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Audio Features
Video Features
Network Functions
USB/iPod Connectivity
Convenience Features
Remote/Bluetooth Control

Audio Features

Direct Energy Amplifier: The Direct Energy Amplifier creates a wide range frequency response that makes it ideal for reproducing new high resolution audio formats. With this proprietary amplifier design, Pioneer's engineers have found the key to managing the wide fluctuations in heat that can significantly alter the overall audio performance of each of the discrete amplified channels. By utilizing a new temperature compensation circuitry of the temperature fluctuations are effectively minimized between channels to maintain high quality audio from all connected devices. The Direct Energy amplifier also features a low impedance, high current, and compact circuit design to maximize performance in the critical output stages.

80-Watt x 5.1ch Amplifier: The Pioneer VSX-822-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-822-K is equipped with a Texas Instruments (TI) Aureus Digital Signal Processor (DSP) Engine for better surround sound reproduction.

MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System): The VSX-822-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-822-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.

Audio Connections: Here is a lists of some of the audio connections that you'll find on the VSX-822-K A/V receiver. 

• Digital Inputs: The Pioneer receiver is equipped with one optical digital input and one coaxial digital input.
• Speaker Outputs: The receiver has binding post terminals for all speaker outputs (Front L/R, Center, and Surround L/R). The binding posts can accept bare wire, pin connectors, and single banana plugs. The terminals are spaced too far apart for dual banana plugs. The collar surrounding the binding post terminals prevent the use of spade connectors.
• 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.

Listening Modes: The Pioneer VSX-822-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.

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.

Audio Level Controls: The Pioneer VSX-822-K offers a variety of audio level controls to enhance your listening experience.

• Auto Level Control: The Auto Level Control equalizes volume differences between portable audio tracks or television programming and eliminates jarring volume changes.
• 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.

AM/FM Tuner: The Pioneer VSX-822-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.

Video Features

Video Inputs: The Pioneer VSX-822-K is equipped with six HDMI 1.4a inputs (up to 1080/24p capable) that let you connect a high-definition satellite receiver, Blu-ray Disc player, and game system for high definition video and audio. There are two composite video inputs (480i only) to provide standard-definition connectivity.

• HDMI: The receiver is equipped with six HDMI (v.1.4a) inputs for connecting HDMI-equipped audio/video components. All six 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.
• Composite: The two composite video inputs will only support 480i video signals.

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 and Composite Video signals.

3D-Ready: The Pioneer VSX-822-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-822-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 Standby Through: HDMI Standby Through mode lets video and audio signals pass through the VSX-822-K to the TV even when the receiver is off. You can select between 3 HDMI Through functions modes.

• Last: The HDMI Through function is activated on the input source selected at the time of setting the AV receiver to the "standby" mode.
• Source: Selects the input source (BD, DVD, Sat/Cable, Game) for which the HDMI Through function in enabled.
• Off: The HDMI signal will be output during standby mode.

Network Functions

Ethernet (LAN) Port: The Pioneer VSX-822-K is fitted with a rear-panel RJ-45 Ethernet (LAN) Port. By connecting this receiver to the your home network via the LAN terminal (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX), you can play audio files stored on your computer, listen to Internet Radio (via vTuner & Pandora), and stream iTunes via AirPlay.

vTuner Internet Radio: The Pioneer VSX-822-K receiver supports vTuner Internet Radio, so you can enjoy 1,000's of internet radio stations from around the world. vTuner Internet radio is an audio broadcasting service transmitted via the Internet. There are a large number of Internet radio stations broadcasting a variety of services from every corner of the world. Some are hosted, managed, and broadcast by private individuals while others are by the corresponding traditional terrestrial radio stations or radio networks. Whereas terrestrial, or OTA (over-the-air), radio stations are geographically restricted on the range of radio waves broadcast from a transmitter through the air, Internet radio stations are accessible from anywhere in the world, as long as there is a connection to the Internet, as services are not transmitted through the air, but are delivered over the World Wide Web. You can select Internet radio stations by genre, as well as by region.

Note: The list of Internet Radio Stations on this A/V receiver is created, edited, and managed by the vTuner database service exclusively for this receiver.

Pandora Internet Radio: Pandora is personalized internet radio that is designed to help you discover new music you'll loved mixed in with music you already know. The Pioneer A/V receiver allows you to access your saved Pandora Internet Radio stations and select which station to play. You must have a registered Pandora account in order to listen to your Pandora Internet Radio stations.                 

Note: Pandora Internet Radio is only available in the United States.

