User manual PROCEED AVP

Audio Video Preamplifier PR O C E E D R WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. 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 literature accompanying the appliance. Marking by the "CE" symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the European Community. NOTICE 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 interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: · · · · Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna; Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver; Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected; Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. The information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version of this manual will be posted on our web site at http://www.madrigal.com. Important Safety Instructions Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating your Proceed component. 1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component. This product is equipped with a three-conductor AC mains power cord which includes an earth ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used. If your electrical outlets will not accept this type of plug, an adapter may be purchased. If an adapter is necessary, be sure it is an approved type and is used properly, supplying an earth ground. If you are not sure of the integrity of your home electrical system, contact a licensed electrician for assistance. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children. AC extension cords are not recommended for use with this product. If an extension cord must be used, be sure it is an approved type and has sufficient current-carrying capacity to power this product. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components. NEVER operate this product with any covers removed. NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid. NEVER pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit. NEVER block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. NEVER bypass any fuse. 11. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified. 12. NEVER attempt to repair this product. If a problem occurs, contact your Proceed® dealer. 13. NEVER expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures. 14. NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere. 15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms. Table of Contents Maximizing the Value of Your Purchase ..................................................... 7 send in that warranty card! .............................................................................. 7 Unpacking and Placement ........................................................................ 8 unpacking the audio video preamplifier ........................................................ 8 remote control ................................................................................................... 8 placement ......................................................................................................... 8 ventilation .......................................................................................................... 8 register your purchase! ..................................................................................... 9 Operating Voltage & Frequency ............................................................... 10 warm up/break-in period .............................................................................. 10 A Word About Installation .......................................................................... 1 1 The Quickest Start: CD & DVD .................................................................... 12 A Quick Start For CD .................................................................................. 13 A Quick Start For DVD ............................................................................... 14 Special Design Features ............................................................................ 15 powerful hardware .......................................................................................... software updatable ......................................................................................... multichannel .................................................................................................... audio computer .............................................................................................. 15 15 16 16 Front Panel .................................................................................................. 17 Viewing Simulcasts .......................................................................................... 18 Rear Panel ................................................................................................. 23 controlling remote zone volume .................................................................... 27 Building PHAST cables ............................................................................... 29 IR input tip polarity .................................................................................... 30 The Remote Control .................................................................................. 33 Using The Menu System ............................................................................ 35 to enter the menu system ............................................................................... 35 to exit the menu system .................................................................................. 36 to select a menu item ..................................................................................... 36 to change a menu item .................................................................................. 36 to save changes .............................................................................................. 36 to "escape" or "cancel" without saving any changes .................................. 36 front panel equivalents ................................................................................... 36 The Operate Menu .................................................................................... 38 auto migration ................................................................................................. 