AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL
RECEIVER
VSX-LX50
Operating Instructions
VSX-LX50.book 1
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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 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.
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
IMPORTANT
WARNING
To prevent a fire hazard, do not place any naked
flame sources (such as a lighted candle) on the
equipment.
D3-4-2-1-7a_A_En
WARNING
This equipment is not waterproof. To prevent a fire
or shock hazard, do not place any container filled
with liquid near this equipment (such as a vase or
flower pot) or expose it to dripping, splashing, rain
or moisture.
D3-4-2-1-3_A_En
VENTILATION CAUTION
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
Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for
ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the
product, and to protect it from overheating. To
prevent fire hazard, the openings should never be
blocked or covered with items (such as newspapers,
table-cloths, curtains) or by operating the
equipment on thick carpet or a bed.
D3-4-2-1-7b_A_En
WARNING
The voltage of the available power supply differs
according to country or region. Be sure that the
power supply voltage of the area where this unit
will be used meets the required voltage (e.g., 230 V
or 120 V) written on the rear panel.
D3-4-2-1-4_A_En
Before plugging in for the first time, read the following
section carefully.
DOWN
DOW
N
CAUTION
The
STANDBY/ON switch on this unit will not
completely shut off all power from the AC outlet.
Since the power cord serves as the main disconnect
device for the unit, you will need to unplug it from
the AC outlet to shut down all power. Therefore,
make sure the unit has been installed so that the
power cord can be easily unplugged from the AC
outlet in case of an accident. To avoid fire hazard,
the power cord should also be unplugged from the
AC outlet when left unused for a long period of time
(for example, when on vacation).
D3-4-2-2-2a_A_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
This product is for general household purposes. Any
failure due to use for other than household purposes
(such as long-term use for business purposes in a
restaurant or use in a car or ship) and which
requires repair will be charged for even during the
warranty period.
K041_En
Operating Environment
Operating environment temperature and humidity:
+5 ºC to +35 ºC (+41 ºF to +95 ºF); less than 85 %RH
(cooling vents not blocked)
Do not install this unit in a poorly ventilated area, or in
locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight (or
strong artificial light)
D3-4-2-1-7c_A_En
For Taiwan exclusively
Taiwanese two pin flat-bladed plug
VSX-LX50.book 2
Voltage selector
You can find the voltage selector switch on the rear
panel of multi-voltage models.
The factory setting for the voltage selector is 220 V.
Please set it to the correct voltage for your country
or region.
· Saudi Arabia operates on 127 V and 220 V mains
voltage. Please set to the correct voltage before using.
· For Taiwan, please set to 110 V before using.
Before changing the voltage, disconnect the AC power
cord. Use a medium size screwdriver to change the
voltage selector switch.
Medium size
screwdriver
D3-4-2-1-5_En
Changing the TV format setting
If the
System Setup menu is not displayed correctly, it
may be that the TV system is set incorrectly for your
country or region.
· With the receiver in standby, press
STANDBY/
ON while holding down the SIGNAL SELECT button.
The display shows the new setting (
PAL or NTSC).
230-240 V
120-127 V
110V
220 V
220V
230-240V
110V
120-127V
TWO VOLTAGE
SELECTORS
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.
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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
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Product Name:
AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER
Model Number:
VSX-LX50
Responsible Party Name:
PIONEER ELECTRONICS SERVICE, INC.
Address:
1925 E. DOMINGUEZ ST. LONG BEACH, CA 90801-1760, U.S.A.
Phone:
1-800-421-1404
Voltage selector
VSX-LX50.book 3
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Contents
01 Before you start
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Checking what's in the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Loading the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
02 5 minute guide
Introduction to home theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Listening to Surround Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Automatically setting up for surround sound
(Auto MCACC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup . . . . 10
Playing a source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Better sound using Phase Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
03 Connecting your equipment
Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
When making cable connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
About the video converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting your TV and DVD player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or other
set-top box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other
video sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using the component video jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Connecting digital audio sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
About the WMA9 Pro decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Connecting analog audio sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Connecting a component to the front panel
inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installing your speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connecting the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Placing the speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
THX speaker system setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connecting antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using an external antenna to improve
FM reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using an external antenna to improve
AM reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Plugging in the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
04 Controls and displays
Front panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Operating range of remote control unit . . . . . . . . . . 23
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
05 Listening to your system
Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Listening in surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Standard surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Using the Home THX modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using the Advanced surround effects . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Listening in stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using Front Stage Surround Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using Stream Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Selecting MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Choosing the input signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Using surround back channel processing . . . . . . . . . 30
Using the Virtual Surround Back mode . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using Midnight and Loudness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using the Sound Retriever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Enhancing dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using the tone controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
06 USB playback
Using the USB interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Basic playback controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Selecting a file from the folder/
file list for playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Compressed audio compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
07 Using the tuner
Listening to the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Improving FM stereo sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Saving station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Naming station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Listening to station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
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.
VSX-LX50.book 4
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08 The System Setup menu
Making receiver settings from the System Setup
menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Automatic MCACC (Expert) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Surround back speaker setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Manual MCACC setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Fine Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Fine Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Standing Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Acoustic Calibration EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Data Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Manual speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Speaker Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
X-Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
THX Audio Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
09 Other connections
Connecting an iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Connecting your iPod to the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
iPod playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Connecting using HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
About HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Connecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . . . . . 52
Selecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . . . . . . 52
Speaker B setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Switching the speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Bi-amping your front speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Bi-wiring your speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Connecting additional amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma
display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma
display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
10 Other Settings
The Input Setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Input function default and possible settings . . . . . . 56
The Other Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays. . . . . . . . . . 57
OSD Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
11 Using other functions
Setting the AV options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Making an audio or a video recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Reducing the level of an analog signal . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Using the sleep timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Dimming the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Switching the speaker impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Checking your system settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Resetting the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Default system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
12 Controlling the rest of your system
Setting the remote to control other components . . . 62
Selecting preset codes directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Programming signals from other remote
controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Erasing one of the remote control button
settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Resetting the remote control presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Confirming preset codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Renaming input source names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Direct function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Multi Operation and System Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Programming a multi-operation or a shutdown
sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Using multi operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Using System off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Controls for TVs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Controls for other components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Operating other Pioneer components with this
unit's sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
13 Additional information
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
No sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Other audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
iPod messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Surround sound formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Dolby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
DTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Windows MediaTM Audio 9 Professional . . . . . . . . . 75
About THX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Listening modes with different input signal
formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Stream direct with different input signal formats . . . 80
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Cleaning the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
VSX-LX50.book 5