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Operating Instructions
AUDIO/VIDEO
MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER
VSX-D908S


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2
IMPORTANT
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.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence
of
important
operating
and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON-
NEL.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
­ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
­ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
­ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
­ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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.
THE POWER SWITCH IS SECONDARY CONNECTED
AND THEREFORE DOES NOT SEPARATE THE UNIT
FROM MAINS POWER IN THE STANDBY POSITION.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The serial number for this equipment is located on
the rear panel. Please write this serial number on your
enclosed warranty card and keep it in a secure area.
This is for your security.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
[For Canadian model]
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO
NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET
UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO
PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
ATTENTION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS
ELECTRIQUES NE PAS UTILISER CETTE FICHE
POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE
DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE COURANT,
SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A
FOND SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A
DECOUVERT.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
ATTENTION: AFIN DE PREVENIR TOUS
RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE OU DE DEBUT
D'ENCENDIE, NE PAS EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A
L'HUMIDITE OU A LA PLUIE.
L'INTERRUPTEUR EST CONNECTÉ AU
SECONDAIRE, ET NE SÉPARE PAS
L'APPAREIL DE LA SOURCE DE COURANT
PRINCIPAL EN MODE DE MISE EN
ATTENTE.


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3
READ INSTRUCTIONS -- All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before
the product is operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS -- The safety and
operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
HEED WARNINGS -- All warnings on the product
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS -- All operating and
use instructions should be followed.
CLEANING -- Unplug this product from the wall
outlet before cleaning. The product should be
cleaned only with a polishing cloth or a soft dry
cloth. Never clean with furniture wax, benzine,
insecticides or other volatile liquids since they
may corrode the cabinet.
ATTACHMENTS -- Do not use attachments not
recommended by the product manufacturer
as they may cause hazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE -- Do not use this
product near water -- for example, near a
bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry
tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming
pool; and the like.
ACCESSORIES -- Do not place this product on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious injury to
a child or adult, and serious damage to the
product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any
mounting of the product should follow the
manufacturer's instructions, and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.
CART -- A product and cart combination should be
moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force,
and uneven surfaces may cause the product
and cart combination to overturn.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION
¶ If this product is equipped with a polarized
alternating current line plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other), it will fit into the
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If
you are unable to insert the plug fully into the
outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should
still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace
your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.
¶ If this product is equipped with a three-wire
grounding type plug, a plug having a third
(grounding) pin, it will only fit into a grounding
type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If
you are unable to insert the plug into the
outlet, contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the grounding type plug.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION -- Power-supply
cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the product.
OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING -- If an
outside antenna or cable system is connected
to the product, be sure the antenna or cable
system is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges. Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides
information with regard to proper grounding of
the mast and supporting structure, grounding
of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge
unit, size of grounding conductors, location of
antenna-discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for
the grounding electrode. See Figure A.
LIGHTNING -- For added protection for this product
during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna or cable system. This
will prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power-line surges.
POWER LINES -- An outside antenna system
should not be located in the vicinity of overhead
power lines or other electric light or power
circuits, or where it can fall into such power
lines or circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should be taken
to keep from touching such power lines or
circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
OVERLOADING -- Do not overload wall outlets,
extension cords, or integral convenience
receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY -- Never push
objects of any kind into this product through
openings as they may touch dangerous voltage
points or short-out parts that could result in a
fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the product.
SERVICING -- Do not attempt to service this
product yourself as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE -- Unplug this
product from the wall outlet and refer servicing
to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
¶ When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
¶ If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen
into the product.
¶ If the product has been exposed to rain or
water.
¶ If the product does not operate normally by
following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are covered by the
operating instructions as an improper
adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work
by a qualified technician to restore the product
to its normal operation.
¶ If the product has been dropped or damaged in
any way.
¶ When the product exhibits a distinct change in
performance -- this indicates a need for
service.
REPLACEMENT PARTS -- When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or have the
same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
SAFETY CHECK -- Upon completion of any service
or repairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the product is in proper
operating condition.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING -- The product
should not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.
HEAT -- The product should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other products (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
GROUND
CLAMP
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
Fig. A
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
NEC -- NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
VENTILATION -- Slots and openings in the cabinet
are provided for ventilation and to ensure
reliable operation of the product and to protect
it from overheating, and these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should
never be blocked by placing the product on a
bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This
product should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer's instructions have been adhered
to.
POWER SOURCES -- This product should be
operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supply to your home,
consult your product dealer or local power
company.
LOCATION ­ The appliance should be installed in
a stable location.
NONUSE PERIODS ­ The power cord of the
appliance should be unplugged from the outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
Information to User
Alteration or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may invalidate the user's right to
operate the equipment.


