Pioneer VSX-D908S - Manuals

5 Table of Contents Before You Start ..................................................................................... 6 Checking the Supplied Accessories ................................................................ 6How to Use This Manual .......................................................

6 Checking the Supplied Accessories Please check that you have received all of the following supplied accessories. FM wire antenna How to Use This Manual This manual is for the VSX-D908S Audio/Video Multi-Channel Receiver. This manual is divided into three main sections which will tell you how to se...

7 PREP ARA TION Preparing the Remote Control Loading the batteries Load the batteries into the remote control as shown below.Please use alkaline batteries. When you notice a decrease in the operating range of the remote control, replace all batteries with new ones. Before You Start Operating range o...

8 DIGITAL IN OUT OUT IN IN IN VCR2 CONTROL VCR1 PHONO MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE REMOTE IN VIDEO OUT TV/ SAT IN TO MONITOR TV DVD /LD IN VIDEO OUT FRONT SPEAKERS SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SE REPORTER AU MOODE D'EMPLOI SURROUND SPEAKERS FRONT SPEAKERS SWITCHED TOTAL 100W(0.8A)MAX UNSWITCHED 100W(0.8A)MAX CE...

9 Connecting Your Equipment PREP ARA TION DIGITAL IN OUT OUT IN IN IN VCR2 CONTROL VCR1 PHONO MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE REMOTE IN VIDEO OUT TV/ SAT IN TO MONITOR TV DVD /LD IN VIDEO OUT FRONT SPEAKERS SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SE REPORTER AU MOODE D'EMPLOI SURROUND SPEAKERS FRONT SPEAKERS SWITCHED TOTAL 1...

10 Connecting Your Equipment DIGITAL IN OUT OUT IN IN IN VCR2 CONTROL VCR1 PHONO MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE REMOTE IN VIDEO OUT TV/ SAT IN TO MONITOR TV DVD /LD IN VIDEO OUT FRONT SPEAKERS SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SE REPORTER AU MOODE D'EMPLOI SURROUND SPEAKERS FRONT SPEAKERS SWITCHED TOTAL 100W(0.8A)MAX ...

11 Connecting Your Equipment PREP ARA TION Example of Connection Using a DVD/LD or LD player When playing LD recorded in Dolby Digital To connect a DVD/LD player or LD player with it’s AC-3 RF output, a commercially available RF demodulator(RFD-1) is required. The RF demodulator changes the RF signa...

12 Connecting Your Equipment External Decoder Input In some cases you may need an external decoder to play special analog or DVD sources. If you find you need anexternal decoder hook one up as shown below, but for most people this component is unnecessary. (See p.43)When connecting your equipment al...

13 Connecting Your Equipment PREP ARA TION FM UNBAL 75 Ω FM ANTENNA AM LOOP ANTENNA FM ANTENNA 7 AM loop antenna 75 Ω coaxial cable Antennas Hook up the supplied radio antennas as shown below. When connecting your equipment always make sure thepower is turned off and the power cord is disconnected f...

14 Connecting Your Equipment Speakers A full complement of six speakers is shown here but, naturally, everyone’s home set up will vary. Simplyconnect the speakers you have in the manner described below. The VSX-D908S will work with just two stereospeakers (called “front” speakers in the diagram) but...

15 Connecting Your Equipment PREP ARA TION First turn the receiver off, then press the power buttonwhile holding down the SPEAKERS button. Choose the impedance setting by pressing the SPEAKERS button again.You can choose the 8 Ω -16 Ω setting or the 6 Ω -8 Ω setting. To check which impedance the amp...

16 Connecting Your Equipment Speaker placement If you have a multiple speaker arrangement the placement of the speakers is extremely important. To achievethe best possible surround sound, install your speakers as shown below. Make sure all speakers are installedsecurely to prevent accidents and impr...

17 Connecting Your Equipment PREP ARA TION DIGITAL IN OUT OUT IN IN IN VCR2 CONTROL VCR1 PHONO MULTI-ROOM &SOURCE REMOTE IN VIDEO OUT TV/ SAT IN TO MONITOR TV DVD /LD IN VIDEO OUT FRONT SPEAKERS SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SE REPORTER AU MOODE D'EMPLOI SURROUND SPEAKERS FRONT SPEAKERS SWITCHED TOTAL ...

18 Display All the display information is explained and/or referenced here. 1 SIGNAL SELECT indicators Light to indicate the type of input signal assignedfor the current component (see “Front Panel”, % , SIGNAL SELECT). ANALOG : Lights when an analog signal is selected. DIGITAL : Lights when a digit...

