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AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL
RECEIVER
VSX-815
VSX-915
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Operating Instructions
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Pioneer VSX-815
Summarization of Contents
AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-815 VSX-915
Operating Instructions
Provides instructions for operating the Pioneer receiver.
01 Before you start
Introduction to home theater
Explains home theater concepts and DVD-Video as a source.
Checking what's in the box
Lists supplied accessories like setup microphone, remote, batteries, and antennas.
02 5 minute guide
Listening to Surround Sound
Guides on hooking up the system for surround sound using DVD player and TV.
Connect your speakers
Detailed instructions for connecting speakers to the receiver terminals.
Using the Quick Setup
Step-by-step guide for initial system setup using front panel controls.
03 Quick surround sound setup
Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC)
Automatic room acoustic calibration using the MCACC system and microphone.
04 Connecting up
Making cable connections
General guidelines for connecting audio and video cables to the receiver.
Digital audio cables
Information on using coaxial and optical cables for digital audio.
Video cables
Details on standard RCA video and S-video cables for composite video.
S-video cables
Explains S-video for clearer picture reproduction compared to RCA.
Component video cables
Using component video for superior color reproduction and progressive scan.
Connecting a DVD player and TV
Step-by-step guide for connecting DVD player and TV to the receiver.
Connecting the multichannel analog outputs
Connecting DVD Audio/SACD player 5.1 channel analog outputs.
Connecting a satellite receiver or other digital set-top box
Connecting satellite receivers, digital TV tuners, and other set-top boxes.
Connecting other audio components
Connecting CD-R, MD, DAT, tape recorders, and other audio devices.
Connecting other video components
Connecting VCRs, DVD-recorders, and HDD recorders.
Using the component video jacks
Details on using component video jacks for improved picture quality.
Connecting antennas
Connecting AM loop and FM wire antennas for better reception.
Using external antennas
Connecting external FM and AM antennas for improved signal.
Connecting the speakers
Connecting speakers, including front, center, surround, and subwoofer.
05 Controls and displays
Front panel
Identifies and explains the controls and indicators on the receiver's front panel.
Display
Explains the various indicators and symbols shown on the receiver's front panel display.
Remote control
Identifies and explains the functions of the remote control buttons.
06 Listening to your system
Auto playback
How the receiver automatically selects playback modes based on the source.
Listening in surround sound
Guide to selecting various surround sound modes for stereo and multichannel sources.
Using the Advanced surround effects
Explains advanced surround modes like ADV. MOVIE, ADV. MUSIC, TV SURR., SPORTS, ADV. GAME, EXPANDED.
Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music settings
Adjusting parameters like Center Width, Dimension, and Panorama for Pro Logic IIx Music.
Listening in stereo
How to select STEREO or DIRECT playback modes for front speakers.
Listening with Acoustic Calibration EQ
Using EQ settings for room acoustic calibration, including ALL CH, F. ALIGN, CUSTOM 1/2.
Choosing the input signal
Selecting AUTO, ANALOG, or DIGITAL input signals for source components.
Using the surround back channel (Extended mode)
Options for using surround back channels for 6.1/7.1 decoding or emulated surround.
Using the Virtual Surround Back mode (VirtualSB)
Creating a virtual back channel through surround speakers for emulated 6.1 encoding.
07 The System Setup menu
Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu
Overview of System Setup menu for configuring receiver and speaker settings.
Surround back speaker setting
Configuring surround back speaker usage (SB NORM., SB 2ND Z, SB BIAMP).
Manual MCACC speaker setup
Detailed manual adjustment of speaker settings and MCACC parameters.
Fine Channel Level
Adjusting individual speaker channel levels for optimal balance.
Fine Channel Distance
Setting speaker distances to ensure proper sound delay and separation.
Acoustic Calibration EQ
Using room EQ to neutralize acoustic characteristics for a flat sound.
Manual speaker setup
Fine-tuning speaker configuration, size, number, and crossover settings.
Speaker setting
Specifying speaker size (LARGE/SMALL/NO) and subwoofer presence.
Crossover network
Setting the frequency cutoff for bass sounds between speakers and subwoofer.
Channel level
Adjusting overall speaker balance and individual channel levels.
08 Using the tuner
Listening to the radio
How to tune FM and AM radio broadcasts using automatic and manual methods.
Improving FM stereo sound
Using the MPX button to switch to mono for better FM reception.
Saving station presets
Storing and recalling favorite radio stations using presets.
Naming station presets
Assigning custom names to saved radio station presets.
09 Making recordings
Making an audio or a video recording
Recording audio or video from tuner or connected sources.
10 Controlling the rest of your system
Setting the remote to control other components
Assigning preset codes to control other components with the remote.
Selecting preset codes directly
Directly selecting component manufacturer preset codes for remote control.
Programming signals from other remote controls
Teaching the remote to learn commands from other remote controls.
Erasing one of the remote control button settings
Deleting a programmed button setting and restoring factory default.
Erasing all of the remote control presets
Resetting all remote control preset codes and programmed buttons.
Direct function
Controlling one component with remote while receiver plays another.
Confirming preset codes
Checking which preset code is assigned to a MULTI CONTROL button.
Controls for TVs
Lists TV control functions and their corresponding buttons on the remote.
Controls for other components
Lists control functions for various components like CD players, VCRs, and DVRs.
11 Other connections
Second Zone speaker B setup
Setting up a second zone speaker system using surround back terminals.
Switching the speaker system
Selecting between speaker systems A and B for playback.
Bi-amping your front speakers
Connecting high and low frequency drivers to separate amplifiers for better performance.
Bi-wiring your speakers
Connecting speakers with separate terminals to reduce interference and improve sound.
Connecting additional amplifiers
Adding external amplifiers to channels using pre-out jacks.
Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display
Connecting a Pioneer plasma display for enhanced features like input switching.
12 Other Settings
The Input Assign menu
Assigning digital and component video inputs to specific functions.
Assigning the digital inputs
Mapping digital inputs (coaxial, optical) to source components.
Assigning the component video inputs
Mapping component video inputs to source components (DVD, TV, DVR).
The Other setup menu
Accessing customized settings like DRC, DUALMONO, LFE ATT, SR+.
Dynamic Range Control Setup
Adjusting dynamic range for Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks at low volumes.
Dual Mono Setup
Specifying playback for dual mono encoded Dolby Digital soundtracks.
13 Additional information
Troubleshooting
Lists common problems and their remedies for the receiver and connected components.
Resetting the main unit
Procedure to reset all receiver settings to factory defaults.
Switching the speaker impedance
Setting speaker impedance for 6 ohm or 8 ohm speakers.
Specifications
Technical specifications for amplifier, audio, video, and component sections.
Power cord caution
Safety warnings regarding handling the power cord to prevent hazards.
Cleaning the unit
Instructions for safely cleaning the receiver's exterior.
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