AV Receiver VSX-823-K Operating Instructions
CAUTION VENTILATION CAUTION TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. When installing this unit, make sure to leave space around the unit for ventilation to improve heat radiation (at least 40 cm at top, 20 cm at rear, and 20 cm at each side). D3-4-2-1-1_B1_En WARNING WARNING This equipment is not waterproof.
WARNING Operating environment temperature and humidity: +5 °C to +35 °C (+41 °F to +95 °F); less than 85 %RH (cooling vents not blocked) Do not install this unit in a poorly ventilated area, or in locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight (or strong artificial light) CAUTION The STANDBY/ON switch on this unit will not completely shut off all power from the AC outlet.
Contents Thank you for buying this Pioneer product. Please read through these operating instructions so you will know how to operate your model properly. Before you start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Checking what’s in the box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Flow of settings on the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 01 Controls and displays Front panel . . . . . . . .
Contents 08 Control with HDMI function Making Control with HDMI connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . HDMI Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Before using synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . About synchronized operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cautions on the Control with HDMI function . . . . . . . . . . 49 49 50 50 50 09 Controlling the rest of your system Setting the remote to control other components . . . . . . .
Before you start Checking what’s in the box Please check that you’ve received the following supplied accessories: • Setup microphone • Remote control • AAA size IEC R03 dry cell batteries (to confirm system operation) x2 • AM loop antenna • FM wire antenna • Power cord • Quick start guide • Safety Brochure • SPEAKER CAUTION Sheet (English only) • These operating instructions (CD-ROM) Flow of settings on the receiver The unit is a full-fledged AV receiver equipped with an abundance of functions and terminal
Chapter 1 Controls and displays 4 Front panel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7 19 25 11 12 13 14 15 1 INPUT SELECTOR dial Selects an input source (page 23). 2 SPEAKERS See Switching the speaker terminal on page 13. The Speaker System setting may or may not be displayed, depending on the input source you have selected. 3 MCACC indicator Lights when Acoustic Calibration EQ (page 33) is on (Acoustic Calibration EQ is automatically set to on after the Auto MCACC setup (page 21)).
1 15 ECO Switches between ECO Mode 1/ECO Mode 2. When ECO Mode is turned ON, the display will go dark (page 32). 16 iPod iPhone iPad DIRECT CONTROL Change the receiver’s input to the iPod and enable iPod operations on the iPod (page 26). 17 iPod/iPhone/iPad terminals Use to connect your Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad or USB mass storage device as an audio source (page 18). 18 HDMI input/MHL connector Use for connection to a compatible HDMI device (Video camera, etc.) (page 20).
1 Controls and displays • The following buttons are not used with this receiver: Remote control - PTY, SHIFT 1 2 3 4 11 RECEIVER SLEEP SOURCE RECEIVER INPUT 1 SLEEP Press to change the amount of time before the receiver switches into standby (30 min – 60 min – 90 min – Off). You can check the remaining sleep time at any time by pressing SLEEP once. 2 RECEIVER 12 Switches the receiver between standby and on.
1 10 Number buttons and other component controls Use the number buttons to directly select a radio frequency (page 29) or the tracks on a CD, etc. There are other buttons that can be accessed after RECEIVER is pressed. (For example MIDNIGHT, etc.) EQ – Press to switch on/off Acoustic Calibration EQ setting (page 33). PHASE – Press to switch on/off Phase Control (page 33). SIGNAL SEL – Press to select the audio input signal of the component to play back (page 23). S.
Chapter 2 Connecting your equipment Determining the speakers’ application • Refer to the chart below for placement of speakers you intend to connect. By connecting the left and right front speakers (L/R), the center speaker (C), the left and right surround speakers (SL/ SR), the left and right surround back speakers (SBL/SBR) (or the left and right front height speakers (FHL/FHR)), and the subwoofer (SW), a surround sound system up to 7.1 channel can be enjoyed. The 5.
