VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 1 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER VSX-1018AH-K Register your product at http://www.pioneerelectronics.com (US) http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca (Canada) • Protect your new investment The details of your purchase will be on file for reference in the event of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 2 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 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.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 3 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM IMPORTANT CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN 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.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 4 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM WARNING: Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories sold with the product will expose you to chemicals listed on proposition 65 known to the State of California and other governmental entities to cause cancer and birth defect or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling D36-P4_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.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 5 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 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. Contents 01 Before you start 05 Listening to your system Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Checking what’s in the box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 6 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 08 Other connections 11 Using other functions Connecting an iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Connecting your iPod to the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 iPod playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Connecting your USB device to the receiver . . . . . . 53 Basic playback controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 7 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Before you start 01 Chapter 1: Before you start Features • Advanced Direct Energy design This receiver offers a new advancement in discrete design unique to Pioneer for high-power drivability, low distortion and stable imaging.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 8 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 01 Before you start • XM and SIRIUS Ready With the new XM and SIRIUS Radio terminals, you’ll be up and running in no time. This receiver’s enhanced compatibility makes XM HD Surround playback as well as on-screen control of XM and SIRIUS Radio an added possibility. Loading the batteries Checking what’s in the box Please check that you’ve received the following supplied accessories: • Setup microphone (cable: 5 m (16.4 ft.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 9 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 5 minute guide 02 Chapter 2: 5 minute guide Introduction to home theater Home theater refers to the use of multiple audio tracks to create a surround sound effect, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the action or concert. The surround sound you get from a home theater system depends not only on your speaker setup, but also on the source and the sound settings of the receiver.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 10 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 02 5 minute guide 1 Automatically setting up for surround sound (Auto MCACC) The Auto MCACC Setup measures the acoustic characteristics of your listening area, taking into account ambient noise, speaker size and distance, and tests for both channel delay and channel level.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 11 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 5 minute guide 02 • With error messages (such as Too much ambient noise! or Check Microphone.) select RETRY after checking for ambient noise (see Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup below) and verifying the mic connection. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply select GO NEXT and continue. 1.Auto MCACC Now Analyzing … Environment Check Ambient Noise Microphone Speaker YES/NO 1.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 12 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 02 5 minute guide It is possible to check on the display whether or not multichannel playback is being performed properly. Phase Control ON Front speaker When using a surround back speaker, Dolby Digital EX is displayed when playing Dolby Digital signals, and DTS+Neo:6 is displayed when playing DTS 5.1-channel signals. Listening position When not using a surround back speaker, Dolby Digital is displayed when playing Dolby Digital signals.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 13 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Connecting your equipment 03 Chapter 3: Connecting your equipment This receiver provides you with many connection possibilities, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. This page explains the kinds of components you can connect to make up your home theater system.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 14 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 03 Connecting your equipment 11 SIRIUS Radio input See Using SIRIUS Radio on page 56. 12 ZONE 2 audio/video outputs Use to connect a second receiver in a separate room. See MULTI-ZONE listening on page 60. 13 Component video connections (x4) Use the inputs to connect any video source that has component video output, such as a DVD recorder. Use the output for connection to a monitor or TV. See Using the component video jacks on page 19.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 15 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Connecting your equipment • To avoid hum, do not lay connected cables over the top of the receiver. • When connecting optical cables, be careful when inserting the plug not to damage the shutter protecting the optical socket. • When storing optical cable, coil loosely. The cable may be damaged if bent around sharp corners.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 16 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 03 Connecting your equipment Connecting using HDMI If you have an HDMI or DVI (with HDCP) equipped component, you can connect it to this receiver using a commercially available HDMI cable.