19 PREP ARA TION = LFE indicator LFE (Low Frequency Effects) indicator lights toindicate that the program source contains an LFEchannel. The indicator under the LFE lights duringactual playback of the LFE signals (LFE signalsare not present in all parts of the soundtrack). ~ Tuner indicators MONO : ...

20 Displays & Controls Front Panel All the controls on the front panel are explained and/or referenced here. To open the front panel push gently onthe lower third of the panel. 1 STANDBY/ON button Press to switch the receiver ON or into STANDBYmode. 2 STANDBY indicator Lights when the receiver i...

21 Displays & Controls PREP ARA TION - INPUT SELECTOR dial Turn to select a source component. The sourceindicators show the current component: DVD/LD : DVD player or Laser Disc player. TV/SAT : TV tuner or satellite tuner. CD : Compact Disc player. MD/TAPE 1 : Tape deck or Mini Disc recorder con...

22 Displays & Controls Remote Control 1 SOURCE button (See p.54-61) Use to turn on the power of your othercomponents after you have recalled or taught thesignals to this remote control. 2 MULTI CONTROL buttons Use these to select a source and thecorresponding remote operation mode.For example, p...

24 On Screen Display There are a number of possible ways to hook up the receiver to your video components, like a DVD player, andhook up to your receiver to your TV, but some of them won't allow you to use the on-screen display of this unit.To avoid this one simply needs to follow two rules. Setting...

25 Surround Sound Set Up SET UP 3 Press the 5 or ∞ arrow buttons to move the hand to the mode you want. Then press ENTER. In each mode, the current settings are displayed automatically. Wesuggest you adjust all these settings when you first hook up thereceiver. That gets them out of the way and you ...

26 Surround Sound Set Up Speaker Setting The following steps show you how to specify the type of speakers you connected. Use the 5¥∞ and 2¥3 arrow buttons to make a selection within the on-screen menus, and use the enter to register the information. 1 Select SPEAKER SETTING with the 5¥∞ buttons. See...

27 Surround Sound Set Up SET UP 3 Specify the type of speakers you connected. See theexplanations below for the meaning of each size. 1 Press 2 or 3 to move the hand to LARGE, SMALL, or NO (you can’t select NO for the FRONT speakers). 2 Press ∞ . 3 Repeat 1 and 2 for each speaker. Depending on your ...

28 Surround Sound Set Up Channel Delay Adding a slight delay to some speakers is necessary to achieve a surround sound effect. You need to figure outthe distance from your listening position to your speakers to add the proper delay. The following steps show youhow to set the delay time for each chan...

29 Surround Sound Set Up SET UP Channel Level The following steps show you how to balance the sound output level of your speakers. Proper speaker balanceis essential for obtaining high quality surround sound. If continuing from CHANNEL DELAY go to step 1. Ifstarting fresh, complete steps 1-3 in “Set...

31 Surround Sound Set Up SET UP Crossover Network The following steps show you how to adjust the crossover network. The crossover network is the frequency atwhich the system divides the signal and sends the different parts (high ,mid, low) to different speakers.Speaking precisely, this setting sets ...

32 Surround Sound Set Up Bass Peak Level Manager The LFE (Low Frequency Effect) channel in Dolby Digital or DTS program sources can produce heavilyconcentrated ultra-low bass tones that may exceed the capabilities of your speaker system. The following stepsshow you how to set the peak level for the ...

34 Surround Sound Set Up Digital-In Select In order to be able to use your digital equipment properly you need to assign digital inputs for each of the digitalcomponents you connected. Match the Digital 1-4 setting with the digital jacks1-4 in accordance with whatcomponent is hooked up to each digit...

35 OPERA TION Playing Sources with Stereo Sound The following instructions show you how to play audio or audio-visual stereo sources with the VSX-D908S. 1 Turn on the power of the playback component. 2 Press the RECEIVER button to turnon the receiver. Be sure that the standby indicator turns offon t...

36 Basic Playback Sound modes The four sound modes on the VSX-D908S are explained here. These can be turned on from the front panel orfrom the remote control.There are two cinema modes: STANDARD, and ADVANCED THEATER. These are designed to be used withmulti channel surround sound audio/visual source...

37 Basic Playback OPERA TION DSP modes The DSP (Digital Signal Processing) modes allow you to transform your living room into a variety of differentsonic environments when playing either two-channel or multi-channel sources. HALL 1 Simulates the acoustic effects of a large concert hall. Suitable for...

38 Basic Playback Selecting a Sound Mode To ensure the best possible surround sound, be sure to complete the set up procedures described in “SettingUp for Surround Sound” (starting on page 24) before using the sound modes. This is particularly important whenusing the (Dolby) Digital or DTS sources. ...

