A/V RECEIVERS REFERENCE GUIDE

Pioneer A/V Receivers

Images for illustrative purposes only
Innovations for Enjoying Various Contents
HDMI (V.1.4a with 3D), Deep Colour, x.v.Colour Control with HDMI DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD Various Speaker Settings Wide Surround Dolby Pro Logic IIz Virtual Height Virtual Surround Back Front Stage Surround Advance iPod/iPhone Digital Connection via USB iControlAV iPhone Application for A/V Receiver Control Front USB Input Internet Radio Bluetooth Ready Sound Retriever AIR Multi-Zone Refined GUI for Smooth Operation
Applicable models displayed in icons:

420 RS320

VSX-1020-K VSX-920-K VSX-820-K VSX-520-K VSX-420-K VSX-RS320-K

Audio Technologies

Phase Control MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System)/Advanced MCACC Standing Wave Control Advanced Sound Retriever/Multi-Channel Advanced Sound Retriever Auto Level Control/Multi-Channel Auto Level Control Jitter Reduction PQLS with HDMI/PQLS 2ch Audio

Video Technologies

Anchor Bay 1080p Video Scaler Digital Video Converter PureCinema Deinterlacer

For General Area

HDMI (V.1.4a with 3D), Deep Colour, x.v.Colour

820 520

Pioneer's latest A/V receivers feature HDMI V. 1.4a with 3D technology. You can enjoy the latest 3D Blu-ray Discs and broadcasts by combining the A/V receivers with a 3D compatible Blu-ray Disc player or tuner (STB) and display via HDMI connection. The A/V receivers also support Deep Colour and x.v.Colour for vibrant, lifelike colours with smooth gradation transitions. Enjoy full-digital transfer of high-definition audio as well as up to 1080p video signals by HDMI connection. Multi-channel PCM (192 kHz), lossless bitstream, and SACD* audio can also be processed by HDMI single cable connection.
* SACD multi-channel audio not available for VSX-820-K/VSX-520-K/VSX-420-K/VSX-RS320-K
HDMI Terminals 3D Deep Colour x.v.Colour 1080p Transferring Control with HDMI
VSX-1020-K VSX-920-K VSX-820-K VSX-520-K

VSX-420-K/ VSX-RS320-K

High Definition Audio Formats Control with HDMI

1020 920

HDMI connection with compatible products allows the following linked operations: Volume adjustment/mute of A/V receiver via TV Automatic input change when TV channel is switched or playback starts on a player Linked power on/off with TV
* For details on compatible TV and components, see http://pioneer.jp/homeav/support/hdmi_cec/
DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD provide sound that is bitfor-bit identical to the studio master, delivering sound at extremely high variable bit rates far exceeding standard DVDs.
Comparison of High Definition Audio Formats Compressed Uncompressed Lossless Lossy Dolby TrueHD Dolby Digital Plus Linear PCM

DTS-HD Master Audio

DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD
DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD are the highest quality audio formats available, provided by the huge capacity Blu-ray Disc to complement its high-definition videos. These new-generation audio codecs bring you the equivalent of the original soundtrack, just as intended by the creator.
Uncompressed 48 kHz/ 16-bit audio format similar to CD, but with DTS-HD High Resolution Audio higher sampling frequencies and quantization. No decoding required.
Video Technologies Lineup Feature Comparison

Various Speaker Settings

Fig. 1
Speaker Layout Examples Standard 7.1ch
Previous A/V receiver models only allowed surround back speakers for a 7.1-channel layout (Fig. 1). This year's lineup provides more options in terms of speaker placement. Combine front wide speakers (Fig. 2) with Pioneer-original Wide Surround mode to enjoy more spacious sound in the front. Or place front height speakers (Fig. 3) and use Dolby Pro Logic IIz for vertical-spreading sound.

