User manual TAG MCLAREN AUDIO AV32R DUAL PROCESSOR

contents | 1 4 6 7 8 9 controls welcome safety first / when you need additional assistance preparing your remote control - installing batteries connectivity analog audio inputs ................................................9 5.1 analog bypass ..................................................9 digital audio inputs..................................................9 TAGtronic Sync Link...............................................10 AC-3 RF Laserdisc interface ....................................10 composite video inputs...........................................11 S-video inputs .......................................................11 audio outputs main zone ........................................12 audio outputs zone 2 .............................................12 speaker positioning ...............................................13 analog and digital tape outputs ..............................14 TAGtronic Bus routing ............................................15 DAB digital radio antenna......................................15 action switches......................................................16 external infrared receiver connections......................17 composite video outputs .........................................18 S-video outputs......................................................18 19 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 on screen display video standard & signal conversion basic system set-up: an example switching on / standby controlling remotely front panel display in operation status screen: all essential user settings at a glance source selection volume control - main & zone 2 changing volume...................................................25 changing between main and zone 2 .......................25 start volume ..........................................................25 maximum volume ..................................................25 2 | contents 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 mute and partial mute (attenuation) balance (front/rear, left/right) surround modes & initial modes THX post processing THX Cinema, THX Ultra2 and THX Music THX Surround EX surround modes mono, direct, bypass, HDCD ..................................33 stereo, Pro Logic, Pro Logic II ..................................34 DTS Neo:6, TAG McLaren Surround, party...............35 Dolby Digital, MPEG-2, DTS, DTS ES 6.1 .................36 DTS 96 / 24, Multi-channel....................................37 38 39 39 40 height channel audio channel indicator: audio status tuning the LFE or subwoofer level cursor assigmenment balance ...............................................................40 Pro Logic II Music ..................................................40 AV32R DAB digital radio tuning..............................40 T32R tuning via TAGtronic Bus ................................40 quick settings .......................................................41 42 The AV32R set-up menu : introduction 44 first time set-up wizard 45 Change Set-up night mode ...........................................................45 front panel configuration ........................................46 front panel brightness ............................................47 on-screen configuration ..........................................48 radiotext display ...................................................48 video inputs configuration ......................................49 analog audio inputs configuration ...........................50 digital audio input configuration .............................52 TAGtronic Sync Link configuration ...........................53 When to Use Height Speaker..................................54 5.1 analog bypass configuration/trim .....................55 source input key assignments on remote ...................56 loudspeaker definition and calibration .....................57 mode dependent speaker trims ...............................59 distance between back speakers .............................59 contents | 3 subwoofer types ....................................................60 LFE cut-off frequency ..............................................60 THX boundary gain compensation...........................60 bass redirection rules .............................................61 speaker calibration................................................62 alternative listening position....................................62 5.1 replay through 7.1 loudspeakers .......................63 64 TMREQ TAG McLaren Room EQ for details see separate TMREQ manual main zone / zone 2 configuration ...........................65 Dolby Headphone .................................................65 Dolby Pro Logic IIx configuration .............................66 NTSC/ PAL latency offset .......................................67 OSD on composite and S-video...............................67 PSM192: connections and settings ..........................68 DAB digital radio ..................................................71 action switches......................................................74 75 TAGtronic Bus in and out of standby .............................................75 sending remote commands via AV32R .....................76 controlling (multiple) amplifiers................................77 corresponding with DVD32/DVD192 & T32R ............78 81 hardware and software upgrades how to enable a new software option ......................82 83 87 89 90 programming the remote upgrading the AV32R's software running in, warming up, cleaning and service acknowledgements 4 | controls controls | 5 Sp ecif ica ti on sh own ma y v ar y fo r diffe rent count ries 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 power / standby indicator input selection buttons mode / standby buttons function buttons display volume knob remote command receiver window 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 power button special status indicators remote command acknowledge indicator fuse carrier (1) action switches (1) external remote in/out DAB Digital Radio antenna - option 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 (1) composite video in/out sockets back channel output sockets digital output socket(s) analog output sockets (5.1) 5.1 analog bypass ac supply socket TAGtronic Communications Bus 22 23 24 25 S-Video in/out sockets digital input sockets TAGtronic Synchronisation Link T 2L digital output 2 - optional AC-3 RF input for Laserdiscs 26 tape monitor 27 analog input sockets, incl. tape input only available if your AV32R `Dual Processor' is equipped with the `7.1' option 1. 6 | welcome welcome to Dr. Udo Zucker Chief Executive Officer TAG McLaren Audio TAG McLaren Audio exists with one aim in mind: to produce the very best audio and audio-visual equipment in the world. Like many people, I often have my best ideas when relaxing to a piece of music or watching a movie. For years, knowing the technical capabilities of TAG McLaren, I have nurtured the ambition to push music reproduction to the absolute limit; that's why we formed TAG McLaren Audio. At the core of our development team are highly experienced engineers whose heritage of award-winning hi-fi and world-beating electronic control systems is envied by many and equalled by few. There are many immediate spin-offs into audio from our expertise in automotive electronics, mechanical engineering and the material science of Formula One motor racing: multi-layer printed circuits, fast digital signal processing, electronic noise suppression, radio frequency technology and software expertise to name but a few - all prerequisites of an outstanding audio product. TAG McLaren Audio's aim is perfection combined with aesthetic delight and solid build quality ­ a rare combination in hi-fi. Enjoy ... Dr. Udo Zucker safety first / when you need additional assistance safety first | 7 before you start Make sure that all components of your audio-visual system are disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any connections. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in; the next will release it. Check that the power button is out so that power is off. The AV32R `Dual Processor' is designed to run warm during normal operation. Please ensure that there is adequate ventilation above and below the unit. Do not place anything on top of your AV32R `Dual Processor'! Do not place your AV32R `Dual Processor' on top of any electronic product (or hot surface), it will warm both products because of restricted ventilation. We recommend that you do not place your AV32R `Dual Processor' near any heat sources such as radiators or in direct sunlight. Do not expose your AV32R `Dual Processor' to dripping or splashing liquids. Do not place objects filled with liquid, such as vases, on or near it. Do not connect the AC cable, supplied, until you have completed all connections. when you need additional assistance To maximize the performance from your AV32R `Dual Processor', it is essential to configure it correctly. This will ensure it performs its role at the heart of your home cinema system to its optimum. Without this set-up you will significantly reduce your system's potential. In case you need any support, remember: · refer to the on screen help, available from the on screen display · ask your TAG McLaren Audio retailer for assistance · contact our Helpdesk@tagmclaren.com by email, using either the English or German language · refer to the Discussion Forum at www.tagmclaren.com to share your specific issue with others For on-line help select the ? using the cursor keys, followed by ok(1). 1. Throughout the manual, bold print indicates the lettering that you will find on the panels of your AV32R `Dual Processor' or the remote. 