User manual HALCRO LOGIC SSP80

Owner's Manual SSP100 Surround Sound Processor SSP80 Surround Sound Processor www.halcro.com 1 Contents Introduction ................................................3 Important Safety Information...................5 Symbols ......................................................... 5 Electrical safety............................................. 5 Protection from fluids .................................. 6 Service warnings .......................................... 6 Battery disposal............................................ 6 Protection from overheating .......................7 Additional important safety instructions for the US .............................................................7 Interference warning -- US FCC regulations ........................................................................ 8 Quick Start Guide ................................... 29 Set up flow charts ...................................... 30 Factory default settings ............................ 32 Factory default settings ............................ 33 Audio / Video options ................................ 34 Connecting an amplifier(s)........................ 35 Connecting a subwoofer.......................... 36 Connecting a TV monitor.......................... 37 Connecting a DVD player ......................... 38 Connecting a CD player............................ 39 Connecting a VCR ..................................... 40 Viewing the Menus on the OSD ............41 SSP Setup and Operation ..................... 43 Starting up................................................... 43 On screen display (OSD)........................... 43 Watching a DVD ......................................... 44 Listening to a CD........................................ 45 Watching a video ....................................... 45 SSP80 Features ........................................9 SSP100 Features ..................................... 10 THX Features ............................................11 Re-equalization.............................................11 Timbre matching ..........................................11 Adaptive decorrelation ................................11 THX Ultra2 ....................................................12 THX Surround EX ........................................12 ASA (Advanced Speaker Array)................13 Menu Structure....................................... 47 Speaker Setup ........................................ 49 Level setup.................................................. 50 Distance setup ........................................... 50 Size setup..................................................... 51 Aux channel setup ..................................... 52 Autocalibrate -- level and distance ......... 55 Installation................................................. 15 Unpacking ....................................................15 Storing packaging .......................................15 Positioning ....................................................15 Controls and Connections..................... 17 Front panel ...................................................18 Rear panel ....................................................19 Audio Setup............................................. 57 Dolby/DTS setup ........................................ 57 Preset setup ............................................... 58 Tone controls.............................................. 59 Low frequency effects (LFE).................... 59 Reverb ......................................................... 60 Balanced source ........................................ 60 Balanced routing......................................... 61 UTSR1 (Remote Control)....................... 23 Accessing the SSP80/100 menus........... 24 SSP page 1 .................................................. 25 SSP Page 2 ................................................. 27 SSP Page 3 ................................................. 27 2 Source Setup .......................................... 63 Source ......................................................... 64 Title ............................................................... 64 Digital input.................................................. 65 Preset .......................................................... 65 Analog monitor........................................... 66 Video type ....................................................67 Scaler bypass (SSP100 only).................... 68 Troubleshooting...................................... 85 Service and Warranty Information ....... 87 Overview ......................................................87 Product warranty ........................................87 Exclusions to the warranty ........................87 Transferability ............................................. 88 Warranty verification.................................. 88 Warranty registration................................. 88 If service is required................................... 88 Transportation of products ...................... 89 Freight damage claims ............................. 89 If you have moved ..................................... 89 Thank you for choosing Halcro! .............. 89 Display Setup .......................................... 69 Scaler setup................................................ 69 TV system ....................................................70 Superimpose ............................................... 71 Temporary display ...................................... 71 Video format ................................................72 Distance units ..............................................72 OSD output ..................................................73 OSD style......................................................73 Appendix -- Technical Information .......91 Technical data ............................................. 91 Mode tables................................................ 92 THX Audio................................................ 75 Bass limiter setup........................................75 Boundary gain compensation ..................76 Advanced speaker array ...........................77 Abbreviations and Units......................... 