Wide Surround Mode

Front Wide Speakers + Wide Surround Mode

Fig. 2

Pioneer's Wide Surround Mode creates sound with highly dense motion feeling around the front and the sides. Wide Surround Movie provides motion feeling in front, while Wide Surround Music creates a wide-spreading sound field in the foreground.

Dolby Pro Logic IIz

Dolby Pro Logic IIz realises more spacious surround sound by adding front height channels to the conventional 5.1ch/7.1ch speaker settings. The enveloping sound with additional depth and dimension creates a lifelike listening experience. Dolby Pro Logic IIz does not require special contents, and works with existing soundtracks.
Front Height Speakers + Dolby Pro Logic IIz

Fig. 3

Virtual Height
If you want to experience vertically falling sound but can not place front height speakers, there's a perfect solution. Pioneer's newly developed Virtual Height mode (Fig. 4) creates a height sound image without front height speakers, letting you enjoy enveloping virtual 7.1-channel sound from 5.1-channel speaker settings.

Virtual Height Mode

Fig. 4

Virtual Surround Back

Lineup
Want to be thrilled by surrounding sound from behind, but don't have the space for surround back speakers? Then try Virtual Surround Back mode (Fig. 5). It simulates 7.1-channel surround sound, giving the impression that you have surround back speakers when listening to a 5.1-channel source. What's more, by turning on both Virtual Height and Virtual Surround Back modes, you can enjoy a virtual 9.1-channel sound on a 5.1-channel speaker setting. By adding front wide speakers, you can enjoy virtual 11.1-channel sound from 7.1-channel speaker layout.
Virtual Surround Back Mode

Fig. 5

Feature Comparison
Front Stage Surround Advance
With Front Stage Surround Advance, you can enjoy surround sound coming from only the front speakers and the subwoofer. Since wall reflections are not used, the setup is less dependent on the room environment, allowing front alignment of the speakers. Front Stage Surround Advance creates an excellent sound image and natural sound.
iPod/iPhone Digital Connection via USB
Enjoy iPod music via digital connection. The included iPod/iPhone connection cable allows direct USB connection to the front panel without having to buy a docking station. The audio signals are directly transferred to the A/V receiver's highperformance DAC, offering superior sound compared to analogue connections. What's more, you can operate your iPod with the A/V receiver's remote control. With an iPhone/iPod touch, you can even watch YouTube video content enlarged on your TV screen. In addition to simple 'plug and play' connectivity, you can display the album artwork* in colour on your TV. The new Cover List feature lets you visually choose an album from thumbnail images. Song titles can be shown in 7 languages*.
* Except for VSX-820 Functions such as the equaliser cannot be controlled using the pre-main amplifier or receiver, so we recommend you to turn off the equalizer before connecting. iPod is for legal or rightholder-authorised copying only. Don't steal music.

Connection Comparison

Analogue Audio (previous)

Digital Audio

With a conventional iPod connection, D/A conversion is done within the iPod, and the extra process deteriorates sound quality. With iPod digital, D/A conversion is done immediately before the output stage, providing clean sound.
iPod/iPhone Video Playback
Various video contents (ex. YouTube) New Pioneer A/V Receiver

iPod/iPhone

iControlAV iPhone Application for A/V Receiver Control
iControlAV is an iPhone/iPod touch application developed by Pioneer, freely downloadable from the App Store. The application allows you to use your iPhone/iPod touch as a remote for controlling the A/V receiver's functions such as volume, zone, input, PQLS, Phase Control, balance, and emphasis, as well as basic functions of Pioneer's latest Blu-ray Disc player. Enjoy smooth control on your iPhone/iPod touch screen, with support for 7 languages (same setting as your iPhone/iPod touch).

* A/V receiver needs to be connected to a wired LAN in a wireless LAN network.

