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The "OFFICIAL" Pioneer Elite VSX-52 / 53 Owner's Thread - Page 33

post #961 of 1367
5/21/12 at 9:41am
Picking up a VSX-52 tomorrow from Magnolia. They have an open box buy (it was barely touched though) for $740. My old receiver, a Pioneer Elite VSX-35TX blew it's amp finally, but had already lost the right rear channel and the ability to use a remote.

Can't wait to hook it up and let the MCACC do it's thing. Still using Boston Acoustics Micro 90x speakers in front and Boston Micro VRS for the rears (they may be old but they work like a charm) but I've never been able to get the sound quite like I wanted due to the shape of the room (vaulted ceiling, no back wall).

Stoked I could find this receiver for this price, cause all the new receivers are eliminating outputs I still need. I don't have HDMI input on my Pioneer Elite 510HD RPTV, so I still need component out. Also need optical audio out for my wireless 5.1 Pioneer headphones, and the optical out is completely gone from every receiver out there that is less below the $1000 price mark. Somebody was trying to sell me on the idea of the new Yamaha RX 637 because it has 4K passthrough, but considering there are no displays capable yet, and more so no players or content in 4K, that wasn't a selling point.

Anyways, wanted to introduce myself to this forum, I'll have to read through when I get a chance. If anyone wants to give me the quick scoop on what I need to know though, I'd appreciate it!
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post #962 of 1367
5/21/12 at 8:56pm
Could anyone help recommend a proper set up for my Pioneer VSX-52 with Samsung 50 inch DLP, PS3 and VZ FiOS HD? Right now I have both the FiOS and PS3 running over HDMI into the AVR and the AVR over HDMI to the TV. Is there some sort of optimal setup to get the best use such as using the 12v triggers, HDMI Control, etc...

Right now having a problem getting video and sound when I turn on the TV/FiOS separate from the AVR.

Thanks much!
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post #963 of 1367
5/22/12 at 6:58am
Hi EvanDef,

The 12V triggers are usually meant for turning on a Projector or Screen etc.
HDMI Control is really another name for Kuro-Link of Pioneer equipment.
However if your current equipment have HDMI Control you can try it but the consensus in this Forum is that it is usually more trouble than it is worth.

There is a setting under Video Parameters to set your display type such as DLP, LCD or Plasma. You should set this to DLP.

Quote:


Right now having a problem getting video and sound when I turn on the TV/FiOS separate from the AVR.

The most common problem is a "HDMI Handshake."
When you turn on your equipment they all communicate via a HDMI Handshake so they are all communicating with each other.
You will find out what order sequence of power up they like.
For myself I power on my Comcast Cable box first, then my LCD and lastly my PIONEER.
When you power / turn on your equipment do you see the HDMI Indicator on your Pioneer light up, indicating that the handshake is complete?
You may also want to try a different sequence, maybe FIOS, Pioneer and then your Sony DLP last.
Whatever works for you.

Other than that your setup looks ok, let us know how things progress.

Enjoy,

Bud B
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post #964 of 1367
5/22/12 at 11:04am
Bud B -

Thanks so much for the quick reply. I will give that a try at my next opportunity. Take care.

-Evan
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post #965 of 1367
5/22/12 at 12:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by shutyertrap View Post

Picking up a VSX-52 tomorrow from Magnolia. They have an open box buy (it was barely touched though) for $740. My old receiver, a Pioneer Elite VSX-35TX blew it's amp finally, but had already lost the right rear channel and the ability to use a remote.

Can't wait to hook it up and let the MCACC do it's thing. Still using Boston Acoustics Micro 90x speakers in front and Boston Micro VRS for the rears (they may be old but they work like a charm) but I've never been able to get the sound quite like I wanted due to the shape of the room (vaulted ceiling, no back wall).

Stoked I could find this receiver for this price, cause all the new receivers are eliminating outputs I still need. I don't have HDMI input on my Pioneer Elite 510HD RPTV, so I still need component out. Also need optical audio out for my wireless 5.1 Pioneer headphones, and the optical out is completely gone from every receiver out there that is less below the $1000 price mark. Somebody was trying to sell me on the idea of the new Yamaha RX 637 because it has 4K passthrough, but considering there are no displays capable yet, and more so no players or content in 4K, that wasn't a selling point.

Anyways, wanted to introduce myself to this forum, I'll have to read through when I get a chance. If anyone wants to give me the quick scoop on what I need to know though, I'd appreciate it!

