AUDIO/VIDEO
MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER
VSX-29TX
Operating Instructions
2
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.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SER-
VICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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.
THE POWER SWITCH IS SECONDARY CONNECTED AND
THEREFORE DOES NOT SEPARATE THE UNIT FROM MAINS
POWER IN THE STANDBY POSITION.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The serial number for this equipment is located on the rear panel.
Please write this serial number on your enclosed warranty card
and keep it in a secure area. This is for your security.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
[For Canadian model]
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT USE THIS
(POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE
OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY
INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
ATTENTION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES NE
PAS
UTILISER
CETTE
FICHE
POLARISEE
AVEC
UN
PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE
SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE
INSEREES A FOND SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A
DECOUVERT.
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of
the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regula-
tions.
ATTENTION: AFIN DE PREVENIR TOUS RISQUES DE
CHOC ELECTRIQUE OU DE DEBUT D'ENCENDIE, NE PAS EXPOSER
CET APPAREIL A L'HUMIDITE OU A LA PLUIE.
L'INTERRUPTEUR EST CONNECTÉ AU SECONDAIRE,
ET NE SÉPARE PAS L'APPAREIL DE LA SOURCE DE
COURANT PRINCIPAL EN MODE DE MISE EN
ATTENTE.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes
les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur
du Canada.
3
READ INSTRUCTIONS -- All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS -- The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
HEED WARNINGS -- All warnings on the product and
in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS -- All operating and use
instructions should be followed.
CLEANING -- Unplug this product from the wall outlet
before cleaning. The product should be cleaned only
with a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never clean
with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides or other
volatile liquids since they may corrode the cabinet.
ATTACHMENTS -- Do not use attachments not
recommended by the product manufacturer as they
may cause hazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE -- Do not use this product
near water -- for example, near a bathtub, wash
bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement;
or near a swimming pool; and the like.
ACCESSORIES -- Do not place this product on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or
adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only
with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with
the product. Any mounting of the product should
follow the manufacturer's instructions, and should
use a mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.
CART -- A product and cart combination should be
moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart
combination to overturn.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION
¶ Ifthisproductisequippedwithapolarizedalternating
current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than
the other), it will fit into the outlet only one way. This
is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug
should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the polarized plug.
¶ If this product is equipped with a three-wire
grounding type plug, a plug having a third (grounding)
pin, it will only fit into a grounding type power outlet.
This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the grounding type plug.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION -- Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the product.
OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING -- If an outside
antenna or cable system is connected to the product,
be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so
as to provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information
with regard to proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire
to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,
connection to grounding electrodes, and
requirements for the grounding electrode. See Figure
A.
LIGHTNING -- For added protection for this product
during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from
the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable
system. This will prevent damage to the product
due to lightning and power-line surges.
POWER LINES -- An outside antenna system should
not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines
or other electric light or power circuits, or where it
can fall into such power lines or circuits. When
installing an outside antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to keep from touching such power
lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
OVERLOADING -- Do not overload wall outlets,
extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles
as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY -- Never push objects of
any kind into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
SERVICING -- Do not attempt to service this product
yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE -- Unplug this product
from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
¶ When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
¶ If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into
the product.
¶ If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
¶ If the product does not operate normally by following
the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls
that are covered by the operating instructions as an
improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the product to its
normal operation.
¶ If the product has been dropped or damaged in any
way.
¶ When the product exhibits a distinct change in
performance -- this indicates a need for service.
REPLACEMENT PARTS -- When replacement parts
are required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or
have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric
shock, or other hazards.
SAFETY CHECK -- Upon completion of any service or
repairs to this product, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the product
is in proper operating condition.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING -- The product should
not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.
HEAT -- The product should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other products (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
GROUND
CLAMP
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
Fig. A
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
NEC -- NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
VENTILATION -- Slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to protect it from
overheating, and these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug,
or other similar surface. This product should not be
placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or
rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer's instructions have been adhered to.
POWER SOURCES -- This product should be operated
only from the type of power source indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power supply to your home, consult your product
dealer or local power company.
LOCATION The appliance should be installed in a
stable location.
NONUSE PERIODS The power cord of the appliance
should be unplugged from the outlet when left
unused for a long period of time.
Information to User
Alteration or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may invalidate the user's right to operate the equipment.
4
Features
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. The decoder has
been incorporated into this receiver and is able to achieve high sound quality as well as produce dynamic sur-
round sound effects. Also, there's no need to worry about program formats. When playing Dolby Digital, Dolby
Pro Logic or Dolby Surround software in the
(Dolby) Surround and HOME THX CINEMA modes, decoding
switches on automatically according to the input signal, all you have to do is enjoy!
