Pioneer VSX-21 manual

VSX-21 AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER O p e ra t ing I nst ruc t io n s[...]

2 <ARB7181> Information to User Alteration or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may invalidate the user's right to operate the equipment. IMPOR T ANT The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage&quo[...]

SET UP OPERA TION 3 <ARB7181> 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[...]

4 <ARB7181> Features DTS (Digital Theater Systems) decoder equipped R DTS is a digital sound system introduced in theaters. Playback of DVD, LD, and CD recorded in DTS audio creates the environment of a theater or the sensation of a concert hall in your home. “DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, [...]

SET UP OPERA TION 5 <ARB7181> T able of Contents Introductory Information ............................................................ 6 Checking the Supplied Accessories .......................................................... 6 How to Use This Manual ........................................................................... 6 Preparing t[...]

6 <ARB7181> Loading the batteries Introductory Information “AA” IEC LR6 batteries x 2 FM wire antenna AM loop antenna Remote control unit Checking the Supplied Accessories Please check that you have received all of the following accessories with the receiver . The following marks and symbols are used throughout this manual: Provides addit[...]

SET UP OPERA TION 7 <ARB7181> Introductory Information Operating other PIONEER components Receiver Installation • Do not place objects directly on top of this unit. It will prevent proper heat dispersal. • When installing in a rack, etc., be sure to leave more than 8 inches of space above the receiver . Y ou can also control PIONEER compo[...]

8 <ARB7181> Connections Antennas Using external antennas 7 T o improve FM reception Connect an external FM antenna. 7 T o improve AM reception Connect a 15 to 18 feet (5~6 m) length of vinyl-coated wire to the AM antenna terminal in addition to the supplied AM loop antenna. For the best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors. 75 ?[...]

SET UP OPERA TION 9 <ARB7181> Audio Components Connections Connections Be sure to switch power to standby and remove the power cord from the wall outlet when you make or change connections. Connect your audio components as shown below . Refer to “Digital Connections” on page 11 when making digital connections from your DVD or LD player . [...]

10 <ARB7181> Connections V ideo Components Connections 7 Audio/Video cords Use audio/video cords (not supplied) to connect the video components and a video cord to connect the TV or monitor . Connect red plugs to R (right), white plugs to L (left), and the yellow plugs to VIDEO. Be sure to insert completely . Video camera (etc.) 7 Front • W[...]

SET UP OPERA TION 11 <ARB7181> Digital Connections Digital components can be connected as shown below . Y ou can select up to four of the following be assigned to the digital inputs on this unit: DVD/LD, TV/SA T , MD/T APE, CD, VCR1 (VCR). T o assign the digital inputs, refer to “Setting Up for Surround Sound” on page 16. The digital sign[...]

12 <ARB7181> Connections DVD 5.1 Channel Connection DVD and LD discs are often compatible with both 2 channel and 5.1 channel audio output formats. Refer to page 33 for more information on how to switch between the two input methods. Connections can be made from a DVD player or Multi channel decoder equipped with 5.1 analog outputs to the 5.1[...]

SET UP OPERA TION 13 <ARB7181> /DTS VIDEO OUT FM UNBAL 75 Ω OUT IN IN CONTROL LOOP ANTENNA AM ANTENNA DIGITAL IN OPT 1 OPT 2 OPT 3 OPT DIGITAL OUT COAX DIGITAL IN PLAY REC MD/TAPE 1 IN IN OUT PLAY REC IN IN IN IN IN IN OUT IN OUT OUT CD TAPE 2 MONITOR TO MONITOR TV S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 S2 IN IN OUT IN IN OUT OUT IN OUT OUT R L R L TV/ SAT DVD/[...]

14 <ARB7181> Connecting additional amplifiers T o use separate amplifiers to power your speaker , make the connections shown below . Do not make simultaneous connections to both the CENTER PREOUT jack and the CENTER SPEAKER terminals. (e.g. Do not connect a separate power amplifier to the CENTER PREOUT jack if you have already connected a cen[...]

