Pioneer Elite VSX-41 Operating Instructions Manual
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Pioneer Elite VSX-41 Operating Instructions Manual

Pioneer Elite VSX-41 Operating Instructions Manual

Audio/video multi-channel receiver
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AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL
RECEIVER
VSX-41
Operating Instructions

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Summary of Contents for Pioneer Elite VSX-41

  • Page 1 AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-41 Operating Instructions...
  • Page 2 WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 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 Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic” and the double D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. “DTS”, “DTS-ES Extended Surround” and “Neo:6” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    A and B speaker systems ... 20 Hints on speaker placement ... 20 Connecting additional amplifiers ... 22 AC outlet ... 23 Operating other Pioneer components ... 23 4 Controls and displays Front panel ...24 Display ... 25 Remote control ... 27 5 Playing sources Introduction to Sound Modes ...
  • Page 5 Coaxial digital input settings ... 41 Optical digital input settings ... 41 Setting the relative volume level of each channel ... 42 7 Using the tuner Listening to the radio ... 43 Improving FM stereo sound ...43 Tuning directly to a station ... 43 Saving station presets ...44 Naming station presets ...

  • Page 6: Before You Start

    Before you start Checking what’s in the box Please check that you've received the following supplied accessories: • AM loop antenna • FM wire antenna • Dry cell batteries x 2 (AA size IEC LR6) • Remote control • These operating instructions Installing the receiver Please note the following points: •...

  • Page 7: 5 Minute Guide

    5 minute guide Introduction to home theater You are probably used to using stereo equipment to listen to music, but may not be used to home theater systems that give you many more options (such as surround sound) when listening to soundtracks.

  • Page 8: Listening To Surround Sound

    5 minute guide Listening to Surround Sound This receiver was designed with the easiest possible setup in mind, so with the following quick setup guide, you should have your system hooked up for surround sound in no time at all. In most cases, you can simply leave the receiver in the default settings.

  • Page 9: Connect Speakers

    5 minute guide Connect your speakers. A complete setup of eight speakers is shown here (including the subwoofer) but everyone’s home setup will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner shown below. The receiver will work with just two stereo speakers (the front speakers in the diagram) but using at least three speakers is recommended, and a complete setup is best.
  • Page 10 5 minute guide If you only have one surround back speaker connect as below. You could also use this method for a subwoofer when using the surround back speaker terminal for a passive subwoofer. SURROUND BACK • Be sure to complete all connections before connecting this unit to the AC power source. •...
  • Page 11 5 minute guide Plug in the receiver and switch it on, followed by your DVD player, your subwoofer and the TV. Make sure you’ve set the video input on your TV to this receiver. Check the manual that came with the TV if you don’t know how to do this.

  • Page 12: Using The Quick Setup

    5 minute guide Using the Quick Setup You can use the Quick Setup to get your system up and running with just a few button presses. The receiver automatically makes the necessary settings after you have selected your speaker setup and room size. If you want to make more specific settings, refer to Choosing your receiver setup on pages 36–42 Use the front panel controls for the steps below.

  • Page 13: Connecting Up

    Connecting up Before making or changing any connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC wall outlet. Audio/Video cords Use audio/video cords (not supplied) to connect the audio/video components and a video cord to connect the monitor TV. Connect red plugs to R (right), white plugs to L (left), and the yellow plugs to VIDEO.

  • Page 14: Connecting Digital Components

    (for example, the coaxial output from the component to coaxial input on the receiver). The VSX-41 has four digital inputs (two coaxial inputs and two optical inputs). Connect your digital components to the rear panel as shown below. See page 17 to connect the front panel optical input.

  • Page 15: Connecting Audio Components

    Connecting up Connecting audio components To begin set up, connect your analog audio components (such as a cassette deck) to the jacks. For components you want to record with, you need to hook up four plugs to the receiver (a set of stereo inputs and a set of stereo outputs), but for components that only play, you only need to hook up one set of stereo plugs.

  • Page 16: Connecting Dvd 5.1 Channel Components

    Connecting up Connecting DVD 7.1 channel components If you prefer to use a separate component for decoding DVDs, you can connect a decoder or a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs to the multichannel inputs of this receiver. When connecting your equipment, always make sure the power is turned off and the power cord is disconnected from the AC wall outlet.