38 forced/manual migration ......................................................................... 39 setup: locked/unlocked ................................................................................. 39 display preferences ........................................................................................ 39 display position ............................................................................................... 39 on screen status .............................................................................................. 40 status preferences ........................................................................................... 40 display timeout ............................................................................................... 40 display of text .................................................................................................. 40 display background color ............................................................................. 41 volume preferences ........................................................................................ 41 volume display ................................................................................................ 41 volume speed ..................................................................................................41 volume mute level ........................................................................................... 42 maximum volume ........................................................................................... 42 dialog normalization ....................................................................................... 42 late night .......................................................................................................... 42 4 The Setup Menu ......................................................................................... 43 define source buttons ..................................................................................... 44 example: setting up a cd transport ............................................................... 44 renaming source buttons ................................................................................ 45 defining the input type ................................................................................... 45 choosing a surround mode ............................................................................ 45 analog-only operation ............................................................................. 46 is it a recording device? ................................................................................. 46 how many input connectors? ......................................................................... 47 defining input connectors .............................................................................. 47 example: setting up a laserdisc player ......................................................... 48 defining the video connection ...................................................................... 48 defining multiple audio connections ............................................................. 49 setting & saving input levels ........................................................................... 50 set more buttons ...............................................................................................51 set speakers ......................................................................................................51 set configuration ............................................................................................. 52 important note ........................................................................................... 54 about your subwoofer: ............................................................................ 54 set distance ..................................................................................................... 54 set distance menu .................................................................................... 55 set levels ........................................................................................................... 55 set levels menu .......................................................................................... 56 bass level manager ........................................................................................ 57 bass level manager menu ....................................................................... 57 mode defaults ................................................................................................. 58 before you use mode defaults ................................................................. 58 The Custom Menu ..................................................................................... 62 teach IR commands to your remote .............................................................. 63 remote only menu ..................................................................................... 64 surround, path and more inputs menus .................................................. 65 misc control menus ................................................................................... 65 custom menu .................................................................................................. 66 rear ir input menu ............................................................................................ 67 The About... Menu .................................................................................... 68 Using the Special Menu ............................................................................ 69 special key actions menu ........................................................................ 69 sample status display screen ................................................................... 70 Using the AVP .............................................................................................. 71 setting the volume ........................................................................................... 71 home thx cinema® ......................................................................................... 71 dolby pro logic surround ................................................................................ 