1
En
00_VSX-AX3.book Page 1 Monday, May 19, 2003 1:05 PM
2
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.
Installing the Receiver
VENTILATION: When installing this unit, make sure
to leave space around the unit for ventilation to improve
heat radiation (at least 60 cm at top, 10 cm at rear, and 30
cm at each side).
WARNING: Slot and openings in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of
the product and to protect it from overheating, to prevent
fire hazard, the openings should never be blocked and
covered with items, such as newspapers, tablecloths,
curtains, etc. Also do not put the apparatus on the thick
carpet, bed, sofa, or fabric having a thick pile.
NOTE: THE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS COMPARTMENT WARNING IS LOCATED ON THE APPLIANCE BONNET
00_VSX-AX3.book Page 2 Monday, May 19, 2003 1:05 PM
3
En
TWO VOLTAGE SELECTOR
SWITCHES (multi-voltage
model only)
Only multi-voltage model is provided with these
switches.
European models are not provided with these
switches.
Main voltages in Saudi Arabia are 127 V and 220 V
only. Never use this model with the 110 V setting
in Saudi Arabia.
There are two VOLTAGE SELECTORS. Be sure
both of these are set correctly. Always check
that these selectors are set properly before
plugging the power cord into the wall outlet.
1. Disconnect the power cord.
2. Use a small-sized screwdriver.
3. Insert the screwdriver into the groove of the
smaller voltage selector and adjust until the
voltage is the same as at the larger one.
Operating Environment
Operating environment temperature and humidity:
+5°C +35°C (+41°F +95°F); less than 85%RH
(cooling vents not blocked)
Do not install in the following locations
· Location exposed to direct sunlight or strong
artificial light
· Location exposed to high humidity, or poorly
ventilated location
[For European model]
CAUTION 220 V
Power source voltage is factory adjusted 220 volts. If
your area is different, change voltage selectors
settings.
H040 En
00_VSX-AX3.book Page 3 Monday, May 19, 2003 1:05 PM
Table of Contents
4
En
Features ................................................ 6
Before You Start ................................... 7
Checking the Supplied Accessories ................................. 7
Preparing the Remote Control .......................................... 7
Loading the batteries ..................................................... 7
Operating range of remote control unit ....................... 8
Opening the Front Panel ................................................... 8
Switching video system between PAL and NTSC ............ 8
Easy Setup Guide Part 1 ....................... 9
Home Theater: The Basics ................................................ 9
1) Your Home System .................................................... 9
2) The Source Material .................................................. 9
3) The Listening Modes ................................................. 9
Conclusion ...................................................................... 9
1 Hooking Up Your DVD Player and TV .......................... 10
Digital Connections ..................................................... 10
2 Speaker Connections .................................................... 11
3 Setting up the Main Unit .............................................. 12
4 Assigning the Digital Inputs ........................................ 12
Easy Setup Guide Part 2 ..................... 13
1 Auto Surround Sound Setup ........................................ 13
2 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound .......................... 15
Connecting Your Equipment ............. 16
Connecting your TV .......................................................... 16
Connecting Video Components ...................................... 17
Connecting a DVD player ............................................ 17
Connecting VCRs or DVRs .......................................... 18
Connecting a Video Component
to the Front Panel ........................................................ 18
Connecting Satellite TV (SAT) Components .............. 19
Connecting Analog Audio Components ........................ 20
Connecting to the Multi Channel Analog Inputs
(DVD-Audio or Super Audio CD
(SACD) compatible player) .......................................... 21
Connecting Digital Audio Components ......................... 22
Digital Input Default Settings ..................................... 23
Connecting the Radio Antennas .................................... 24
Using outdoor antennas .............................................. 24
Connecting Speakers ....................................................... 25
Speaker impedance ..................................................... 26
Placing Your Speakers ..................................................... 27
Speaker placement ...................................................... 27
Power Connections (AC IN) ............................................ 27
Power Connections (AC OUTLETS)
(European model only) ..................................................... 27
Displays and Controls ........................ 28
Front Panel ....................................................................... 28
Remote Control ................................................................ 30
Display ............................................................................... 33
Back Panel ........................................................................ 34
Setting Up for Surround Sound ........ 36
Surround Back System .................................................... 37
NORMAL Setup ................................................................ 38
Speaker Setting ............................................................ 39
Channel Level ............................................................... 41
Speaker Distance ......................................................... 42
Basic Operation .................................. 43
Stereo and Multichannel Playback ................................. 43
Selecting the Input Signal ........................................... 44
Listening Modes ............................................................... 45
Stereo modes ................................................................ 45
MOVIE modes (SURROUND mode) ........................... 46
MUSIC modes (SURROUND mode) ........................... 47
Adjusting the Effect of a Listening Mode ................... 48
Adding/Adjusting the Effect in
Dolby Pro Logic II Music Mode ................................... 48
