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Official Pioneer VSX-521k owners thread - Page 7

post #181 of 669
10/2/11 at 3:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jddesigned View Post

For me it's cheap 1.4 HDMI cables and a DVR set to 1080i.

That's cool. In my setup though, I'd like it to just come out of my BD player at 1080p with no further conversion. Hope the new cable works for me.
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post #182 of 669
10/3/11 at 7:03am
I have swapped so many combinations of cables and nothing seems to make a difference. Each device still seems to end up with picture problems.
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post #183 of 669
10/3/11 at 3:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by marktwothousand View Post

I have swapped so many combinations of cables and nothing seems to make a difference. Each device still seems to end up with picture problems.

I think it's the units themselves. I've been using these cables prior to this with other equipment and straight to the TV with zero problems.

Anyways Like I say i made it go away, but luckily my dealer will look after me up to the first year if the problem crops up again for the worse.
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post #184 of 669
10/3/11 at 5:21pm
One problem I am having is when I turn the receiver on and my DVR on I get sound but no picture. I sometimes have to turn the receiver off and back on a couple times before a picture finally comes on. It doesnt matter which unit we turn on first this always happens. I have even left the receiver on for a couple minutes to see if maybe it was just syncing with the DVR. That wasnt it though.

I have HDMI running from DVR to receiver then HDMI from reciever out to TV. DVR is HD.
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post #185 of 669
10/3/11 at 5:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by garold View Post

One problem I am having is when I turn the receiver on and my DVR on I get sound but no picture. I sometimes have to turn the receiver off and back on a couple times before a picture finally comes on. It doesnt matter which unit we turn on first this always happens. I have even left the receiver on for a couple minutes to see if maybe it was just syncing with the DVR. That wasnt it though.

I have HDMI running from DVR to receiver then HDMI from reciever out to TV. DVR is HD.

I've had this and a quick on off of the receiver seems to fix it. I also get Picture and no sound but changing the channels resolves it. Suspect some sort of handshake thing.
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post #186 of 669
10/3/11 at 5:51pm
I'm also curious about peoples opinion on the sound of these units. I'm stunned how clear and detailed they are, but find compared to my old Pioneer there's less impact/attack to everything "above" my crossover point, seems a little thin. There's plenty of bass below the crossover point for sure especially after you've tweaked the sub yourself post MCACC since it doesn't calibrate subs.
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post #187 of 669
10/4/11 at 7:02am
Is it possible to connect amp with this receiver?

PS: would it make any diffrence in sound if I change binding post for banana plugs with gold plated binding post or even rhodium plated?
like this:
[url]www.ebay.com/itm/1-pair-Amplifier-Terminal-Binding-Post-Banana-Plug-Jack-/270710838762?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f079f95ea['/url]
or
[url]www.ebay.com/itm/A-B-Systems-GaoFei-PHO09LBP-Coppper-Rhodium-Plated-Hi-End-Binding-Post-4-pcs-/260862673160?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cbca08108['/url]
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post #188 of 669
10/4/11 at 7:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jddesigned View Post

I think it's the units themselves. I've been using these cables prior to this with other equipment and straight to the TV with zero problems. Anyways Like I say i made it go away, but luckily my dealer will look after me up to the first year if the problem crops up again for the worse.

Same here. I never had a single problem when the components were connected directly to the TV with the same cables.

I know you're in Vancouver. So is there anyone here in Toronto who has dealt with Argo Nexus for repairs of Pioneer? They're who I am being sent to.
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post #189 of 669
10/4/11 at 9:16am
You know, you'd think that after stripping the audio tracks from the HDMI stream that the bandwidth requirements on the HDMI cable from the 521 to the TV would be lower (hence lower risk of noise).

Since this receiver was inexpensive, and since I only see a few of those black spots when I'm 6 inches from the TV, I'll remain a (somewhat) satisfied customer since the audio is great and it has good features. I wouldn't buy another one, though, and sometime in the not too distant future I'd consider going with something higher end.
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post #190 of 669
10/4/11 at 10:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by toofart View Post

You know, you'd think that after stripping the audio tracks from the HDMI stream that the bandwidth requirements on the HDMI cable from the 521 to the TV would be lower (hence lower risk of noise).

Since this receiver was inexpensive, and since I only see a few of those black spots when I'm 6 inches from the TV, I'll remain a (somewhat) satisfied customer since the audio is great and it has good features. I wouldn't buy another one, though, and sometime in the not too distant future I'd consider going with something higher end.

Ya I went the cheap route because I didn't feel the need for the extra bells and whistles and my last Pioneer lasted 11 years and is still going at a friends house. I have a Pioneer Kuro TV doing all my processing now and don't really do much music other than stream from PC via PS3. In the future I'd consider other brands for sure.
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post #191 of 669
10/6/11 at 8:09am
I have the 521, with Directv HD DVR and a Samsung 50" Plasma 3d TV bought last January. (Sorry don't know the model # off top of my head)

I have the following setup:

DTV HD DVR - HDMI out --> 521 reciever DVR/BDR IN - HDMI out to TV IN.