  • Page 17: Connecting To The Front Panel Video Terminal

    Connecting up The arrows indicate the direction of the signal. OUTPUT VIDEO TV tuner (or Satellite tuner) OUTPUT VIDEO DVD or LD player TV (monitor) DVD or LD player Connecting to the front panel video terminal Front video connections are accessed via the front panel input selector as VIDEO.

  • Page 18: Connecting Antennas

    Connecting up 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). Always make sure that the receiver is switched off and unplugged from the wall outlet before making or changing any connections.

  • Page 19: Connecting The Speakers

    Connecting up Connecting the speakers A complete setup of eight speakers (including the subwoofer) is shown below, but everyone’s home setup will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner shown below. The receiver will work with just two stereo speakers (the front speakers in the diagram) but using at least three speakers is recommended, and a complete setup is best for surround sound.

  • Page 20: Speaker Terminals

    Connecting up • When using the speaker on your TV as the center speaker (C), connect the CENTER PREOUT jack on this unit to the audio input jack on your TV. In this case the center speaker shown is unnecessary. •...
  • Page 21 Connecting up • Place the center speaker above or below the TV so that the sound of the center channel is localized at the TV screen. If you choose to install the center speaker on top of the TV, be sure to secure it with putty, or by other suitable means, to reduce the risk of damage or injury resulting from the speaker falling from...

  • Page 22: Connecting Additional Amplifiers

    Connecting up Connecting additional amplifiers This receiver has more than sufficient power for any home use, however it is possible to add additional amplifiers to every channel. Make the connections shown below to add amplifiers to power your speakers. Always make sure that the receiver is switched off and unplugged from the wall outlet before making or changing any connections.

  • Page 23: Ac Outlet

    A damaged power cord can cause a fire or give you an electrical shock. Check the power cord once in a while. When you find it damaged, ask your nearest Pioneer authorized service center or your dealer for a replacement.

  • Page 24: Controls And Displays

    Controls and Displays Front panel STANDBY STANDBY / ON PHONES STANDBY/ON Switches the receiver between on and standby. STANDBY indicator Lights when the receiver is in standby. Remote sensor Receives the signals from the remote control. ENTER button MULTI JOG/INPUT SELECTOR dial The MULTI JOG/INPUT SELECTOR dial performs a number of tasks.

  • Page 25: Display

    Controls and Displays 11 SIGNAL SELECT (pages 32, 35, 46) Use to select an input signal. 12 MIDNIGHT/LOUDNESS (page 33) Use Midnight when listening to movie soundtracks at low volume. Use Loudness to boost the bass and treble at low volume. 13 SPEAKERS Use to cycle through the speaker system: A = B = A+B...
  • Page 26 Controls and Displays 2 DIGITAL Lights when a Dolby Digital signal is detected. ANALOG Lights when an analog signal is detected. Lights when a source with DTS audio signals is detected. When the Standard mode of the receiver is on, this lights to indicate decoding of a DTS signal.

  • Page 27: Remote Control

    Controls and Displays Remote control SOURCE RECEIVER LEARN ERASE SEARCH BY BRAND CD-R MULTI CONTROL TEST TONE INPUT ATT FL DIMMER CH SELECT LEVEL EFFECT DISPLAY DISC ENTER DTV INFO MPX/RETURN D.ACCESS T.EDIT/GUIDE ¶ BAND CLASS DTV ON/OFF DTV MENU ¡...
  • Page 28 Controls and Displays MULTI CONTROL buttons Press to select control of other components (see Controlling the Rest of Your System on pages 47–51). Switches the remote to controls the receiver (used to select the features above the number buttons. (ex. INPUT ATT, FL. DIMMER)). Also use this button to set up surround sound (pages 36, 42).
  • Page 29 Controls and Displays DTV MENU Displays menus on a digital TV. DVD controls (Press DVD first to access) These controls will also function as DTV controls, depending on the component you’ve selected. TOP MENU Displays the disc ‘top’ menu of a DVD. AUDIO Changes the audio language or channel.

  • Page 30: Playing Sources

    Playing sources Introduction to Sound Modes There are three basic sound options: Stereo/ Direct, Standard or Advanced Surround. Stereo/Direct When you select STEREO or DIRECT, you will hear the source through just the front left and right speakers (and possibly your subwoofer depending on your speaker settings).

  • Page 31: Advanced Surround Modes

    Playing sources Advanced Surround modes These are designed to be used with multichannel surround sound audio/video sources (like DVDs and LDs). Most Advanced Surround modes are designed to be used with film soundtracks, but some modes are also suited for music sources. Try different settings with various soundtracks to see which you like.