Listening with ACOUSTIC CAL EQ .................................. 49
Digital Noise Reduction (DIGITAL NR Function) ........... 49
Listening in MIDNIGHT Mode ......................................... 50
Listening in LOUDNESS Mode ........................................ 50
Adjusting Bass and Treble .............................................. 51
Listening with Sound Delay ............................................. 51
Listening in Audio Scaler mode ...................................... 52
Multi Channel In Playback ............................................... 52
Surround Back Channel Modes ...................................... 53
Surround Back Channel Mode ................................... 53
Virtual Surround Back Mode ....................................... 53
Dual Mono setting and playback .................................... 54
Using Headphones ........................................................... 54
Video Select ...................................................................... 55
Adjusting the Brightness of the Display (DIMMER) ...... 55
Using the Tuner .................................. 56
Automatic and Manual Tuning ....................................... 56
MPX Mode .................................................................... 56
RF ATT Mode (European model only) ......................... 56
Channel Step Setting (multi-voltage model only) .......... 57
To Change Channel Steps ........................................... 57
Direct Access Tuning ....................................................... 57
Memorizing Frequently Used Stations ........................... 58
Naming Memorized Stations ........................................... 59
Recalling Memorized Stations ........................................ 60
An introduction to RDS (European model only) ............ 61
Using the RDS display ................................................. 61
Searching for RDS programs
(European model only) ..................................................... 62
Basics of EON (Enhanced Other Network information)
(European model only) ..................................................... 63
Using EON (European model only) ................................. 63
Clearing all stations from the RDS or EON search
(European model only) ..................................................... 64
00_VSX-AX3.book Page 4 Monday, May 19, 2003 1:05 PM
Table of Contents
5
En
EXPERT
BA
SIC
PREPARATION
SURROUND
SETUP
EASY
SETUP
GUIDE
Remote Control of
Other Components ............................ 65
Setting Up the Remote Control
to Control Other Components ........................................ 65
Recalling Settings Stored
in the Remote Control ................................................. 65
Programming Signals from
Other Remote Controls (LEARNING Mode) ............... 66
Using Remote Control with Other Components ........... 67
CD/MD/CD-R/VCR/DVD/LD/DVD Recorder/
Cassette Deck operations ........................................... 67
Cable TV/Satellite TV/TV operations ........................... 68
Setting up the Direct Function ....................................... 69
Using Other Functions ....................... 70
Recording from Audio/Video Components .................... 70
SPEAKERS B Setup ......................................................... 71
Stereo playback in another room
(SECOND ZONE) .......................................................... 71
Bi-amping the front speakers
(FRONT BI-AMP) .......................................................... 71
SPEAKERS Button ....................................................... 72
Connecting Additional Amplifiers .................................. 73
The PIONEER SR System:
Operating other PIONEER components ........................ 74
Multi Operations .............................................................. 75
Performing Multi Operations ...................................... 76
System Off ........................................................................ 77
Using SYSTEM OFF ...................................................... 77
Resetting the Remote Control ........................................ 78
Erasing Multi Operations ............................................ 78
Erasing Learning Remote Control Commands ......... 78
Erasing All Remote Control Settings ......................... 78
Resetting the Main Unit .................................................. 79
Fine Tuning Your System .................. 80
THX CINEMA Setup ......................................................... 80
Assigning the Digital Inputs ........................................... 81
Function Rename ............................................................ 82
Expert System Settings ...................... 83
EXPERT Setup .................................................................. 83
Crossover Network ....................................................... 84
Fine Channel Level ....................................................... 85
Fine Channel Delay ...................................................... 86
Acoustic Calibration EQ .............................................. 87
Bass Peak Level ........................................................... 92
Dynamic Range Control .............................................. 93
Techno Tidbits and
Problem-solving ................................. 94
Dolby ................................................................................. 94
Dolby Digital ................................................................. 94
Dolby Pro Logic II ......................................................... 94
Dolby Digital Surround EX .......................................... 94
DTS .................................................................................... 94
DTS ................................................................................ 94
DTS-ES .......................................................................... 95
DTS Neo:6 ..................................................................... 95
DTS 96/24 ...................................................................... 95
THX .................................................................................... 95
Troubleshooting ............................................................... 96
Preset Code Brands ....................................................... 102
Specifications (European model) ................................. 103
Specifications (multi-voltage model) ............................ 104
00_VSX-AX3.book Page 5 Monday, May 19, 2003 1:05 PM