"DTS" and "DTS Digital Surround" are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
Manufactured under licence from Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby", "AC-3", "Pro Logic", and double-D
symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished Works. © 1992 - 1997 Dolby
Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
Direct Energy MOS amplifier
The VSX-29TX receiver incorporates 5 independent 120 watt built in power amplifiers, with high-performance Hex
power MOS FET output transistors. This construction provides improved linearity and accurate reproduction of
each channel for true high fidelity reproduction from even the most demanding Dolby Digital and DTS program
sources.
True Home Cinema with THX® Certification
The HOME THX CINEMA surround mode employs special processing to allow you to enjoy movie soundtracks
with the same level of power and realism you experience in well designed movie theaters. You can enjoy this
effect with both Dolby Digital, Dolby Surround and DTS sources.
Manufactured under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. Lucasfilm and THX are trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd.
Advanced Theater Modes
This mode enhances the sound of either film or music so a more dramatic effect can be achieved. The four modes
are each designed to accentuate specific sound qualities, giving the listener a wide range of possibilities.
DSP Surround Modes
DSP (Digital Signal Processing) surround mode gives you the capability of transforming your living room into six
different sonic environments when listening to music.
Midnight Listening Mode
Midnight Listening mode allows you to obtain excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low
volumes, something that was previously impossible.
Digital Noise Reduction
Digital Noise reduction is the latest technology for filtering out unwanted noise. It produces clear, resonant tones.
New LCD Remote Control
This touch sensitive screen remote control is the latest in convenient technology. It's easily viewed screen can
access a huge amount of different buttons. Instead of the old method where one button had to perform many
tasks, this remote can instantly change screens, allowing one button to have just one, clearly marked purpose.
This remote can be used to operate a variety of other components simply by recalling the appropriate setup codes
or by using the learning function to teach the remote control new commands. In addition, the multi-operation
functions allow you to perform a variety of operations automatically.
The Energy-saving Design
This unit is designed to use minimal electricity when power is switched OFF (in Standby mode). Regarding the
power consumption in standby mode, refer to "Specifications" on page 74.
R
5
OPERA
TION
SET
UP
PREP
ARA
TION
Table of Contents
Before You Start .......................................................................... 6
Checking the Supplied Accessories .......................................................... 6
How to Use This Manual ........................................................................... 6
Preparing the Remote Control .................................................................. 6
Installing the Receiver ............................................................................... 7
Opening the Front Panel ............................................................................ 7
Connecting Your Equipment ...................................................... 8
Audio Components .................................................................................... 8
Video Components ..................................................................................... 9
Digital Connections .................................................................................. 10
External Decoder Input ............................................................................ 11
Antennas ................................................................................................... 12
Speakers ................................................................................................... 13
Additional Amplifiers ............................................................................... 15
Power Connections (AC OUTLETS) ........................................................ 15
Displays & Controls .................................................................. 16
Front Panel ................................................................................................ 16
Display ...................................................................................................... 18
Remote Control ........................................................................................ 19
Basic Receiver LCD Screens .................................................................... 20
Initial Set Up .............................................................................. 21
On Screen Display .................................................................................... 21
Setting Up the Remote Control ............................................................... 21
Setting Up for Surround Sound .............................................................. 23
Basic Playback ........................................................................... 33
Playing Source with Stereo Sound ......................................................... 33
Sound Modes ........................................................................................... 34
Selecting a Sound Mode ......................................................................... 36
Playing Source with Dolby Digital or DTS Sound ................................. 37
Switching ANALOG/DIGITAL Signal Input ............................................. 38
Reducing Noise During Playback (DIGITAL NR Function) .................... 39
96 kHz 24 bit Performance ....................................................................... 39
Listening in MIDNIGHT LISTENING Mode ............................................. 40
External Decoder Playback ...................................................................... 40
Listening in LOUDNESS Mode ............................................................... 41
Adjusting Bass and Treble (Tone Control) .............................................. 41
Direct Playback ......................................................................................... 42
Adjusting the Brightness of the Display ................................................ 42
Using the Tuner ......................................................................... 43
Automatic and Manual Tuning ............................................................... 43
Direct Access Tuning ................................................................................ 44
Memorizing Frequently Used Stations ................................................... 45
Recalling Memorized Stations ................................................................ 46
Remote Control of Other Components ................................... 47
Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components ........... 47
Recalling Settings Stored in the Remote Control .................................. 47
Learning Mode: Programming Signals from Other Remote Controls ... 49
Locking the Settings ................................................................................ 50
Using Remote Control with Other Components ................................... 51
Using Other Functions .............................................................. 59
Recording from Audio Components ...................................................... 59
Recording from Video Components ....................................................... 59
Multi Operations ...................................................................................... 60
System OFF .............................................................................................. 62
Resetting the Remote Control ................................................................. 64
Multi-Room ............................................................................................... 65
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving ........................................... 70
Dolby Digital ............................................................................................. 70
DTS ............................................................................................................ 71
THX ............................................................................................................ 71
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 72
Specifications ........................................................................................... 74