95 Abbreviations.............................................. 95 Units ............................................................. 96 Index......................................................... 97 Trigger Setup .......................................... 79 Trigger 1, 2 & 3 ............................................79 Polarity ......................................................... 80 Delay ............................................................. 81 Duration ........................................................ 81 Care and Maintenance.......................... 83 Cleaning ...................................................... 83 3 Introduction Congratulations on purchasing the Halcro Logic SSP80 or SSP100 surround sound processor and preamplifier. Born from a decade of high-performance two-channel Research and Development that produced the world's finest super-high-end amplification systems, comes home theater at the highest level. Halcro Logic provides unprecedented levels of leading technology, resulting in reliability and SuperDefinition performance. Halcro Logic is used throughout the world by home theater connoisseurs with a genuine love and passion for home entertainment at its best. Please enjoy the Halcro Logic audiovisual experience. 4 5 Important Safety Information Symbols The following symbols are used on this equipment: The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated `hazardous voltage' that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to a person if exposed or contacted. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the following pages. The `CE' symbol indicates compliance of this device with the relevant directives of the European community including the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards. Warning of electrical shock hazard. Do not open cover (or back). There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. Electrical safety WARNING: This product must always be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earth connection. Only use a suitable approved mains cord complying with European individual country requirements in the CE Low Voltage Directive Scheme. DANGER: Do not open the cover or back, or remove any panels, or try to modify or repair the SSP80/100. Opening the SSP80/100 may expose you to dangerous voltages and will void the warranty. WARNING: The Standby/On button does not disconnect the unit from the mains power. To disconnect the unit from the mains, switch off the unit at the mains socket outlet and withdraw the mains plug from the socket outlet. 6 The unit should be installed in a position where the mains plug is easily accessible. Disconnect the unit from the mains if it is to be left unused for a long period. Cleaning may be performed with a slightly damp cloth that has been wrung until nearly dry. Refer to the section on Cleaning on page 83. WARNING: No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the unit. If naked flame sources tip over they could result in a fire. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. Do not allow liquids to enter the unit or contact electrical terminals. Protection from fluids The Halcro Logic SSP80/100 processors are designed for indoor use only and are not protected against liquids. They must not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on them. If liquid is accidentally spilled on the device, immediately disconnect the unit from the mains. Allow sufficient time for complete evaporation before using the SSP80/100 again. If the liquid is anything other than water, do not use the device before a qualified service technician has examined it. Service warnings All compartments are sealed at the factory. If the seals are broken, the warranty will be void and all service costs will be charged to the owner. DANGER: Contains no user serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open any of the SSP80/100 compartments as this may expose you to dangerous voltages and will void the warranty. Battery disposal When disposing of used batteries, please comply with government regulations or environmental instructions applicable in your area. 7 Protection from overheating The SSP80/100 generates a certain amount of heat and requires ventilation. Slots and ventilation holes are provided for ventilation purposes, and to ensure reliable operation of the product. To prevent fire hazards, these openings must never be blocked or covered. The SSP80/100 may be stacked on top of a Halcro Logic MC20/30/50/70 amplifier but overheating may result if ventilation is inadequate. Ensure there is at least 4 in (10 cm) above the uppermost unit for ventilation. Follow the precautions listed below. If these precautions are not followed, overheating or failure may result. Overheating also shortens the working life of all components. · do not block the ventilation holes in the top or bottom of the unit with any object, including paper, cloths or curtains do not place the unit on a soft surface such as a rug, or carpet with a thick pile, into which it could sink avoid placing the unit in a built-in installation place such as a bookcase or a rack unless you can provide proper ventilation do not operate the unit inside a cabinet unless it has adequate ventilation (such as an open back panel) allow at least 4 in (10 cm) on all sides of the unit (except the bottom) Additional important safety instructions for the US The following instructions should be followed by customers in the USA in addition to the safety instructions in the rest of this chapter: o Read these instructions. o Keep these instructions. o Heed all warnings. o Follow all instructions. o Do not use this apparatus near water. o Clean only with dry cloth or according to the cleaning instructions. o Do not block any ventilation openings. o Install in accordance manufacturer's instructions. with the · · o Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. o Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades, with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. · · WARNING: Do not obstruct ventilation slots in the chassis. 