such hazards as leakage and bursting. Observe the following precautions: • Never use new and old batteries together. •...
  • Page 11: Connecting Your Equipment

    Connecting Your Equipment Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC wall outlet. Connecting a DVD Player & a TV In order to play PCM/2 2 Digital/DTS/MPEG multichannel soundtracks, you need to make digital audio connections.
  • Page 12: Connecting A Digital Tuner/Set Top Box

    Connecting Your Equipment Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC wall outlet. Connecting a Digital Tuner/Set Top Box If you have an external digital tuner (like a set top box for satellite or cable TV) you need to connect it and your TV to the jacks shown below in order to play MPEG signals (which most digital satellite broadcasting uses).
  • Page 13: Connecting Video Components

    Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC wall outlet. Connecting Video Components Connect your video components to the jacks as shown below. All video decks are hooked up with analog connec- tions.
  • Page 14: Connecting Speakers

    Connecting Your Equipment Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC wall outlet. Connecting Speakers A full complement of five speakers is shown here but, naturally, everyone’ s home setup will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner described below.
  • Page 15: Hints On Speaker Placement

    Hints on Speaker Placement Speakers are usually designed with a particular place- ment in mind. Some are designed to be floor standing, while others should be placed on stands to sound their best. Some should be placed near a wall; others should be placed away from walls.
  • Page 16: Connecting Antennas

    Connecting Your Equipment Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC wall outlet. Connecting Antennas Connect the AM loop antenna and the FM wire antenna as shown below. To improve reception and sound quality, connect external antennas (see Using External Antennas, below).
  • Page 17: Operating Other Pioneer Components With This Unit's Sensor

    MEMO: • You can also control Pioneer components by pointing the receiver's remote control directly at the component. This type of operation does not require control cords. See page 41 for more information. • To use this kind of remote control you have to hook up a control cord AND the have the component and receiver hooked up with analog RCA audio/video cords as well (see page 11-13).
  • Page 18: Displays & Controls

    MONO: Lights when the mono mode is set using the MPX button. RDS: Lights when an RDS broadcast is received. RF ATT: Lights when the RF ATT is on (see p. 33). AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-C300 VIRTUAL MPEG PHONES SURR.
  • Page 19: Rear Panel

    Use these terminals to connect speakers to the receiver (see page 14). 8 CONTROL IN/OUT terminal You can use this jack to hook up other PIONEER equipment, that bears the Î control them all with the remote control for this receiver (see page 17).
  • Page 20: Remote Control

    Displays & Controls Remote Control The remote control is divided into roughly three parts for easier understanding: 1) Receiver controls; 2) TV controls and 3) Playback controls, sound setup and other component controls. All the buttons on the remote control are explained here. 1) Receiver controls These controls are for the receiver itself.
  • Page 21 3) Playback controls These controls are for the receiver, setup, and other components. If you push the RECEIVER button these buttons will control the receiver. Once you put the remote control in another mode (for example DVD) the buttons which are applicable to DVD control will be available for that component (after you have entered the proper preset codes, see page 42).
  • Page 22: Basic Playback

    Basic Playback Automatic Switching between Analog & Digital Signals This receiver will automatically choose the digital signal when both analog and digital signals are input into the receiver. The digital indicator will light when a digital signal is being used by the receiver. If the digital indicator doesn‘t light even though you have your DVD player connected with an optical cable it may be due to the problems below.
  • Page 23: Playing A Source

    The following pages will tell you about refinements you can make to the sound but the below procedure (with the settings you have already made) should allow you to get enjoyable home theater. MASTER VOLUME INPUT buttons AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-C300 VIRTUAL PHONES SURR. MPEG...
  • Page 24: Fine Tuning Your Surround Sound

    Fine Tuning Your Surround Sound Room Setup This setup establishes the distances from your speakers to your normal listening position. It is important for the receiver to know these distances so it can output proper surround sound. Alternatively, you can make more precise speaker distance settings on page 27-28.
  • Page 25: Personalizing Your Surround Sound

    Personalizing Your Surround Sound This receiver will make the necessary speakers settings automatically so you can use it to get enjoyable sur- round sound without doing anything, but making more exact settings here will give you finer surround sound. For better surround sound complete the instructions that follow the speaker settings.
  • Page 26: Setting Mode

    Fine Tuning Your Surround Sound SPEAKERS (Front, Center, Surround) setting mode This setting establishes the size and configuration of the speaker system you have connected more exactly than the automatic setup. Set here, for example, what speakers you have connected and which size they are. Selecting “Large” or “Small”...
  • Page 27 Follow steps 1-3 on page 25 (if necessary). Press % or fi to specify the crossover fre- quency for your small speakers (100 Hz, 150 Hz or 200 Hz). 100Hz 150Hz 200Hz 100 Hz Sends bass frequencies below 100 Hz to the subwoofer (or “Large”...
  • Page 28: Dual Mono Setting

