Owner's Manual
Page 2
..., splashing, rain or moisture. The voltage of the cable. Product Name: AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER Model Number: VSX-23TXH, VSX-21TXH Responsible Party Name: PIONEER ELECTRONICS SERVICE, INC. Connect the equipment into an outlet on the rear panel. If this unit will... connections. Operation is not waterproof. Address: 1925 E. LONG BEACH, CA 90801-1760, U.S.A. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. - D3-4-2-1-4_A_En CAUTION To prevent fire hazard, the Class 2 Wiring Cable should be used meets the required voltage (e.g., 230 V...
..., splashing, rain or moisture. The voltage of the cable. Product Name: AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER Model Number: VSX-23TXH, VSX-21TXH Responsible Party Name: PIONEER ELECTRONICS SERVICE, INC. Connect the equipment into an outlet on the rear panel. If this unit will... connections. Operation is not waterproof. Address: 1925 E. LONG BEACH, CA 90801-1760, U.S.A. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. - D3-4-2-1-4_A_En CAUTION To prevent fire hazard, the Class 2 Wiring Cable should be used meets the required voltage (e.g., 230 V...
Owner's Manual
Page 7
... The Input Setup menu (page 43) (When using connections other than the recommended connections) 11 Switching the HDMI output (page 71) (VSX-23TXH model only) 12 Basic playback (page 45) 13 Adjusting the sound and picture quality as necessary 1 Before you start ... and playback components (page 24) • Connecting AM/FM antennas (page 31) • Plugging in the receiver (page 39) 5 Switching the speaker impedance (page 40) (Only if the impedance of the connected speakers is a full-fledged AV receiver equipped with an abundance of functions and terminals.
... The Input Setup menu (page 43) (When using connections other than the recommended connections) 11 Switching the HDMI output (page 71) (VSX-23TXH model only) 12 Basic playback (page 45) 13 Adjusting the sound and picture quality as necessary 1 Before you start ... and playback components (page 24) • Connecting AM/FM antennas (page 31) • Plugging in the receiver (page 39) 5 Switching the speaker impedance (page 40) (Only if the impedance of the connected speakers is a full-fledged AV receiver equipped with an abundance of functions and terminals.
Owner's Manual
Page 10
Other controls 3 Number buttons and other components (see page 74 for more on this receiver. VSX-23TXH only: HDMI OUT - MCACC - SBch - DIMMER - CH LEVEL - Press repeatedly to select a channel, then use / to select channels. Use to ... switch. CH +/- - ENTER can access a radio station directly using the following system: • White - A.ATT - Switches between the seven banks (classes) of other receiver/component controls Use the number buttons to directly select a radio frequency (page 51) or the tracks on a CD, DVD, etc. Use to switch between MCACC...
Other controls 3 Number buttons and other components (see page 74 for more on this receiver. VSX-23TXH only: HDMI OUT - MCACC - SBch - DIMMER - CH LEVEL - Press repeatedly to select a channel, then use / to select channels. Use to ... switch. CH +/- - ENTER can access a radio station directly using the following system: • White - A.ATT - Switches between the seven banks (classes) of other receiver/component controls Use the number buttons to directly select a radio frequency (page 51) or the tracks on a CD, DVD, etc. Use to switch between MCACC...
Owner's Manual
Page 11
... radio frequencies and use this ). 11 MULTI-ZONE operation selector switch Switch to perform operations in the main zone, ZONE 2 and ZONE 3 (VSX-23TXH only) (page 70). 12 Remote control LED Lights when a command is weak, then switching to mono will improve the sound quality (page...page 57). THX - VIDEO PARAMETER - Press to access: AUTO/ALC/DIRECT - Press to access: MPX - Press TUNER first to check selected receiver settings (page 71). Switches between stereo playback and Front Stage Surround Advance modes (page 58). Use to set up your surround sound system (see...