2 Connecting your equipment Subwoofer Connecting the speakers Front right Front left Center The receiver will work with just two stereo speakers (the front speakers in the diagram) but using at least three speakers is recommended, and a complete setup is best for surround sound. Make sure you connect the speaker on the right to the right (R) terminal and the speaker on the left to the left (L) terminal.
2 Connecting your equipment Switching the speaker terminal Each press of the speaker button will switch the speaker used for playback: SP, SPA. Press repeatedly to choose a speaker terminal option: • SPA – Sound is output from the speakers connected to the A-speaker terminals (multichannel playback is possible). • SP – No sound is output from the speakers. Making cable connections Make sure not to bend the cables over the top of this unit (as shown in the illustration).
2 Connecting your equipment Analog audio cables Video cables Use stereo RCA phono cables to connect analog audio components. These cables are typically red and white, and you should connect the red plugs to R (right) terminals and white plugs to L (left) terminals. About video outputs connection Standard RCA video cables These cables are the most common type of video connection and are used to connect to the composite video terminals. The yellow plugs distinguish them from cables for audio.
2 Connecting a TV and playback components Connecting your equipment DVD player 4 HDMI/DVI-compatible components Blu-ray Disc player Connecting using HDMI If you have an HDMI or DVI (with HDCP) equipped component (Blu-ray Disc player, etc.), you can connect it to this receiver using a commercially available HDMI cable. If the TV and playback components support the Control with HDMI feature, the convenient Control with HDMI functions can be used (see Control with HDMI function on page 49).
2 Connecting your equipment Connecting your TV with no HDMI input This diagram shows connections of a TV (with no HDMI input) and DVD player (or other playback component) to the receiver. • With these connections, the picture is not output to the TV even if the DVD player is connected with an HDMI cable. Connect the DVD player’s video signals using a composite cable. • In order to listening to HD audio with this receiver, connect an HDMI cable, and use analog video cable for video signal input.
2 Connecting your equipment Connecting optional Bluetooth® ADAPTER When the Bluetooth ADAPTER (Pioneer Model No. AS-BT100 or AS-BT200) is connected to this unit, a product equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology (portable cell phone, digital music player, etc.) can be used to listen to music wirelessly. Connect a Bluetooth ADAPTER to the ADAPTER PORT terminal on the rear panel.
2 Connecting your equipment Using external antennas Connecting antennas Connect the AM loop antenna and the FM wire antenna as shown below. To improve reception and sound quality, connect external antennas (see Using external antennas below). fig. a Connecting an iPod To improve FM reception Connect an external FM antenna as shown below. This receiver has a dedicated iPod/iPhone/iPad terminals that will allow you to control playback of audio content from your iPod using the controls of this receiver.
2 Connecting your equipment • iPod recharging occurs whenever an iPod is connected to this unit. (Recharging is enabled only when the unit’s power is turned on.) • For instructions on playing the iPod, see Playing an iPod on page 25. Use a dedicated cable to enjoy iPod video If an iPod is connected using a dedicated iPod connection cable (sold separately), then video from the iPod can also be enjoyed on a TV that is connected to the receiver. • The iPod cable is not included with this receiver.
2 Connecting your equipment Connecting an HDMI-equipped component to the front panel input Plugging in the receiver Only plug in after you have connected all your components to this receiver, including the speakers. 1 Plug the supplied power cord into the AC IN socket on the back of the receiver. 2 Plug the other end into a power outlet. CAUTION Video camera (etc.) • Handle the power cord by the plug.
Chapter Basic Setup Before setting up This receiver allows you to adjust the system setup, using the on-screen display (OSD) that is shown on the TV screen. • The OSD will not appear if you have connected using the HDMI output to your TV. Use composite connections for system setup. First, follow the procedure below to make sure that the OSD screen is displayed. 1 the TV input to the input that connects this 2 Switch receiver to the TV through the corresponding Switch on the receiver and your TV.