Welcome Enjoy your new 52 its a great receiver!
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post #966 of 1367
5/22/12 at 7:21pm
So it's sitting in my living room, out of the box, just not hooked up to anything yet.

I can't believe this was considered an 'open box', as everything was still wrapped in the bubble wrap! About the only thing that was opened was the box itself.

Thumbed through the manual, a lot of it I can ignore right now since 1) I don't have HDMI inputs on my TV and 2) I don't have a LAN running to my rack yet. My main focus is going to be in setting up the settings for the speakers properly.

See, my Boston Micro 90's were from the last model year before they got THX certified. With my VSX 35TX I played like they were and was pleased with the results. But that was 11 years ago. My rear speakers are dipole, so I have them placed even with the listening position. Seems that dipoles aren't used much anymore, so not sure how the receiver is gonna handle them with where I have them placed. In addition to that, my front speakers are spaced really wide. They're about 10 feet out from center channel, room is 20 feet wide. So do I connect them to the 'wide front' terminals or stick with the regular front terminals? I sit 13' back from the center, so I believe that's wider than the recommended 30 degree angle fronts should be within (according to the manual).

Guess I'll just have to experiment
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post #967 of 1367
5/22/12 at 7:23pm
^^^

you don't have a choice... at the minimum, you have to have a l/r main in use (i.e. you can't use the wides without mains, nor would you want to)...
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post #968 of 1367
5/22/12 at 7:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post

^^^

you don't have a choice... at the minimum, you have to have a l/r main in use (i.e. you can't use the wides without mains, nor would you want to)...

That's what I figured, but now I don't have to waste time learning that the hard way!

Here's another question...I have a laserdisc player, Wii, and SVHS player that I plan on hooking up. Obviously I'll be using composite video for these, but what I wanna know is do I still have to run a composite line to my TV, or will this receiver allow me to only need the component cable? I think, if I'm reading the manual right, that with HDMI that's how it's done, so I'm hoping it's true for component also. Really wanna eliminate some of spaghetti behind the TV if at all possible.
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post #969 of 1367
5/22/12 at 8:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ragoodman1018 View Post

Did you get your issue with no sound of video resolved? I had the same thing happen to me. Turned system on one morning and no sound or video no matter what source I selected. Only had system for 45 days when this happened. Took receiver in to service center and they couldn't fine anything wrong. Worked fine for them. I picked it up reconnected everything and it worked fine for me until this morning. Turned it on and the problem was back - just 3 weeks after i got it back from the shop. I hadn't changed anything. I disconnected everything then hooked up one set of speakers and tried the tuner and no audio. So i dropped it off at the service center again. Hopefully this time they find the problem.

Any fix?? Did you every solve your no audio and no video issue with your Pioneer AVR? I have the same model. I made supper listening to some music, turned it off and went to the store. Came back and I get no audio or video on any input. Help!!
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post #970 of 1367
5/23/12 at 6:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dscarlso View Post

Any fix?? Did you every solve your no audio and no video issue with your Pioneer AVR? I have the same model. I made supper listening to some music, turned it off and went to the store. Came back and I get no audio or video on any input. Help!!

Same exact thing kept happening to me with my Elite vsx - 33. I took it back to Best Buy twice, and to a local authorized Pioneer repair shop twice. They never replicated the problem, or so they said.... fortunately another problem cropped up - no sound from the sub pre - out. They did replicate this and are finally sending me a replacement.

I've been dealing with this since December of last year. Fun.
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post #971 of 1367
5/23/12 at 7:58pm
Well, I'm all hooked up. I'm getting picture and audio from all my sources. Now for the tweaking.

First things first though. On my old receiver, I was able to choose what showed on the display panel. I preferred having it show the source, ie DVD or TV/Sat. With this one, it just is showing me the surround mode it's in, ie Dolby II + THX. How do I toggle that off and have it just show my input?

Answered my own question about whether a composite signal would be sent out component...nope. Gotta have the monitor out cable plugged in too.

I need to play with my subwoofer settings. Not sure what my crossover settings should be, 120hz or 80hz, and currently there's not enough bass. Find it kinda odd too how if you only have a 5.1 setup, the only speaker setting for your fronts is to have 'bi-amp'. My speakers only have the one terminal. Everything is currently sounding fine (apart from the weak bass) so I'm sure it's a non issue. Maybe I just really need to go on ebay and find 2 more Micro 90's so I can have 7.1!