8 | preparing the remote control installing batteries The AV32R `Dual Processor' is supplied with a `learning' remote. This is supplied pre-programmed for TAG McLaren Audio home cinema products, but may easily be re-programmed to control other devices using an infra-red remote within your home audio and audio-visual system. The remote uses four AAA 1.5 V batteries. These are supplied with the AV32R `Dual Processor'. To open the battery compartment, push the latch forward towards the top of the remote, and lift the latch up. Make sure that batteries are inserted in the correct orientation, with the + and ­ markings on the batteries match those in the battery compartment(1). To close the battery cover, slide it straight back in (towards the top of the remote) and push down until it clicks into place. 1. Make sure you do not press any keys on the remote during battery changing, as you will lose any user- programmed functions. For more information about programming the remote, please refer to page 87 `programming the remote'. connectivity: audio sources Please have a look at the rear panel of your AV32R `Dual Processor' and you will see many potential connections can be made to your AV32R `Dual Processor'. Fortunately these connections can be separated in logical groups which are described in the following paragraphs: | 9 audio inputs You can connect analog (stereo and 5.1) and digital audio signals. stereo analog inputs Your AV32R `Dual Processor' has six, electrically identical analog inputs at the rear, labelled for convenience TV, VCR, SAT, TUNER, AUX, TAPE. L L R TAPE AUX TUNER SAT VCR TV R ANALOG INPUT 5.1 bypass The AV32R `Dual Processor' offers a 5.1 BYPASS, which is also configurable as three stereo inputs. The 5.1 BYPASS is a true 5.1 analog bypass with analog volume control, allowing the direct connection of DVD Audio or multichannel SACD players. SR 5.1 BYPASS SL SUB C R L Signals connected to the 5.1 Bypass will not be digitised, therefore no processing beside analog volume control will be possible. All analog inputs use phono sockets and should be connected using good-quality, screened, analog audio cable, such as our Cable AvantGarde analog interconnect. SPDIF digital audio inputs Your AV32R `Dual Processor' has five digital audio inputs using the SPDIF interface standard. They are labelled for convenience DVD, CD, LD, MD and DAB. The inputs labelled DVD, CD, and LD use phono sockets and should be connected using a digital cable. The inputs DAB and MD use optical TOSLINK connectors. DAB MD DVD CD SYNC LD D I G I TA L I N P U T Cable AvantGarde offers good-quality, screened, coaxial digital interconnects with phono and BNC connectors or a combination of both. 10 | connectivity: TAGtronic Sync Link / AC-3 RF Laserdisc TAGtronic Sync Link (1) The stability of the timing of digital data has a dramatic effect on sound quality. When designing digital to analog converters, it is vital to have a stable digital clock as close to the converter electronics as possible. The best place for an ultra-low-jitter clock is within the audio-visual processor itself, but it is conventionally located in the source from which the digital data is sent. The AV32R `Dual Processor' incorporates sophisticated electronics which enable it to `drive' the source clock of products equipped with this technology to provide the correct data rate to the converters. By a process called `re-clocking', the jitter in the digital audio data is dramatically reduced. To enable this feature, the TAGtronic Sync Link SYNC connector must be connected to the appropriate SYNC connector of the digital audio source using a high-quality analog interconnect. The sync output software must also be enabled using the on-screen set-up menu system, for details see page 53. SYNC AC-3 RF Laserdisc interface If you want to play NTSC Laserdiscs encoded in Dolby Digital, you will need the optional AC-3 RF interface. This interface converts the Radio Frequency (RF)-encoded information stored on the Laserdisc into an SPDIF-compatible Dolby Digital bitstream, allowing the AV32R `Dual Processor' then to decode this data in the same way as if the signal had come from a DVD encoded with Dolby Digital. If the AC-3 RF Laserdic interface option is installed, it uses the phono connector COAXIAL OUTPUT(1) as the 2 (AC-3 RF) input. COAXIAL OUTPUT 1 2 (AC-3 RF) 1. When the interface is not fitted, this socket is available as a second coaxial COAX OUT 2/RF connectivity: video sources video inputs The AV32R `Dual Processor' can process analog Composite video and S-video signals. | 11 Composite video The AV32R `Dual Processor' has four 75 Ohm Composite video inputs at the rear, labelled for convenience TV-C, VCR-C, LD-C and SAT-C. All inputs, except SAT-C are electrically identical - SAT-C has been modified to accept video signals with high DC offset, a signal degradation found in some satellite receivers. OUT VCR-C TV-C + OSD LD-C SAT-C COMPOSITE S-video The AV32R `Dual Processor' has four 75 Ohm Mini-DIN S-video inputs at the rear, labelled for convenience VCR-S, DVD-S, LD-S and SAT-S. All inputs, except SAT-S are electrically identical - SAT-S has been modified to accept video signals with high DC offset, a signal degradation found in some satellite receivers. D BOX-S TV-S OUT VCR-S DVD-S OUT +OSD S-VIDEO LD-S SAT-S 12 | connectivity: main zone / zone 2 heading audio outputs The AV32R `Dual Processor' can offer up to 7.1 channels(1). main connections The RIGHT, CENTRE, LEFT, SURR RIGHT, SURR LEFT, BACK RIGHT, BACK LEFT and SUBwoofer phono outputs are lowimpedance line-level outputs, buffered to be able to drive long cables or several inputs in parallel if required. These should be connected to your amplifier(s) using goodquality, screened, analog audio cable such as our Cable AvantGarde F3-10-ANA analog interconnect. BACK BACK RIGHT LEFT SURR. SURR. LEFT CENTRE LEFT SURR. RIGHT SUB RIGHT ANALOG OUTPUT zone 2 You can assign the left/right or surround left/right or surround back left/right outputs to a second zone: zone 2. This is particularly interesting, if your AV32R `Dual Processor' has 7.1 output channels but you currently only use a 5.1speaker set-up. See page 65 for more details, how to make the assignment. You can switch between main zone and zone 2 by pressing the shift key followed by VOL+ or VOL- . The AV32R `Dual Processor' will indicate zone 2 in the front panel display by replacing VOL with ZN2. More details to zone switching can be found on page 25. The AV32R `Dual Processor' will allow you to control power amplifiers, connected via the TAGtronic Bus, for each zone differently, for more details, see page 77. Potential applications for zone 2 are: · connection of headphones to the surround back channels, using a 5.1 home cinema set-up otherwise · second listening position, used for listening to two-channel music at the other end of a 7.1 cinema layout. 1. If your AV32R is equipped with the back channel option - otherwise there will only be 5.1 channels connectivity: loudspeakers heading speaker positioning With the exception of the subwoofer and the height channel speaker, all loudspeakers should be arranged around your normal viewing / listening position, forming an approximate circle. Do not worry if you are unable to position your loudspeakers at equal distances from your preferred listening position, the AV32R `Dual Processor' can be set up to take account of different distances. The subwoofer can be placed almost anywhere, but we recommend you experiment to obtain the best results. | 13 1 2 1 3 6 3 5 4 4 1. front left and right loudspeaker Position your front loudspeakers so as to obtain a good stereo image for normal music reproduction as well as good sound location for multi-channel modes 2. centre loudspeaker A front centre loudspeaker allows more realistic reproduction of dialogue and central sounds and a wider range of seating positions. The centre loudspeaker should ideally be placed at the same height as the left and right loudspeakers, immediately above or below the television. Do not compromise on the quality of the centre loudspeaker; it is most important to a good home cinema system as it carries all the dialogue. 3. surround loudspeakers `5.1' home cinema uses one or preferably two rear loudspeakers in addition to your existing front left, right and centre loudspeakers to give excellent reproduction of ambient sound and cinema effects. 4. back channel loudspeaker(1) Your AV32R `Dual Processor' allows you to add one or two back channel loudspeakers for added depth, spacious ambience and sound localization. You might need to move your standard left and right surround loudspeakers forward in order to generate the most impressive surround sound. Place the loudspeakers to have the sound perfectly surrounding you without `breaking up' when moving from one surround speaker to the other. 5. subwoofer Bass performance will be improved by adding a subwoofer. This is useful for reproducing special cinema effects, especially where a dedicated LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) channel is available, such as with Dolby Digital or DTS Digital Surround-encoded discs. 6. height channel loudspeaker(1) The AV32R `Dual Processor 7.1' is one of the first processors offering a height channel, making sure that sound intended to fly over you, will no longer fly through you. Movies especially mixed with height channel information, and many mixed in THX Surround EX (Dolby EX) or DTS-ES 6.1 will benefit from this enhancement(2). Information, intended for the height channel, is matrix encoded in the surround back and centre channel. If you activate the height channel, the BACK RIGHT SURR. output will be assigned to the output of the height channel matrix decoder. If you want to run two back channels in addition to the height channel, then you need to connect both back channel loudspeakers via two power amplifier channels to BACK LEFT SURR. 1. 2. If your AV32R is equipped with the `7.1' option - otherwise there will only be 5.1 channels THX Surround EX (Dolby EX) and DTS-ES 6.1 recordings provide an additional back channel, which the AV32R `Dual Processor 7.1' can route to go to a left and right surround back speaker, if the height channel is not activated. 