3 Basic Setup ‘Auto MCACC’ from the Home Menu, then press the speaker configuration. 6 Select 9 Confirm ENTER. The configuration shown on-screen should reflect the actual speakers you have. Home Menu 1 . Auto M C AC C 2 . Manua l S P S e tu p 3 . Input A s s ig n 4. Auto Pow e r D ow n 5. HDMI S e tu p 6. Netwo rk S ta n d by 7. MHL S e tu p 8. OSD S e tu p • Mic In! blinks when the microphone is not connected to MCACC SETUP MIC jack. Try to be as quiet as possible after pressing ENTER.
Chapter 4 Basic playback Playing a source Here are the basic instructions for playing a source (such as a DVD disc) with your home theater system. RECEIVER SLEEP SOURCE AUDIO PARAMETER RECEIVER HOME MENU PTY iPod CTRL ENTER TUNE PRESET PRESET INPUT TOOLS MENU TUNE TOP MENU BAND RETURN MUTE on your system components and receiver. 1 Switch Start by switching on the playback component (for example a DVD player), your TV and subwoofer (if you have one), then the receiver (press RECEIVER).
4 • When digital input (optical or coaxial) is selected, this receiver can only play back Dolby Digital, PCM (32 kHz to 96 kHz) and DTS (including DTS 96 kHz/24 bit) digital signal formats. The compatible signals via the HDMI terminals are: Dolby Digital, DTS, SACD (DSD 2 ch only), PCM (32 kHz to 192 kHz sampling frequencies), Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-EXPRESS, DTS-HD Master Audio and DVD Audio (including 192 kHz). With other digital signal formats, set to A (analog).
4 Basic playback This receiver has the iPod iPhone iPad USB terminal that will allow you to control playback of audio content from your iPod using the controls of this receiver. Important on the receiver and your TV. 1 Switch See Connecting an iPod on page 18. the TV input so that it connects to the receiver. 2 Switch • Switch the TV input to the input that connects this receiver to the TV through the corresponding HDMI cable.
4 Basic playback receiver to the TV through the corresponding HDMI cable. Tip Press iPod/USB on the remote control to switch the 3 receiver to the iPod/USB input. When the display shows the names of folders and files, you’re ready to play from the USB device. If a USB Error message lights in the display, try following the points below: • Switch the receiver off, then on again. • Reconnect the USB device with the receiver switched off.
4 Basic playback About playable file formats FLAC The USB function of this receiver supports the following file formats. Note that some file formats are not available for playback although they are listed as playable file formats. With WAV, FLAC, AIFF and Apple Lossless files, when music files with the same format, sampling frequency, quantization bit number and number of channels are played successively, they are played with no gap. .
4 Basic playback Bluetooth® ADAPTER for Wireless Enjoyment of Music Bluetooth wireless technology enabled device: cell phone Bluetooth wireless technology enabled device: Digital music player Device not equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology: Digital music player + Bluetooth audio transmitter (sold commercially) Music data This receiver Bluetooth® ADAPTER Remote control operation Wireless music play When the Bluetooth ADAPTER (Pioneer Model No.
4 Basic playback and set it into the pairing mode. to see that the Bluetooth ADAPTER is detected by 6 Check the Bluetooth wireless technology device. When Bluetooth wireless technology device is connected: Bluetooth wireless technology device name appears in the receiver display. • The system can display alphanumeric characters only. Other characters may not be displayed correctly. When Bluetooth wireless technology device is not connected: WAITING appears in the receiver display.
4 Basic playback Manual tuning To change the frequency one step at a time, press TUNE /. High speed tuning Press and hold TUNE / for high speed tuning. If the TUNE or ST indicators don’t light when tuning to an FM station because the signal is weak, set the receiver to the mono reception mode. BAND to select FM MONO. Press This should improve the sound quality and allow you to enjoy the broadcast. ENTER.
Chapter 5 Listening to your system Choosing the listening mode This receiver offers a variety of listening modes to accommodate playback of various audio formats. Choose one according to your speaker environment or the source. While listening to a source, press the listening mode button repeatedly to select a listening mode you want.