SET UP OPERA TION 15 <ARB7181> • Install the left and right front speakers at equal distances from the TV . • When installing speakers near the TV , we recommend using magnetically shielded speakers to prevent possible interference such as distortion in the color of the TV screen. If you do not have magnetically shielded speakers and noti[...]

16 <ARB7181> Preparations 1 Press RECEIVER to turn the power on. The ST ANDBY indicator goes out. 2 Press RECEIVER. This switches the remote to the surround setup mode. 3 Press ! or ⁄ to select the mode you desire. For best results, start with “SPEAKER setting mode” and make your initial adjustments in the order described below . The cu[...]

SET UP 17 <ARB7181> Preparations 1 Press % or fi to set the front speaker . Front speaker (initial setting is “L (Large)”) • Select “FL” if your speakers will reproduce bass frequencies effectively or if you did not connect a sub woofer . • Select “FS” to send bass frequencies to the sub woofer . (The center and surround spea[...]

18 <ARB7181> Preparations SUB WOOFER ON/OFF setting mode Sets whether the SUB WOOFER is used or not. • Initial setting is “ON”. • Setting the front speaker size to “Small” in the SPEAKER setting mode automatically locks the sub woofer in the “ON” position. Press % or fi to select sub woofer ON or OFF . memo Crossover frequenc[...]

SET UP 19 <ARB7181> Preparations Low cut filter ON/OFF setting mode T urn the low cut filter ON when distorted sound is output through the sub woofer . • Initial setting is “OFF”. • If the SUB WOOFER is set to “OFF” in the SUB WOOFER ON/OFF setting mode, the low cut filter cannot be set. • The low cut filter is not effective whe[...]

20 <ARB7181> Preparations Dynamic range control setting mode Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and softest sounds in any given signal. The dynamic range control helps you play back sounds so the quieter sounds are audible yet the louder sounds don’ t get distored. It does this by compressing the dynamic range. When watchin[...]

SET UP 21 <ARB7181> 1 Press . 2 Press VOL + or – to adjust the volume to an appropriate level. 3 Press TEST TONE to output the test tone. The test tone is output in the following order . • T est tone is only output in Dolby/DTS mode. 4 Adjust speaker levels so that you hear the test tone at the same volume from each speaker when seated in[...]

22 <ARB7181> 1 Press COMMANDER SET UP and 1 at the same time to select the preset mode. The MUL TI CONTROL buttons on the remote control start to blink. T o cancel the preset mode Press COMMANDER SET UP . 2 Press the MUL TI CONTROL button for the component you want to control. Each button can be set to control one of the following components [...]

SET UP 23 <ARB7181> Preparations 3 Press % or fi repeatedly to display the name of the component ’ s manufacturer . A list of all available preset codes is provided on page 56. 4 Point the remote toward the component to be controlled, enter the 3 digit setup code. When you enter the setup code, the remote emits a power ON/OFF signal. If th[...]

24 <ARB7181> Names of Parts and Basic Operations 8 DNR indicator Lights when the DIGIT AL NR is on. 9 LOUDNESS indicator Lights when loudness is on (refer to “Front Panel”, 8 , LOUDNESS on pages 26, 27). 0 DIRECT indicator Lights when direct playback is on (refer to “Front Panel”, = , DIRECT on pages 26, 27). - T uner indicators STERE[...]

25 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION Remote Control These pages describe the buttons on the remote control used to operate the receiver . 7 Number buttons These buttons can perform a variety of different functions depending on the remote operation mode. • [RECEIVER operations (press RECEIVER first)] : Press repeatedly to select the standard Dolby[...]

26 <ARB7181> Names of Parts and Basic Operations Front Panel 1 ST ANDBY/ON button Press to switch the receiver on or put in standby . 2 ST ANDBY indicator Lights when the receiver is in standby mode. (Please note that this receiver consumes a small amount of power (2.5 W) during the standby mode.) 3 CLASS button Press repeatedly to switch the[...]

