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.
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Each time the above operation is performed, the channel tuning step will alternate between FM 100 kHz/AM 10 kHz, and FM 50 kHz/AM 9 kHz. TWO VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCHES (VSX-D908TX/ D908TX-G only) Mains voltages in Saudi Arabia are 127 V and 220 V only.
Features MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) decoder equipped (VSX-D938TX only) Playback of DVD and other media recorded in MPEG audio is possible. The MPEG logo is a registered trademark of Royal Philips Electronics. Decoding of Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and DTS (Digital Theater Systems) DTS is the latest and most widely used digital theater system for cinemas throughout the world.
Power Connections (AC OUTLETS) ... 17 Displays and Controls ... 18 Display ... 18 Front Panel (VSX-D938TX) ... 20 Front Panel (VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G) ... 22 Remote Control ... 24 Surround Sound Set Up ... 26 On Screen Display ... 26 Setting Up for Surround Sound ... 27 Basic Playback ...
Before You Start Checking the Supplied Accessories Please check that you have received all of the following supplied accessories. FM wire antenna AM loop antenna How to Use This Manual This manual is for the VSX-D938TX/D908TX/D908TX-G Audio/Video Multi-Channel Receiver. This manual is divided into two main sections which will tell you how to setup and use the unit : PREPARATION First carry out the tasks below in this “Before You Start”...
Operating other PIONEER components Connecting an optional control cord allows you to operate other PIONEER components simply by pointing the receiver’s remote control at the remote sensor on the front panel of the receiver. The receiver then sends the remote control signals to the other devices via the CONTROL OUT terminal.
Connecting Your Equipment Audio Components To begin set up, connect your audio components to the jacks as shown below. These are all analog connections and your analog audio components (turntable, cassette deck) use these jacks. Remember that for components you want to record with you need to hook up four plugs (a set of stereo ins and a set of stereo outs), but for components that only play (like a turntable) you only need to hook up one set of stereo plugs (two plugs).
Video Components Connect your video components to the jacks as shown below. Regarding digital video components (like a DVD), you must use the analog connections pictured on this page for the video signal but in order to use Dolby Digital you should hook up their audio to a digital input (see the next page).
Connecting Your Equipment Digital Connections In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks and MPEG audio, you need to make digital audio connections. You can do this by either coaxial or optical connections (you do not need to do both). The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some digital components only have one type of digital terminal, it is a matter of matching like with like (for example, the coaxial out from the component to coaxial in on the receiver).
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(AC-3)(LD) DVD/LD player or LD player VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G models: When playing LD recorded in Dolby Digital To connect a DVD/LD or LD player with its AC-3 RF output, a commercially available RF demodulator (RFD-1) is required. The RF demodulator changes the RF signal to a digital signal which is then processed by the VSX- D908TX/D908TX-G models through their digital input jacks.
Connecting Your Equipment External Decoder Input In some cases you may need an external decoder to play special analog or DVD sources. If you find you need an external decoder hook one up as shown below, but for most people this component is unnecessary. (See p.47) When connecting your equipment always make sure the power is turned off and the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.
Antennas Hook up the supplied radio antennas as shown below. When connecting your equipment, always make sure the power is turned off and the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet. AM loop antenna FM wire antenna (See below) DIGITAL PCM/ /DTS...
Connecting Your Equipment Speakers A full complement of six speakers is shown here but, naturally, everyone’s home set up will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner described below. The VSX-D938TX/D908TX/D908TX-G will work with just two stereo speakers (called “front” speakers in the diagram) but the receiver is designed to be used with at least three speakers.
7 Speaker terminals 1 Twist exposed wire strands together. 10 mm Speaker impedance You can change the speaker impedance to suit the kind of speakers you have in your home system but we recommend using speakers with an impedance of 8 -16 8 impedance speakers, you need to change the impedance setting.