5 Listening to your system Using the Advanced surround ADV SURR ADVANCED SURROUND The Advanced surround feature creates a variety of surround effects. Try different modes with various soundtracks to see which you like. ACTION Designed for action movies with dynamic soundtracks. DRAMA Designed for movies with lots of dialog. • ECO MODE will switch OFF automatically when switched to other listening modes (Advanced surround mode and Auto surround mode). F.S.S.
5 Listening to your system Using the Sound Retriever Listening with Acoustic Calibration EQ Better sound using Phase Control When audio data is removed during the compression process, sound quality often suffers from an uneven sound image. The Sound Retriever feature employs new DSP technology that helps bring CD quality sound back to compressed 2-channel audio by restoring sound pressure and smoothing jagged artifacts left over after compression.
5 Listening to your system Setting/What it does 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.
5 Listening to your system Setting/What it does 4 Option(s) DIMEN (Dimension) Adjusts the surround sound balance from front to back, making the sound more distant (minus settings), or more forward (positive settings). –3 to +3 Default: 0 PNRM. (Panorama)h Extends the front stereo image to include surround speakers for a ‘wraparound’ effect. OFF h 7 56 ON 0 to 10 C.
Chapter 6 Playback with NETWORK features Introduction This receiver is equipped with the LAN terminal and you can enjoy the following features by connecting your components to these terminals. Listening to Internet radio stations You can select and listen to your favorite Internet radio station from the list of Internet radio stations created, edited, and managed by the vTuner database service exclusively for use with the Pioneer products.
6 This receiver features “HTC Connect”, a simple way to enjoy music content from your HTC Connect certified smart phone. 1 HTC Connect music streaming provided on this product has been developed based on interoperability testing as defined by the HTC Connect Certification program with the HTC Connect-compatible smartphones. 2 Music Navigation via the music progress bar is not currently supported with HTC Connect.
6 Listening to Internet radio stations Internet radio is an audio broadcasting service transmitted via the Internet. There are a large number of Internet radio stations broadcasting a variety of services from every corner of the world. Some are hosted, managed, and broadcast by private individuals while others are by the corresponding traditional terrestrial radio stations or radio networks.
6 Playback with NETWORK features The Network Setup menu Network Configuration Setting up the network to listen to Internet radio on this receiver. IP address/Proxy setting 1 HOME MENU. 2 Press Network Setup menu appears on your TV. Use /// Press NETWORK. and ENTER on the remote control to navigate through the screens and select menu items. Press RETURN to exit the current menu. • Press HOME MENU at any time to exit the Network Setup menu. the setting you want to adjust.
6 Playback with NETWORK features Friendly Name Language 1 1 Select ‘Language’ from the Network Setup menu. ‘Friendly Name’ from the Network Configuration 2 Select menu. 2 Select the language you want. you’re finished, press RETURN. ‘Edit Name’ then select ‘Rename’. 3 When 3 Select You return to the Network Setup menu. If after changing the name you want to restore the name Select ‘Network Configuration’ from the Network Setup menu. to the default, select Default. the name you want.
6 Playback with NETWORK features Network setting using Safari browser Friendly Name setting using Safari browser 1 Launch Safari on your computer. Bookmark icon. Click Bonjour list (a), and then 2 Press select this receiver’s name (Friendly Name) (b) in 1 Launch Safari on your computer. Bookmark icon. Click Bonjour list (a), and then 2 Press select this receiver’s name (Friendly Name) (b) in Bookmark.
6 Playback with NETWORK features the latest firmware on your computer (a) and 5 Browse then press Upload (b). The extension of the firmware is fw. Please select a file that has the fw extension. The confirmation screen is displayed. If you continue the firmware update, press OK. Once the firmware update process starts, you can't stop it. Wait until the file is uploaded (about one minute may be required depending on your LAN connection environment).