27 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION Names of Parts and Basic Operations • SIGNAL SELECT is fixed in the “ ANALOG ” position for components not assigned to one of the four digital input jacks. • Because the audio from a karaoke microphone and LD recorded with analog audio only is not output from the digital output, set SIGNAL SELECT to “ [...]

28 <ARB7181> Sound Modes This receiver incorporates two surround modes for enjoyment of a variety of program sources. Surround modes (Dolby) mode Use this mode when playing Dolby Digital or Dolby Pro Logic software. Decoding switches automatically according to the input signal, so all you have to do is enjoy! Y ou can identify Dolby Digital s[...]

29 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION Switching ANALOG/DIGIT AL Signal Input The input of the component set in the digital input setting (Refer to page 20, 21) can be switched to an analog or digital input signal by pressing the SIGNAL SELECT button. 1 Press SIG. SELECT on the remote control or SIGNAL SELECT on the front panel to select the input si[...]

30 <ARB7181> Playing Sources with Dolby Digital or DTS Sound Sound Modes 1 Follow steps 1 to 3 of the playback procedure. (Refer to “Playback” on page 40.) 1 T urn on the power of the playback component. 2 Press RECEIVER to turn on the receiver . 3 Press FUNCTION to select the source component you want to play . 2 Press SIG.SELECT on the [...]

31 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION 1 Press RECEIVER. This sets the remote to select the sound mode. (Y ou can skip this step when using the controls on the receiver .) 2 Select the sound mode. • For (Dolby)/DTS mode Press • For DSP modes Press DSP MODE repeatedly Each press changes the DSP mode as follows: Selecting a Sound Mode T o ensur[...]

32 <ARB7181> Switching the Dolby/DTS mode (ADV ANCED THEA TER mode) Switch the Dolby/DTS mode by pressing the button. When Dolby /DTS mode is ON, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, and DTS signal processing is performed automatically corresponding to the input signal. Switch the Dolby/DTS mode on and off by pressing on the remote control or /DTS[...]

33 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION DVD 5.1ch input playback Connect a component with 5.1 channel output to enjoy the surround sound created by 5.1 channel playback. Press DVD/LD on the unit. Each press switches the input: DVD/LD j DVD/LD 5.1ch dB SP SIGNAL SELECT ANALOG A dB SP SIGNAL SELECT ANALOG DIGITAL AC-3 A DIGITAL LCR RS LS LEF j memo • [...]

34 <ARB7181> Reducing noise during playback (DIGIT AL NR function) When DIGIT AL NR is on, extraneous noise during playback can be reduced. Press DIGIT AL NR on the front panel. Each press switches DIGIT AL NR on or off. dB SP SIGNAL SELECT ANALOG DIGITAL AC-3 A DNR DIGIT AL NR • In cases described below , DIGIT AL NR cannot be used. 1 Dolb[...]

35 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION Listening in MIDNIGHT Listening Mode When the volume is low , surround effects tend to become less than satisfactory . T urn the MIDNIGHT listening mode on to enjoy the effects of quality surround sound even at low volumes. This mode allows you to hear effective surround sound of movies at low volume levels. Pre[...]

36 <ARB7181> T uner Operations Automatic and Manual T uning The following steps show you how to tune in FM and AM radio broadcasts using the automatic (search) and manual (step) tuning functions. If you already know the exact frequency of the station you want, see “ Direct T uning ” on the following page. 1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly on th[...]

37 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION T uner Operations Direct T uning The following steps show you how to tune directly to a specific frequency using the remote control. 1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly on the remote or FM/AM on the front panel to select the tuner . Press TUNER to set the remote to the tuner operation mode. The station you were previous[...]