39 Basic Playback OPERA TION Playing Sources with Dolby Digital or DTS Sound The following instructions show you how to play Dolby Digital or DTS sound sources with the VSX-D908S. 1 Turn on the receiver. 2 Use the MULTI CONTROL buttons or the FUNCTIONbutton on the remote control, or the INPUTSELECTO...

40 Basic Playback Switching ANALOG/DIGITAL Signal Input This switch moves the input fed to the receiver between analog, digital sources. You need to take special careto switch to the appropriate input, when necessary. For example, the switch would have to be on digital to useDOLBY DIGITAL or DTS sur...

42 Basic Playback Listening in MIDNIGHT LISTENING Mode This feature makes it possible to get excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low volumes. Itcan be used with a variety of surround sound sources and plays soundtracks so that the quieter sounds areaudible while the noisier sound...

43 Basic Playback OPERA TION External decoder playback (front panel only) This feature allows you to connect an external decoder to enjoy certain types of specialized discs. Press EXTERNAL DECORDER IN. Each press switches the input between the previous mode andEXTERNAL DECODER. dB SIGNAL SELECT ANAL...

44 Basic Playback Adjusting bass and treble (tone control) (front panel only) Use BASS (–/+) or TREBLE (–/+) to adjust the low and high frequencies (the receiver must be in STEREO mode). Press BASS (–/+) to adjust the low frequencies. dB STEREO SIGNAL SELECT ANALOG SP A VOLUME Press TREBLE (–/+) to ...

46 Automatic and Manual Tuning The following steps show you how to tune in FM and AM radio broadcasts using the automatic (search) andmanual (step) tuning functions. If you already know the exact frequency of the station you desire, see “DirectAccess Tuning” on the following page. 1 Press the TUNER ...

47 Using the Tuner OPERA TION Direct Access Tuning The following steps show you how to tune directly to a specific frequency using the remote control. 1 Press TUNER. This selects the TUNER function on the receiver and sets theremote to the TUNER operation mode. 2 Press BAND button on the remote or t...

48 Using the Tuner Memorizing Frequently Used 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 Tune in the desired s...

49 Using the Tuner OPERA TION Recalling Memorized Stations Using the remote control 1 Press TUNER. This selects the TUNER function on the receiver and sets theremote to the TUNER operation mode. dB STEREO SIGNAL SELECT ANALOG SP A FM VOLUME 2 Press CLASS repeatedly to select a class number. Each pre...

50 Setting Up the Remote Control to Control OtherComponents In addition to controlling the receiver, the supplied remote control can operate your other components (VCR, TV,LD, CD, etc.) after you program it to do so. In this way, instead of fumbling with many different controls andbuttons, you only ...

52 Remote Control of Other component Learning mode: Programming signals from other remote controls If preset codes are not available for your component(s), or the available preset codes do not operate correctly,you can use this function to program in signals from the remote control(s) of your other ...

53 Remote Control of Other component OPERA TION 5 Press the button to be programmed. The MULTI CONTROL button lights steadily.• The TV POWER, TV FUNC and TV VOL +/– buttons are only available for learning when programming TV CONTROLoperations. 6 Point the remote controls at each other and press theb...

54 Remote Control of Other component Remote Controlling Other Components DVD or LD player operations • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you program your DVD or LD player’s preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see“Sett...

55 Remote Control of Other component OPERA TION VCR & DVD video recorder operations • The following operations are available from the receiver’s remote control after you program your VCR or DVD video recorder’s preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver(see “Setting ...

56 Remote Control of Other component CD player operations • The following operations are available from the receiver's remote control after you program your CD player's preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Compon...

60 Remote Control of Other component TV operations • The following operations are available from the receiver's remote control after you program your TV's preset code, but some operations may need to be learned by the receiver (see “Setting Up theRemote Control to Control Other Components,“ p. 50-53...

62 Recording from Audio Components The following explanations show you how to record an analog audio signal with the component you connectedto the MD/TAPE 1 or TAPE 2 MONITOR jacks. Note that you cannot record an component that is onlyconnected digitally. If you want to record from a digital compone...

63 Using Other Functions OPERA TION Recording from Digital Audio Components The following explanations show you how to record digital audio. Using this method you can make exact digitalcopies of sources like CDs or MDs. The only drawback is that you can’t switch between various recorders at thetouch...

64 Using Other Functions Recording from Video Components The following operations show you how to record audio and video to the video tape recorder connected to theVCR 1 or VCR 2 jacks. Note that all signals coming out of these jacks will be analog and it is not possible torecord DTS soundtracks. Th...