Downloaded the app for my iPad, but haven't played with any of the iPod/iPad functions on the receiver yet. That's tomorrow's fun.
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post #972 of 1367
5/24/12 at 6:44pm
I got baby (vsx-52) back after returning it to best buy. They sent it to there service center and had it for a week. They did a system reset and the hdmi output was working. No real explanation as to why it wasn't working. I guess if it happens again I will try a system reset myself. Just excited to have it back again. Just about ready to crank up some Joe Bonamassa right now. Have a good one fellas. Keep the tunes loud enough that your nieghbors can enjoy them too!
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post #973 of 1367
5/25/12 at 12:21pm
I'm still comparing models and wondered - in the VSX-52/53 verses the VSX-51, would you say the THX sound was a deal breaker for you?

Or what was the features you most looked for and found in the 52?
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post #974 of 1367
5/25/12 at 1:50pm
I picked the 52 because I needed optical audio out and component vid out. Figure out what gear you're hooking up and what connections you need. If the 51 meets those needs, start gigging into other aspects that separate the receivers, like if you want 5.1 or 7.1 audio. I kept reading how the Pio 1021 (I think that's the one) was a cheaper alternative to the 52, but it didn't have my output needs, so I never even gave t another thought.
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post #975 of 1367
5/26/12 at 12:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by shutyertrap View Post

I picked the 52 because I needed optical audio out and component vid out. Figure out what gear you're hooking up and what connections you need. If the 51 meets those needs, start gigging into other aspects that separate the receivers, like if you want 5.1 or 7.1 audio. I kept reading how the Pio 1021 (I think that's the one) was a cheaper alternative to the 52, but it didn't have my output needs, so I never even gave t another thought.

VSX-52 is the Elite version of VSX-1121.
Exact same power and video upconversion except a couple of features and metal grill on the VSX-52 the main difference.

VSX-1121K although is discontinued by Newegg where you can get a very good price on it.
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post #976 of 1367
5/26/12 at 12:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by iafzal View Post

VSX-52 is the Elite version of VSX-1121.

Okay, then that's the one that has neither component out nor optical audio out. Good for HDMI users, bad for those of us still using analogue.
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post #977 of 1367
5/26/12 at 5:27am
i found my vsx 53 for $25 less than the vsx 52,don't know why it was cheaper
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post #978 of 1367
5/26/12 at 7:19am
I noticed the same thing happening on Amazon. Too bad I wasn't gonna trust an online retailer with an Elite purchase though.
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post #979 of 1367
5/26/12 at 8:48am
Hello everyone,

everything was going really well and was loving video/sound in HD with Pioneer displaying HD track on display. Last weekend, I suddenly couldn't get any sound when playing HD soundtracks (Dolby True HD and DTS Master). Have adjusted the Cambridge Audio 751BD between bitstream (no sound or DTS on Pioneer) and auto or LPCM (pcm sound). With PCM there is no sound in surround. Rather baffled and not smart enough to work out what I'm doing wrong. Feel it's something really dumb. Video is passing through HDMI but no HD sound. The pioneer is a complicated piece and I have been button pushing like a fiend so I really think it's me but no idea how to get back to defaults. Any help or advice would be really welcome.
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post #980 of 1367
5/26/12 at 10:07am
How important is the THX to you ? Could you live with out it now that you've got it on your 52/53? The 51 does not have it.
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post #981 of 1367
5/26/12 at 6:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wendek View Post

How important is the THX to you ? Could you live with out it now that you've got it on your 52/53? The 51 does not have it.

I had THX on my old receiver, so for the past 11 years. I've always had it on, don't know that my ears really could perceive that much of a difference though. What you do have to remember though is, THX is not just about the sound, but also the build. They put their stamp only on components that are built to their specifications. I value that more than the sound encoding.
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post #982 of 1367
5/28/12 at 8:33pm
I've had the VSX-52 for about 6-7 weeks now. This weekend- the kids came over (they are in their early 40's) while we were gone & played w/ all the buttons.
Took me forever to figure what they did. One thing they did was turn down the 2 knobs on back of sub to 0 & then unplug it. Said it was annoying. I need to re-run the set-up w/ the mic again. I usually don't change the surround settings for movies or TV & I can't remember what I had them set to before.
TV is a Panasonic Viera plasma TCP55GT50
Blu-ray is a Sony 3d- don't recall the model number right now.
I use Direct Tv satellite for TV watching- latest DVR installed 3 days ago

So- what I want to know- for watching Blu-ray movies, what surround setting is best?

Same settings watching a movie from satellite DVR?