72 stereo surround ................................................................................................ 72 mono surround ................................................................................................ 72 surround off ...................................................................................................... 72 mono ................................................................................................................ 72 automatic migration ....................................................................................... 73 forced/manual migration ............................................................................... 73 watching a simulcast ...................................................................................... 73 Planning Your Installation ...........................................................................74 choosing the equipment ................................................................................ 74 planning your equipment placement ........................................................... 74 the "correct" size for your television screen .................................................. 75 the power amplifiers ....................................................................................... 75 the left, center and right (LCR) front speakers ............................................... 75 toe-in of left & right speakers ................................................................... 76 the subwoofer(s) .............................................................................................. 76 5 the surround speakers .................................................................................... 76 dipolar surround placement .................................................................... 77 conventional surround placement .......................................................... 77 working in unusually large rooms .................................................................. 77 Room Acoustics ......................................................................................... 78 room reverberation ......................................................................................... 78 the boundary effect ........................................................................................ 78 room modes .................................................................................................... 79 System Planning Guide ............................................................................. 80 video placement ............................................................................................ 80 electronics placement .................................................................................... 80 speaker placement ........................................................................................ 80 additional notes on speaker placement ........................................................ 81 Your System Settings .................................................................................. 82 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 89 Care and Maintenance ............................................................................. 91 U.S. and Canadian Warranty .................................................................... 92 90-day limited warranty ................................................................................. 92 five year extended warranty .......................................................................... 92 Obtaining Service ..................................................................................... 93 Specifications ............................................................................................ 94 Dimensions ................................................................................................ 95 Rack Mount Kit .......................................................................................... 96 6 Maximizing the Value of Your Purchase Congratulations on choosing a superb product. Y our Proceed Audio Video Preamplifier (AVP) is designed to give you many years of outstanding performance, and we are confident you will be happy with it. We value our relationship with our customers, and often are in a position to help you enjoy your home entertainment system even more--if we have some way of contacting you. send in that warranty card! Sending in your warranty card registers your product with us so that warranty service in the U.S. and Canada (see the warranty policy at the end of this manual) can be obtained easily and quickly even if you have lost your original sales slip. (And how many of us are organized enough to retain all those sales slips?) Moreover, for customers in the U.S. and Canada, sending in the card automatically extends the warranty from 90 days to five years, at no cost to you. Please send it in soon, before you forget. But there are even more benefits to sending in your registration card: software update notices performance upgrade notices free subscription to Madrigal's QuarterNotes newsletter We occasionally offer software updates to our products, providing new features and control options. In the case of the Audio Video Preamplifier, these updates are easily done without even opening up the unit, via flash-memory. If they include features you would like to have, you can get them--if you kno w about them. We also try to offer hardware-oriented performance upgrades and/or conversions to make upgrading within a family of products as cost-effective as possible for our customers. While not all upgrades can be inexpensive, we work to ensure that they all represent excellent values to you--if you kno w about t hem. One of the best ways we have of communicating with the large number of customers we have around the world is through our company newsletter, QuarterNotes. This newsletter contains information on industry developments, new products, software updates and upgrades, as well as general interest articles on recommended music and movies, and occasional profiles of customers and industry personalities. QuarterNotes is a service we provide to help keep open our lines of communication