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 17 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Connecting your equipment 03 Connecting your TV and DVD player 4 Connect the stereo audio outputs on your DVD player to the DVD AUDIO inputs. Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack cable. VIDEO IN TV 3 Connect a coaxial-type1 digital audio output on your DVD player to the COAXIAL IN 1 (DVD) input. Use a coaxial cable designed for digital audio. • If your DVD player has multichannel analog outputs, you can connect these instead.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 18 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 03 Connecting your equipment Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or other set-top box Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other video sources Satellite and cable receivers, and terrestrial digital TV tuners are all examples of so-called ‘set-top boxes’. This receiver has two sets of audio/video inputs and outputs suitable for connecting analog or digital video devices, including DVD/HDD recorders and VCRs.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 19 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Connecting your equipment 03 3 If the device can output digital audio, connect an optical-type1 digital audio output from the recorder to the OPTICAL IN 2 (DVR1) input. Use an optical cable for the connection.2 Using the component video jacks Component video should give superior picture quality when compared to composite.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 20 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 03 Connecting your equipment 1 Connect a coaxial-type1 digital audio output on your digital component to the COAXIAL IN 2 (CD) input. Use a coaxial cable for the connection. 2 For recording equipment, connect the optical-type DIGITAL output to a digital input on the recorder. Use an optical cable to connect to the OPTICAL OUT.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 21 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Connecting your equipment 03 Installing your speaker system To take full advantage of the receiver’s surround sound capabilities connect front, center, surround and surround back speakers, as well as a subwoofer.1 Although this is ideal, other configurations with fewer speakers—no subwoofer or no center speaker, or even no surround speakers—will work. At the very least, front left and right speakers only are necessary.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 22 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 03 Connecting your equipment Bare wire connections Make sure that the speaker cable you’re going to use is properly prepared with about 10 mm (3/8 in.) of insulator stripped from each wire, and the exposed wire strands twisted together (fig. A). To connect a terminal, unscrew the terminal a few turns until there is enough space to insert the exposed wire (fig. B).
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 23 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Connecting your equipment 03 The diagrams below show suggested surround and surround back speaker orientation. The first diagram (fig. A) shows orientation with one surround back speaker (or none) connected. The second (fig. B) shows orientation with two surround back speakers connected. 90° to 120° RS LS RS LS 4 Place the AM antenna on a flat surface and in a direction giving the best reception.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 24 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Connecting your equipment 03 Plugging in the receiver Only plug in after you have connected all your components to this receiver, including the speakers. Caution • Handle the power cord by the plug part. 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.
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VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 26 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 04 Controls and displays 10 PHONES jack Use to connect headphones. When the headphones are connected, there is no sound output from the speakers. 11 Listening mode buttons AUTO SURR/STREAM DIRECT – Switches between Auto surround mode (Auto playback on page 30) and Stream Direct playback. Stream Direct playback bypasses the bass/treble controls for the most accurate reproduction of a source (page 32).
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 27 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Controls and displays 04 Display 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 TUNED PHASE CONTROL DNR L C R 2DIGITAL 2HD DTS WMA9 Pro MULTI-ZONE DIALOG E ATT OVER STEREO MONO SL S SR DSD PCM S.RTRV SOUND V.SB HDMI SBL SB SBR DIGITAL SIRIUS VIDEO CD DVD TV TUNER LFE ANALOG 11 12 AUTO PCM CD-R iPod BDP DVR HDMI [1] dB USB [2] XM SR+ STREAM DIRECT Neo : 6 2PRO LOGIC ADV.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 28 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 04 Controls and displays ENTER can be used to enter commands for TV or DTV, and also to select a disc in a multi-CD player.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 29 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Controls and displays RETURN – Press to confirm and exit the current menu screen (also use to return to the previous menu with DVDs or to select closed captioning with DTV). 6 /// (TUNE/ST) /ENTER Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround sound system (page 38) and the Audio or Video options (page 71 or 72). Also used to control DVD menus/options and for deck 1 of a double cassette deck player.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 30 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 05 Listening to your system Chapter 5: Listening to your system If you connected surround back speakers, see also Using surround back channel processing on page 33. Important • The listening modes and many features described in this section may not be available depending on the current source, settings and status of the receiver. See Listening modes with different input signal formats on page 92 for more on this.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 31 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Listening to your system 05 • 2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE – See above (only available when you’re using two surround back speakers) • EXT.STEREO – Gives multichannel sound to a stereo source, using all of your speakers • 2 Pro Logic IIx MUSIC – See page 30 • PHONES SURROUND – When listening through headphones, you can still get the effect of overall surround. • Dolby Digital EX – Creates surround back channel sound for 5.