USB VIDEO

Video from iPod
iControlAV for iPhone/iPod touch
Wireless LAN Access Point LAN

Control

Precision (PQLS/Phase Control)

Balance

Wireless LAN

Emphasis (Dialog/Bass)

BDP Control

iPhone

iPhone iPhone 3G iPhone 3GS

5th gen.

iPod classic

iPod touch

1st gen. 2nd gen. 1st gen. 2nd gen.

iPod nano

3rd gen. 4th gen. 5th gen.
VSX-1020-K VSX-920-K VSX-820-K VSX-520-K VSX-420-K/VSX-RS320-K

AV AV AV AV AV

A A A A A
AV = Audio file playback compatible with OSD and remote control. Video file playback requires iPod operation. For VSX-1020/VSX-1025/VSX-925, video playback also compatible with OSD and remote control. A = Audio file playback compatible with OSD and remote control. (As of April 1, 2010)

Front USB Input

The front panel USB input terminal allows straightforward connection to a USB memory stick. This plug and play connectivity will enable you to easily play music files or watch JPEG pictures*.

* VSX-1020/VSX-920 only

Internet Radio
Listen to a multitude of radio programs from around the world on the Internet. The A/V receivers come with 24 preset URLs. You can also register your favourite stations by just copying and pasting the URL through your PC's web browser, or by manual input from the remote control or a USB keyboard.

Bluetooth Ready

By using the AS-BT100 optional Bluetooth adapter, you can enjoy wireless transmission of audio contents from compatible devices such as iPhone/iPod touch (with OS 3.0 or later), iPod with a Bluetooth transmitter, mobile phone, or personal computer.
AS-BT100 Optional Bluetooth Adapter
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)

Sound Retriever AIR

When streaming music via Bluetooth, the sound quality often suffers due to the compression process. Pioneer's Sound Retriever AIR is the world's first technology for improving the quality of Bluetooth transmitted sound. It restores the music cadence lost through compression, and also reduces the noise generated by Bluetooth transmission for a better S/N ratio.
AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) Registers up to 8 devices

Video Technologies Lineup

Sound Retriever AIR OFF

Improvement for S/N Ratio

-80 14.5dB -100 db

: OFF : ON 1k Hz 20k

Sound Retriever AIR ON

Multi-Zone (ZONE 2)
With Pioneer's Multi-Zone, you can play music from different sources in two zones at the same time. Besides multi-zone audio, compatible A/V receivers can also play multi-zone video (composite video*).

* VSX-1020 only

Multi-Zone (ZONE2)

Front Right

Left Zone 2
C Front Left Centre Subwoofer

Surround Left

Surround Right
Refined GUI for Smooth Operation
Simultaneous playback of separate sources The GUI on the latest A/V receivers has been further refined, resulting in enhanced ease-of-use. Each function has a dedicated GUI screen, displaying for instance iPod/iPhone data, speaker settings, or EQ adjustments, in 7 selectable languages English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Dutch, and Russian.

GUI Images

EQ Adjustments

Reverb Characteristic

Zone 2

Phase Control

When amplifying multi-channel audio signals, receivers use a Low Pass Filter (LPF) to process low-frequency signals for subwoofer output. This causes phase lag a delay of approximately 5 msec of the low-frequency signals compared to the main channel signals. As a result, the delayed bass makes the sound lack synchronisation. Pioneer's Phase Control technology effectively eliminates phase lag and significantly improves the multi-channel sound without any extra operation.
The "Phase Control" Compensates for the Delay of Low-Frequency Sound
Source A/V Receiver Speakers

PHASE CONTROL

MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System)
Acoustic Calibration by MCACC
Create the optimum acoustic environment with Pioneer's MCACC, created with the expertise of professional recording studios. The system complete with custom microphone automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalises response.
Before Calibration Speaker distance, sound pressure level, and frequency response are all uneven. After Calibration Speaker distance, sound pressure level, and frequency response are all equalised.
The sound field is automatically measured using the supplied mic.