... radio frequencies and use this ). 11 MULTI-ZONE operation selector switch Switch to perform operations in the main zone, ZONE 2 and ZONE 3 (VSX-23TXH only) (page 70). 12 Remote control LED Lights when a command is weak, then switching to mono will improve the sound quality (page...page 57). THX - VIDEO PARAMETER - Press to access: AUTO/ALC/DIRECT - Press to access: MPX - Press TUNER first to check selected receiver settings (page 71). Switches between stereo playback and Front Stage Surround Advance modes (page 58). Use to set up your surround sound system (see...
Owner's Manual
Page 12
TUNE +/- - Use with TUNE +/-, PRESET +/- VSX-23TXH only: PQLS indicator - lights when the component is no sound output from the remote control (see Operating range of remote control unit on page 13. 6 ENTER 7 Remote sensor Receives the signals from the speakers. 10 Listening mode buttons AUTO SURR/ALC/...CAMERA HDMI 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 VSX-23TXH USB iPod iPhone VIDEO 2 INPUT VIDEO L AUDIO R MCACC SETUP MIC VSX-21TXH 14 16 13 1 INPUT SELECTOR dial Use to select an input function. 2 STANDBY/ON Switches the receiver between AM and FM radio bands (page 51). Lights...
TUNE +/- - Use with TUNE +/-, PRESET +/- VSX-23TXH only: PQLS indicator - lights when the component is no sound output from the remote control (see Operating range of remote control unit on page 13. 6 ENTER 7 Remote sensor Receives the signals from the speakers. 10 Listening mode buttons AUTO SURR/ALC/...CAMERA HDMI 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 VSX-23TXH USB iPod iPhone VIDEO 2 INPUT VIDEO L AUDIO R MCACC SETUP MIC VSX-21TXH 14 16 13 1 INPUT SELECTOR dial Use to select an input function. 2 STANDBY/ON Switches the receiver between AM and FM radio bands (page 51). Lights...
Owner's Manual
Page 13
... input when PCM signals are being input. Lights when one of the Advanced Surround modes has been selected (page 58). AUTO lights when the receiver is selected (page 66). Lights when Direct/Pure Direct is switched on (page 58). Lights when stereo listening is selected (page 59). Lights...Lights when one channel other than the ones above XC - See Connecting an HDMI-equipped component to the front panel input on page 37. 16 VSX-21TXH only: VIDEO 2 INPUT terminals Use to the front panel inputs on page 38. Either one of the Standard Surround modes is switched on (page...
... input when PCM signals are being input. Lights when one of the Advanced Surround modes has been selected (page 58). AUTO lights when the receiver is selected (page 66). Lights when Direct/Pure Direct is switched on (page 58). Lights when stereo listening is selected (page 59). Lights...Lights when one channel other than the ones above XC - See Connecting an HDMI-equipped component to the front panel input on page 37. 16 VSX-21TXH only: VIDEO 2 INPUT terminals Use to the front panel inputs on page 38. Either one of the Standard Surround modes is switched on (page...
Owner's Manual
Page 15
... FRONT AR IR IN OUT 1712 V TRIGGER (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 CENTER SURROUND L R SURROUND BACK / B LR L (Single) 19 AC IN VSX-21TXH CAUTION • Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. Connecting your equipment 03... Chapter 3: Connecting your equipment This receiver provides you can connect to be the final step. • To avoid hum, do not lay connected cables over the top of the...
... FRONT AR IR IN OUT 1712 V TRIGGER (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 CENTER SURROUND L R SURROUND BACK / B LR L (Single) 19 AC IN VSX-21TXH CAUTION • Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. Connecting your equipment 03... Chapter 3: Connecting your equipment This receiver provides you can connect to be the final step. • To avoid hum, do not lay connected cables over the top of the...
Owner's Manual
Page 16
...receiver on page 39. 10 Stereo analog audio source inputs/(outputs) (x3) Use for connection to audio sources such as CD players, tape decks, turntables, etc. See Connecting other audio components on page 29. 03 Connecting your equipment 1 HDMI connectors (x6 (VSX-23TXH)/x5 (VSX-21TXH)) Multiple inputs and one (VSX-21TXH)/two (VSX... all your equipment from a single IR remote sensor. See Operating other Pioneer components with this unit's sensor on page 35. 16 Remote input(s)/output (x3 (VSX-23TXH)/x2 (VSX21TXH)) Use for connection to an external remote control sensor for use...