8 Additional instructions continued: o Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. o Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. o Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. o Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as if the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the apparatus, if the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. Interference warning -- US FCC regulations This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: o Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. o Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the amplifier is connected. o Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Halcro could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. 9 SSP80 Features Features include: · · · · · · · · · · supports analog and digital HDTV up-conversion to component video and HDMITM outputs three HDMITM inputs (audio and video) three component video inputs one balanced stereo input one HDMITM output one component video output one balanced and unbalanced 7.1 channel output RS2323 and USB interface for communication with PC three 12 V DC trigger outputs 10 SSP100 Features Features include: · · · · · · · · · · · · supports analog and digital HDTV up-scaling to 1080p de-interlacing (progressive scan) up-conversion to component video and HDMITM outputs four HDMITM inputs (audio and video) four component video inputs one HDMITM output one component video output one balanced and unbalanced 7.1 channel output one balanced and unbalanced 7.1 channel input RS2323 and USB interface for communication with PC three 12 V DC trigger outputs 11 THX Features The SSP80 and SSP100 include a THX processing mode to enhance your audio experience of film soundtracks. THX is an exclusive set of standards and technologies established by the worldrenowned film production company, Lucasfilm Ltd. THX grew from a desire to make your experience of the film soundtrack, in both cinemas and in home theaters, as faithful as possible to the director's intention. A film soundtrack is mixed in a special cinema called a dubbing stage, and is designed to be played back in large cinemas with similar equipment and conditions. The soundtrack is then transferred directly onto Laserdisc, VHS tape, DVD, and so on. It is not changed for playback in a small home theater, and because of this tonal and spatial errors can occur. THX engineers developed the patented THX technologies to accurately translate the sound from the cinema environment into the home, to correct these errors. THX cinema processing features include: · · · · · · re-equalization timbre matching adaptive decorrelation THX Ultra2 THX surround EX ASA (Advanced Speaker Array) Re-equalization The tonal balance of a film soundtrack is excessively bright and harsh when played back over audio equipment in the home. Re-equalization restores the correct tonal balance for listening to the soundtrack in a small home theater. Timbre matching The human ear changes our perception of a sound depending on the direction the sound is coming from. In a cinema, there is an array of surround speakers so the surround information is all around you. The timbre matching feature filters the information going to the surround speakers so that they more closely match the tonal characteristics of sound coming from the front speakers in a cinema. This ensures seamless panning between the front and surround speakers. Adaptive decorrelation In a cinema, a large number of surround speakers helps create an enveloping surround sound experience, but in a home theater there are usually only two speakers. This can make the surround speakers sound like headphones that lack spaciousness and envelopment. The surround sounds also collapse into the closest speaker as you move away from the middle seating position. On this product, when the THX indicator is on, THX processing mode is automatically activated (see page 27). 12 Adaptive Decorrelation slightly changes one surround channel's time and phase relationship with respect to the other surround channel. This expands the listening position and creates -- with only two speakers -- the same spacious surround experience as in a cinema. THX Ultra2 This equipment is THX Ultra2 certified, and as such it has incorporated all the features above and has also passed a rigorous series of quality and performance tests. Only in these conditions can a product feature the THX Ultra logo, which is your guarantee that the home theater products you purchase will give you superb performance for many years to come. THX Ultra2 requirements cover every aspect of the product including pre-amplifier performance and operation, and hundreds of other parameters in both the digital and analog domain. This additional channel provides the opportunity for more detailed imaging behind the listener and brings more depth, spacious ambience and sound localization than ever before. Movies that were created using the Dolby Digital Surround EX technology, when released into the home consumer market may exhibit wording to that effect on the packaging. A list of movies created using this technology can be found on the Dolby web site at www.dolby.com. Only receiver and controller products bearing the THX Surround EX logo, when in the THX Surround EX mode, faithfully reproduce this new technology in the home. This product may also engage the "THX Surround EX?" mode during the playback of 5.1 channel. ©2004 THX Ltd. All Rights Reserved 163 material that is not Dolby Digital Surround EX encoded. In such case the information delivered to the surround back channel will be program dependent and may or may not be very pleasing depending on the particular soundtrack and the tastes of the individual listener. THX Surround EX THX Surround EX -- Dolby Digital Surround EX is a joint development of Dolby Laboratories and the THX Ltd. In a movie theater, film soundtracks that have been encoded with Dolby Digital Surround EX technology are able to reproduce an extra channel which has been added during the mixing of the program. This channel, called surround back, places sounds behind the listener in addition to the currently available front left, front center, front right, surround right, surround left and subwoofer channels. 