Connecting Your Equipment Speaker placement If you have a multiple speaker arrangement the placement of the speakers is extremely important. To achieve the best possible surround sound, install your speakers as shown below. Make sure all speakers are installed securely to prevent accidents and improve sound quality. Be sure to consult your speaker manuals for the best placement of the speakers.
If you want to use separate amplifiers to power your speakers, make the connections shown below. When connecting your equipment always make sure the power is turned off and the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet for all the eqiuipment. PIONEER projection TV (for center channel)
AC-3DTS MPEG 1 SIGNAL SELECT indicators Light to indicate the type of input signal assigned for the current component (see “Front Panel”, % (VSX-D938TX), $ (VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G), SIGNAL SELECT). ANALOG : Lights when an analog signal is selected. DIGITAL : Lights when a digital audio signal is selected (DVD/LD, CD, MD/TAPE1, TV/SAT, VCR 1, VCR 2).
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- Program Format indicator When a Dolby Digital or DTS signal is input, he following indicators light to show the channels being played back. L : Left front* , C : Center* , R : Right front* LS : Left surround* , S : Surround (mono)* RS : Right surround* *1: Indicates 5.1ch Dolby Digital or DTS playback.
Displays and Controls Front Panel (VSX-D938TX) All the controls on the front panel are explained and/or referenced here. To open the front panel, push gently on the lower third of the panel. 3 4 5 6 AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER STANDBY/ON STANDBY/ON STEREO STANDBY...
= MASTER VOLUME Adjusts the overall receiver volume. ~ EXTERNAL DECODER IN (See p.47) Use to hook up an external component that can decode other types of signals and input them into the VSX-D938TX. ! DIRECT button Switches DIRECT playback on or off. Use to bypass the tone controls and channel level for the most accurate reproduction of a program source.
Displays and Controls Front Panel (VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G) All the controls on the front panel are explained and/or referenced here. To open the front panel, push gently on the lower third of the panel. 2 3 4 5 AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER STANDBY/ON...
Use to hook up an external component that can decode other types of signals and input them into the VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G. ~ DIRECT button Switches direct playback on or off. Use to bypass the tone controls and channel level for the most accurate reproduction of a program source.
Displays and Controls Remote Control These pages describe the buttons on the remote control used to operate the receiver. Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶ TUNING STATION ¡...
MULTI OPERATION mode. = SYSTEM OFF button This button turns off components in two ways. First, when pressed it will turn off all PIONEER components. Secondly, any component that has programmed into the MULTI OPERATIONS settings will also be turned off. (see p.69).
Surround Sound Set Up On Screen Display There are a number of possible ways to hook up the receiver to your video components like a DVD player and hook up to your receiver to your TV, but some of them will not allow you to use the on-screen display of this unit.
Setting Up for Surround Sound To ensure the best possible surround sound, be sure to complete the following set up operations. This is particularly important when using the DTS, You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers, etc.).
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Surround Sound Set Up Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶ TUNING STATION ¡ ¢ CHANNEL DISC RF ATT DISPLAY TV VOL VOLUME TV CONTROL TV FUNC EFFECT MENU MUTE...
Speaker setting The following steps show you how to specify the type of speakers you connected. Use the 5¥∞ and 2¥3 arrow buttons to make a selection within the on-screen menus, and use the ENTER to register the information. Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI...
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Surround Sound Set Up Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶ TUNING STATION ¡ ¢ CHANNEL DISC RF ATT DISPLAY TV VOL VOLUME TV CONTROL TV FUNC EFFECT MENU MUTE...
Channel delay Adding a slight delay to some speakers is necessary to achieve a surround sound effect. You need to figure out the distance from your listening position to your speakers to add the proper delay. The following steps show you how to set the delay time for each channel by specifying the distances from your listening position to each speaker.
Surround Sound Set Up Channel level The following steps show you how to balance the sound output level of your speakers. Proper speaker balance is essential for obtaining high quality surround sound. If continuing from CHANNEL DELAY, go to step 1. If starting fresh, complete steps 1-3 in “Setting Up for Surround Sound”...