DLNA Certified (1.5): The Pioneer VSX-822-K is DLNA 1.5 certified. This means you can stream your MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, or even FLAC music files from your Windows PC or laptop to the Pioneer A/V receiver. This unit allows for the streaming of audio files stored on the following devices.

• PCs running Microsoft Windows Vista or XP with Windows Media Player 11 installed.
• PCs running Microsoft Windows 7 with Windows Media Player 12 installed.
• DLNA-compatible digital media servers (on PCs or other components).

Playable File Formats: The Home Media Gallery feature of this receiver supports the following file formats.

Favorites: Up to 65 of your favorite tracks on your media server and/or Internet radio stations can be registered in the A/V receiver's Favorites folder for easier access.

Parental Lock: You can set restrictions for using Internet services. These restrictions are protected by a user pass-code.

USB/iPod Connectivity

USB Port: It is possible to play audio files and JPEG still-image files by connecting a USB mass storage class memory device (such as your USB thumbdrive, smartphone, tablet, or Android device) to the A/V receiver's front-panel USB (type-A) port. Slideshows of photo files can be played while listening to music files. Compatible USB devices must be mass storage class compliant and 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 USB hubs.

AirPlay: With AirPlay you can stream music from iTunes to the VSX-822-K and play it through your home theater system. Simply connect the receiver to your home network via Ethernet or Pioneer's optional wireless adapter (AS-WL300, sold separately) and it instantly becomes the hub for playback of your iTunes music from your connected Apple device or networked computer. You can even use the receiver to view metadata including song title, artist as well as album art on a connected display monitor. Download Apple's free "Remote" application and your can use your Apple device as the remote control.

Note: AirPlay supports PCs or MACs with iTunes 10.1 or later. AirPlay is compatible with the iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad with iOS 4.2 or later.

Direct iPod/iPhone/iPad Connection: The Pioneer VSX-822-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 from the VSX-822-K's included IR remote, front-panel display, and on-screen menu (via HDMI only). 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.

Note: If you have an iPod nano (7th gen), iPod touch (5th gen), or iPhone 5; use the Lighting-to-USB cable that came with your Apple device to connect to the head unit. These Apple devices are limited to audio playback only (no video out).

iPod/iPhone/iPad Compatibility Chart: The VSX-822-K is "Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad" compatible and supports the following iPod, iPhone, and iPad devices (as of 9/27/2012):

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

Firmware Upgrades: You can download firmware updates from the Pioneer website for the VSX-822-K using the unit's front-panel USB port and thumbdrive (sold separately). Visit Pioneer's A/V Receiver Support Site for the latest firmware updates.

Convenience Features

On-Screen GUI (Graphical User Interface): The VSX-822-K features an advanced, full-color On-Screen GUI for use with the included remote, so you can make guided adjustments to your home theater sound. The On-Screen GUI is only visible when connecting the receiver to your television 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-822-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.

Pioneer ControlApp: You can control the VSX-822-K with your iPod touch, iPhone, iPad or select Android smartphones from your home network with Pioneer's exclusive ControlApp. With ControlApp you can operate the following functions of the Pioneer A/V receiver from  your compatible Apple or Android device.

• Select stand-by On/Off
• Select input (source)
• Browse and select music files on your connected music server
• Select Internet Radio stations
• Basic operations such as Play, Pause, Skip, and Stop from USB memory or a server connected to the network

Note: The Pioneer ControlApp can be downloaded from iTunes (coming soon) and supports the iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad (requires iOS 4.3 or later). The Pioneer ControlApp can be downloaded from the Android Market and supports Android (2.3.7-up) devices.

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-822-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, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Android or other smartphone; as well as your PC, laptop, tablet, or many other A2DP profile Bluetooth-enabled devices directly from the Pioneer VSX-822-K A/V receiver. The AS-BT200 connects to a proprietary port on the back of all the Pioneer A/V receiver.

Air Jam: Pioneer's exclusive Air Jam App has been designed in-house by Pioneer for select Apple and Android devices. With Air Jam, you and your friends can connect up to 4 Apple or Android devices to make a group playlist on your home theater system through the Pioneer VSX-822-K, via Pioneer's AS-BT200 Stereo Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately).

Note: The Pioneer Air Jam app can be downloaded from iTunes and supports the iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad (requires iOS 4.2 or later). The Pioneer Air Jam app can also be downloaded from the Android Market and supports the Samsung Galaxy S2 (OS2.2), GalaxyS II (OS2.3).