with our customers, and it is free--if we kno w where to send them. So please, take a few minutes to fill out the warranty registration card, and drop it in the mail. 7 Unpacking and Placement unpacking the audio video preamplifier Unpack your Audio Video Preamplifier and remove all accessories from the carton. Important! Keep all packing materials for future transport of your Audio Video Preamplifier. Shipping your new component in anything other than its purpose-designed packing material may result in damage that is not covered by the warranty. remote control Y our AVP includes a small remote control that covers the basics of turning the unit on and off, selecting something to listen to or watch, and adjusting volume. It is designed to make day to day operation of the system as simple as possible. Alternatively, you may decide that you would prefer to have a more powerful or versatile remote control. Your dealer can assist you in selecting a learning remote control that is appropriate to your needs, and can then teach the new remote control all the necessary AVP commands from the AVP itself. The AVP can transmit as well as receive IR commands, and its menu system contains an extensive list of available commands for learning remote controls (going far beyond what is normally available in such products). placement Place the Audio Video Preamplifier near the digital sources, thus keeping interconnecting cables reasonably short. It may be placed on a shelf or in a cabinet where it's convenient to operate. Note that adequate clearance for the AC cord and connecting cables must be left behind the Audio Video Preamplifier. We suggest leaving at least three inches of free space behind the Audio Video Preamplifier to allow all cables sufficient room to bend without crimping or undue strain. ventilation It is normal and perfectly safe for your Audio Video Preamplifier to run quite warm. Be sure to allow 2 to 3 inches of clearance above it to allow heat dissipation through air circulation. The vents on both the bottom and the top of the Audio Video Preamplifier must be kept free from any obstruction which would reduce the flow of air through the unit. Avoid placement on soft surfaces that would restrict airflow (such as carpeting). If your AVP becomes too warm, it will display an on screen message to that effect. If the temperature continues to rise, the unit will eventually protect itself by shutting itself off. This eventuality is extremely unlikely unless its surrounding ambient temperature is uncomfortably hot for people (as well as for electronics). An internal, temperature-controlled cooling fan kit may be ordered from Madrigal 8 if you do see the on screen warnings about excessive temperatures, and if improving the available ventilation in the installation would be difficult. Contact your dealer or distributor for more information. Drawings are included in this manual to facilitate special installations and custom cabinetry (see Dimensions). An optional, purpose-designed rack mount kit is available for this product, drawings of which are also included at the end of this manual (see Rack Mount Kit). The serial number for your Audio Video Preamplifier is found on the bottom of the unit. Please note and record this number for your future reference. register your purchase! Having found the serial number, now would be a good time to fill out the registration card. Please register your purchase so we can advise you of software updates and other items of interest. In the U.S. and Canada, registering your purchase also automatically extends your warranty from 90 days to five years. It will take only a minute or so. Please complete the card now, before you forget. 9 Operating Voltage & Frequency The Audio Video Preamplifier is set at the factory (internally) for 100V 120V 220V , , , 230V, or 240V and either 50 or 60 Hz AC mains operation, as appropriate for the country in which it is to be sold. (230V/50Hz only in European Union countries, in compliance with CE regulations.) Neither the voltage nor the line frequency setting may be changed by the user. Make sure that the label on the rear panel of the Audio Video Preamplifier (above the AC input receptacle) indicates the correct AC operating voltage for your location. Attempting to operate the Audio Video Preamplifier at an incorrect voltage can damage the unit. Warning: Neither the voltage nor the line frequency settings of your Audio Video Preamplifier may be changed by the user. There are no user-serviceable parts within the unit. Please refer any problems to an authorized Proceed service center. If the AC mains voltage or frequency indicated on your Audio Video Preamplifier is incorrect, please contact your local, authorized Proceed dealer or distributor. The Audio Video Preamplifier can easily be powered by a normal 15-ampere AC mains line. If other devices are also powered from the same AC line, their additional power consumption should be taken into account. warm up/break-in period Although your Proceed Audio Video Preamplifier delivers outstanding performance straight out of the box, you should expect to hear it continue to improve as it reaches its normal operating temperatures and its various components "break-in." It has been our experience that the greatest changes occur within the first 300 hours as the AVP reaches thermal equilibrium and the capacitors fully form. After this initial break-in period, the performance of your new product should remain quite consistent for years to come. The only exception to this rule is if power is removed from the unit for an extended period of time, allowing it to cool down. Depending on the degree of cooling involved, you should expect a brief warm-up period before the Audio Video Preamplifier's sound quality is at its best. Unless your Audio Video Preamplifier was allowed to become quite chilled, subsequent thermal re-stabilization should not take long. 10 A Word About Installation Every effort has been made to make the Proceed AVP simple and straightforward to install and use. We know of no other product which offers this level of performance and flexibility (other than the more costly Proceed PDSD system). Still, we have no way to evaluate many other variables such as the size and shape of your room, its acoustics, and the associated equipment you have chosen to use with your AVP All of these factors influence the ultimate performance of your sys. tem. Moreover, the AVP incorporates many system-specific adjustments which enhance its performance with the widest possible range of associated components. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to have your system installed and calibrated by your dealer, whose experience, training, and specialized equipment can make a profound difference in the final performance of the system. The AVP features the ability to "remember" the carefully calibrated settings chosen by your installer. Y may adjust any or all of these settings to suit your taste ou for a particular recording, either from the front panel or from the remote control. When you want to return to the calibrated settings (which most accurately reproduce the widest variety of program material), simply press recall on the remote control or on the front panel. 11 The Quickest Start: CD & DVD The AVP is an exciting system, and we understand that many owners will be anxious to get it up and running as quickly as possible. What follows is not a r eplacement for a c omplete setup of the system . Rather, it is provided so you can get some music and movies playing as quickly as possible. It assumes that your system is already set up in other respects (speakers connected to power amps, etc.). Once done, please read up on how to do a complete setup and calibration in order to get the most from your investment (or have your dealer/installer do it for you). We have shipped the AVP with two input buttons already pre-programmed for the sources most likely to be found in an AVP-based system: CD and DVD. Having done this, all you have to do is hook them up to the right connectors and press the button to get going. This "quickest start" assumes that your CD transport has an AES/EBU output, and that your DVD player has both composite video output and a coaxial (RCA) digital output. If not, proceed to the next sections, A Quick Start For CD and A Quick Start For DVD. 1 MAKE THE PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS; TURN EVERYTHING ON Connect the outputs of the AVP to your power amplifier(s), as indicated (front, rear, center, sub); ensure that the main video output of the AVP is connected to your television (so you can see the on screen menus). Once this is done, turn on all the components involved (CD transport, AVP televi, sion, amplifiers). Turn the amps on last--always a good habit with any audio system. 2 CONNECT YOUR CD TRANSPORT TO THE AES/EBU INPUT ON THE AVP Doing so will give you access to your CD transport via the CD button on the AVP . 3 CONNECT AN S/PDIF (RCA/COAXIAL) AUDIO OUTPUT FROM YOUR DVD PLAYER, AND CONNECT THE COMPOSITE OUTPUT OF YOUR DVD PLAYER TO THE "COMPOSITE 1" VIDEO INPUT ON THE AVP Y might also take the time to set the digital output of your DVD player to ou "AC-3" instead of "PCM/Pro Logic." It will still output PCM digital audio if you play a CD, but setting it to "AC-3" allows it to give you the discrete multichannel digital AC-3 standard. The AVP will automatically sense the nature of the signal it receives, and will switch accordingly. We chose the composite output for the initial default simply because it is the output on DVD players that you can always depend on. (Many DVD players have a switch that chooses between either S-video or component--if the switch happens to be in the wrong position, you would end up with no picture at all.) 4 PRESS EITHER CD OR DISC 1 AND START ENJOYING YOUR AVP 12 A Quick Start For CD There is a reasonable chance that either your CD transport or your DVD player may have a different set of output connectors than what we have assumed it might have in the "quickest start" section. In that case, setting up the AVP to take advantage of your particular equipment is still quite simple, though it will require a couple extra steps. 1 MAKE THE PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS; TURN EVERYTHING ON Connect the outputs of the AVP to your power amplifier(s), as indicated (front, rear, center, sub); connect a CD transport to any matching digital input connector on the AVP noting which connector you use; ensure that the , main video output of the AVP is connected to your television (so you can see the on screen menus). Once this is done, turn on all the components involved (CD transport, AVP television, amplifiers). Turn the amps on last , (always a good habit with any audio system). 2 PRESS AND HOLD THE CD BUTTON ON THE FRONT OF THE AVP This shortcut of pressing and holding an input button will take you directly to the define button menu for that button. 3 TELL THE AVP WHICH CONNECTOR YOU USED FOR YOUR CD TRANSPORT IN STEP 1 We have no way of knowing what sort of digital interface your particular CD transport might use (AES/EBU? RCA? BNC? EIA-J?), but logically, you'd like to be able to use your main CD transport with the button labeled cd. This step allows you to use whatever connector you need to use in conjunction with the button you'd like to use. Using the volume ± button on the remote (or the volume knob), move the arrow cursor down to the line that reads "audio connectors" and press enter (or mute on the front panel). Press volume ­ to move to 1: Digital 1 and press enter (mute) again. Then move the arrow cursor down to the line that defines which connector is being used, and press enter (mute) again. With the cursor changed to an arrow within a diamond ( ) instead of an arrow, the volume ± buttons or the knob will allow you to select whatever digital input connector you used in Step 1. When done, press enter (mute) again to save your change. 