    Fine Tuning Your Surround Sound SURROUND speakers distance setting mode Set the distance from the SURROUND speakers to the listening position. Follow steps 1-3 on page 25 (if necessary). Press % or fi to set the distance of the SUR- ROUND speakers from the main listening position (within a range from 0.3 m to 9.0 m).
  • Page 29: Setting The Volume Level Of Each Channel

    Setting the Volume Level of each Channel (adjusting the speaker volume balance) Use to set the relative volume of each channel as you find necessary. INPUT RECEIVER SELECT REMOTE MASTER TV/SAT VOLUME SETUP TUNER FRONT MUTING DISPLAY TV CONTROL RECEIVER CHANNEL VOLUME INPUT SELECT...
  • Page 30: Listening Modes

    Sound Modes Listening Modes There are three types of listening modes, one for two channel (stereo) outputs, one for multichannel sources and one that automatically selects STEREO or STANDARD (multichannel) mode according to whether you’re using a two channel or multichannel source. Intrinsic to home theater, surround sound delivers a realistic and powerful soundtrack that recreates the movie theater experience.
  • Page 31: Selecting A Listening Mode

    Automatic Listening mode (automatically selects 2 channel or multichannel outputs. This is the receiver’s default mode) AUTO This mode automatically detects what kind of signal is being input and employs the proper listening mode of the receiver (switching between STEREO and STANDARD depending on the source). If you don’t know what kind of signal (stereo, multichannel, etc.) you are using or don’t want to bother with switching listening modes, use this feature.
  • Page 32: Tone Effects

    Sound Modes Tone Effects The Tone Effects allow you to add certain sound elements when playing all kinds of sources (two-channel/stereo sources, Dolby Surround sources, Dolby Digital, DTS or MPEG sources). They can be used in conjunction with the listening modes explained on the previous page. FLAT No tone effects added QUIET...
  • Page 33: Using The Tuner

    Using the Tuner Finding a Station 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 exact frequency of the station you want to listen to, see “Tuning Directly to a Station”...
  • Page 34: Tuning Directly To A Station

    Using the Tuner Tuning Directly to a Station Sometimes, you'll already know the frequency of the station you want to listen to. In this case, you can simply enter the frequency directly using the number buttons on the remote control. RECEIVER TV/SAT TUNER FRONT...
  • Page 35: Naming Memorized Stations

    Naming Memorized Stations You can input a name of up to four characters for each preset station (FM only) in the receiver’ s memory (see the previous page). This name can be anything you choose. For example, you could input "BBC1" for that station and when you listen to it the name, rather than the frequency number, will appear on your display.
  • Page 36: An Introduction To Rds

    Using the Tuner An Introduction to RDS Radio Data System, or RDS as it’ s usually known, is a system used by FM radio stations to provide listeners with various kinds of information—the name of the station and the kind of show they’re broadcasting, for example.
  • Page 37: Searching For Rds Programs

    Searching for RDS Programs One of the most useful features of RDS is the ability to search for a particular kind of radio program. You can search for any of the program types listed on page 33— these cover all kinds of music, as well as news, weather forecasts, sports programs, and a variety of others.
  • Page 38: Using Other Functions

    Using Other Functions Muting the Sound Use this feature to mute the volume. RECEIVER SELECT REMOTE TV/SAT TUNER FRONT DISPLAY RECEIVER CHANNEL INPUT SELECT 1 Press the button on the remote MUTING control. No sound will be audible until the MUTING button is pressed again to cancel the muting.
  • Page 39: Checking Your Settings

    • The above reset doesn’t affect the presets that you have programmed into the remote control (see page 42). Using Other Functions AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-C300 MASTER TV/SAT TUNER FRONT VOLUME...
  • Page 40: Default Settings For The Receiver

    Using Other Functions Default Settings for the Receiver All the settings that return to their defaults when you reset the system are listed here (see the previous page to Reset the System). Setting Type SPEAKERS (Front, Center, Surround) setting SUBWOOFER ON/PLUS/OFF Crossover frequency LFE attenuator FRONT speakers distance...
  • Page 41: Controlling The Rest Of Your System

    • The TV CONTROL buttons are dedicated to controlling the TV. They will always control the TV no matter what operation mode the remote is in. Of course, you need to input the preset code for your TV (if it is not Pioneer- made) in order to control it with this remote.
  • Page 42: Recalling Preset Codes

    Controlling the Rest of Your System Recalling Preset Codes The following steps show you how to recall preset codes for each INPUT/Control Mode Select preset code is assigned, pressing the button will automatically set the remote to operate the respective component.
  • Page 43: Clearing The Preset Codes