  • Page 32: Choosing The Input Signal

    Playing sources Choosing the input signal You need to hook up a component to both analog and digital inputs on the rear of the receiver to select between input signals. Press SIGNAL SEL (SIGNAL SELECT) to • select the input signal corresponding to the source component.

  • Page 33: Using Stereo/Direct

    Playing sources If you are listening to a two channel source, each press changes the display as follows: Pro Logic II Movie Pro Logic Neo:6 Neo:6 Music Cinema Refer to page 30 for more details about each mode. Start playback of the component you selected in step 1.

  • Page 34: Using The Tone Controls

    Playing sources Using the tone controls Depending on what you are listening to, you may want to adjust the bass or treble using the front panel tone control. SPEAKERS MONITOR TONE QUICK SETUP MULTI JOG VIDEO INPUT S-VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO Press TONE to select the frequency you want to adjust.

  • Page 35: Selecting The Multichannel Analog Inputs

    Playing sources SOURCE RECEIVER LEARN ERASE SEARCH BY BRAND CD-R MULTI CONTROL TEST TONE INPUT ATT FL DIMMER CH SELECT LEVEL EFFECT DISPLAY DISC ENTER DTV INFO MPX/RETURN D.ACCESS T.EDIT/GUIDE ¶ BAND CLASS DTV ON/OFF DTV MENU ¡ ¢ TOP MENU AUDIO SUB TITLE ANGLE...

  • Page 36: Choosing Your Receiver Setup

    Setting up the receiver Choosing your receiver setup To ensure the best possible surround sound, be sure to complete the following set up operations. This is particularly important when using Dolby surround. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers, etc.).

  • Page 37: Speaker Setting

    Setting up the receiver Component video input setting (page Specify the components to be assigned to the component video inputs (below). • Component video 1 input setting • Component video 2 input setting Surround back channel input setting (page 40) Specify the number of surround back inputs you have connected.

  • Page 38: 6.1 Channel Setting

    Setting up the receiver 6.1 channel setting • Default setting: 6.1 FIX You can have the receiver automatically switch to Dolby Digital Surround EX or DTS-ES decoding for 6.1 encoded sources (6.1 AUTO), or you can choose to listen to other kinds of sources (for example, 5.1 encoded material) with 6.1 encoding (6.1 FIX).

  • Page 39: Lfe Attenuator Setting

    Setting up the receiver LFE attenuator setting • Default setting: 0 dB Dolby Digital and DTS audio sources include ultra-low bass tones. Set the LFE attenuator as necessary to prevent the ultra-low bass tones from distorting the sound from the speakers. Use ’...

  • Page 40: Dynamic Range Control Setting

    Setting up the receiver Dynamic range control setting • Default setting: OFF Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and softest sounds in any given signal. With this setting, you can compress the dynamic range, so that low level sounds can be heard more easily (sounding relatively louder) yet louder sounds won’t be too overbearing.

  • Page 41: Coaxial Digital Input Settings

    Setting up the receiver Coaxial digital input settings Here you tell the receiver what components you have hooked up to the coaxial DIGITAL IN jacks 1 and 2 on the back of the receiver. Coaxial digital 1: • Default settings: DVD/LD Use ’...

  • Page 42: Setting The Relative Volume Level Of Each Channel

    Setting up the receiver Setting the relative volume level of each channel • Default setting: 0db For best surround sound playback, you should set the relative channel levels from the main listening position. You can set separate levels for each surround mode. Press RCV.

  • Page 43: Using The Tuner

    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 44: Saving Station Presets

    Using the tuner Saving station presets If you often listen to a particular radio station, it's convenient to have the receiver store the frequency for easy recall whenever you want to listen to that station. This saves the effort of manually tuning in each time.

  • Page 45: 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 (this page) for how to do this. Press T.EDIT (TUNER EDIT). The display shows ST. NAME, then a blinking cursor at the first character position.

  • Page 46: Making A Recording

    Making Recordings Making an audio or a video recording You can make an audio or a video recording from the built-in tuner, or from an audio or video source connected to the receiver (such as a CD player or TV). Keep in mind you can’t make a digital recording from an analog source or vice-versa, so make sure the components you are recording to/from...

  • Page 47: Controlling The Rest Of Your System

    Controlling the rest of your system Setting the remote to control other components There are several ways to set your remote to control the other components in your system. The easiest way to do this is to assign the component’s manufacturer preset code (listed on page 55) to one of the MULTI CONTROL buttons on the remote control.

