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Audio Features
Video Features
Tuner Section
USB/iPod Connectivity
Convenience Features
Remote/Bluetooth Control

Audio Features

80-Watt x 5.1ch Amplifier: The Pioneer VSX-821-K Multi-Channel A/V receiver is equipped with a 5-channel amplifier rated at 80 watts (into 8-ohms, at 20Hz-20kHz, with 0.08% THD, driving 2 channels) and a dedicated subwoofer (LFE) preamp output.

192kHz/24-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter:  This receiver is equipped with 192kHz/24-bit DACs to decode and playback high-resolution recordings with clearer sound.

Texas Instruments Aureus DSP Engine: The Pioneer VSX-821-K is equipped with a Texas Instruments (TI) Aureus Digital Signal Processor (DSP) Engine for better surround sound reproduction.

Listening Modes: The Pioneer VSX-821-K offers a variety of listening modes to accommodate playback of various audio formats.

Note: Dolby Digital and DTS listening modes can only be selected if your audio source is connected to the AV receiver via a digital audio connection (HDMI, optical or coaxial). Even though the AV receiver will decode 7.1channel surround sound (via HDMI), it will only output 5.1ch surround, because it lacks Surround Back channel speaker outputs (unless you connect an addition Surround Back amplifier to the receiver's SB/FH Pre-Outs). Pro Logic IIz requires additional Front-Height speakers connected to a separate amplifier using the receiver's Surround Back/Front-Height preamp outputs.

Surround Parameters: You can adjust the following surround mode parameters:

• Dolby Pro Logic II Music Settings: While listening in the Dolby Pro Logic II Music format, there are three further enhancements you can adjust:
  • Panorama: Broadens the front stereo image to the surround speakers to provide a wraparound effect, especially effective when there is limited output from the surround channels, panorama can be turned on/off in the menu.
  • Dimension: Allows you to move the sound field forward or backward.
  • Center Width: Allows you to adjust the width of the center channel.
• Center Image: In the Neo:6 Music mode, the Center Image feature adjusts the output of the left and right channels relative to the center channel, allowing you to make the center channel more or less dominant as needed. This improves the image of the center channel, especially when the listener is off-center. Adjustment varies from 7 (nothing subtracted from the L/R channels) to 0 (L/R channel output is cut in half).
• Height Gain: Adjust the volume (Low/Mid/High) of the Front Height channels in Dolby Pro Logic IIz. 

Advanced Surround: The Advanced Surround feature creates a variety of surround effects for various soundtracks.

Stream Direct: Use the Stream Direct modes when you want to hear the truest possible reproduction of a source. All unnecessary signal processing is bypassed.

MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System): The VSX-821-K features Pioneer's exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC), providing a near studio-quality, multi-channel listening experience customized specifically to your listening environment. The Auto Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) setup measures the acoustic characteristic of your listening area, taking into account ambient noise, speaker size and distance, and tests for both channel delay and channel level. The included microphone measures every speaker's connection, and notes its size, distance from the listening point, sound levels, and timbre to calibrate and maximize performance specifically for your room. After  you have setup the microphone provided with the VSX-821-K, the receiver uses the information from a series of test tones to optimize the speaker settings and equalization for your particular room.

Note: The receiver also offers Manual Speaker Setup. You can manually set the Speaker Size (small/large), Crossover Network frequencies (50/80/100/150/200Hz), Channel Level for all speakers (test tone), and Speaker Distance (0.1-25.5') from your listening position.

Advanced Sound Retriever: Even compressed audio such as WMA, MP3, and AAC is enhanced with another Pioneer exclusive, Advanced Sound Retriever, by filling in areas where subtle details were left out during the compression process. 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.

Phase Control: The A/V receiver's Phase Control feature uses phase correction measurements to make sure your system's sound arrives at the listening position in phase, preventing unwanted distortion and/or coloring of the sound. Phase Control technology provides coherent sound reproduction through the use of phase matching for an optimal sound image at your listening position.

Up Mix Function: In a traditional 7.1-channel surround system with surround speakers placed directly at the sides of the listening position, the surround sound of 5.1-channels sources is heard from the side. The Up Mix function mixes the sound of the surround speakers with the surround back speakers so that the surround sound is heard from diagonally to the rear as it should be.

Dynamic Range Control: This function adjusts the level of dynamic range for movie soundtracks optimized for Dolby Digital/DTS formats. This feature is helpful when listening to Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks at low volume levels.