6 DLNA DLNA CERTIFIED™ Audio Player The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a cross-industry organization of consumer electronics, computing industry and mobile device companies. Digital Living provides consumers with easy sharing of digital media through a wired or wireless network in the home. The DLNA certification logo makes it easy to find products that comply with the DLNA Interoperability Guidelines. This unit complies with DLNA Interoperability Guidelines v1.5.
6 With this software, you can play back files stored on the PC through various devices wherever you like in your home. This software can be downloaded from Microsoft’s website. • Windows Media Player 11 (for Windows XP or Windows Vista) • Windows Media Player 12 (for Windows 7) For more information check the official Microsoft website.
Chapter 7 Home Menu Using the Home Menu The following section shows you how to make detailed settings to specify how you’re using the receiver, and also explains how to fine-tune individual speaker system settings to your liking. Important • The OSD will not appear if you have connected using the composite output to your TV. Use HDMI connection for Home Menu. • If headphones are connected to the receiver, disconnect them. • You can’t use the Home Menu when the NETRADIO, M.
7 • Surr – Select LARGE if your surround speakers reproduce bass frequencies effectively. Select SMALL to send bass frequencies to the other speakers or subwoofer. If you didn’t connect surround speakers choose NO (the sound of the surround channels is sent to the other speakers). • Subwoofer – LFE signals and bass frequencies of channels set to SMALL are output from the subwoofer when YES is selected (see notes below).
7 Home Menu Note • If you are using a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter, take the readings from your main listening position and adjust the level of each speaker to 75 dB SPL (C-weighting/slow reading). • The subwoofer test tone is output at low volumes. You may need to adjust the level after testing with an actual soundtrack. you’re finished, press RETURN. 6 When You return to the Manual SP Setup menu. The Auto Power Down menu Assigns input function for analog audio input terminal.
7 Home Menu • OFF – The AirPlay function cannot be used when the receiver is in the standby mode (This lets you reduce power consumption in the standby mode). - If the Network Standby setting is set to ON, the power consumption during standby will increase. you’re finished, press RETURN. 3 When You return to the Home Menu. Select whether or not to switch the input automatically to the MHL input when an MHL-compatible device is connected.
Chapter 8 Control with HDMI function Synchronized operations below with a Control with HDMIcompatible Pioneer TV or Blu-ray Disc player are possible when the component is connected to the receiver using an HDMI cable. • Synchronized amp mode The receiver’s volume can be set and the sound can be muted using the TV’s remote control.
8 Control with HDMI function • LAST – The HDMI input signal selected previously will be output. • BD, DVD, SAT/CBL, DVR/BDR, HDMI/MHL, GAME – The HDMI input signal selected here will be output. • OFF – Signal will not be output during standby (However, when Control is set to ON, the HDMI signal is transferred through by the Control with HDMI function even when in the standby mode.). - If the Standby Through setting is not set to OFF, the power consumption during standby will increase.
Chapter 9 Controlling the rest of your system Setting the remote to control other components Most components can be assigned to one of the input function buttons using the component’s manufacturer preset code stored in the remote. However, please note that there are cases where only certain functions may be controllable after assigning the proper preset code, or the codes for the manufacturer in the remote control will not work for the model that you are using.
9 Controlling the rest of your system Controls for TVs Controls for other components Preset Code List This remote control can control components (TV, DTV, Satellite TV or Cable TV) after entering the proper codes (see Controlling the rest of your system on page 51 for more on this). Use the input function buttons to select the component. • The TV CONTROL buttons on the remote control are dedicated to control the TV assigned to the TV CONTROL INPUT button.