  • Page 48: Setting Up Using Full Library Search

    Controlling the rest of your system Setting Up Using Full Library Search An alternative method of setting up the remote with preset codes is to use the Library Search feature. The remote transmits batches of 10 codes; when you see the component you want to control respond (by turning on or off) you just scan through those last 10 codes until you find the correct one.

  • Page 49: Searching For Preset Codes Using Brand Names

    Controlling the rest of your system Searching for preset codes using brand names Another way of assigning preset codes is to use the Brand Search feature. 1 Switch on the component you want to control. If the component is some kind of player (CD player, VCR, etc.), then start it playing.

  • Page 50: Erasing One Of The Remote Control Button Settings

    Controlling the rest of your system The LCD display will show OK if the operation has been learned. If for some reasons the operation hasn’t been learned the LCD will display ERROR for three seconds and then display PRES KEY again.

  • Page 51: Direct Function

    Controlling the rest of your system Direct function • Default setting: ON You can use the direct function feature to control one component using the remote control while at the same time, using your receiver to playback a different component. This could let you, for example, use the remote control to set up and listen to a CD on the receiver and then use the remote control to...

  • Page 52: Controls For Tvs

    Controlling the rest of your system Controls for TVs This remote control can control components after entering the proper codes or teaching the receiver the commands (see pages 55–66). Use the MULTI CONTROL buttons to select the component. Button (s) Switches the DTV on or off.

  • Page 53: Controls For Other Components

    Controlling the rest of your system Button (s) MENU Select different menus from the DTV functions. Select the menu screen. }]’‘ & Select or adjust and navigate items on the menu screen. ENTER ENTER brings up the DTV menus. Press to select or adjust and navigate items on the menu screen.
  • Page 54 Controlling the rest of your system Button (s) ¡ Hold down for fast forward playback. Hold down for fast reverse playback. Stops playback (on some models, pressing this when the disc is already stopped will cause the disc tray to open). ¶...