    2/MULTI AUDIO/VIDEO PRE-PROGRAMMED REMOTE CONTROL UNIT INPUT/Control Preset Component Mode Select Code (Manufacturer) button DVD (PIONEER) TV/SAT TV (PIONEER) DVD Recorder (PIONEER) FRONT VCR (PIONEER) TV (PIONEER) Controlling the Rest of Your System Direct Selection Turning the direct selection off is a useful feature which...
  • Page 44: Cd/Md/Cd-R/Vcr/Dvd/Ld/Dvd Recorder/Cassette Deck Controls

    Controlling the Rest of Your System CD/MD/CD-R/VCR/DVD/LD/DVD recorder/Cassette Deck Controls This remote control can control these components after entering the proper codes or teaching the receiver the commands (see page 41-42). Use MULTI CONTROL buttons to put the remote control in the stated mode. ¢...
  • Page 45: Cable Tv/Satellite Tv/Digital Tv/Tv Controls

    Cable TV/Satellite TV/Digital TV/TV Controls This remote control can control these components after entering the proper codes or teaching the receiver the commands (see page 41-42). Use MULTI CONTROL buttons to put the remote control in the stated mode. . s l / + −...
  • Page 46: Preset Code List

    SAMSUNG SHARP AKAI 009, 011 DENON 003, 010 HITACHI PHILIPS ZENITH THOMSON S O N Y (video game) LOEWE GOLDSTAR PIONEER 000, 003, 008, 111 Manufacturer Code SONY 101, 102 PHILIPS HITACHI RADIOLA MITSUBISHI DENON TELEFUNKEN PIONEER 100, 111(DVD/LD) Manufacturer...
  • Page 47 645, 646, 654, 655 VESTEL VOXSON WALTHAM WATSON WATT RADIO 632, 642, 649 WHITE WESTINGHOUSE 607 YOKO 607, 642, 646 PIONEER 600, 607, 631, 632, 636, 642, 651 STB (SATELLITE/CATV) Manufacturer Code JERROLD 706, 708 ZENITH PIONEER 200, 204, 231, 700...
  • Page 48 Controlling the Rest of Your System DVD Recorder Manufacturer Code PIONEER TAPE Manufacturer Code AKAI A R C A M DENON 810, 827 FISHER GRUNDIG J V C KENWOOD 804, 807, 822 L U X M A N MARANTZ M E M O R E X...
  • Page 49: Additional Information

    Sometimes the trouble may lie in another component. Investigate the other components and electrical appliances being used. If the trouble cannot be rectified even after exercising the checks listed below, ask your nearest PIONEER authorized service center or your dealer to carry out repair work. Symptom The power does not •...
  • Page 50 Additional Information Symptom No sound from surround or center speakers. No sound from subwoofer Sound is produced from analog components, but not from digital ones (DVD, LD, CD-ROM etc.). No sound is output or a noise is output when Dolby Digital/DTS soft- ware is played back.
  • Page 51 Symptom The sound distorts. • The analog signal is too strong. • Master volume is too loud. You can only hear treble • The FRONT speakers are set to small. from speakers. No image is output when • The video connections are incorrect. an input is selected.
  • Page 52: Techno Know How

    Techno Know How Understanding DVD Packaging DVD packaging usually states what sound formats are included on the DVD. The diagram here shows what you might see on a typical DVD box. The terms used (Dolby Digital, etc.) are explained in the following sections. Digital Audio Formats Home theater uses various types of methods to encode the sound on to the digital sources and these are known as digital formats.
  • Page 53: Recording Formats

    MPEG-2 This is a standard audio format used on Video CDs, some DVD discs and, importantly, most digital satellite TV broadcasting. It's advantages include a low bit rate that still affords good sounds quality for multichannel soundtracks. This is a patented system in the USA. PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) This is an uncompressed 2 channel stereo format found on most CDs and DATs.
  • Page 54: Playback Formats

    Techno Know How Playback Formats This receiver is equipped with many different playback formats and this flexibility should allow you to get stereo or surround sound playback (depending on the kind of source you're using) with all speaker configurations. 2 Channel Stereo Playback (STEREO indicator lights) This is conventional stereo playback from the left and right speakers (called "front"...
  • Page 55: Specifications

    Specifications Amplifier Section Continuous Power Output (STEREO MODE) FRONT ... 25 W + 25 W (DIN 1 kHz, THD 1 %, 8 Ω) Continuous Power Output (SURROUND MODE) FRONT ... 30 W/ch (1 kHz, THD 1 %, 8 Ω) CENTER ... 30 W (1 kHz, THD 1 %, 8 Ω) SURROUND ...
  • Page 56 PIONEER EUROPE NV Haven 1087, Keetberglaan 1, B-9120 Melsele, Belgium TEL: 03/570.05.11 PIONEER ELECTRONICS AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. PIONEER ELECTRONICS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V. <TNGZW/01F00001> 4-1, Meguro 1-Chome, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8654, Japan P.O. BOX 1540, Long Beach, California 90801-1540, U.S.A.

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Vsx-c300-s

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