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 32 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 05 Listening to your system Using Front Stage Surround Advance Using Stream Direct The Front Stage Surround Advance function allows you to create natural surround sound effects using just the front speakers and the subwoofer. Use the Stream Direct modes when you want to hear the truest possible reproduction of a source.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 33 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Listening to your system • While listening to a source, press RECEIVER, then press MCACC. Press repeatedly to select one of the six MCACC presets1 or to switch calibration off. See Data Management on page 46 to check and manage your current settings. Choosing the input signal You need to hook up a component to both analog and digital inputs on the receiver to select between input signals.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 34 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 05 Listening to your system Using the Virtual Surround Back mode When you’re not using surround back speakers, selecting this mode allows you to hear a virtual surround back channel through your surround speakers. You can choose to listen to sources with no surround back channel information, or if the material sounds better in the format (for example, 5.1) for which it was originally encoded, you can have the receiver only apply this effect to 6.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 35 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Listening to your system 05 Standard SBch Processing / Stereo sources Virtual SB Multichannel sources mode 2 Pro Logic IIx 2 Pro Logic Type of source Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby TrueHD encoded stereo sources ON AUTO b a Advanced surround Neo:6 c c ON DTS-HD Master Audio/DTS-HD/ DTS-EXPRESS encoded stereo sources AUTO a.Only applicable when using the Virtual Surround Back mode. b.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 36 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Using the tuner 06 Chapter 6: Using the tuner 1 Listening to the radio The following steps show you how to tune in to FM and AM radio broadcasts using the automatic (search) and manual (step) tuning functions. If you already know the frequency of the station you want, see Tuning directly to a station below. Once you are tuned to a station you can memorize the frequency for recall later—see Saving station presets below for more on how to do this.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 37 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Using the tuner 06 Naming station presets For easier identification, you can name your station presets. 1 Choose the station preset you want to name. See Listening to station presets below for how to do this. 2 Press T.EDIT (Tuner Edit). The display shows STATION NAME, then a blinking cursor at the first character position. 3 Input the name you want. Choose from the following characters for a name up to four characters long.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 38 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM The System Setup menu 07 Chapter 7: The System Setup menu • Surround Back System – Specifies how you are using your surround back speakers (see Surround back speaker setting on page 41).
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 39 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM The System Setup menu 07 • Stand.Wave Multi-Point (only available when the Custom Menu above is EQ Pro. & S-Wave) – In addition to measurements at the listening position, you can use two more reference points for which test tones will be analyzed for standing waves. This is useful if you want to get a balanced ‘flat’ calibration for several seating positions in your listening area.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 40 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 07 The System Setup menu 5 Wait for the Auto MCACC Setup to finish outputting test tones. A progress report is displayed on-screen while the receiver outputs test tones to determine the speakers present in your setup. Try to be as quiet as possible while it’s doing this. • Do not adjust the volume during the test tones. This may result in incorrect speaker settings.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 41 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM The System Setup menu 07 Press ENTER after you have finished checking each screen. When you’re finished, select RETURN to go back to the System Setup menu. Be sure to disconnect the microphone from this receiver upon completion of the Auto MCACC setup. Surround back speaker setting • Default setting: Normal There are several ways you can use the surround back speaker channels with this system.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 42 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 07 The System Setup menu 2 Select the setting you want to adjust. If you’re doing this for the first time, you might want to make these settings in order. • Fine Channel Level – Make fine adjustments to the overall balance of your speaker system (see Fine Channel Level on page 42). 3 Select each channel in turn and adjust the levels (+/–10dB) as necessary. Use / to adjust the volume of the speaker you selected to match the reference speaker.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 43 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM The System Setup menu 07 Listen to the reference speaker and use it to measure the target channel. From the listening position, face the two speakers with your arms outstretched pointing at each speaker. Try to make the two tones sound as if they are arriving simultaneously at a position slightly in front of you and between your arm span.1 When it sounds like the delay settings are matched up, press to confirm and continue to the next channel.