  • Page 55: Preset Code List

    Controlling the rest of your system Preset Code List You can only set these codes for the buttons that assigned to the respective components. So, for example, the TV codes can only be set to the TV or TVC button. Manufacturer Code PHILIPS...
  • Page 56 Controlling the rest of your system CINERAL 1040, 1110 CITIZEN 1013, 1019, 1026, 1027, 1040 CLARIVOX 1017 CLATRONIC 1036, 1086, 1102 1007, 1015, 1114 CONCERTO 1026 CONDOR 1098, 1102 CONTEC 1006, 1016, 1064, 1078 CONTINENTAL EDISON 1069, 1070, 1072 CRAIG 1054 CROSLEY 1025, 1034, 1036, 1038, 1075...
  • Page 57 Controlling the rest of your system 1025 1001 KAISUI 1006, 1078, 1079, 1080, 1090, KAMP 1078 KAPSCH 1055, 1073 KAWASHO 1078 1064 KENDO 1017 KNEISSEL 1088 KENWOOD 1011, 1013 KINGSLEY 1078 KONIG 1114 KORPEL 1017 KOYODA 1006 1013, 1019, 1064 LEYCO 1017, 1032, 1089, 1095 1026...
  • Page 58 Controlling the rest of your system RANK ARENA 1016 1031 1011, 1018, 1022, 1023, 1039, 1041, 1128, 1129, 1130, 1131, 1132 REALISTIC 1011, 1013, 1019, 1026, 1050, 1056, 1062, 1064 1055, 1073, 1088, 1089 REVOX 1017 ROADSTAR 1006, 1080, 1089, 1106 RUNCO 1010, 1013, 1117 SABA...
  • Page 59 WHITE WESTINGHOUSE 1017, 1078, 1098, 1112, 1118, 1119 YAMAHA 1011, 1013 YOKO 1017, 1079, 1101, 1109 ZANUSSI 1073 ZENITH 1009, 1010, 1040, 1112 PIONEER 1018, 1046, 1055, 1057, 1060, 1091, 1107, 1123, 1124 MD PLAYER Manufacturer Code SONY 5401 KENWOOD 5402,5407...
  • Page 60 THORENS 5021 TOSHIBA 5049 UNIVERSUM 5021 YAMAHA 5007, 5028 YORX 5047 VICTOR 5011 WARDS 5010, 5021 PIONEER 5005, 5030, 5035, 5038, 5048, 5052, 5063 TAPE DECK Manufacturer Code 6013 AIWA 6002, 6022, 6017, 6018 AKAI 6015, 6016 ANAM 6035 ARCAM...
  • Page 61 PROSCAN 5304 5304 SHARP 5320 THETA DIGITAL 5312 TECHNICS 5301 THOMSON 5310 YAMAHA 5301, 5309 PHILIPS 5302, 5308 ZENITH 5302, 5315 PIONEER 5305, 5312, 5321 5322 AMPLIFIER Manufacturer Code AUDIOLAB 8005 DENON 8002 GRUNDIG 8005 MARANTZ 8005 MICROMEGA 8005 PHILIPS...
  • Page 62 Controlling the rest of your system UHER 7027, 7042, 7050 VICTOR 7007 WARDS 7002, 7006, 7008 YAMAHA 7016, 7017 PIONEER 7002, 7008, 7014, 7022, 7042, 7047, 7050, 7052 Manufacturer Code PHILIPS 2015, 2035, 2074, 2075 PANASONIC 2015, 2042, 2053, 2054,...
  • Page 63 Controlling the rest of your system FUNAI 2001 GARRARD 2001 2015, 2027, 2032, 2057 2035 GENERAL 2011, 2028 GOLDHAND 2034 GOLDSTAR 2017, 2018, 2053, 2079 GOODMANS 2001, 2017, 2034, 2059, 2075 GO VIDEO 2077, 2081 GRAETZ 2005, 2021, 2037, 2057 GRANADA 2025, 2035, 2037 GRADIENTE...
  • Page 64 2015 XR-1002 2034 YAMAHA 2018 YAMISHI 2034 YOKAN 2034 YOKO 2011, 2057 ZENITH 2001, 2014, 2019, 2052, 2078 PIONEER 2031, 2033, 2035, 2044, 2056 SATELLITE TUNER Manufacturer Code ABSAT 4006 4027 ALBA 4029, 4034, 4037, 4052 ALDES 4019 AMSTRAD 4003, 4016, 4025, 4038, 4039,...
  • Page 65 4002, 4009, 4014, 4023, 4037, 4055, 4058 PALLADIUM 4048 PALSAT 4039 PANDA 4037 PHILIPS 4007, 4011, 4020, 4037, 4048, 4059 PHONOTREND 4019, 4050 PIONEER 4021, 4059 PLANET 4061 PROMAX 4037 PROSAT 4019 QUADRAL 4029, 4044 RADIOLA 4011 RADIX 4031, 4064...
  • Page 66 3014, 3047 GRUNDIG 3035 HITACHI 3004 JASCO JERROLD LG ALPS MEMOREX MNET PACIFIC PANASONIC PARAGON PULSAR PVP STEREO VISUAL MATRIX PIONEER QUASAR RADIO SHACK REMBRANDT RUNCO SAMSUNG SATBOX SIGNAL SIGNATURE SALORA SCIENTIFIC SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA 3003, 3008, 3021 SEAWOO STARCOM STARGATE STARQUEST...

  • Page 67: 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.
  • Page 68 Additional information Problem No sound from surround or center speakers. No sound from surround back speakers. Noise during playback of a cassette deck. Sound is produced from other components, but not from LD or DVD player. No sound is output or a noise is output when software with DTS is played back.

  • Page 69: 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 0.2 %** total harmonic distortion (front). Continuous Power Output Front ... 110 W per channel (1kHz, 1.0 %, 8 Ω) Center ...

  • Page 70: Cleaning The Unit

    Additional information Miscellaneous Power Requirements ... AC 120 V, 60Hz Power Consumption ... 300W, 420 VA In Standby ... 1 W AC Outlet ... 100 W MAX. (SWITCHED) Dimensions ... 420 (W) x 158 (H) x 401 (D) mm Weight (without package) ... 10.5 kg Furnished Parts AM loop antenna ...
  • Page 71 Additional information...
  • Page 72 Si ce produit doit être réparé au Canada, veuillez vous adresser à un distributeur autorisée Pioneer au Canada pour obtenir le nom de la Société de Service Autorisée Pioneer le plus près de chez vous. Ou encore, veuillez vous communiquer avec le Service de Clientèle de Pioneer: Pour obtenir des renseignements sur la garantie, veuillez vous reporter au feuillet sur la Garantie Limitée gui accompagne le produit.

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