I see direct- pure direct, THX- can someone explain this in english please?
Thanks.
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post #983 of 1367
5/28/12 at 11:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steves55 View Post

Took me forever to figure what they did. One thing they did was turn down the 2 knobs on back of sub to 0 & then unplug it. Said it was annoying. I need to re-run the set-up w/ the mic again. I usually don't change the surround settings for movies or TV & I can't remember what I had them set to before.

I'm guessing that the two knobs on the back of your sub are crossover and volume. Depending on your speaker size, the crossover is going to be set somewhere in the 80-120 range. The other is simply volume, so start with it at halfway and then run your mic test. The test will tell you if you need to turn down your sub or not. For me, the sub wound up getting set to quietly, so I increased the volume a bit so it's more to my liking.

As for the sound settings, I too haven't figured that out yet. I pretty much set it to THX and have left it at that. Haven't had time to experiment yet.
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post #984 of 1367
5/29/12 at 4:14pm
I've been following the Pioneer Elite receiver threads for a while to help me decide which model to buy.

I just returned from my local Elite dealer, and I was told that the "53" will continue on. It will have a lower MSRP of $899. This will fill the hole in between the "60" and the SC-61.

I have read most of the posts and man, have these things changed over the years. I haven't bought a receiver in over a decade, and I can't believe what these things can do now.

I would like to thank everybody for their help.

Shawn
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post #985 of 1367
5/29/12 at 6:38pm
I have my VSX-53 running zone 2 through an amp for my outside speakers. I have 7.1 inside so I cannot control the volume with the receiver and have to use on the wall volume controller. Since I got the receiver I have been unable to use my Airplay to play music to zone 2 because of the very bad distortion. It sounds like the volume is turned to the max on the Ipod, however there is no way to turn it down. Today I went to the computer and initiated the Airplay and it is distorted just like the Ipod. Messing around with Itune on the computer I was able to find the equalizer that has a preamp adjustment, and when I turn it down all the distortion was completely gone. So I ask myself why can’t I do that on the Ipod. I go the equalizer and there is no default way to adjust. I search over Apple Apps and find an Equalizer that I can download that will adjust the preamp. I found out that the app works perfect to control the volume on zone 2 and gets rid of all the distortion. The only problem is that I have to use the app to play the music through. I am not sure if this is a problem with the receiver or with Airplay. I wish I could adjust this feature through the airplay software instead of using the app. I have seen others on the forum looking for a solution and I hope this helps.
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post #986 of 1367
5/30/12 at 10:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMCL View Post

I have my VSX-53 running zone 2 through an amp for my outside speakers. I have 7.1 inside so I cannot control the volume with the receiver and have to use on the wall volume controller. Since I got the receiver I have been unable to use my Airplay to play music to zone 2 because of the very bad distortion. It sounds like the volume is turned to the max on the Ipod, however there is no way to turn it down. Today I went to the computer and initiated the Airplay and it is distorted just like the Ipod. Messing around with Itune on the computer I was able to find the equalizer that has a preamp adjustment, and when I turn it down all the distortion was completely gone. So I ask myself why can't I do that on the Ipod. I go the equalizer and there is no default way to adjust. I search over Apple Apps and find an Equalizer that I can download that will adjust the preamp. I found out that the app works perfect to control the volume on zone 2 and gets rid of all the distortion. The only problem is that I have to use the app to play the music through. I am not sure if this is a problem with the receiver or with Airplay. I wish I could adjust this feature through the airplay software instead of using the app. I have seen others on the forum looking for a solution and I hope this helps.

JMCL - when you adjust the equalizer via the app ( I am assuming you are talking about iControlAV2 - if not please define the app) is it only adjusting Zone 2 volume? or is it the global volume? i.e. Main Zone, Zone 2, Zone 3? What amp are you using for Zone 2? Is there a dial to adjust the line level volume - maybe on back of the amp? If you do, you might be able to adjust this on your amp to set a non-distorted volume and adjust via software as needed from there.

That being said, I appreciate your frustration and misunderstanding of the Airplay functionality on the VSX-53 receivers as I have gone through the same issues. As stated by me previously on this thread, the only way to properly adjust volume for zone 2 or 3 is to have a in-wall volume controller. From my understanding, Pioneer didn't include "variable volume control" in the VSX-5x's in 2011 for pre-amp Zone 2 and 3 . This is a fundamental requirement of the receiver to enable volume control via airplay (or without a physical volume controller).