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Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶ TUNING STATION ¡ ¢ CHANNEL DISC RF ATT DISPLAY TV VOL TV CONTROL VOLUME TV FUNC EFFECT MENU MUTE /CH SEL FUNCTION ENTER...
Surround Sound Set Up Crossover network The following steps show you how to adjust the crossover network. The crossover network is the frequency at which the system divides the signal and sends the different parts (high ,mid, low) to different speakers. Speaking precisely, this setting sets the cutoff point for the bass frequencies rerouted from your SMALL speakers to your sub woofer or speakers set to LARGE.
Bass peak level manager The LFE (Low Frequency Effect) channel in Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG audio (VSX-D938TX only) program sources can produce heavily concentrated ultra-low bass tones that may exceed the capabilities of your speaker system. The following steps show you how to set the peak level for the ultra-low bass (LFE) channel. If continuing from CROSSOVER NETWORK go to step 1.
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Surround Sound Set Up D-range control This feature makes it possible to enjoy full surround sound effects on Dolby Digital sources even at low volumes. It does this by compressing the dynamic range. Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and the softest sounds in any given signal.
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Digital-in select In order to be able to use your digital equipment properly, you need to assign digital inputs for each of the digital components you connected. Match the Digital 1-4 setting with the digital jacks1-4 in accordance with what component is hooked up to each digital jack.
Basic Playback Playing Sources with Stereo Sound The following instructions show you how to play audio or audio-visual stereo sources with the VSX-D938TX/ D908TX/D908TX-G. Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS...
Sound Modes The six sound modes on the VSX-D938TX (The five sound modes on the VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G) are explained here. These can be turned on from the front panel or from the remote control. There are four (VSX-D938TX) or three (VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G) cinema modes: STANDARD, MPEG (VSX- D938TX only), HOME THX CINEMA, and ADVANCED THEATER.
Basic Playback DSP modes The DSP (Digital Signal Processing) modes allow you to transform your living room into a variety of different sonic environments when playing either two-channel or multi-channel sources. HALL 1 Simulates the acoustic effects of a large concert hall. Suitable for classical music. A long delay time of reflected sounds, coupled with reverb effects, let the listener enjoy the dynamic and rich sounds characteristic of concert halls and powerful orchestral performances.
Selecting a Sound Mode To ensure the best possible surround sound, be sure to complete the set up procedures described in “Setting Up for Surround Sound” (starting on page 27) before using the sound modes. This is particularly important when using the (Dolby) Digital or DTS sources.
SIGNAL SELECT on the front panel to select the input signal corresponding to the source component (VSX- D938TX can be set to AUTO, while the VSX-D908TX/ D908TX-G should be set to DIGITAL). (See “Switching ANALOG/DIGITAL signal input” on p. 44.) Play a source (for example, a DVD player).
Using MPEG audio discs (VSX-D938TX only) The VSX-D938TX can decode a variety of different types of audio formats for DVDs and these include MPEG. MPEG is a highly sophisticated audio encoding system which some discs use. If the disc you are using has MPEG audio (it will be marked on the disc) switch the receiver to MPEG using the procedure below.
On the VSX-D938TX, the default setting is AUTO (which chooses digital when all three are available but foes with whatever is available if it is the only choice), on the VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G is ANALOG. Î...
Reducing noise during playback (DIGITAL NR function) To reduce extraneous noise switch on DIGITAL NR. This noise reduction can only be used in the STEREO mode. Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND...
Basic Playback Listening in MIDNIGHT LISTENING mode This feature makes it possible to get excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low volumes. It can be used with a variety of surround sound sources and plays soundtracks so that the quieter sounds are audible while the noisier sounds do not become overly loud or distorted.
