AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL
RECEIVER
VSX-815
VSX-915
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Operating Instructions
VSX_815-915.book.fm 1
WARNING TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
D1-4-2-1_En
IMPORTANT NOTICE THE SERIAL NUMBER FOR THIS EQUIPMENT IS LOCATED IN THE REAR.
PLEASE WRITE THIS SERIAL NUMBER ON YOUR ENCLOSED WARRANTY CARD AND
KEEP IN A SECURE AREA. THIS IS FOR YOUR SECURITY.
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NOTE: 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.
D8-10-1-2_En
WARNING: Handling the cord on this product or
cords associated with accessories sold with the
product will expose you to lead, a chemical known to
the State of California and other governmental
entities to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
D36-P4_En
Wash hands after handling
For U.S. and Australia Model
C67-7-3_En
CAUTION
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 DECOUVVERT.
D2-4-4-1_EF
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
D8-10-1-3_EF
Information to User
Alteration or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may invalidate the user's right to operate
the equipment.
D8-10-2_En
CAUTION: This product satisfies FCC regulations when shielded cables and connectors are used to connect the
unit to other equipment. To prevent electromagnetic interference with electric appliances such as radios and
televisions, use shielded cables and connectors for connections.
D8-10-3a_En
If the AC plug of this unit does not match the AC
outlet you want to use, the plug must be removed
and appropriate one fitted. Replacement and
mounting of an AC plug on the power supply cord of
this unit should be performed only by qualified
service personnel. If connected to an AC outlet, the
cut-off plug can cause severe electrical shock. Make
sure it is properly disposed of after removal.
The equipment should be disconnected by removing
the mains plug from the wall socket when left
unused for a long period of time (for example, when
on vacation).
D3-4-2-2-1a_A_En
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.
Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories. "Dolby", "Pro Logic",
"Surround EX", 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.
VSX_815-915.book.fm 2
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.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, 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.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
D1-4-2-3_En
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 -- 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.
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 un-used for a long period of time.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION
· If this product is equipped with a polarized
alternating 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.
GROUND
CLAMP
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
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)
NEC -- NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
Fig. A
D1-4-2-2_En
VSX_815-915.book.fm 3
Contents
01 Before you start
Introduction to home theater
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Checking what's in the box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Loading the batteries
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installing the receiver
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Ventilation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
02 5 minute guide
Listening to Surround Sound
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using the Quick Setup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
03 Quick surround sound setup
Automatically setting up for surround sound
(MCACC)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Other problems when using the Auto
MCACC Setup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
04 Connecting up
Making cable connections
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Analog audio cables
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Digital audio cables
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Video cables
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
About the video converter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Connecting a DVD player and TV
. . . . . . . . . 17
Connecting the multichannel analog
outputs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connecting a satellite receiver or other
digital set-top box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connecting other audio components
. . . . . . 19
About the WMA9 Pro decoder
. . . . . . . . . . 19
Connecting other video components
. . . . . . 20
Using the component video jacks
. . . . . . . . 21
Connecting to the front panel video
terminal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Connecting antennas
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
FM wire antenna
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
AM loop antenna
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using external antennas
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Connecting the speakers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Hints on speaker placement
. . . . . . . . . . . . 24
AC outlet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Operating other Pioneer components
. . . . . . 26
05 Controls and displays
Front panel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Display
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Remote control
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Operating range of remote control unit
. . . 33
06 Listening to your system
Auto playback
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Listening in surround sound
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Using the Advanced surround effects
. . . . . 35
Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music settings
. . . . . . . 36
Neo:6 Music settings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Listening in stereo
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Listening with Acoustic Calibration EQ
. . . . . 37
Choosing the input signal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Using the surround back channel
(Extended mode)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Using the Virtual Surround Back mode
(VirtualSB)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Using Loudness and Midnight listening
. . . . 41
Enhancing dialog
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Using the tone controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Playing other sources
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Selecting the multichannel analog inputs
. . . 42
Using the sleep timer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
07 The System Setup menu
Making receiver settings from the System
Setup menu
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Surround back speaker setting
. . . . . . . . . . . 43
Manual MCACC speaker setup
. . . . . . . . . . . 44
Fine Channel Level
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Fine Channel Distance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Acoustic Calibration EQ
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Manual speaker setup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Speaker setting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Crossover network
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Channel level
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Speaker Distance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
08 Using the tuner
Listening to the radio
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Improving FM stereo sound
. . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Tuning directly to a station
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Saving station presets
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Naming station presets
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Listening to station presets
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
09 Making recordings
Making an audio or a video recording
. . . . . . 54
VSX_815-915.book.fm 4
English
Italiano
Français
Nederlands
Español
Deutsch
10 Controlling the rest of your
system
Setting the remote to control other
components
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Selecting preset codes directly
. . . . . . . . . . . 55
Programming signals from other remote
controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Erasing one of the remote control button
settings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Erasing all of the remote control presets
. . . . 57
Direct function
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Confirming preset codes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Controls for TVs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Controls for other components
. . . . . . . . . . . 60
11 Other connections
Second Zone speaker B setup
. . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Switching the speaker system
. . . . . . . . . . 62
Bi-amping your front speakers
. . . . . . . . . . . 63
Bi-wiring your speakers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Connecting additional amplifiers
. . . . . . . . . . 64
Using this receiver with a Pioneer
plasma display
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer
plasma display
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
12 Other Settings
The Input Assign menu
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
The Other setup menu
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Dynamic Range Control Setup
. . . . . . . . . . 67
Dual Mono Setup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
LFE Attenuator Setup
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays
. . . 68
13 Additional information
Troubleshooting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Resetting the main unit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Switching the speaker impedance
. . . . . . . . . 72
Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Power cord caution
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Cleaning the unit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
VSX_815-915.book.fm 5