...receiver on page 39. 10 Stereo analog audio source inputs/(outputs) (x3) Use for connection to audio sources such as CD players, tape decks, turntables, etc. See Connecting other audio components on page 29. 03 Connecting your equipment 1 HDMI connectors (x6 (VSX-23TXH)/x5 (VSX-21TXH)) Multiple inputs and one (VSX-21TXH)/two (VSX... all your equipment from a single IR remote sensor. See Operating other Pioneer components with this unit's sensor on page 35. 16 Remote input(s)/output (x3 (VSX-23TXH)/x2 (VSX21TXH)) Use for connection to an external remote control sensor for use...
Owner's Manual
Page 20
...-232C CONTROL IN OUT SPEAKERS FRONT AR CENTER SURROUND L R SURROUND BACK / B LR L (Single) 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH AC IN Surround left The surround back terminals can connect just one surround back speaker if you like (it must be used for the...
...-232C CONTROL IN OUT SPEAKERS FRONT AR CENTER SURROUND L R SURROUND BACK / B LR L (Single) 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH AC IN Surround left The surround back terminals can connect just one surround back speaker if you like (it must be used for the...
Owner's Manual
Page 21
...AR CENTER SURROUND L R SURROUND BACK / B LR L (Single) 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 AC IN VSX-23TXH Surround right Surround left . 21 En Doing so may damage your speakers to do not remove it for the second connection is when you... your speakers Your speakers can also be bi-ampable to different amplifiers for high and low) and the sound improvement will depend on the receiver. CAUTION • Don't connect different speakers from the same terminal in this (having separate terminals for better crossover performance. Bi-wiring your...
...AR CENTER SURROUND L R SURROUND BACK / B LR L (Single) 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 AC IN VSX-23TXH Surround right Surround left . 21 En Doing so may damage your speakers to do not remove it for the second connection is when you... your speakers Your speakers can also be bi-ampable to different amplifiers for high and low) and the sound improvement will depend on the receiver. CAUTION • Don't connect different speakers from the same terminal in this (having separate terminals for better crossover performance. Bi-wiring your...
Owner's Manual
Page 24
...-ray disc player, etc.), you want to listen to the sound of the TV over the receiver, connect the receiver and TV with audio cables. If the TV and playback components support the Pioneer KURO LINK feature, the convenient KURO LINK functions can connect it to this time, the digital ... SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH • When connecting a Blu-ray disc player, connect the player to the receiver's BD IN terminal. • VSX-23TXH only: When connecting to an HDMI/DVIcompatible monitor or a flat panel TV using an HDMI cable...
...-ray disc player, etc.), you want to listen to the sound of the TV over the receiver, connect the receiver and TV with audio cables. If the TV and playback components support the Pioneer KURO LINK feature, the convenient KURO LINK functions can connect it to this time, the digital ... SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH • When connecting a Blu-ray disc player, connect the player to the receiver's BD IN terminal. • VSX-23TXH only: When connecting to an HDMI/DVIcompatible monitor or a flat panel TV using an HDMI cable...
Owner's Manual
Page 25
..., see Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 29. 25 En See the manuals that came with your TV and source component to the receiver. Connecting your equipment 03 Connecting your DVD player with no HDMI output This diagram shows connections of a TV (with HDMI input) and DVD... SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH • If you want to listen to the sound of the TV over the receiver, connect the receiver and TV with audio cables. • Component video should give superior picture quality when compared to composite...
..., see Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 29. 25 En See the manuals that came with your TV and source component to the receiver. Connecting your equipment 03 Connecting your DVD player with no HDMI output This diagram shows connections of a TV (with HDMI input) and DVD... SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH • If you want to listen to the sound of the TV over the receiver, connect the receiver and TV with audio cables. • Component video should give superior picture quality when compared to composite...