External decoder playback (front panel only) This feature allows you to connect an external decoder to enjoy certain types of specialized discs. EXTERNAL DECORDER IN VSX-D938TX Digital Signal Processor AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER STANDBY/ON STANDBY MODE STEREO /DTS THX CINEMA ADVANCED STANDARD MPEG 5-CHANNEL EQUAL POWER OUTPUT...
Basic Playback Listening in LOUDNESS mode (front panel only) The LOUDNESS mode allows you to boost the bass in a signal. It is useful for listening to music at low volumes. LOUDNESS VSX-D938TX Digital Signal Processor DEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER TAPE 2 MODE STEREO MONITOR...
Adjusting the brightness of the display (front panel only) Use the FL DIMMER button to adjust the brightness of the fluorescent display (FL=fluorescent display). FL DIMMER VSX-D938TX Digital Signal Processor INPUT TAPE 2 SELECTOR MONITOR DIMMER MASTER VOLUME TUNER CONTROL DIGITAL SIGNAL RECT...
Using the Tuner Automatic and Manual Tuning The following steps show you how to tune in 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 desire, see “Direct Access Tuning”...
Direct Access Tuning The following steps show you how to tune directly to a specific frequency using the remote control. Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶...
Using the Tuner Memorizing Frequently Used Stations The following steps show you how to memorize up to 30 radio stations in 3 classes (each holding 10 channels). When memorizing FM frequencies, the receiver also memorizes the MPX mode (STEREO or MONO). Using the front panel VSX-D938TX Tune in the desired station.
Recalling Memorized Stations Using the remote control Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶ TUNING STATION ¡ ¢ CHANNEL DISC RF ATT DISPLAY TV VOL VOLUME TV CONTROL TV FUNC EFFECT...
The following steps show you how to recall preset codes stored in the remote control. Once a preset code is recalled and the component assigned, you can use this remote control to easily operate the component. See “Preset Code List” on p.79-82 (VSX-D938TX), 83 (VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G) for the components and manufacturers available.
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Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶ TUNING STATION ¡ ¢ CHANNEL DISC RF ATT DISPLAY TV VOL VOLUME TV CONTROL TV FUNC EFFECT MENU MUTE /CH SEL FUNCTION ENTER...
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Remote Control of Other Components Learning mode: Programming signals from other remote controls If preset codes are not available for your component(s), or the available preset codes do not operate correctly, you can use this function to program in signals from the remote control(s) of your other component(s). This operation can also be used after recalling a preset code to program additional operations not covered in the preset codes.
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Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶ TUNING STATION ¡ ¢ CHANNEL DISC RF ATT DISPLAY TV VOL VOLUME TV CONTROL TV FUNC EFFECT MENU MUTE /CH SEL FUNCTION ENTER...
Remote Control of Other Components Remote Controlling Other Components DVD or LD player operations • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you program your DVD or LD player’s preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control Other Components,”...
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VCR and DVD video recorder operations • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you program your VCR or DVD video recorder’s preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Components,” p.54-57). •...
Remote Control of Other Components CD player operations • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you program your CD player’s preset code, cut some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,”...
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MD operations • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you program your MD recorder’s preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,” p.54-57). •...
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Remote Control of Other Components STB (Satellite Tuner) operations • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you program your satellite tuner’s (or Cable TV’s) preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,”...
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STB (DTV) operations • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you program your digital tuner’s preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,” p.54-57). •...
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Remote Control of Other Components TV operations • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you program your TV’s preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,”...
Cassette deck operations You can use this remote control to control most cassete decks, though with some models the functions may differ. • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you recall a cassette deck’s preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Controls Other Components,”...
Using Other Functions Recording from Audio Components The following explanations show you how to record an analog audio signal with the component you connected to the MD/TAPE 1 or TAPE 2 MONITOR jacks. Note that you cannot record an component that is only connected digitally.
Recording from Digital Audio Components The following explanations show you how to record digital audio. Using this method you can make exact digital copies of sources like CDs or MDs. The only drawback is that you cannot switch between various recorders at the touch of a button like you can with analog recordings (see the previous page).