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 44 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 07 The System Setup menu Use / to select the channel. Use / to select the frequency and / to boost or cut the EQ. When you’re finished, go back to the top of the screen and use / to select the next channel. • The OVER! indicator shows in the display if the frequency adjustment is too drastic and might distort. If this happens, bring the level down until OVER! disappears from the display.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 45 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM The System Setup menu 07 • Reverb characteristics for different channels – Reverb characteristics can be somewhat different for each channel. Since this difference increases as the sound is influenced by the various room characteristics, it is often better to capture a frequency analysis early on for smoother mixing of channel frequencies/sounds. Left surround Level Right surround Acoustic Cal. EQ Pro.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 46 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 07 The System Setup menu 5 If ‘Advanced EQ Setup’ is selected, enter the desired time setting for calibration. Press to proceed to the next screen, and then select START. Based on the reverb measurement above, you can choose the time period that will be used for the final frequency adjustment and calibration.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 47 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM The System Setup menu 07 Checking MCACC preset data Copying MCACC preset data After you have completed Automatically setting up for surround sound (Auto MCACC) on page 10 or Automatic MCACC (Expert) on page 38, you can check your calibrated settings using the on-screen display. If you want to manually adjust the Acoustic Calibration EQ (see Manual MCACC setup on page 41), we recommend copying your current settings1 to an unused MCACC preset.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 48 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM The System Setup menu 07 1 Select ‘Speaker Setting’ from the Manual SP Setup menu. Manual speaker setup This receiver allows you to make detailed settings to optimize the surround sound performance. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers).
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 49 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM The System Setup menu 07 • SW – LFE signals and bass frequencies of channels set to SMALL are output from the subwoofer when YES is selected. Choose the PLUS setting if you want the subwoofer to output bass sound continuously or you want deeper bass (the bass frequencies that would normally come out the front and center speakers are also routed to the subwoofer).
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 50 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM The System Setup menu Speaker Distance X-Curve For good sound depth and separation from your system, you need to specify the distance of your speakers from the listening position. The receiver can then add the proper delay needed for effective surround sound. Most soundtracks mixed for cinema sound too bright when played back in large rooms.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 51 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections 08 Chapter 8: Other connections Caution • Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. Plugging in components should be the last connection you make with your system. • Do not allow any contact between speaker wires from different terminals.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 52 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections 08 3 Continue browsing until you arrive at what you want to play, then press to start playback.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 53 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections 08 Basic playback controls Connecting a USB device 1 It is possible to listen to two-channel audio using the USB interface on the front of this receiver. Connect a USB mass storage device2 as shown below. AUTO SURR/ SOUND STREAM DIRECT RETRIEVER STANDARD SURROUND ADVANCED SURROUND STEREO/ A.L.C.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 54 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 08 Other connections Compressed audio compatibility Note that although most standard bit/sampling rate combinations for compressed audio are compatible, some irregularly encoded files may not play back. The list below shows compatible formats for compressed audio files: • MP3 (MPEG-1/2/2.5 Audio Layer 3) – Sampling rates: 8 kHz to 48 kHz; Bit rates: 8 kbps to 320 kbps (128 kbps or higher recommended); File extension: .
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 55 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections 08 2 Press XM to switch to the XM Radio input. For best reception, you may need to move the XM MiniTuner antenna near a window (the southernmost window should produce the best results). • If after pressing XM the display shows Check XM Tuner, try disconnecting the receiver and tuner connections, and then plugging them back in.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 56 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 08 Other connections • Memory Recall – Use / to browse your saved song information (See Tip above) 3 When you’re finished press TOP MENU to return to the reception display.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 57 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections Tip • You can select channels directly by pressing D.ACCESS, then the three-digit channel number. • You can press DISPLAY to change SIRIUS Radio information in the front panel display. • The currently selected channel is automatically chosen (without pressing ENTER) after 5 seconds. Saving channel presets This receiver can memorize up to 30 channels, stored in three banks, or classes, (A, B and C) of 10 channels each.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 58 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 08 Other connections Selecting the multichannel analog inputs If you have connected a decoder or a DVD player as above, you must select the analog multichannel inputs for surround sound playback.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 59 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections 08 • SP (off) – No sound is output from the speakers. The same sound is output from the pre-out terminals (including from your subwoofer, if connected) as when selecting speaker system A (above).
