AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-49TX This is the updated manual for the VSX-49TX receiver that has been modified with an i.LINK connection and the latest Pioneer programming. These modifications give the receiver new capabilities and new features both for connecting equipment to the receiver and for fine tuning the sound. These new innovations are marked with the banner (sometimes represented as ) or (sometimes represented as ) so the user can quickly identify the additions. Please use this manual when you have had your receiver modified with an i.LINK connection and the latest Pioneer programming. Operations may differ slightly from the original VSX-49TX manual and this updated version is correct and complete. Operating Instructions 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. IMPORTANT NOTICE H006AEn The serial number for this equipment is located in 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. 2 3 Power cord CAUTION! Handle the power cord by the plug. Do not pull out the plug by tugging the cord and never touch the power cord when your hands are wet as this could cause a short circuit or electric shock. Do not place the unit, a piece of furniture, etc., on the power cord, or pinch the cord. Never make a knot in the cord or tie it with other cords. The power cords should be routed such that they are not likely to be stepped on. A damaged power cord can cause a fire or give you an electrical shock. Check the power cord once in a while. When you find it damaged, ask your nearest PIONEER authorized service center or your dealer for a replacement. R O NI C IND U ST RIES S SO CIAT IO N EST 1924 · EIA We Want You Listening For A Lifetime We Want You ELECT 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 Electronics Group want you to get the most out of your equipment by playing it at a safe level. One that lets the sound come through loud and clear without annoying blaring or distortion-and, most importantly, without affecting your sensitive hearing. Sound can be deceiving. Over time your hearing "comfort level" adapts to higher volumes of sound. So what sounds "normal" can actually be loud and harmful to your hearing. Guard against this by setting your equipment at a safe level BEFORE your hearing adapts. To establish a safe level: · Start your volume control at a low setting. · Slowly increase the sound until you can hear it comfortably and clearly, and without distortion. Once you have established a comfortable sound level: · Set the dial and leave it there. Taking a minute to do this now will help to prevent hearing damage or loss in the future. After all, we want you listening for a lifetime. R ELECT S N EST 1924 · ·A LISTENING For A Lifetime Used wisely, your new sound equipment will provide a lifetime of fun and enjoyment. Since hearing damage from loud noise is often undetectable until it is too late, this manufacturer and the Electronic Industries Association's Consumer Electronics Group recommend you avoid prolonged exposure to excessive noise. This list of sound levels is included for your protection. Decibel Level Example 30 Quiet library, soft whispers 40 Living room, refrigerator, bedroom away from traffic 50 Light traffic, normal conversation, quiet office 60 Air conditioner at 20 feet, sewing machine 70 Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, noisy restaurant 80 Average city traffic, garbage disposals, alarm clock at two feet. THE FOLLOWING NOISES CAN BE DANGEROUS UNDER CONSTANT EXPOSURE 90 100 120 140 180 Subway, motorcycle, truck traffic, lawn mower Garbage truck, chain saw, pneumatic drill Rock band concert in front of speakers, thunderclap Gunshot blast, jet plane Rocket launching pad Information courtesy of the Deafness Research Foundation. O NI C IND U EIA SO CIAT ST RIES ·A IO We Want You LISTENING For A Lifetime 4 Features Advanced Multichannel Stereophonic Concept The VSX-49TX receiver is constructed with Pioneer's industry-leading advanced multichannel stereophonic concept. This means it is designed to reproduce music and movie soundtracks as close as possible to the intentions of the producer during mastering. The receiver uses a revolutionary 3-D Frame Construction technique and a Symmetrical Power Train Design, with high-performance Advanced Direct Energy MOS-FET output devices, generating 160 watts (FTC 6) of power for 7 independent channels. True 32-bit Tri Digital Signal Processing is used for ultra realistic sound. PREPARATION PREPARATION i.LINK Digital Interface The i.LINK interface makes it possible to connect the receiver to i.LINK-equipped components such as a DVD player with a single cable and enjoy multichannel digital audio from SACD and DVD-A discs (if the player is compatible with these outputs), as well as digital audio from DVD-Video, CD and Video CD discs. In addition to simplified connection, jitterless audio is possible with Pioneer's PQLS* technology when playing DVD-As, audio CDs and SACDs. By supressing jitter, deterioration of audio quality is minimized and digital audio of the highest quality is realized. PREPARATION *PQLS (Precision Quartz Lock System) [rate control] Technology for high-precision transmission of digital audio over the i.LINK interface enabling jitterless digital-to-analog conversion using a precision quartz in this receiver. To make this feature work, it is only necessary that this receiver and one rate-control-compatible player are alive on the i.LINK network. Other advantages of using i.LINK include `smart' features such as automatic configuration and automatic function selection--start playback on a i.LINK-equipped component and the receiver automatically selects the component for input. "i.LINK" and the i.LINK logo are trademarks of the Sony Corporation. Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) In order to make setting up as easy as possible for users we have created the MCACC system. This unique and convenient way of getting good surround sound from the receiver makes trouble-free setup a snap. With the included microphone plugged into the front panel the MCACC system creates a monitoring environment to establish the parameters of the sound for the specific room you are using. The MCACC system adjusts the parameters to establish excellent surround sound effects and offers you studio quality home theater sound with minimum effort. Universal Player Compatibility (DVD Audio) This receiver features eight discrete channels of analog inputs, each with 96kHz/24bit A/D converters. This makes it ideal for use with all audio formats, including DVD-A, and allows very high quality digital processing. Furthermore, using the MCACC system you can setup this receiver for optimal DVD-A playback. Next Generation THX Standards and New Digital Formats The VSX-49TX is the first receiver in the world to be THX Ultra2 certified. Among the new THX technologies is ASA (Advanced Speaker Array), which can process any 5.1 channel source for 7.1 channel playback (THX Ultra2 Cinema and THX MusicMode), or 6.1 channel playback (THX Surround EX). THX technologies are also available when listening through an i.LINK interface. Naturally, you can also play all existing audio formats, including the recently developed Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS 96/24 soundtracks and DTS-ES Extended Surround formats. On the video side, the component video output is fully compatible with high definition, progressive-scan digital video (720p). Pioneer Video Converter The Pioneer Video Converter allows more flexibility in hooking up video components as you can use a wide range of cords interchangeably. The Energy-saving Design This receiver is designed to use 0.65 W of energy when in standby mode. Lucasfilm and THX are trademarks or registered trademarkes of Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. Surround EX is a jointly developed technology of THX and Dolby Laboratories and is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby", "Pro Logic", "Surround EX" and double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. "DTS", "DTS-ES Extended Surround" and "Neo:6" are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. 5 Table of Contents Features ................................................. 5 Before You Start .................................... 8 Checking the Supplied Accessories ........................... 8 Preparing the Remote Control .................................... 8 Loading the batteries ............................................. 8 Remote Control Battery Alarm .............................. 8 The Touch Pen & Lock ............................................ 9 Remote Control Cushions ...................................... 9 Operating range of remote control unit ............... 9 Installing the Receiver ................................................. 9 Opening the Front Panel ............................................. 9 Setting Up the Remote Control ................................ 10 Remote Control Backlight ......................................... 11 AC Power Cord ........................................................... 29 AC Outlet [switched 100 W max] .............................. 29 Using i.LINK Interface .................... 30 What is i.LINK? ........................................................... 30 Connecting i.LINK-equipped Components .............. 30 Creating an i.LINK Network ...................................... 31 Displays & Controls ............................ 32 Front Panel ................................................................. 32 Back Panel .................................................................. 34 Remote Control .......................................................... 36 Basic Receiver LCD Screens ..................................... 37 Receiver MAIN Screen ......................................... 37 Receiver SUB Screen ........................................... 38 Display ........................................................................ 39 Quick Start Guide Part 1..................... 12 Home Theater: The Basics ........................................ 12 1) Your Home System .......................................... 12 2) The Source Material ......................................... 12 3) The Listening Modes ........................................ 12 Conclusion ............................................................ 12 1 Hooking Up Your DVD Player & TV ..................... 13 2 Speaker Connections ........................................... 14 3 Setting up the Main Unit ...................................... 15 4 Assigning the Digital Inputs ................................ 15 Setting Up for Surround Sound ........ 40 SPEAKER SYSTEMS .................................................. 41 CHANNEL LEVEL (channel balance) .................. 43 SPEAKER DISTANCE ........................................... 44 Acoustic Calibration EQ ............................................ 45 Data Copy of Acoustic Calibration EQ .............. 47 Check the Auto Settings ............................................ 48 Basic Operation ................................... 49 Quick Start Guide Part 2..................... 16 1 Auto Surround Sound Setup ............................... 16 2 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound ................. 18 3 Personalizing Your Sound .................................... 18 Stereo and Multichannel Playback ........................... 49 Switching the channels used for playback (LISTENING CH SELECT) ..................................... 50 Switching i.LINK/ANALOG/DIGITAL Signal Input .................................................... 51 Playback of up to 192kHz, 24-bit sound ........................................................... 52 formats Listening Modes ........................................................ 52 STEREO modes ..................................................... 52 STANDARD modes ............................................... 52 HOME THX modes ............................................... 53 ADVANCED CINEMA modes ................................ 54 ADVANCED CONCERT modes ............................. 55 Adjusting the Effect of Advanced Listening Modes ... 55 Listening with Acoustic Calibration EQ ................... 56 Reducing Noise During Playback (DIGITAL NR Function) .............................................. 56 Listening in MIDNIG ...