SET-UP MIC SET-UP MIC

Advanced MCACC 1020

Calibration

Speaker sizes and number of speakers are automatically detected.
The Advanced MCACC uses a 3D calibration method with even more precise measurements by including the time axis. The A/V receivers also feature a speaker polarity check for detecting misconnected cables, and a reverb measurement display for showing before/after calibration results. The latest improvement allows measured data to be saved on USB memory for cable-less PC viewing. The system automatically measures crossover frequency much easier than the previous manual setting.

Standing Wave Control

Acoustic standing waves occur when the sound waves from your speaker resonate with those reflected off the walls. Depending on the speaker placement, your listening position or the shape of the room, standing waves have a negative effect on the overall sound, especially in certain lower frequencies. Standing Wave Control effectively decreases resonance and prevents inaccurate EQ-setting calibration.
Standing Wave in a Typical Listening Room

= Standing Waves

Advanced Sound Retriever

Sound pressure

Advanced Sound Retriever Restoration Image
Restoration of lost music cadence
Sound pressure CD sound Compressed sound Sound pressure
Advanced Sound Retriever Compensation Effect

+0 -20 -40 dBrA

Pioneer's latest A/V receivers feature the Advanced Sound Retriever, which restores the output of compressed audio such as WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, and MP3 to the level of CD sound. The Advanced Sound Retriever creates new signals to restore the minor details left out during the compression process.
Sound Retriever ON Restored sound

-60 -80

-100 -120 -5k 10k 15k 20k Hz
Sound density Sound density CD sound Sound density Compressed sound
Multi-Channel Advanced Sound Retriever
Advanced Sound Retriever for multi-surround sound is compatible with DVD soundtracks featuring Dolby Digital or DTS.

Original Sound Advanced Sound Retriever ON Advanced Sound Retriever OFF
Low Middle High Frequency
Auto Level Control for Muli Surround Playback

Auto Level Control

Auto Level Control equalises volume level differences between tracks when playing music from an iPod or other sources.

Music Satellite/Cable

Hi-Def Movie

Track 1 Track 2 Track 3

Different Volumes
Standardised Playback Volume
Multi-Channel Auto Level Control
Multi-channel Auto Level Control supports surround sound playback, maintaining a consistent level and clear audio even at a low volume.

Sound Level Equalisation

Sound Degradation from Jitter

Jitter Reduction

Using a Pioneer-exclusive IC, the jitter reduction circuit creates highly accurate clock signals, then digitally reshapes the waveform of the audio clock. The result is greatly reduced jitter and signal distortion for all input, realising more accurate sound image as well as a natural sound field.
Example: Speech Wave Level Original D/A conversion by jitterless clock => same as original
D/A conversion by clock with jitter => different from original

PQLS with HDMI

Pioneer's Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) technology eliminates distortion caused by timing errors, giving the best possible digital-to-analogue conversion. Through HDMI connection, the PQLS 2ch Audio allows accurate CDDA signal transmission from a compatible Pioneer Blu-ray Disc player, reproducing jitter-free, dynamic sound.
Jitter effects on D/A conversion prevents accurate signal conversion
Jitterless Transmission (PQLS)
A/V Receiver Blu-ray Disc Player

Servo Circuit

Control Data Transfer

HDMI IN/OUT

HDMI IN/OUT Clocking Crystal

Data Transfer

AV decoder
AUDIO DATA AUDIO CLOCK CONTROL DATA

DATA MEMORY

Audio signal with jitter
Jitterless signal via PQLS
VSX-1020-K VSX-920-K MCACC (Advanced) Advanced Sound Retriever (Multi) Auto Level Control (Multi) Jitter Reduction PQLS (2ch) (Advanced) (Multi) (Multi) (2ch)

VSX-820-K (2ch) (2ch)

VSX-520-K (2ch) (2ch)
VSX-420-K/ VSX-RS320-K (2ch) (2ch)
Anchor Bay 1080p Video Scaler
With the highly acclaimed Anchor Bay video scaler, the A/V receivers can convert standard definition analogue video signals up to 1080p digital resolution to best match the HDTV's performance. The upscaler on the A/V receivers can realise up to a 1080p high-definition picture from a standard definition picture. In addition to analogue video, HDMI input can also be upscaled.
HDMI Video Upscaling/Downscaling
HDMI INPUT 1080p24 1080p 1080i 720p 480p 576p HDMI OUTPUT 1080p24 1080p 1080i 720p 480p 576p 480i 576i
HDMI Scalable signal pass

Digital Video Converter

Composite or component input video signals can be converted for HDMI output to view on a compatible display. You can also convert from composite to component or vice-versa.