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 60 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections 08 Connecting additional amplifiers MULTI-ZONE listening This receiver has more than enough power for any home use, but it’s possible to add additional amplifiers to every channel of your system using the pre-outs. Make the connections shown below to add amplifiers to power your speakers. This receiver can power up to two independent systems in separate rooms after you have made the proper MULTIZONE connections.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 61 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections 08 MULTI-ZONE listening options The following table shows what you can listen to in the sub zone: Sub Zone Input sources available ZONE2 iPod, XM or SIRIUS Radio, the built-in tuner and other analog audio sources.a With video sources, only composite video is possible. Please note that the XM/SIRIUS Radio function is not available for sub zone (ZONE 2) listening when using the MULTI-ZONE feature.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 62 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections 08 2 Press CONTROL. • When the receiver is on,1 make sure that any operations for the sub zone are done while ZONE 2 shows in the display. If this is not showing, the front panel controls affect the main zone only. 3 Use the INPUT SELECTOR dial to select the source for the zone you have selected. For example, ZONE 2 CD-R sends the source connected to the CD-R inputs to the sub room (ZONE 2).
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 63 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other connections 08 Using this receiver with a Pioneer flat panel TV If you have a Pioneer flat panel TV, you can use an SR+ cable1 to connect it to this receiver and take advantage of various convenient features, such as automatic video input switching of the flat panel TV when the input is changed.2 • Use a 3-ringed miniplug SR+ cable to connect the CONTROL IN jack of this receiver with the CONTROL OUT jack of your flat panel TV.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 64 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 08 Other connections Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer flat panel TV When connected using an SR+ cable, a number of features become available to make using this receiver with your Pioneer flat panel TV even easier. These features include: • On-screen displays when making receiver settings, such as speaker setup, MCACC setup, and so on. • On-screen volume display. • On-screen display of listening mode.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 65 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM HDMI Control 09 Chapter 9: HDMI Control Important • The KURO LINK function name used on the web and in catalogues is referred to as HDMI Control in the operating instructions and on the product. • To get the most out of this function, we recommend that you connect your HDMI component not to a flat panel TV but rather directly to the HDMI terminal on this receiver.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 66 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM HDMI Control 09 1 Press RECEIVER, then press the SETUP button. 2 Select ‘Other Setup’, then press ENTER. 3 Select ‘HDMI Control Setup’ from the Other Setup menu. 7.Other Setup a. b. c. d. e. HDMI Control OFF :Finish Select the ‘HDMI Control’ setting you want. • ON – Enables the HDMI Control function.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 67 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other Settings 10 Chapter 10: Other Settings The Input Setup menu You only need to make settings in the Input Setup menu if you didn’t hook up your digital equipment according to the default settings (see Input function default and possible settings on page 68). In this case, you need to tell the receiver what equipment is hooked up to which terminal so the buttons on the remote correspond to the components you’ve connected.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 68 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 10 Other Settings Input function default and possible settings The terminals on the rear of the receiver generally correspond to the name of one of the input source functions. If you have connected components to this receiver differently from (or in addition to) the defaults below, see The Input Setup menu on page 67 to tell the receiver how you’ve connected up. The dots () indicate possible assignments.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 69 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other Settings 10 Multi Channel Input Setup ZONE Audio Setup You can adjust the level of the subwoofer for a multichannel input. Also, when the multi-channel input is selected as an input source, you can display the video images of other input sources. In the Multi Channel Input Setup, you can assign a video input to the multi-channel input.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 70 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Other Settings 10 SR+ Setup for Pioneer flat panel TVs OSD Adjustment Make the following settings if you have connected a Pioneer flat panel TV to this receiver using an SR+ cable. Note that the number of function settings available will depend on the flat panel TV you’ve connected. Use this feature to adjust your TV display if it seems difficult to see all the instructions on the screen.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 71 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Using other functions 11 Chapter 11: Using other functions Setting Setting the Audio options There are a number of additional sound settings you can make using the Audio Parameter menu. The defaults, if not stated, are listed in bold. Important • Note that if a setting doesn’t appear in the Audio Parameter menu, it is unavailable due to the current source, settings and status of the receiver. 1 MID/LDN OFF BASS Adjusts the amount of bass.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 72 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 11 Using other functions Setting What it does DRC (Dynamic Range Control) Adjusts the level of dynamic range for movie soundtracks optimized for Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio (you may need to use this feature when listening to surround sound at low volumes).