4 PRESS MENU THREE TIMES TO EXIT THE MENU SYSTEM, AND ENJOY Make sure the volume is on at a low level before you fire up your CD player, press the cd button, and raise the volume to a comfortable level. According to the factory defaults (which you can easily change), cd is preset to come on in 2-channel/surround off. Y should properly calibrate the ou system so all speakers are playing at the proper volumes before you listen critically to multichannel audio. Performing this calibration only takes only a few more minutes, but you should read up on it a bit first. Y can enjoy ou the AVP in regular stereo until then. 13 A Quick Start For DVD We understand: you're in a rush to hear Dolby Digital on your new system. Remember: What follows is not a r eplacement for a c omplete setup of the system . We will assume here that you have already done the CD setup on the previous page. To get a DVD player playing: 1 MAKE THE PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS Noting which connectors you use, connect a digital output of your DVD to any matching digital input on the AVP and a video output of your DVD to a , corresponding video input on the AVP Turn everything on. . 2 PRESS AND HOLD THE DISC BUTTON ON THE AVP This shortcut of pressing and holding an input button will take you directly to the Define Button menu for that button, disc in this case . 3 TELL THE SYSTEM WHICH CONNECTORS YOU USED FOR YOUR DVD PLAYER IN STEP 1 Using the volume ± buttons (or the volume knob), move the arrow cursor down to the line that defines your video connection and press enter (or mute on the front panel). Make sure the AVP knows where you plugged in your laserdisc player's video output. Change the video: setting to the correct video input, and press enter to save any changes you need to make. Similarly, set up your audio connection: move the arrow cursor down (volume ±) to the audio connectors line and press enter; move to the line that reads 1: digital 2, and press enter again. Move down to the connector line, press enter and with the cursor changed to an arrow within a diamond ( ), the volume ± buttons will allow you to select whatever digital input you used when hooking up the system. 4 PRESS MENU A FEW TIMES TO EXIT THE MENU SYSTEM, AND ENJOY Make sure the volume is on at a low level before you fire up your DVD player; press the disc button once, and raise the volume to a moderate/ comfortable level. Important: you should properly calibrate the system so all speakers are playing at the proper volumes before you listen critically to multichannel audio. Performing this calibration only takes only a few more minutes, but you should read up on it first. Please review the chapter on The Setup Menu for more information, pp. 42-58. 14 Special Design Features Congratulations on your purchase of the Proceed Audio Video Preamplifier (AVP). We have gone to great lengths to ensure that the AVP remains "future-proof" even in these times of change. As a result, you will be able to enjoy the outstanding performance of the Audio Video Preamplifier for many years. In case you are interested in technical details, what follows is a brief outline of some of the key technologies in your new product. powerful hardware The AVP shares the same type of powerful DSP engine used in the Proceed Digital Surround Decoder, employing multiple Motorola 56303 DSP chips in a Madrigal-designed operating system. This DSP engine has sufficient power to handle the decoding requirements of Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG2, HDCD, THX, and others. In addition, its power and flexibility provide for future updates to handle asyet-undefined digital audio standards that may be adopted in the future, such as the 24 bit/96 kHz high quality audio disc proposal for a DVD-audio (only) disc. If a new, dedicated DVD-for-audio format is defined, it will almost certainly use significantly more "bandwidth" than today's digital audio standards--after all, providing more information per second is the basis for the improvement in quality. Fortunately, the AVP includes a special, Madrigal-designed Digital Interface Receiver (DIR) that can receive digital information even faster than a dedicated DVD could send it, while at the same time rejecting timing errors called "jitter" in the digital signal. Thus, this Madrigal DIR protects the AVP from premature obsolescence (by allowing it to receive as yet undefined signals of up to 12 Mbits/sec), while improving the sound quality of every digital source connected to the product (by rejecting incoming jitter). The AVP includes eight channels of digital to analog conversion, all of which can process and convert 96 kHz information. In addition, all volume controls within the AVP are implemented in the analog domain, allowing the DACs to run at their maximum resolution at all times. (This approach stands in contrast to digital volume controls, which operate by requiring the converters to operate at less than their maximum capabilities. After all, what would be the point of having 24 bit/96 kHz music formats if you end up throwing away much of the improvement in a digital volume control?) software updatable All the software that the AVP uses is stored in special "flash" memory that can easily be updated as improvements are made available. These improvements can affect both operational and performance enhancements. With a simple software download a short time after such a standard is announced, your Audio Video Preamplifier would be able to both decode and play back the new audio standard, and flip back and forth between the different versions of the music on the disc for comparison purposes. For example. since the AVP was originally introduced, we have added DTS decoding, MPEG audio decoding and 8-channel support, all available to pre-existing units by simple software downloads. The Audio Video Preamplifier is designed to avoid the premature obsolescence that will be the hallmark of far too many products sold in these changing times. 