Creating an i.link network, Prep ara tion prep ara t ion – Pioneer VSA-AX10 User Manual

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Creating an i.LINK Network

Using the i.LINK interface it is possible to chain up to 17 components together so that the digital audio
and control signals from each component is available to other components in the network. With the
addition of an i.LINK repeater, it’s possible to connect up to 63 components.

i.LINK connectors come in 4-pin and 6-pin configurations. This amplifier uses a 4-pin connection, but the
two types can be mixed on a network.

This amplifier is compatible with i.LINK Audio (also called “A & M Protocol”) components, such as DVD
players. It may not work properly if connected to i.LINK MPEG-II TS equipment (such as a digital satellite
tuner), i.LINK DV equipment (such as a DVD recorder or DV camcorder), or an i.LINK-equipped personal
computer. Check the operating instructions supplied with your other i.LINK components for capatibility
information.

Amplifiers need to be DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection) compliant to be able to play DVD-A,
DVD-Video, and SACD i.LINK audio. This amplifier is DTCP compliant, so you can use them.

When setting up an i.LINK network, it’s important that the components form an open ended chain (fig. 1),
or a tree (fig. 2).

fig. 1

fig. 2

i.LINK cable

fig. 3

fig. 4

i.LINK cable

The system will not work if the connected components form a loop. If a loop is detected, the message
LOOP CONNECT shows in the display. Figs. 3 and 4 show connections that form a loop.

Another consideration when connecting i.LINK devices is the speed of the interface. At present there are
three speeds; S100 (slowest), S200 and S400 (fastest). This amplifier uses the S400 type. Although you
can use components with different speeds together, we recommend connecting slower-speed compo-
nents at the edge of the network if possible (shown by the shaded boxes in figs. 1 and 2). This will keep
the network free of bottlenecks.

When used within an i.LINK network, this amplifier must be on for the i.LINK connection to be main-
tained. Other components in the network may or may not maintain the connection in standby (none will
when the power is completely off)—check the operating instructions supplied with individual components.
Note that the audio may be momentarily inturrupted if a component in the i.LINK network is switched on/
off, or its i.LINK connection is switched on/off.

Using i.LINK Interface