14 | connectivity: analog and digital tape connections analog tape output The TAPE OUTput contains a copy of the audio signals routed to the RIGHT and LEFT front channel outputs, without applying volume control or mute. Connect the recording input of an analog tape recorder to TAPE OUT if you want to record the signal of the RIGHT and LEFT front channels. caution when pressing the tape key/button during recording If you listen to an analog stereo input, pressing the tape key/button will route the TAPE input to the ANALOG OUTPUTs without changing the signal going to TAPE out, allowing for example, the recorded signal to be compared with the original whilst recording using a threehead tape recorder (if its output is connected to TAPE). In this instance the front display will show TAPE (name of analog input routed to TAPE out), e.g. TAPE(SAT). Pressing tape again will return to the analog signal selected before tape was pressed the first time. If however, you record the result of a digital audio input, e.g. CD, or the 5.1 BYPASS then you should not press the tape key/button whilst recording, as this will route the TAPE input to the ANALOG OUTPUTs and TAPE OUT, spoiling your recording. This behaviour will be shown in the front display by the word TAPE. Pressing tape again will return to the digital input/5.1 BYPASS selected before pressing tape the first time. L R TAPE OUT digital (tape) output The signal at COAX OUT 2/RF (if the optional AC-3 RF interface isn't installed- see page 10) and OPTICAL OUT is an unmodified copy of the currently selected digital audio source, i.e. it is unaffected by the volume control or processing mode. The digital coaxial COAX OUT should normally be connected to your digital recording device (such as a DAT or MD recorder). It is not possible to route an analog source to the digital coaxial outputs. COAXIAL OUTPUT 1 2 (AC-3 RF) connectivity: TAGtronic Bus / DAB digital radio heading TAGtronic Bus routing | 15 The AV32R `Dual Processor' features the TAGtronic Communications Bus. This allows TAG McLaren Audio units to work together seamlessly to form an effective, fully integrated system. It is highly recommended to connect products, featuring the TAGtronic Bus together, as many additional features will become available. Details are explained on page 75. You can connect your AV32R `Dual Processor' to the TAGtronic Bus using a `straight' CAT5 cable with RJ45 connectors. Straight means pin 1 of the connector on one end, connects to pin 1 of the connector on the other end. CAT5 cable is available from your local computer shop at a reasonable price. The sequence is in principle of no relevance as long as you connect an output to an input and don't close the Bus to be a ring. For example: [AV32R] Out In [100x5R 1st amplifier ] Out In [100x5R 2nd amplifier ] Out In [DVD32] Out In [T32R] Do not close back to AV32R DAB digital radio The AV32R `Dual Processor' can be equipped with an optional DAB digital radio. The DAB digital radio, uses as antenna input a 50 Ohm BNC connector, labelled DAB OPTION 50 OHM. For details about the operation of the DAB digital radio option see page 71. DAB OPTION 50 OHM 16 | connectivity: action switches action switches Action switches are used to activate external events or to react to external events, such as lowering a motorised screen or showing a message on-screen when the door bell rings. The AV32R `Dual Processor' includes three ACTION SWITCHES, A, B and C, which are located within a 9 pin D-Sub connector, making both contacts of each internal switch available to the user. SWITCHES A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Action Switches are controlled (opened/closed) by the AV32R `Dual Processor' when selecting an input source or when switching the AV32R `Dual Processor' into standby. A description of the AV32R's Action Switch configuration menu can be found on page 74. internal circuitry 1 2 Motorise d Screen Relay controlled by AV32R SW ITC A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 HE S RE M O 6 7 8 TE IN O UT connectivity: electrical `IR' distribution system heading external IR receiver connections The AV32R `THX Ultra2 Dual Processor 7.1' includes two sockets at the rear panel, named REMOTE IN and REMOTE OUT. They can be used to place the AV32R `THX Ultra2 Dual Processor 7.1' out of sight when connected to a wired infra-red remote system. REMOTE IN | 17 OUT Example Layout Attention: Some IR distribution systems can only connect one product per sensor output. In this instance use only the REMOTE IN connector. IN AV32R IR IN e.g. DVD32R A power B sensor IR distribution system Use this arrangement for IR distribution systems which allow product chaining, for details contact your IR distribution system manufacturer. IN OUT IN AV32R IR e.g. DVD32R A power B sensor 18 | connectivity: video outputs