15 multichannel The Audio Video Preamplifier is designed to be flexible with respect to its audio configurations, as well. In its standard configuration, it provides the standard 5.1 channel selection of outputs made popular by home theater. However, it also includes an extra two channels that may be used in any of several ways, whether to accommodate larger rooms (separate side and rear speakers) or more sophisticated audio processing (Dual DriveTM surrounds, for example). It is just a matter of what you want the system to do. That way, you can have the system the way you want it to work, rather than bieng limited to the way we thought you'd want it to work. (After all, a no-compromise, high performance audio system should not be "one size fits all.") audio computer Conventional audio DSP design requires the addition of costly hardware every time you wish to add functionality. In these designs, Dolby Digital (AC-3) has its own, dedicated DSP chip and associated supporting circuitry; so does DTS; so does MPEG/Musicam. Want a new feature? Buy more hardware. This strikes us as ridiculous. Y would not buy a computer for writing, knowing that you would have to buy ou another computer for calculations, and another for graphics, and a fourth for database work. To do so would be enormously wasteful, as expensive microprocessors would sit idly by while you were doing something else. The same is true in "audio computers." The Proceed Audio Video Preamplifier is helping to define a new generation of powerful DSP (Digital Signal Processing) engines that can load software in and out of memory dynamically, as your computer does. Want to listen to a Dolby Digital soundtrack? The AVP loads the appropriate software and runs it. Movie over, want to listen to CD? No problem. Oh, the CD is DTS-encoded? Still no problem -- the DTS software is loaded and runs on the same chip that had been running Dolby Digital a few moments ago. Madrigal was an early partner of Motorola in developing the next generation of DSP chips, the 56300-series. Designed to replace the aging 5600X series, these new chips offer twice the performance and vastly more flexibility With two such . chips in each Audio Video Preamplifier, we have the power to run these programs as well as our own proprietary digital filtering algorithms. Why did we develop such advanced technology? Simple: better performance for today, and for tomorrow. 16 2 4 6 9 14 15 16 17 19 LU CA S FI LM TM audi o vi de o p re ampl i f i er balance tv/aux satellite master center ® vcr 1 disc 1 vcr 2/disc 2 cd tape aux tuner more surround mode rear LASER standby path recall main remote both display intensity delay 2 9.0 i n p u t l eve l mute sub p owe r PR O C E E D 1 3 5 7 8 10 11 12 13 18 Front Panel 1 STANDBY BUTTON AND INDICATOR Pressing this button places the AVP in standby mode, turning off the display, disengaging all control functions, and turning off all outputs to the main zone (remote zone functions are still available). The internal circuitry remains on in order to maximize performance on demand by virtue of all circuits remaining thermally stable. Lest you think this wasteful, you should know that the AVP draws about the same power as a light bulb, whether in standby or fully on. The benefits of having it always warmed up and ready to go (and always able to respond to remote control commands) far outweigh the small amount of power used. We recommend using the front panel power switch (13) only when you will be away from the house for extended period of time, such as during a vacation. There is another good reason for using the AVP's standby mode. The AVP will generate a full-frame, dark grey video signal during standby, rather than passing no signal at all. This is particularly helpful with many projections televisions, since it gives the projector a "sync" signal without calling for any significant generation of light. This feature allows the projector to remain fully warmed up at all times without risking damage to the phosphors which create the projected light. 2 AUDIO/VIDEO SOURCES These five buttons select both the video and associated audio signals from any of the defined A/V inputs. (See define source buttons in The Setup Menu section of this manual.) To use these Selection Buttons, choose the appropriate path (see path, below). (For your music/home theater room, "main" would be appropriate.) Then make your selection. The sophisticated switching system employed in the AVP allows simultaneous, independent routing of both audio and video signals the two signal paths: main, and remote/record. 17 3 AUDIO SOURCES These four buttons select audio signals from among the defined audio-only inputs. (See define source buttons in The Setup Menu section of this manual.) To use these selection buttons, choose the appropriate path (see path, below), and then make your selection. Selecting any audio source after having selected a video source will cause the newly-selected audio signal to "override" the audio portion of the video selection (leaving the video signal unaffected). Thus, to enjoy a simulcast, merely select the desired picture followed by the desired sound. To revert to the regularly-used sound of the video input, just press the video input button again. Viewing Simulcasts 4 "MORE" SOURCES With five A/V sources and four audio source buttons, most people will find the AVP's source selection capabilities more than adequate. However, the AVP provides a total of fifteen audio inputs (seven analog and eight digital), in order to accommodate differing connection standards that may be used on your source components. In addition, there are either six (composite version) or nine (S-video version) video inputs available for use. Rather than allowing these extra connectors to remain unused after the initial nine primary source buttons are defined, we have provided a more button to access additional, less frequently used sources. To define additional sources that will be accessed by the more button, simply use the menu system to define "more" sources: either a/v or audio-only. (See set more buttons in The Setup Menu section of this manual.) Y can teach a learning remote control a direct-access command ou for any of these "extra" sources, or use the more button to cycle through them. 5 PATH BUTTON AND INDICATORS Pressing this button cycles among your various signal path options: · main -- the main room/home theater; this path determines which video and audio sources are sent to the Main outputs on the back of the AVP Sources selected for the main path are indi. cated in yellow on the front panel LEDs. · remote -- determines which video and audio sources are sent to the Remote outputs on the back of the AVP to be sent to another , system elsewhere in the house. These sources are indicated in red on the front panel LEDs. The remote path may also be used as a secondary Record Output path if necessary. · both -- the audio and video signals for both main and remote paths may be selected at the same time, for your convenience; as when entertaining, perhaps, for