Midnight Listening: The Midnight Listening mode allows you to hear effective surround sound of movies at lower volumes.

Loudness: The Loudness function is used to get good bass and treble from music sources at low volumes.

LFE Attenuate: Dolby Digital and DTS audio sources can include ultra-low bass tones. Set the LFE Attenuator as necessary to prevent the ultra low bass tones from distorting the sound from the speakers. The LFE attenuator can be set to 0, -5, -10, -15, or -20 dB.

Assignable Digital Inputs: The Pioneer receiver is equipped with two optical digital inputs and one coaxial digital input. All three digital inputs are assignable.

Speaker Terminals: The receiver is equipped with binding post speaker terminals for all speaker outputs (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, and Speaker "B" L/R).

Speaker B: There is a Speaker B channel which is wired in parallel to the Front A channels. This allows you to listen to 2ch stereo audio of the same source in another room.

Surround Back/Front Height Pre-Out: The AV receiver is equipped with a pair of Surround Back/Front-Height Pre-Outs, so you can connect a secondary amplifier to power a pair Surround Back (DD+, TrueHD, DTS-HD) or Front-Height (DPL IIz) speakers for 7.1ch surround.

Headphones: When headphones are plugged into the full-size 1/4" jack on the front panel, all the speakers are automatically muted.

Video Features

6 HD Inputs: The Pioneer VSX-821-K is equipped with 6 HD inputs. Four HDMI 1.4a inputs (up to 1080/24p capable) let you connect a high-definition satellite receiver, Blu-ray Disc player, and game system for high definition video and audio. Two component inputs (1080/60i capable) provide added HD-capable connectivity and versatility.

• HDMI: The receiver is equipped with four HDMI (v.1.4a) inputs for connecting HDMI-equipped audio/video components. All four HDMI inputs are capable of carrying uncompressed digital audio and 3D 1080p video There is also an HDMI (v.1.4a) output which supports the ARC function that feeds audio/video signals to an HDTV.
• HD Component Video: This unit features 2 component video inputs and a component video monitor output. The component video jacks are capable of passing high-definition video signals (up to 1080i).

Note: The receiver does not convert video signals. It can only output the same type of signals that it receives. The receiver is capable of receiving and sending HDMI, Component Video, and Composite Video signals.

3D-Ready: The Pioneer VSX-821-K is compatible with 3D-ready Blu-ray disc movies, video games, and other 3D content through its HDMI (v.1.4a) connections.

Note: 3D viewing requires 3D-ready source with 3D content, 3D-ready HDTV, 3D glasses, and high-speed HDMI cable. Other 3D accessories may also be needed.

Deep Color & x.v.Color Support: The VSX-821-K also supports Deep Color and x.v.Color content, which can display a larger color range than standard-definition schemes. The result is a more lifelike, vibrant picture.

A/V Sync: Some monitors have a slight delay when showing video, so the soundtrack will be slightly out of sync with the picture. The receiver can automatically correct this problem (via HDMI) or it can be fixed manually.

• Auto Delay: This feature automatically corrects the audio-to-video delay between components connected with an HDMI cable. The audio delay time is set depending on the operational status of the displayed connected with an HDMI cable. The video delay time is automatically adjusted according to the audio delay time.
• A/V Delay: By manually adding a bit of delay (0-9), you can adjust the sound to match the presentation of the video.

ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature allows audio to be sent from your compatible HDTV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your television.

HDMI Through: You can set the receiver's HDMI jacks to output both audio and video to your television. The receiver's speakers will be muted. The receiver needs to be turned On, set to "HDMI Through", and set to the correct HDMI input.

Note: This is different from a "HDMI Standby Pass-through" function. This receiver does not offer HDMI Standby Pass-Through.

Front A/V Input: The Pioneer A/V receiver features a front-panel audio/video input which consists of a composite video and stereo RCA jacks.

Tuner Section

AM/FM Tuner: The Pioneer VSX-821-K is equipped with a built-in AM/FM tuner with 30 preset stations. For easier identification, you can name all of your saved preset stations. The receiver includes an external indoor AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna.

SIRIUS Satellite Radio Ready (optional): You can listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio by connecting the SiriusConnect tuner (item number 607SCH1 or 220SCH2P, sold separately) to the VSX-821-K's proprietary plug. SIRIUS Satellite Radio offers over 130 channels of music, news, sports, talk, and entertainment to choose from--all in digital quality. During SIRIUS playback the AV receiver will display the channel information, artist name, and song title.