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 73 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Using other functions Setting What it does Converts video signals for output V. CONV (Digital from the MONITOR OUT jacks for Video all video types. Conversion) 11 Option(s) ON OFF BRIGHT Adjusts the overall brightness. (Brightness) –10 to +10 Default: 0 CONTRAST Adjusts the contrast between light and dark. –10 to +10 Default: 0 HUE Adjusts the red/green balance. –10 to +10 Default: 0 CHROMA Adjusts saturation from dull to bright.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 74 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 11 Using other functions Reducing the level of an analog signal Dimming the display The input attenuator lowers the input level of an analog signal when it’s too strong. You can use this if you find the that the OVER indicator is lights often, or you can hear distortion in the sound.1 You can choose between four brightness levels for the front panel display.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 75 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Using other functions 11 The front panel display shows each of the following settings for three seconds each: Input source ↓ Surround Back Processing ↓ MCACC preset ↓ ZONE 2 ↓ HDMI Control Default MULTI-ZONE Zone 2 Volume Type Variable Zone 2 Volume –60 dB SR+ SR+ Control On/Off OFF SR+ Volume Control On/Off OFF Monitor Out OFF DSP 2 When you’re finished, press STATUS again to switch off the display.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 76 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 12 Controlling the rest of your system Chapter 12: Controlling the rest of your system Setting the remote to control other components Most components can be assigned to one of the input source buttons (such as DVD or CD) using the component’s manufacturer preset code stored in the remote.
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VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 78 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 12 Controlling the rest of your system Button(s) Function Components TV Press to switch the component assigned to the TV CTRL button on or off. Cable TV/ Satellite TV/TV/ DTV INPUT Switches the TV input. (Not possible with all models.) Cable TV/ Satellite TV/TV/ DTV CH +/– Selects channels. Cable TV/ Satellite TV/TV/ DTV VOL +/– Adjust the TV volume. SOURCE Switches the DTV on or off.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 79 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Controlling the rest of your system Button(s) Function Components ENTER/ CLASS Chooses the disc. Multiple CD player Use as the ENTER button. VCR/DVD/BD player Displays the setup screen for DVR DVR player players. Changes sides of the LD.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 80 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information Chapter 13: Additional information Troubleshooting 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.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 81 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Additional information Symptom 13 Remedy No sound from the surround or • Check that the Stereo listening mode or the Front Stage Surround Advance mode isn’t selected; center speakers. select one of the surround listening modes (see Listening in surround sound on page 30). • Check that the surround/center speakers are not set to NO (see Speaker Setting on page 48). • Check the channel level settings (see Channel Level on page 49).
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 82 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information Other audio problems Symptom Remedy Broadcast stations cannot be selected automatically, or there is considerable noise in radio broadcasts. For FM broadcasts • Fully extend the FM wire antenna, adjust the position for best reception and secure to a wall, etc. • Use an outdoor antenna for better reception (see page 23). For AM broadcasts • Adjust the position and direction of the AM antenna.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 83 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Additional information 13 Video Symptom Remedy No image is output when an input is selected. • Check the video connections of the source component (see page 18). • For high-definition video (using component video connections), or when digital video conversion is switched off (in Setting the Video options on page 72), you must connect your TV to this receiver using the same type of video cable as you used to connect your video component.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 84 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information Professional Calibration EQ graphical output Symptom Remedy The EQ response displayed in the graphical output following calibration does not appear entirely flat. • There are cases where the graph does not appear flat (even when selecting ALL CH ADJUST in the Auto MCACC Setup) due to adjustments made to compensate for room characteristics to achieve optimal sound.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 85 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Additional information 13 Remote control Symptom Remedy Cannot be remote controlled. • Try replacing the batteries in the remote control (see Loading the batteries on page 8). • Be sure to operate within 7 m (23 feet) and a 30º angle of the remote sensor on the front panel (see Operating range of remote control unit on page 26). • Check that there are no obstacles between the receiver and the remote control.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 86 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information HDMI 86 En Symptom Remedy The HDMI indicator blinks continuously. • Check all the points below. No picture or sound. • This receiver is HDCP-compatible. Check that the components you are connecting are also HDCPcompatible. If they are not, please connect them using the component or composite video jacks.