whole-house background music. Sources selected for "both" main and remote paths will be indicated by green LEDs. · record -- determines which video and audio sources are sent to the various record output jacks. The source selected for the record path is indicated on the front panel in red LEDs. As a safety measure, the AVP can provide protection against the selection of any recordable device as its own source, to avoid feedback loops. The AVP can also display the words record loop on screen as a warning when you accidently begin to set up such a loop. 18 Tip: To avoid any possibility of running into a "Tape Loop" problem (where the AVP prevents you from choosing what you want, in order to protect the system from possible damage), simply select a non-recording source on the record path. 6 SURROUND MODE Pressing this button cycles among the various surround modes of the AVP: · Home THX cinema -- for movies which were mixed for theatrical release; THX may be added to any multichannel mode associated with movies (Dolby Digital/AC-3, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS, MPEG). · pro logic -- manually selecting Pro Logic may be needed when listening to a conventional (PCM) digital signal, as from a laserdisc player, which does not have an identifying "flag" to indicate whether it is simply stereo, or Dolby Surround encoded. (In the case of AC-3, DTS, or MPEG, the AVP will know positively what sort of decoding is required and will provide it automatically .) · stereo surround -- for enjoying two-channel stereo recordings using all loudspeakers; this is an ambience extraction mode that uses the natural ambience in the recording itself, rather than synthesizing something artificial. · mono surround -- for monophonic recordings which would benefit from some degree of additional ambience or spaciousness, such as many classic movies and some sporting events. · 2-ch/surround off -- limits the system to two-channel stereo. · mono --a "true" mono, reproduced only through the center channel speaker and subwoofer. Noisy mono soundtracks often enjoy significant noise reduction by being reproduced in this mode. 7 DISPLAY INTENSITY Pressing the display intensity button will cycle the AVP's display through the four available levels of brightness: high, medium, low, and off. For example, during bright daytime hours you may wish to use high; in the evening, in a dimly-lit room, low is probably easier on the eyes. 8 RECALL Pressing the recall button restores the AVP to its calibrated reference settings for the relative output of all speakers. This is especially helpful after having experimented with various settings of balance, center, rear, or sub, or when comparing a modified surround default to "flat" balance, since one touch of a button will restore your preamplifier to its original state (as determined by the setup calibrations stored in memory; see System Setup & Calibration and Using the AVP for more details). 9 MAIN DISPLAY The main display provides information pertaining to the operation of the AVP including selected source, surround mode, and volume levels. At all volumes above a relatively quiet background level, and in all modes, the volume control enjoys a resolution of 0.5 dB. Thus a change of 9.5 decibels would be indicated by a change of 9.5 in the display. 19 The main display indicates the selected source and master volume by default, and can also display the following offsets when chosen: balance, center, rear, sub. In addition, it can also display the input level (used in calibrating the input level to the analog to digital converter on analog sources only) and the rear channel delay (in milliseconds). Right- and Left-facing arrows are provided to indicate the direction of the balance offset. Finally, the infrared receiver and transmitter for the remote control are positioned on the left side of the main display. 10 DELAY Pressing this button allows you to adjust (using the volume knob) the delay introduced to the signal being sent to the surround/rear channels, in milliseconds (mS). This delay setting is in addition to the 15 msecs required by Dolby Pro Logic when in the Pro Logic mode. 1 1 INPUT LEVEL Pressing this button adjusts the input level of the selected signal to the analog to digital converter. It may be used to compensate for variations in level among sources. This adjustment is only important for analog sources (since digital sources are effectively "level adjusted" when they were first converted to digital). If overload should occur, the AVP will indicate it by displaying ADC CLIPPING in the main display and on the screen. Pressing the input level button followed by turning the volume knob counterclockwise will reduce the input level by the number of decibels shown in the main display. Do so until there is no indication of clipping, even during the loudest passages. Y can also create a different, default input level setting for each analog ou source defined in the menu system. If you can generate a 1 kHz, 0 dB reference signal in the source component (for example, a cassette tape recording of a 1 kHz test tone, with the recording meters showing 0 dB), use this signal to calibrate the input. With the volume of the AVP turned down, play the 0 dB test tone, and adjust the input level until the indicator light first turns on. Reduce the input level setting a few decibels to allow for peaks above 0 dB, and then press either the enter button on the remote or the mute button on the front panel (which serves the same purpose when in the menu system) to enter this default input level setting for the currently selected input. (You may repeat this procedure for each analog source.) 12 MUTE Pressing the mute button will reduce the main output level of the preamplifier by a user-modifiable amount, ranging from 1 to 60 decibels . Pressing the mute button a second time without adjusting the volume will return it to its previous setting. If you adjust the volume with either the front panel buttons or the remote control while in the mute mode, the preamplifier will adjust its volume from the muted volume and disengage the mute function. The factory default setting of the mute circuit is -20 dB. (See Using the AVP for information on changing the factory default setting.) 20