I have the HDMI control turned on, ARC off. Picture and sound are fine. When I shut off the DVR and TV the receiver shuts off as well - GREAT!

The problems come when I turn the DVR & TV back on. Receiver does not turn on so I have to manually do that. CRAP!

Other problem is, especially if I turn the receiver on first, is the receiver constantly switches to the TV/SAT input, which I have nothing connected. Usually if I turn the TV on first, the receiver will not switch it. But not always.

I can live with the power feature, but this feature is annoying because I then have to dig out the receiver remote to switch it back (I usually use the Dir. TV remote to run the receiver).

I know I could turn off the HDMI control to fix this, however I like the feature of the volume showing on the tv. (NOt sure how that works since the on scrn menu won't display without an RCA video connector)

Thanks much for any info. And I have no other cables running other than the HDMI's just to clarify.

Thanks.
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post #192 of 669
10/6/11 at 11:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by piercede View Post

I have the 521, with Directv HD DVR and a Samsung 50" Plasma 3d TV bought last January. (Sorry don't know the model # off top of my head)

I have the following setup:

DTV HD DVR - HDMI out --> 521 reciever DVR/BDR IN - HDMI out to TV IN.

I have the HDMI control turned on, ARC off. Picture and sound are fine. When I shut off the DVR and TV the receiver shuts off as well - GREAT!

The problems come when I turn the DVR & TV back on. Receiver does not turn on so I have to manually do that. CRAP!

Other problem is, especially if I turn the receiver on first, is the receiver constantly switches to the TV/SAT input, which I have nothing connected. Usually if I turn the TV on first, the receiver will not switch it. But not always.

I can live with the power feature, but this feature is annoying because I then have to dig out the receiver remote to switch it back (I usually use the Dir. TV remote to run the receiver).

I know I could turn off the HDMI control to fix this, however I like the feature of the volume showing on the tv. (NOt sure how that works since the on scrn menu won't display without an RCA video connector)

Thanks much for any info. And I have no other cables running other than the HDMI's just to clarify.

Thanks.

Pretty sure there's specific steps to take when activating HDMI control and doing them in the right order makes this work. I had the TV/SAt thing etc when I first set mine up and didn't bother trying to make it work, simply turned the feature off. Anyways I'm 98.7% sure you can't get volume level displayed onscreen via HDMI with these units as well.
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post #193 of 669
10/6/11 at 11:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jddesigned View Post

Pretty sure there's specific steps to take when activating HDMI control and doing them in the right order makes this work. I had the TV/SAt thing etc when I first set mine up and didn't bother trying to make it work, simply turned the feature off. Anyways I'm 98.7% sure you can't get volume level displayed onscreen via HDMI with these units as well.

Thanks, I wondered about the steps, but the manual doesn't really give you specifics on that. Only thing I read was something about making sure the tv is on first before the receiver.

As for the volume thing, mine does display, don't know why as the manual speaks nothing of this, but it does. Perhaps its a feature of my tv that allows that?? Anyway, the number is off from the receiver, but that doesn't concern me.

Really the thing I want fixed the most is the TV/SAT deal. I like the fact that it will all turn off with one button, as my wife and kids regularly forget to shut off the receiver when watching tv. So would like to try and solve the reason behind it rather than shut it off.

Thanks again for the info, any other thoughts are welcome!
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post #194 of 669
10/6/11 at 3:45pm
HDMI Control/Pass through set up guide. Says more or less pass through but I believe you are syncing control at the same time

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post20982296
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post #195 of 669
10/7/11 at 7:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jddesigned View Post

HDMI Control/Pass through set up guide. Says more or less pass through but I believe you are syncing control at the same time

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post20982296

Thank you, I'll try that!
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post #196 of 669
10/7/11 at 8:24am
I just picked this up for $149, is that a good deal? Going from a Sony STR-DG510 to this Pioneer unit strictly because of the 3D support (I have a Mits 73" DLP) Am I making a mistake? I've not had any problems with the Sony, it's just not 3D compatible and I worry about shorting out my $300 3D adapter switching sources between Cablebox, PS3, 360.
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post #197 of 669
10/7/11 at 9:26am
You're not going to get another 3D compatible, 4 HDMI receiver for $150. So sure it's a good deal.
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post #198 of 669
10/7/11 at 11:20am
I have my ps3 hooked up to this receiver, the surround works great when watching movies and playing games. Is there a way i can also get the MP3 music to play from all 5 speakers instead of the front two?

I know it wont be surround sound but it just sound better IMO since i had it with my old Samsung Receiver.

im just not sure if its a setting in the receiver or the ps3?
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post #199 of 669
10/7/11 at 11:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by urir10 View Post

I have my ps3 hooked up to this receiver, the surround works great when watching movies and playing games. Is there a way i can also get the MP3 music to play from all 5 speakers instead of the front two?