Owner's Manual
Page 26
... IN OUT SPEAKERS FRONT AR CENTER SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH • Connect using a composite, S-Video or component cord. Please refer to the operating instructions supplied with your component for more information. • Component video...player (or other methods simultaneously, and it may not be possible to output signals connected by HDMI and other playback component) to the receiver. • With these instead. Connect the DVD player's video signals using an HDMI cable to listen to make output settings. See ...
... IN OUT SPEAKERS FRONT AR CENTER SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH • Connect using a composite, S-Video or component cord. Please refer to the operating instructions supplied with your component for more information. • Component video...player (or other methods simultaneously, and it may not be possible to output signals connected by HDMI and other playback component) to the receiver. • With these instead. Connect the DVD player's video signals using an HDMI cable to listen to make output settings. See ...
Owner's Manual
Page 27
VSX-21TXH only About HDMI1 The HDMI connection transfers uncompressed digital video...Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio (see KURO LINK on page 43 to the receiver's different input terminals. This receiver incorporates High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) technology. Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, High ... can be displayed, but so long as almost every kind of digital audio that the component connected to this receiver also supports the corresponding format. 2 Signal transfer is not a malfunction. • Depending on HDMI compatibility. To...
VSX-21TXH only About HDMI1 The HDMI connection transfers uncompressed digital video...Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio (see KURO LINK on page 43 to the receiver's different input terminals. This receiver incorporates High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) technology. Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, High ... can be displayed, but so long as almost every kind of digital audio that the component connected to this receiver also supports the corresponding format. 2 Signal transfer is not a malfunction. • Depending on HDMI compatibility. To...
Owner's Manual
Page 28
When you set up the receiver you'll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the recorder to (see also The Input Setup menu on page 43). Select one VIDEO IN S-VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO IN R ANALOG L ... PB S-VIDEO PR RS-232C CONTROL IN OUT SPEAKERS FRONT AR CENTER SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH 28 En HDD/DVD recorder, VCR, etc. 03 Connecting your equipment Connecting an HDD/DVD recorder, VCR and other video sources This...
When you set up the receiver you'll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the recorder to (see also The Input Setup menu on page 43). Select one VIDEO IN S-VIDEO VIDEO AUDIO IN R ANALOG L ... PB S-VIDEO PR RS-232C CONTROL IN OUT SPEAKERS FRONT AR CENTER SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) 1 2 VSX-23TXH 28 En HDD/DVD recorder, VCR, etc. 03 Connecting your equipment Connecting an HDD/DVD recorder, VCR and other video sources This...
Owner's Manual
Page 29
...recorders. STB Connecting the multichannel analog inputs For DVD Audio and SACD playback, your DVD player may have analog connections. 29 En This receiver features five stereo audio-only inputs. DVD player, etc. Select one VIDEO OUT S-VIDEO VIDEO Select one AUDIO OUT DIGITAL OUT R ANALOG... 2 VSX-23TXH • If your player has 7.1-channel analog outputs, the player's surround back output terminals are all examples of these inputs have corresponding outputs for use with your component for playback. When you set up the receiver you'll need to tell the receiver which input...
...recorders. STB Connecting the multichannel analog inputs For DVD Audio and SACD playback, your DVD player may have analog connections. 29 En This receiver features five stereo audio-only inputs. DVD player, etc. Select one VIDEO OUT S-VIDEO VIDEO Select one AUDIO OUT DIGITAL OUT R ANALOG... 2 VSX-23TXH • If your player has 7.1-channel analog outputs, the player's surround back output terminals are all examples of these inputs have corresponding outputs for use with your component for playback. When you set up the receiver you'll need to tell the receiver which input...
Owner's Manual
Page 30
... SPEAKERS FRONT AR CENTER SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) T1 2 Connecting additional amplifiers This receiver has more than enough power for a single speaker as well. Note that are trademarks or registered trademarks of your system using a subwoofer, ... INPUT Center channel amplifier (mono) ANALOG INPUT L R Surround channel amplifier ANALOG INPUT L R Surround back channel amplifier ANALOG INPUT Powered subwoofer VSX-23TXH • If your turntable has line-level outputs (i.e., it has a built-in phono pre-amp), connect it 's possible to add...