9 TV Pioneer 0004, 0006, 0113, 0233, 0252, 0275, 0291, 0305 Admiral 0001, 0014 Adventura 0012 Aiwa 0002 Akai 0002, 0100 Albatron 0097 Alleron 0009 America Action 0104 Amtron 0008 Anam 0104 Anam National 0003, 0008 AOC 0004, 0005, 0006, 0100 Apex 0021, 0102, 0106 Audiovox 0008, 0104 Aventura 0103 Axion 0094 Bang & Olufsen 0111 Belcor 0004 Bell & Howell 0001 Benq 0064 Bradford 0008, 0104 Brillian 0109 Brockwood 0004 Broksonic 0104 Candle 0004, 0006, 0012, 0100 Carnivale 0100 Carver 0101 CCE 0110 Celebrity 000
9 BD If operations are not possible using the preset codes below, you may be able to conduct operations with the preset codes for the DVD, DVR (BDR, HDR).
9 Controlling the rest of your system i3 Micro 6077 Insight 6074, 6073, 6029 Jebsee 6122 Jerrold 6073, 6072, 6122 Knology 6029 Macab 6040 Mediacom 6074, 6029 Memorex 6112 Motorola 6074, 6073, 6072, 6029, 6122, 6094 MTS 6094 Myrio 6077, 6078 Noos 6040 Pace 6074, 6029, 6028, 6106, 6083 Panasonic 6112, 6083 Paragon 6112 Penney 6112 Philips 6012 Pulsar 6112 Quasar 6112 Regal 6072 Rogers 6029 Runco 6112 Samsung 6095 Scientific Atlanta 6029, 6028, 6027, 6112 Sejin 6077 Shaw 6074 Starcom 6122 Stargate 6122 Sudde
Chapter 10 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. Take a look at the other components and electrical appliances being used, because sometimes the problem may lie there. If the trouble isn’t sorted out even after going through the checks below, ask your nearest Pioneer authorized independent service company to carry out repair work.
10 Can’t operate the remote control. Replace the batteries (page 10). Operate within 7 m, 30º of the remote sensor (page 10). Remove the obstacle or operate from another position. Avoid exposing the remote sensor on the front panel to direct light. Press the remote control’s RECEIVER button and switch to receiver control mode. The display is dark. Press DIMMER on the remote control repeatedly to return to the default. During ECO mode, the brightness switches between 2 levels.
10 Cannot access Windows Media Player 11 or Windows Media Player 12. In case of Windows Media Player 11: You are currently logged onto the domain through your Computer with Windows XP or Windows Vista installed. Instead of logging onto the domain, log onto the local machine (page 37). In case of Windows Media Player 12: You are currently logged onto the domain through your Computer with Windows 7 installed. Instead of logging onto the domain, log onto the local machine (page 37).
10 HTC Connect HTC, HTC Connect and the HTC Connect logo are trademarks of HTC Corporation. About iPod/iPhone/iPad Additional information USB works with iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPad (3rd and 4th generation), iPad 2, iPad, iPad mini, iPod touch (1st through 5th generation) and iPod nano (3rd through 7th generation).
10 Additional information Status messages Descriptions Favorite List Full This is displayed when you have attempted to register a file in the Favorites folder but the Favorites folder is already full. • Never use thinners, benzine, insecticide sprays or other chemicals on or near this unit, since these will corrode the surface. Resetting the main unit Use this procedure to reset all the receiver’s settings to the factory default. Use the front panel controls to do this.
10 Additional information 4 Miscellaneous Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . AC 110 V to 127 V/220 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz Power Consumption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450 W In standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.1 W Weight (without package) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5 kg Furnished Parts Microphone (for Auto MCACC setup) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . .
© 2013 PIONEER CORPORATION. All rights reserved. PIONEER CORPORATION 1-1, Shin-ogura, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 212-0031, Japan PIONEER ELECTRONICS (USA) INC. P.O. BOX 1540, Long Beach, California 90801-1540, U.S.A. TEL: (800) 421-1404 PIONEER ELECTRONICS OF CANADA, INC. 340 Ferrier Street, Unit 2, Markham, Ontario L3R 2Z5, Canada TEL: 1-877-283-5901, 905-479-4411 PIONEER EUROPE NV Haven 1087, Keetberglaan 1, B-9120 Melsele, Belgium TEL: 03/570.05.11 PIONEER ELECTRONICS ASIACENTRE PTE. LTD.