Using Other Functions Recording from Video Components The following operations show you how to record audio and video to the video tape recorder connected to the VCR 1 or VCR 2 jacks. Note that all signals coming out of these jacks will be analog and it is not possible to record DTS soundtracks.
The steps below show you how to program a string of up to 5 different operations based on eight possible components. You do not need to program the power of this unit, or any PIONEER product, to go on, it/they will do so automatically when the MULTI OPERATION function is used.
2 Press DVD/LD then (POWER) to turn on your DVD player (if it is not a PIONEER product). 3 Press DVD/LD then 3 (play) to start playing the DVD player. 4 Press ADVANCED THEATER mode to put receiver in that sound mode.
TV, turn off your DVD player and turn off the receiver itself. You do not need to program in other the power for PIONEER components, they will go off automatically in this mode. The receiver itself will go off automatically as well.
Using Other Functions Setting Up the Direct Function The direct function is designed in case you have an external video source connected to your TV (a video source that is not going through the VSX-D938TX/D908TX/D908TX-G). For this explanation we will call this the “external video deck.”...
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Remote back light This function is useful for using the unit in a dark room. Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶ TUNING STATION ¡ ¢ CHANNEL DISC RF ATT...
Using Other Functions Resetting the Remote Control The following operations allow you to erase the settings stored in the remote control. Erasing the multi operations Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND...
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Erasing the learned remote control commands Î S0URCE RECEIVER MULTI SYSTEM OPERATION DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 MULTI CONTROL TUNER TV CONT TAPE1 CLASS BAND DIRECT ACCESS ¶ TUNING STATION ¡ ¢ CHANNEL DISC RF ATT DISPLAY TV VOL VOLUME TV CONTROL TV FUNC EFFECT MENU...
Techno Tidbits and Problem-solving Dolby Digital Dolby Digital is a compression format which records the sound of 6 channels of the theater surround system (Dolby Digital) on the movie film digital track. Of the 6 channels, the sub woofer channel is intended for bass only, and because the frequency range is smaller than the main channel, it is expressed as 5.1 channel.
Warning about DTS test mode The VSX-D938TX/D908TX/D908TX-G has a mode for PIONEER repairmen to test the DTS sound quality. You will never need to access this mode. Rather you should be careful NOT to put the receiver in this mode because doing so will erase all your setup parameters like speaker settings, delay settings, channel settings, etc.
Because of these differences we often miss the power and emotion that thrills us in a good movie. Now Pioneer and THX have teamed up to bring the full glory of accurate cinema sound to the comfort and convenience of your home.
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.
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Symptom No sound from surround or center speakers. Sound is produced from some components, but not from digital components. No sound is output or a noise is output when software with DTS is played back. The sound is output intermittently when software with DTS is played back.
Techno Tidbits and Problem-solving Specifications VSX-D938TX: (Singapore model) Continuous Power Output (STEREO MODE) Front ... 110 W + 110 W (DIN; 1kHz, T.H.D 1%, 8 ) Continuous Power Output (SURROUND MODE) Front ... 110 W + 110 W (DIN; 1kHz, T.H.D 1%, 8 ) Center ...
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SWITCHED ( 2) ... Total 100 W MAX UNSWITCHED ... 100 W MAX Dimensions ... 420 (W) Weight (without package) VSX-D938TX (Taiwan model) ... 16.2 kg VSX-D908TX/D908TX-G ... 15.2 kg Furnished Parts FM Antenna ... 1 AM Loop Antenna ... 1 –3 Dry Cell Batteries (SIZE “AA”...
PIONEER ELECTRONICS [USA] INC. PIONEER ELECTRONICS OF CANADA, INC. PIONEER ELECTRONIC [EUROPE] N.V. PIONEER ELECTRONICS AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. PIONEER ELECTRONICS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V. <99E00EF0P00> Maintenance of External Surfaces • Use a polishing cloth or dry cloth to wipe off dust and dirt.