Note: A subscription is required in order to receive SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

USB/iPod Connectivity

USB Port: It is possible to play audio files by connecting a USB mass storage class (MSC) memory device to the A/V receiver's front-panel USB (type-A) port. Compatible USB devices must be formatted in FAT16/32. The receiver's remote control can be used for basic playback of files stored on your USB memory device. The USB function of this receiver supports the following file formats.

Note: Copyrighted and DRM-protected audio files cannot be played back. Not compatible with all USB devices. This receiver does not support a USB hub.

Direct iPod/iPhone Connection: The Pioneer VSX-821-K's front-panel USB port and A/V input (via the included USB/video cable) allows you to control playback of audio/video content from your iPod, iPhone, or iPad using the controls of this receiver. You can enjoy music, videos, still-images, and apps stored on your iPod, iPhone, or iPad through the Pioneer A/V receiver (videos/photos are output via composite video only). You can control your iPod, iPhone, or iPad device directly; or push a single-button on the VSX-821-K's front-panel to switch control to the included IR remote and On-Screen Menu (via composite/component video). You can browse songs stored on your iPod, iPhone, or iPad by Playlist, Artist, Album, song, Podcast, Genre, Composer, Audiobook, or Shuffle. You must use the clickwheel or touchscreen of your Apple device for video and photo control. The Apple device will charge automatically when connected. The VSX-821-K is "Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad" compatible and supports the following iPod, iPhone, and iPad devices (as of June 2011).

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the receiver and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software version or wait until a newer software update is available.

Air Jam: Pioneer's exclusive Air Jam App has been designed in-house by Pioneer and is available for free download from Apple's iTunes store. With Air Jam, you and your friends can connect up to 4 Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, iPad touch with iOS 4.2 or later) to make a group playlist on your home theater through the Pioneer VSX-821-K, via Pioneer's Stereo Bluetooth Adapter (130ASBT200, sold separately).

Firmware Upgrades: You can download firmware updates from the Pioneer website for the VSX-821-K using the unit's front-panel USB port and thumbdrive (sold separately).

Note: Go to http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Pioneer+Receivers/VSX-821-K for the latest firmware update.

Convenience Features

On-Screen Menu (via analog): The VSX-821-K features an intuitive on-screen menu for use with the included remote, so you can make guided adjustments to your home theater sound. The on-screen menu is only visible when connecting the receiver to your television via composite or component video. The on-screen menu will not appear via HDMI.

Display Dimmer: You can dim or brighten the receiver's front-panel display. The brightness level can be controlled in four steps.

Sleep Timer: The receiver's Sleep Timer function can be set to 30, 60, or 90 minutes.

Auto Power Down: This function automatically turns off the power when the receiver has not operated for several hours.

Remote/Bluetooth Control

Multibrand Remote Control: The supplied IR wireless remote control is designed to control the Pioneer A/V receiver and other Pioneer audio/video components. You can enter preset codes to control other manufactures' components, such as Blu-ray/DVD players, Blu-ray/DVD recorders, CD players/recorders, Satellite/cable boxes, and televisions.

HDMI Control: The Pioneer VSX-821-K supports the HDMI Control function. With HDMI Control, you can synchronize operation between the Pioneer A/V receiver and your HDMI CEC-compatible TV or Blu-ray disc player (equipment must be connected via HDMI). HDMI Control Functions included:

• Synchronized Amp Mode: The receiver's volume can be set and the sound can be muted from the TV's remote control.
• Power Synchronization: The receiver and your connected TV will power On/Off at the same time.
• Automatic Switching Inputs: The receiver's input switches over automatically when the TV's input is changed or your Blu-ray player starts playback.

Note: Not all HDMI CEC-compatible components will be supported by this receiver.

Bluetooth Ready (optional): The Pioneer AS-BT200 Stereo Bluetooth Adapter (130ASBT200, sold separately) lets you wirelessly stream music from your Bluetooth enabled audio device to the Pioneer VSX-821-K A/V receiver. Now, instead of being limited to headphones to listen to the music stored on your portable device or computer -- you can enjoy your music wirelessly from your iPod touch (2nd/3rd/4th gen), iPhone (2G/3G/3GS/4), iPad, BlackBerry, Android or other smartphone, as well as your PC, laptop or many other A2DP profile Bluetooth-enabled devices directly from the Pioneer VSX-821-K A/V receiver. The AS-BT200 connects to a proprietary port on the back of all the Pioneer A/V receiver.