I installed an outdoor volume control for my zone 2 on my deck. It works pretty well and gives my guests the ability to adjust volume as needed without having access to my iphone. In the end, it will probably be a better setup, but it wasn't what I was planning for. To get zone 2 to play airplay, I have to select my VSX-53 via the iphone music app under the airplay option, start the music I want to listen to, NEXT open the iControlAV2 app, turn on Zone 2, select the input H.M.G. FINALLY, in iControlAV2, turn off my Main zone. Have you found an easier way to do this? With all the hassle involved in playing my itunes via Zone 2, i normally just put on the radio or pandora.

If anyone is considering the VSX-5x for their multi-zone airplay setups, please go look at Denon's line of airplay receivers as they will do what you expect them to.
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post #987 of 1367
5/30/12 at 12:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by abefroman2005 View Post

JMCL - when you adjust the equalizer via the app ( I am assuming you are talking about iControlAV2 - if not please define the app) is it only adjusting Zone 2 volume? or is it the global volume? i.e. Main Zone, Zone 2, Zone 3? What amp are you using for Zone 2? Is there a dial to adjust the line level volume - maybe on back of the amp? If you do, you might be able to adjust this on your amp to set a non-distorted volume and adjust via software as needed from there.

That being said, I appreciate your frustration and misunderstanding of the Airplay functionality on the VSX-53 receivers as I have gone through the same issues. As stated by me previously on this thread, the only way to properly adjust volume for zone 2 or 3 is to have a in-wall volume controller. From my understanding, Pioneer didn't include "variable volume control" in the VSX-5x's in 2011 for pre-amp Zone 2 and 3 . This is a fundamental requirement of the receiver to enable volume control via airplay (or without a physical volume controller).

I installed an outdoor volume control for my zone 2 on my deck. It works pretty well and gives my guests the ability to adjust volume as needed without having access to my iphone. In the end, it will probably be a better setup, but it wasn't what I was planning for. To get zone 2 to play airplay, I have to select my VSX-53 via the iphone music app under the airplay option, start the music I want to listen to, NEXT open the iControlAV2 app, turn on Zone 2, select the input H.M.G. FINALLY, in iControlAV2, turn off my Main zone. Have you found an easier way to do this? With all the hassle involved in playing my itunes via Zone 2, i normally just put on the radio or pandora.

If anyone is considering the VSX-5x for their multi-zone airplay setups, please go look at Denon's line of airplay receivers as they will do what you expect them to.

I cannot adjust the volume in Zone 2 using iControlAV2 because Zone 2 runs through an amplifier. I cannot use the speaker out terminals for Zone 2 since I have a 7.1 system in my living room. I am using a A-35R pioneer amp for my zone 2. There is a dial on the amp to adjust the volume and it does nothing to reduce the distortion. I originally had Zone 2 hooked up using my speaker out terminals from the VSX53 and it worked perfect with no distortion at all.

This is the app I am using and is called Equalizer: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/equal...321267949?mt=8

Give the app a try since it might have the functions you are looking for. I know the app will control the volume using the preamp db setting through the software. It is a little delayed when you adjust, but it works.
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post #988 of 1367
5/31/12 at 5:36am
Hi guys,

Long time lurker. Great Thread! First time poster. I have a question on setting up Zone 2.......

I want to use Zone 2 for whole house stereo, via a 6 speaker selector switch.

I have a 5.1 setup in main home theater area. I am running speaker wires from 'Surround Back' speaker connectors to this switch.

I am not getting any sound from this Zone 2, and the iControlAV2 app acts like there is no Zone 2 available.

Any ideas? Is there a setting I am missing? Thanks!
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post #989 of 1367
5/31/12 at 7:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevesfl View Post

Hi guys,

Long time lurker. Great Thread! First time poster. I have a question on setting up Zone 2.......

I want to use Zone 2 for whole house stereo, via a 6 speaker selector switch.

I have a 5.1 setup in main home theater area. I am running speaker wires from 'Surround Back' speaker connectors to this switch.

I am not getting any sound from this Zone 2, and the iControlAV2 app acts like there is no Zone 2 available.

Any ideas? Is there a setting I am missing? Thanks!


stevesfl - what is your Manual SP setting? Take a look at your manual page 12 (see fig. E), page 69 - Speaker System Setting - Zone 2 and finally page 53.

If you have everything setup according to these pages, you should be ready to rock and roll.

Hope that helps.
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post #990 of 1367
5/31/12 at 10:41am
Thanks Abe. Speakers were setup correctly, but hadn't enabled Zone 2, per page 53. I am good-to-go. The iPad app is great! Thx again.
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