13 ASA (Advanced Speaker Array) ASA is a proprietary THX technology which processes the sound fed to two side and two back surround speakers to provide the optimal surround sound experience. When you set up your home theater system using all eight speaker outputs (left, center, right, surround right, surround back right, surround back left, surround left and subwoofer) placing the two surround back speakers close together facing the front of the room, will provide the largest sweet spot. If for practical reasons you have to place the surround back speakers apart, you will need to go the THX Audio Set-up screen (see page 75) and choose the setting that most closely corresponds to the speaker spacing, which will re-optimize the surround sound-field. ASA is used in three new modes; THX Ultra2 Cinema, THX MusicMode and THX Games Mode. 14 15 Installation Ensure you have read the Important Safety Information on page 5 before installing your Halcro Logic SSP80/100. If you require assistance in the unpacking and installation of your Halcro SSP80/100, please contact your dealer. Storing packaging The packaging is custom-designed to prevent damage from occurring during transport. Store the packaging in a dry location. Unpacking Unpack the unit carefully, noting that all components are present and undamaged. Your carton should contain the following items: · · · · · · · · · SSP80 or SSP100, as ordered mains supply cable (USA and EU) three feet (for stacking) calibration microphone Universal Touch Screen Remote (UTSR1) with 120 V charger docking station 230 V charger (EU) Owner's Manual Warranty Card Positioning We suggest the Halcro Logic SSP80/100 be positioned on a stable, flat surface. The airflow to the vents should not be interrupted. Ensure there is at least four inches (ten centimeters) clearance around the vents. Do not install in a location exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light. Do not install in a location exposed to high humidity, or where ventilation is poor. Ensure the accessible. mains plug remains easily Do not connect to mains power until all the connections are made and checked. 16 17 Controls and Connections This chapter describes the controls and connections on the front and rear panels of the SSP80/100. The numbers on the diagram below are used throughout the manual to reference the SSP80/100 controls and connections and to assist you in the setup procedure. 18 Front panel 1 IR receiver The infrared sensor for the SSP80/100 Universal Touch Screen Remote (UTSR1) control unit. 7 Zone button Activates Zone B control mode to allow access to the second Zone. (Active in STANDBY mode but not in SETUP mode.) 2 Standby/On button Switches the SSP80/100 on and into STANDBY mode (see page 43). 8 Source button Selects the Source control option. Once pressed, turning the volume control cycles through the available inputs 3 Standby LED LED indicating the system is in STANDBY mode. 9 Mode button Selects the Mode control option. Once pressed, turning the volume control cycles through the available processing modes. (See page 27 and the mode tables on page 92.) 4 Display High quality display showing SSP80/100 operating condition such as selected input, operating mode and volume. The SSP100 display is a high quality 7" (18 cm) digital TFT screen. The SSP80 display is a high quality blue VFD screen. 10 THX button Selects THX processing mode. (Available modes depend on the input signal type and speaker configuration.) See page 27. 5 6 Mute button Mutes the SSP80/100 audio output. DIM button SSP100 -- Pressing the DIM button switches the TFT screen brightness from bright to dim. Pressing the DIM button again increases the brightness of the TFT screen. SSP80 -- Pressing the DIM button switches the VFD screen brightness from bright to dim. Pressing the DIM button again increases the brightness of the VFD screen. 11 Menu Selects SETUP mode. The menu is displayed on the On Screen Display (OSD). Repeated pressing of the MENU button allows you to navigate down through the selected menu page. (A menu function is selected by rotating the volume control.) (See page 47.) 19 12 Volume control Controls the volume of the audio output and can also be used to manually select menu options, audio/video sources and mode control. 19 7.1 balanced audio outputs Connect to the balanced LINE inputs of power audio amplifiers. These outputs feed the same signal as the 7.1 channel outputs, except that bypassed balanced audio input can only be heard from these outputs. 13 Headphone audio output 1 Stereo output with volume control for the selected source input. 20 Composite video inputs 1 to 6 Accept composite video outputs from video sources. These inputs 1-6 are linked to analog audio inputs 1-6. The received composite video signal is fed out from the composite video record (REC), monitor (MON) output, Monitor with On Screen Display information (Mon OSD) and Zone output. 14 Headphone audio output 2 Stereo output with volume control for the selected source input. 15 Microphone input socket Used for auto-calibration of speaker level and distance. See page 55. 16 RS232 control interface Used for connecting the SSP80/100 to a computer or home automation system 21 Composite video record (REC) and monitor (MON) (with OSD) outputs Connect the composite REC output to the composite video input of your recording device such as a VCR. (Connect the Mon OSD to a display device with a composite input (TV). The video signal with the On Screen Display will be shown. You can also use the composite video Mon OSD output even if no composite video source is connected. The selected S-Video signal is down-mixed to this output and you can use it for monitoring.) 17 USB control interface Used for connecting the SSP80/100 to a computer or home automation system. Rear panel 18 7.1 balanced audio input (SSP100) Accepts balanced multi-channel and stereo inputs from analog audio sources (SACD or DVD audio player). 18a Stereo balanced audio input (SSP80) Accepts inputs from balanced audio outputs of an analog audio source.