38 <ARB7181> T uner Operations Memorizing Frequently T uned Stations The following steps show you how to memorize up to 30 radio stations in 3 classes (each holding 10 channels). When memorizing FM frequencies, the receiver also memorizes the MPX mode (STEREO or MONO). Using the front panel 1 T une in the station you want to have memorized. S[...]

39 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION T uner Operations Recalling the Memorized Stations 1 Press FUNCTION repeatedly on the remote or FM/AM on the front panel to select the tuner . Press TUNER to set the remote to the tuner operation mode. The station you were previously tuned to is received automatically . 2 Press CLASS repeatedly to select a class[...]

40 <ARB7181> Playback 1 T urn on the power of the playback component. 2 Press RECEIVER to turn on the receiver . Be sure that the standby indicator turns off on the front panel. 3 Press FUNCTION to select the source you want to playback. The source you want to playback is displayed in the following order: 4 Press SIG. SELECT on the remote con[...]

41 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION Adjusting bass and treble (tone control) Use BASS (+/–) or TREBLE (+/–) to adjust the low and high frequencies. Press BASS (+/ – ) to adjust the low frequencies. Press TREBLE (+/ – ) to adjust the high frequencies. dB SP SIGNAL SELECT ANALOG A dB SP SIGNAL SELECT ANALOG A TREBLE +/ – BASS +/ – memo ?[...]

42 <ARB7181> Recording from Audio Components The following operations show you how to record audio to the cassette, DA T , or MD deck connected to the MD/T APE 1 or T APE 2 MONITOR jacks. 1 Select the component you want to record. Press SIG. SELECT on the remote or SIGNAL SELECT on the front panel to select “ANALOG” when making analog rec[...]

43 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION Other Operations Recording from V ideo Components The following operations show you how to record audio and video to the video tape recorder connected to the VCR 1 or VCR 2 jacks. 1 Select the component you want to record. Be sure to press SIG. SELECT on the remote or SIGNAL SELECT on the front panel to choose ?[...]

44 <ARB7181> Other Operations Remote Controlling Other Components DVD or LD player operations Before performing these operations, press the DVD/LD (MUL TI CONTROL) button to switch the remote to the DVD/LD operation mode. 5 Number buttons Use to select chapters (tracks). 6 1˜¡ 1 : Hold down for fast reverse playback. ¡ : Hold down for fast[...]

45 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION Other Operations 1 Press to switch the TV on or off. 2 5 Raises the volume of the TV . 3 ∞ Lowers the volume of the TV . 4 Number buttons Use to select a specific TV channel. 5 TV Press to switch the TV on or off. (This operation is possible regardless of the current remote operation mode, however , it can onl[...]

46 <ARB7181> Other Operations 1 Press to switch the satellite tuner on or off. 2 5˜∞˜2˜3 Use as cursor buttons to obtain information about programs. 3 Number buttons Use to select satellite channels. 4 ENTER Press to select the position selected using the cursor buttons ( 5˜∞˜2˜3 ). 5 4˜¢ (GUIDE) Use to turn the program informatio[...]

47 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION Other Operations 1 Press to switch the CD player on or off. 2 8 Press to pause playback. 3 3 Press to start playback. 4 7 Press to stop playback. 5 Number buttons Use to select tracks. 6 1˜¡ 1 : Hold down for fast reverse playback. ¡ : Hold down for fast forward playback. 7 4˜¢ 4 : Press to return to the be[...]

48 <ARB7181> MD recorder operations Before performing these operations, press the MD/T APE (MUL TI CONTROL) button to switch the remote to the MD/T APE operation mode. memo DVD/LD VCR 1 TV/SAT CD TUNER VCR 2 MD/TAPE TV CONTROL RECEIVER DSP MODE CH.SELECT ATT SIG.SELECT MIDNIGHT TEST TONE AUDIO/VIDEO PRE-PROGRAMMED REMOTE CONTROL UNIT 2 3 5 0 [...]