... SPEAKERS FRONT AR CENTER SURROUND L R L 12 V TRIGGER (OUTPUT 12 V TOTAL 50 mA MAX) T1 2 Connecting additional amplifiers This receiver has more than enough power for a single speaker as well. Note that are trademarks or registered trademarks of your system using a subwoofer, ... INPUT Center channel amplifier (mono) ANALOG INPUT L R Surround channel amplifier ANALOG INPUT L R Surround back channel amplifier ANALOG INPUT Powered subwoofer VSX-23TXH • If your turntable has line-level outputs (i.e., it has a built-in phono pre-amp), connect it 's possible to add...
Owner's Manual
Page 33
... only)). MULTI-ZONE listening options The following table shows the signals that can be output to two (VSX-21TXH)/three (VSX-23TXH) independent systems in two (VSX-21TXH)/three (VSX-23TXH) zones at the same time or, depending on ) and the sub zone(s) can be playing in separate rooms after you have ... listening) or any surround modes with this system. Choose whichever works best for ZONE 3. Connecting your equipment 03 MULTI-ZONE setup This receiver can power up your system. Making MULTI-ZONE connections It is possible to specify the volume settings in the sub zone. You can ...
... only)). MULTI-ZONE listening options The following table shows the signals that can be output to two (VSX-21TXH)/three (VSX-23TXH) independent systems in two (VSX-21TXH)/three (VSX-23TXH) zones at the same time or, depending on ) and the sub zone(s) can be playing in separate rooms after you have ... listening) or any surround modes with this system. Choose whichever works best for ZONE 3. Connecting your equipment 03 MULTI-ZONE setup This receiver can power up your system. Making MULTI-ZONE connections It is possible to specify the volume settings in the sub zone. You can ...
Owner's Manual
Page 34
...ZONE 2) • Connect a separate amplifier to the AUDIO ZONE 2 OUT jacks and a TV monitor to the VIDEO ZONE 2 OUT jack, both on this receiver. You should have a pair of speakers attached to the surround back speaker terminals as shown below. You should have a pair of speakers attached to the...DVR) Y R PB PR MONITOR OUT ZONE2 ZONE3 OUT OUT MONITOR OUT VIDEO PB S-VIDEO PR RS-232C CONTROL IN OUT Secondary MULTI-ZONE setup (ZONE 3) (VSX-23TXH only) • Connect a separate amplifier to the AUDIO ZONE 3 OUT jacks on page 91 to the sub zone amplifier as shown below . Sub zone...
...ZONE 2) • Connect a separate amplifier to the AUDIO ZONE 2 OUT jacks and a TV monitor to the VIDEO ZONE 2 OUT jack, both on this receiver. You should have a pair of speakers attached to the surround back speaker terminals as shown below. You should have a pair of speakers attached to the...DVR) Y R PB PR MONITOR OUT ZONE2 ZONE3 OUT OUT MONITOR OUT VIDEO PB S-VIDEO PR RS-232C CONTROL IN OUT Secondary MULTI-ZONE setup (ZONE 3) (VSX-23TXH only) • Connect a separate amplifier to the AUDIO ZONE 3 OUT jacks on page 91 to the sub zone amplifier as shown below . Sub zone...
Owner's Manual
Page 35
...in the same way for the connection. MONITOR Y OUT VIDEO PB S-VIDEO PR RS-232C CONTROL IN OUT IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT VSX-23TXH VSX-23TXH IR receiver 2 Connect the IR IN jack of another component to the CONTROL jacks instead of another component for the connection. • If you want... to link a Pioneer component to the IR receiver, see Setting the remote to control other components on each end for as many components as a ...
...in the same way for the connection. MONITOR Y OUT VIDEO PB S-VIDEO PR RS-232C CONTROL IN OUT IR IN 1 IN 2 OUT VSX-23TXH VSX-23TXH IR receiver 2 Connect the IR IN jack of another component to the CONTROL jacks instead of another component for the connection. • If you want... to link a Pioneer component to the IR receiver, see Setting the remote to control other components on each end for as many components as a ...