Editing Pioneer VSX-918V

[title|Pioneer VSX-918V] [summary]XM Satellite Ready & SIRIUS Satellite Ready 5-Channel A/V Receiver featuring HDMI. There are multiple versions of this receiver and the differences are usually negligible. Depending on which receiver you have, some repairs may be performed differently.[/summary] [summary_image|460313] [page_title|Pioneer VSX-918V Repair] == Variations between receivers == ***''Note: There may be more variations then what is listed here.''*** As noted in the device page summary, there are notable variations on some receivers. These typically do not matter in day to day use, but may require special attention during repairs. The differences between receivers typically include these variations: * Port cover over front inputs (found on later models with brushed metal faceplates) * Color code (VSX-918V-K for Black and VSX-918V-S for silver models) * Appearance (Some models use glossy plastic, while others use a brushed metal faceplate) == Background and Identification == The Pioneer VSX-918V was released in 2005 as a budget stereo receiver, but has since been discontinued. While it is not a high-end receiver, it is very good for what it does well. While this receiver is very capable, the use of an older HDCP standard is likely to cause problems in a modern home theater setup. While this is a limiting factor, it does not affect the Component, iPod Direct, and Composite inputs. It also does not limit it’s usage as a high end iPod/MP3 player dock. === Replacing lost OEM remotes === Most universal remotes do not work correctly with the AM Radio function on this receiver. The mapping on these remotes is incompatible with this function and the unit switches to FM Radio. ***''There are very few 100% compatible universal remotes that work with this unit correctly. The most reliable budget remote replacement known is cloned remotes that look identical, which can be found on eBay.''*** ==== Universal remote replacement ==== While there are very few 100% compatible universal remotes, the Logitech Harmony series is known to work correctly and does not carry the issue other remotes do. ===== Known compatible Harmony remotes ===== * Harmony 650 (Discontinued) ** [post|470901] ** 8 device maximum * Harmony 665 ** Direct replacement for the 650 ** +2 device support (10 max) * Any LCD based Harmony remote ***''NOTE: The harmony 350 remains untested. It is not known if this remote works with this receiver.''*** While comparatively expensive relative to other universal remotes, the Harmony series can control multiple devices and replace multiple remotes in your home theater setup. ===== Known incompatible universal remotes ===== * GE/Jasco 24922 ** Channel button switches unit to FM Radio when the AM Radio function is used ** Controls FM Radio correctly == HDCP problems == This receiver is too old to support HDCP 2.x and does not have a 4K passthrough. Use in a modern home theater setup will be limited. === HDCP handshake problems === Due to the age of the HDCP revision used, one problem users are likely to encounter is handshake errors. Depending on the equipment in your device chain, this receiver may be the link that causes these handshake errors. ==== Why is this a problem? ==== This is a problem because of how the HDCP standard is designed. HDCP standards are not designed to be backwards compatible in most cases. If you upgrade to a 4K TV using HDCP 2.X you will need an HDCP 2.X compatible receiver to avoid problems. This is not a problem with unprotected content, but if you try and playback HDCP protected content and the HDCP standard used on your equipment does not match, you will run into handshake problems. == Additional information == * [https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Pioneer+Receivers/VSX-918V-K|Product information (Pioneer USA)] * [https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/VSX-818V_OperatingInstructions1213.pdf|User manual] * [https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/ephox/StaticFiles/PUSA/Files/VSX-918V-K.pdf|Product brief]