49 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION 1 Press to switch the cassette deck on or off (not possible with all models). 2 8 Press to pause playback or recording. 3 3 Press to start playback. 4 7 Press to stop playback or recording. 5 1˜¡ 1 : Press to rewind the tape. Hold down during playback for fast reverse playback (not possible with all models). ?[...]

50 <ARB7181> Other Operations 1 Press to switch the VCR 1 or VCR 2 (VCR only on VSX- D508S) on or off (not possible with all models). 2 8 Press to pause playback or recording. 3 3 Press to start playback. 4 7 Press to stop playback or recording. 5 Number buttons Use to select a specific channel on the VCR's TV tuner . 6 1˜¡ 1 : Press t[...]

51 <ARB7181> SET UP OPERA TION Background Control of Other Components The following steps show you how to control one component while listening to another . This may be useful if you want to rewind a tape while listening to CD, etc. 1 Select a component, then start playback. For example: Press FUNCTION to select the CD player , then press the[...]

52 <ARB7181> Additional Information Dolby Digital Dolby Digital is a compression format which records the sound of 6 channels of the theater surround system (Dolby Digital) on the movie film digital track. Of the 6 channels, the sub woofer channel is intended for bass only , and because the frequency range is smaller than the main channel, it[...]

53 <ARB7181> DTS DTS has been adopted as a sound recording format in the latest movie theaters since the release of “JURASSIC P ARK” in 1993, and has a good reputation for high quality sound and dynamic surround effects. In this system, 6 channels of digital sound are recorded on CD-ROM, not on the film. It adopts a simultaneous playback [...]

54 <ARB7181> Additional Information T roubleshooting Incorrect operations are often mistaken for trouble and malfunctions. If you think that there is something wrong with this component, check the points below . Sometimes the trouble may lie in another component. Investigate the other components and electrical appliances being used. If the tr[...]

55 <ARB7181> Additional Information Symptom Broadcast stations cannot be selected automatically . No sound from surround or center speakers. Sound is produced from other components, but not from LD or DVD player . No sound is output or a noise is output when software with DTS is played back. The sound is output intermittently when software wi[...]

56 <ARB7181> Device T APE CD MD TV CA TV* Manufacturer OPTIMUS PIONEER SONY TECHNICS KENWOOD DENON RCA PHILIPS Y AMAHA JVC TEAC ONKYO MARANTZ SANYO OPTIMUS PIONEER SONY KENWOOD SHARP TEAC ONKYO DENON PIONEER RCA ZENITH MAGNA VOX GE P ANASONIC SONY TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI HIT ACHI JVC SHARP SANYO PHILIPS GOLDST AR RADIO SHACK GRADIENTE PIONEER JERR[...]

57 <ARB7181> Additional Information Amplifier Section Continuous average power output of 100 watts* per channel, min., at 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0.09 %** total harmonic distortion (front). Continuous Power Output Front .................................. 100 W + 100 W (1 kHz, 0.8 %, 8 Ω ) Center ...................[...]

58 <ARB7181> We Want You LISTENING For A Lifetime Selecting fine audio equipment such as the unit you’ve just purchased is only the start of your musical enjoyment. Now it’s time to consider how you can maximize the fun and excitement your equipment offers. This manufacturer and the Electronic Industries Association’s Consumer Electroni[...]

59 <ARB7181> Should this product require service in the U.S.A. and you wish to locate the nearest Pioneer Authorized Independent Service Company , or if you wish to purchase replacement parts, operating instructions, service manuals, or accessories, please call the number shown below . 8 0 0 – 4 2 1 – 1 4 0 4 Please do not ship your produ[...]

60 <ARB7181> Published by Pioneer Electronic Corporation. Copyright © 1999 Pioneer Electronic Corporation. All rights reserved. PIONEER ELECTRONIC CORPORATION 4-1, Meguro 1-Chome, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8654, Japan PIONEER ELECTRONICS [USA] INC. P.O. BOX 1540, Long Beach, California 90801-1540 PIONEER ELECTRONICS OF CANADA, INC. 300 Allstate P[...]