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 87 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Additional information Important information regarding the HDMI connection There are cases where you may not be able to route HDMI signals through this receiver (this depends on the HDMIequipped component you are connecting–check with the manufacturer for HDMI compatibility information). If you aren’t receiving HDMI signals properly through this receiver (from your component), please try one of the following configurations when connecting up.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 88 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information Symptom Cause Action CH Unavailable The selected channel is not available. The channel may have been reassigned to a different channel number. This message may occur initially with a new radio or a radio that has not received XM’s signal for an extended period. Consult the latest channel guide at www.xmradio.com for the current list of channels.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 89 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Additional information Surround sound formats Below is a brief description of the main surround sound formats you’ll find on DVDs, satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasts, and video cassettes. Dolby The Dolby technologies are explained below. See www.dolby.com for more detailed information.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 90 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, “Surround EX” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. DTS The DTS technologies are explained below. See www.dtstech.com for more detailed information. DTS-EXPRESS DTS-EXPRESS is a low-bitrate encoding technology supporting up to 5.1 channels with fixed data transfer rates.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 91 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Additional information About XM 13 your XM Ready audio system on for up to an hour. When you can access the full lineup on your XM Ready audio system you are done. XM Ready® is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc. The XM® name and related logo are registered trademarks of XM Satellite Radio Inc. All rights reserved. About SIRIUS U.S.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 92 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information Listening modes with different input signal formats The following charts outline the listening modes available with different input signal formats, depending on the surround back channel processing and decoding method you have selected. Stereo (2 channel) signal formats SBch Processing Input signal format Standard Auto Surround SBch Processing ON/AUTO (Automatically selects 6.1/7.
VSX-1018AH_KU.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 94 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information Multichannel signal formats SBch Processing Input signal format Standard Auto Surround SBch Processing ON (7.1 channel decoding used for all sources) Dolby Digital Plus Dolby TrueHD DTS-HD DTS-HD Master Audio WMA9 Pro PCM (6.1/7.1 channel) Straight decoding Straight decoding Dolby Digital Plus Dolby TrueHD (5.1 channel) Dolby Digital EX DTS-EXPRESS DTS-HD DTS-HD Master Audio (5.1 channel) Dolby Digital EX (6.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 95 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Additional information 13 SBch Processing Input signal format Standard Auto Surround SBch Processing AUTO (Automatically selects 6.1/7.1 channel decoding) Dolby Digital Plus Dolby TrueHD DTS-HD DTS-HD Master Audio WMA9 Pro PCM (6.1/7.1 channel) Straight decoding Straight decoding Dolby Digital EX (6.1 channel flagged) Dolby Digital EX SBch Processing OFFb a Dolby Digital EX 2 Pro Logic llx MOVIEa DTS-ES (6.1 channel sources/6.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 96 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information Stream direct with different input signal formats The following charts show what you will hear with different input signal formats, depending on the Stream Direct mode (see Using Stream Direct on page 32) you have selected.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 97 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Additional information 13 Component Video Section Specifications Amplifier section Continuous average power output of 110 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 (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 8 Ω, 0.09 %) Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 W + 110 W Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 98 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 13 Additional information Cleaning the unit • Use a polishing cloth or dry cloth to wipe off dust and dirt. • When the surface is dirty, wipe with a soft cloth dipped in some neutral cleanser diluted five or six times with water, and wrung out well, and then wipe again with a dry cloth. Do not use furniture wax or cleansers.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 99 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM Additional information 13 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 Electronics Group want you to get the most out of your equipment by playing it at a safe level.
VSX-1018AH_KU.book Page 100 Monday, March 10, 2008 4:51 PM 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. 1–800–421–1404 Please do not ship your product to Pioneer without first calling the Customer Support at the above listed number for assistance. Pioneer Electronics Service, Inc. P.