I know it wont be surround sound but it just sound better IMO since i had it with my old Samsung Receiver.

im just not sure if its a setting in the receiver or the ps3?

Make sure the receiver is in DIRECT mode and the pick a surround mode. Dolby or Neo. I prefer DDPL Music myself.
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post #200 of 669
10/7/11 at 2:05pm
You can also try the Advanced Surround button on the receiver or ADV. SURR. button on the remote to cycle through some other settings. I like using the EXT. STEREO setting on mine.
Also try switching the S. RETRIEVER on the remote on and off to see if you like it. It just adds a little processing to 2 channel compressed sources.
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post #201 of 669
10/7/11 at 6:23pm
Hi anyone knows if this set will downmix to 3.1 for LCR setup or it will lose the surround channels? Thanks
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post #202 of 669
10/7/11 at 7:10pm
Run the MCACC ... it will detect the absence of the rear speakers and send surround audio to the fronts with a delay.
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post #203 of 669
10/8/11 at 6:32am
I'm contemplating replacing my old Pioneer VSX-D509S with a new VSX-512k. I ran across a very good weekend special on the 512k. This deal is hard to pass up imo.

The change would mainly be for the HDMI inputs/out since I mostly use a PC to watch DVDs and play games. My satellite tuner will also work with the 512k . So there are the two main reasons for the upgrade. The third reason would be the price. I believe the combo would work nice with my new 32" Vizio.

My current setup: PC to HDTV via HDMI and HDTV to AVR via TOSLink. The audio quality is quite good, but it could be better imo. I can explain the audio difference if you need it.

1: Does anyone have any experience using the 512k with newer PCs that support HDMI output?

2: Does anyone have any suggestions?
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post #204 of 669
10/8/11 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blacksceva View Post

Hi all - new to the forum and also new to this receiver. Just got it yesterday and it's all hooked up and ready to go, but I'm having trouble plugging in my MacBook Pro. I'm using a mini-displayport to HDMI cable (monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10246&cs_id=1024603&p_id=5997&seq=1&format=2) and neither the Mac or the Receiver seem to even register it (usually you see the mac screen flashing blue to indicate that a new display has been plugged in).

Oddly enough my old MacBook Pro with DVI output works just fine (using DVi-HDMI cable) with the vsx-521k, as does the appleTV.

Anyone else had this issue?

I'm having this same problem. I plug my MBP into the HDMI ports on the receiver and it recognizes that there's a new display, but nothing ends up showing on my secondary screen. I'm kind of pissed, this was the whole reason I bought this receiver.
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post #205 of 669
10/8/11 at 5:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vince_C View Post

1: Does anyone have any experience using the 512k with newer PCs that support HDMI output?

2: Does anyone have any suggestions?


1. Works great. I play some video games via HDMI and it just works. Some games support DD5.1 and/or DPLII and having surround sound in games is really cool.

2. Connect your HDMI cables to the receiver for the best sound. Most TVs downmix 5.1 to 2ch stereo on their digital outs.


BTW -- it's a 521k
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post #206 of 669
10/9/11 at 1:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Falcon Punch View Post

I'm having this same problem. I plug my MBP into the HDMI ports on the receiver and it recognizes that there's a new display, but nothing ends up showing on my secondary screen. I'm kind of pissed, this was the whole reason I bought this receiver.

Just figured it out. Macbook was trying to output at some random resolution that the receiver couldn't understand. Set it to 720P and badaboom, it's fixed.
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post #207 of 669
10/10/11 at 12:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jddesigned View Post

Make sure the receiver is in DIRECT mode and the pick a surround mode. Dolby or Neo. I prefer DDPL Music myself.

Thanks buddy, that worked
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post #208 of 669
10/11/11 at 7:23am
Can I connect two 4ohm surround speakers making no demage to this vsx-521 receiver? So rear surround speakers would be 30w max, 4ohm.
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post #209 of 669
10/11/11 at 1:51pm
I just helped my brother set this up, and everything seems OK except I'm not seeing any DTS HD or DDHd. When I got home I realized that I hadn't set his BD player to bitstream. Is that likely the issue? What about his HD DVR from his cable company? I would have thought that they automatically bitstreamed.

We were both a little confused about the various sound fuctions. I have a Denon so it's a little different, and of course it's hard for me to tweak it when I'm not there and don't have the manual.
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post #210 of 669
10/11/11 at 6:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Av8tr View Post

I just helped my brother set this up, and everything seems OK except I'm not seeing any DTS HD or DDHd. When I got home I realized that I hadn't set his BD player to bitstream. Is that likely the issue? What about his HD DVR from his cable company? I would have thought that they automatically bitstreamed.

We were both a little confused about the various sound fuctions. I have a Denon so it's a little different, and of course it's hard for me to tweak it when I'm not there and don't have the manual.

1. Set the BD player to bitstream
2. You'll only see the Dolby Digital icon via the DVR or Prologic if it kicks in

Auto surround does not seem to switch to ProLogic modes. I leave mine set for Direct and DDPL Movie for TV
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