480i 576i

Analogue Video Upscaling/Downscaling
Analogue INPUT 1080p24 1080p 1080i 720p 480p 576p 480i 576i HDMI OUTPUT 1080p24 1080p 1080i 720p 480p 576p 480i 576i
Digital Video Converter with HDMI Output
Input HDMI Component Composite Video
* TV audio/video output via A/V receiver by HDMI connection may not be available depending on the source device. Green arrows only for 480i/576i signals.

Output

PureCinema Deinterlacer
Movies are filmed and recorded on Blu-ray Discs or DVDs at 24 frames per second (fps). This needs to be converted to be able to enjoy movies in near-original quality on your flat screen TV. The PureCinema Deinterlacer can smoothly process the frames without losing the natural feel of the movies. Sources filmed in 30fps can also be processed to offer genuine movie quality.

1080/24p Output

24p Direct Output PureCinema Deinterlacer Original Film (24fps) 2-3 Pull-Down (60i) Normal I/P Conversion (60p)
24 frames/second (Progressive)
Direct output of Blu-ray Disc contents recorded at original 24fps
60 frames/second Interlace Progressive
Unable to output 24fps video signals in original quality

VSX-1020-K

VSX-920-K
Innovations for Enjoying Various Contents Lineup

VSX-820-K

VSX-520-K

VSX-RS320-K

VSX-420-K
Innovations for Enjoying Various Contents Audio Technologies Lineup Video Technologies
FEATURE COMPARISON: A/V RECEIVERS
VSX-1020-K Innovations for Enjoying Various Contents HDMI Terminals HDMI V. 1.4a with 3D Deep Colour/x.v.Colour Control with HDMI DTS-HD Master Audio Dolby TrueHD Various 7.1-ch Speaker Settings Dolby Pro Logic IIz Virtual Height Virtual Surround Back Wide Surround iPod/iPhone Digital Connection via USB iControlAV Front USB Input Internet Radio Bluetooth Ready Sound Retriever AIR Multi-Zone Refined GUI Audio Technologies Phase Control MCACC Standing Wave Control Advanced Sound Retriever Auto Level Control Jitter Reduction PQLS Front Stage Surround Advance TODOROKI Mode Video Technologies Anchor Bay 1080p Video Scaler Digital Video Converter PureCinema Deinterlacer

6 in (incl. 1 front)/1 out Zone 2 (Advanced) (Multi) (Multi) (2ch Audio) (Focus/Wide)
4 in/1 out Zone 2 (Audio only) (Advanced) (Multi) (Multi) (2ch Audio) (Focus/Wide)

4 in/1 out

3 in/1 out

VSX-420-K/ VSX-RS320-K

2 in/1 out

Zone 2 (Audio only)

(2ch) (2ch)

(2ch) (2ch)

(VSX-RS320-K only)
iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod touch, and iTunes Store are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. DTS and the Symbol are registered trademarks & the DTS logos are trademarks of DTS, Inc. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. The Bluetooth word mark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Bluetooth functionality requires a compatible A2DP profile Bluetoothenabled device. Certain Bluetooth features may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices. HDMI, the HDMI Logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries. x.v.Color is a trademark of Sony Corporation. Anchor Bay is a registered trademark of Anchor Bay Technologies, Inc. Phase Control is a trademark placed on a product with Pioneer's Phase Control Technology concept. The technology enables high-grade sound reproduction environment by improving the phase matching for each of the components.