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Features
Decoding of Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and DTS (Digital Theater Systems)
R
DTS is the latest and most widely used digital theater system for cinemas throughtout the world. The decoder
has been incorporated into this receiver and is able to achieve high sound quality as well as produce dynamic
surround sound effects. Also, there's no need to worry about program formats. When playing Dolby Digital,
Dolby Pro Logic or Dolby Surround software in the
(Dolby) Surround mode, decoding switches on
automatically according to the input signal, all you have to do is enjoy!
"DTS" and "DTS Digital Surround" are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
Manufactured under licence from Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby", "AC-3", "Pro Logic", and double-D
symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished Works. © 1992 - 1997 Dolby
Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
Direct Energy MOS amplifier
This receiver incorporates 5 independent 100 watt power amplifiers, built with high-performance Hex power
MOS FET output transistors. This construction provides improved linearity and accurate reproduction of each
channel for true high fidelity reproduction from even the most demanding Dolby Digital and DTS program
sources.
Advanced Theater Modes
This mode enhances the sound of either film or music so a more dramatic effect can be achieved. The four
modes are each designed to accentuate specific sound qualities, giving the listener a wide range of possibilities.
DSP Surround Modes
DSP (Digital Signal Processing) surround mode gives you the capability of transforming your living room into six
different sonic environments when listening to music.
Midnight Listening Mode
Midnight Listening mode allows you to obtain excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low
volumes, something that was previously impossible.
Digital Noise Reduction
Digital Noise reduction is the latest technology for filtering out unwanted noise. It produces clear, resonant
tones.
Illuminated Remote Control of Other Components
The supplied remote control can be used to operate a variety of other components simply by recalling the
appropriate preset codes or by using the learning function to teach the remote control new commands. In
addition, the multi-operation functions allow you to perform a variety of operations automatically.
The Energy-saving Design
This unit is designed to use minimal electricity when power is switched OFF (in Standby mode). Regarding the
value of the power consumption in standby mode, refer to "Specifications" on page 82.


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Table of Contents
Before You Start ..................................................................................... 6
Checking the Supplied Accessories ................................................................ 6
How to Use This Manual .................................................................................. 6
Installing the Receiver ...................................................................................... 6
Preparing the Remote Control ......................................................................... 7
Opening the Front Panel ................................................................................. 7
Connecting Your Equipment ................................................................. 8
Audio Components .......................................................................................... 8
Video Components ........................................................................................... 9
Digital Connections ......................................................................................... 10
External Decoder Input .................................................................................. 12
Antennas .......................................................................................................... 13
Speakers ........................................................................................................... 14
Connecting additional amplifiers ................................................................... 17
Power connections (AC OUTLETS) ................................................................ 17
Displays & Controls ............................................................................. 18
Display .............................................................................................................. 18
Front Panel ....................................................................................................... 20
Remote Control ............................................................................................... 22
Surround Sound Set Up ...................................................................... 24
On Screen Display .......................................................................................... 24
Setting Up for Surround Sound .................................................................... 24
Basic Playback ...................................................................................... 35
Playing Sources with Stereo Sound .............................................................. 35
Sound modes ................................................................................................... 36
Selecting a Sound Mode ................................................................................. 38
Playing Sources with Dolby Digital or DTS Sound ...................................... 39
Switching ANALOG/DIGITAL Signal Input .................................................. 40
Reducing noise during playback (DIGITAL NR Function) ............................. 41
Listening in MIDNIGHT LISTENING Mode ................................................... 42
External decoder playback ............................................................................. 43
96kHz 24Bit Performance ................................................................................ 43
Listening in LOUDNESS Mode ....................................................................... 44
Direct playback ............................................................................................... 44
Adjusting bass and treble (Tone Control) ...................................................... 44
Adjusting the brightness of the display ........................................................ 45
Using the Tuner .................................................................................... 46
Automatic and Manual Tuning ....................................................................... 46
Direct Access Tuning ...................................................................................... 47
Memorizing Frequently Used Stations .......................................................... 48
Recalling Memorized Stations ........................................................................ 49
Remote Control of Other component ................................................ 50
Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components ................... 50
Remote Controlling Other Components ........................................................ 54
Using Other Functions ......................................................................... 62
Recording from Audio Components .............................................................. 62
Recording from Digital Audio Components .................................................. 63
Recording from Video Components .............................................................. 64
Multi Operations .............................................................................................. 65
System OFF ...................................................................................................... 67
Setting up the direct function ......................................................................... 68
Resetting the Remote Control ........................................................................ 70
Multi-Room ...................................................................................................... 72
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving ...................................................... 77
Dolby Digital ................................................................................................... 77
DTS ................................................................................................................... 78
Preset Code List .............................................................................................. 79
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 80
Specifications ................................................................................................... 82
PREP
ARA
TION
OPERA
TION
SET
UP