65 Using Other Functions OPERA TION Multi Operations Multi operations allow you to tell the receiver and your other components to do a number of things with thepush of just two buttons on the remote control. For example, you can program the unit to turn on your TV, turnon your DVD player, go into a ...

66 Using Other Functions 6 Repeat steps 4 and 5 to input MULTI OPERATIONS forthe components and commands you want to input.You can also tell the receiver to go into a specificsound mode (ADVANCED, STANDARD, MIDNIGHT,DSP or STEREO) by inputting that command (forexample, see operation 4 below). You ca...

67 Using Other Functions OPERA TION S0URCE DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 CD TV VOL TV FUNC MENU ENTER STEREO DIGITAL NR MIDNIGHT ADVANCED STANDARD DSP MUTE TV VOLUME MD/ TAPE1 TUNER TV CONT RECEIVER MULTI OPERATION CLASS MPX MULTI CONTROL DIRECT ACCESS STATION CHANNEL TUNING DTV ON/OFF DTV MENU EXIT DISC ...

68 Using Other Functions Setting up the direct function The direct function is designed in case you have an external video source connected to your TV (a video sourcethat is not going through the VSX-D908S). For this explanation we’ll call this the “external video deck.” You’dlike to control externa...

69 Using Other Functions OPERA TION Remote Back Light This function is useful for using the unit in a dark room. 1 Press and hold both REMOTE SETUP and 5 . The remote back light strength cycles in the following order: OFF MAX MID The default setting is MAX. S0URCE DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VCR2 CD TV VOL T...

70 Using Other Functions Resetting the Remote Control The following operations allow you to erase the settings stored in the remote control. Erasing the multi operations 1 Press and hold both REMOTE SETUP and 8 for more than 3 seconds. The MULTI CONTROL buttons will blink 3 times and all personalmul...

71 Using Other Functions OPERA TION Erasing the learned remote control commands 1 Press and hold both REMOTE SETUP and 9 for more than 3 seconds. The MULTI CONTROL buttons will blink 3 times and all signalswhich have been learned from other remote controls will beerased. S0URCE DVD/LD TV/SAT VCR1 VC...

72 Using Other Functions Multi-Room When used together with an IR receiver (a MULTI-ROOM System remote control sensor), this receiver iscapable of outputting two different sources at the same time. One to the (main) VIDEO OUT jack andSPEAKERS terminals and another to the MULTI-ROOM AUDIO and VIDEO O...

74 Using Other Functions Using the front panel with the MULTI-ROOM system 1 Press the MULTI ROOM & SOURCE button. The display shown below will illuminate when the receiver is inSTANDBY mode.Also, the MR&S button will light. 2 Press the CONTROL button. The light will start to blink. 3 Within ...

77 5.1 channel digitalsurround track 4 channel analogsound track (Matrix) DolbyDigitalencoding Dolby Digital for movie films Video Dolby Digital Dolby Digital is a compression format which recordsthe sound of 6 channels of the theater surroundsystem (Dolby Digital) on the movie film digital track.Of...

78 Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving DTS DTS has been adopted as a sound recording format in the latest movie theaters since the release of “JURASSICPARK” in 1993, and has a good reputation for high quality sound and dynamic surround effects.In this system, 6 channels of digital sound are recorde...

79 Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Manufacturer TOSHIBASONYPANASONICJVCSAMSUNGSHARPAKAIRCAPIONEER SONYPANASONICKENWOODPHILIPSMITSUBISHIRCAPIONEER RCASONYPIONEER RCA ZENITHMAGNAVOXFISHER PANASONICTOSHIBAJVC HITACHISONYMITSUBISHI SANYOSHARPGOLDSTAROPTIMUS GRANDIENTEPIONEER SONYTECHNICSKENWOODTEAC...

80 Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Troubleshooting Incorrect operations are often mistaken for trouble and malfunctions. If you think that there is something wrongwith this component, check the points below. Sometimes the trouble may lie in another component. Investigatethe other components and...

82 Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Specifications FM Tuner Section Frequency Range ......................... 87.5 MHz to 108 MHzUsable Sensitivity ...... Mono: 13.2 dBf, IHF (1.3 µV/75 Ω ) 50 dB Quieting Sensitivity ....................... Mono: 20.2 dBf Stereo: 38.6 dBf Signal-to-Noise Ratio ....

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 Plea...

We Want You Listening For ALifetime Used wisely, your new sound equipment will provide a lifetime of fun and enjoyment. Since hearing damage fromloud noise is often undetectable until it is too late, thismanufacturer and the Electronic Industries Association’sConsumer Electronics Group recommend you...