composite video The AV32R `Dual Processor' can route any of its Composite video inputs to a pair of COMPOSITE video outputs, labelled OUT and +OSD. OUT VCR-C TV-C + OSD LD-C SAT-C COMPOSITE S-video The AV32R `Dual Processor' can route any of its S-video inputs to a pair of S-VIDEO outputs, labelled OUT and +OSD. OUT VCR-S DVD-S + OSD LD-S S­VIDEO SAT-S The outputs +OSD allows the AV32R `Dual Processor' to insert text on your TV (On-Screen Text = OSD) when required. This output should be connected to your television. You should use the output OUT where you will never want to see the inserted text, such as on a VCR. on-screen display / video conversion heading on-screen display The AV32R's on-screen display (OSD) superimposes text on the picture for a few seconds whenever a change occurs, such as when you select a new input or change the volume. You can change how long the text remains for, as well as the position of the text on the screen, or turn this function off altogether, pressing menu, then select Change Set-up, Displays, On- Screen Display. | 19 OSD is available · for composite video sources on COMPOSITE +OSD · for S-video sources on S-VIDEO +OSD When text is not required, the OSD electronics are switched out of circuit to maintain a `straight-though' video path, i.e. the video signal quality is not affected. For details on how to configure the OSD, see page 48. video standard and signal conversion The AV32R does not convert between composite and S-video. If you want to use composite and S-video sources - you must connect all signals to your television. 20 | basic system set-up: an example The following is a basic configuration, reflecting one of many configurations. digital audio source connect the digital audio output of a DVD player (probably labelled `coaxial out' or `coaxial digital out') to the DIGITAL INPUT DVD using a digital interconnect DVD connection to the power amplifier(s) this sample configuration is limited to a stereo set-up only: connect the AUDIO OUTPUT LEFT (RIGHT) to the power amplifier used for the left (right) front loudspeaker LEFT RIGHT analog audio source connect the analog audio output of a satellite receiver (probably labelled `left' and `right') to the ANALOG INPUT SAT L and SAT R composite video connect the composite video output of a satellite receiver (probably labelled `video' or `composite') to the COMPOSITE input SAT-C S-video connection connect the S-Video output of a DVD player (probably labelled `S-Video') to the S-VIDEO input DVD-S Connect the left and right front loudspeaker to your power amplifier(s) as outlined in your power amplifier's user manual tv connection (1) SAT SAT-C connect the composite input of your TV to the AV32R `Dual Processor' using the COMPOSITE +OSD and the TV's SVideo input to the SVIDEO +OSD socket OUT OUT + OSD + OSD DVD-S There are many potential system set-ups. Please refer to page 7 if you need any assistance in achieving your dream system. 1. You need to connect both COMPOSITE +OSD and S-VIDEO +OSD to your display device if you connected source components via a composite and S-Video connection. switching on / heading standby The following assumes that you have connected all your sources, audio and video, your loudspeakers and your display device to your AV32R `Dual Processor'. | 21 power connection Check that the power button is out so that power is off when you plug in. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next will release it. Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the back of your AV32R `Dual Processor' to an AC supply outlet. switching on Press the power button in. The AV32R's blue power LED will come on, the display window will light up and a few seconds later will show SELFTEST, above TAG McLaren, then the software version number such as V4.10.00, above AV32R `Dual Processor'-GB(1, 2). All outputs are muted when the power is switched on to allow all the voltages to stabilize. This protects the internal components of the AV32R `Dual Processor', amplifier and loudspeakers and prevents unpleasant switching noises. You will hear the mute relays click, which is normal. standby The AV32R `Dual Processor' has a standby mode, which can be entered using the standby key on the remote or by pressing the mute/standby button on the front panel for more than three seconds. The blue power LED will dim, the front panel display will show `going to standby' then the AV32R `Dual Processor' will switch off(3). All circuitry essential for sound quality remains powered up in standby, meaning the AV32R `Dual Processor' will still maintain its operating temperature and will still consume electricity. You should power the AV32R `Dual Processor' down using the front panel mounted on/off switch if you want to switch the AV32R `Dual Processor' off for a prolonged period(3). The video outputs are also kept active in standby mode, allowing you to watch television even when the AV32R `Dual Processor' is in standby. Normal operation may be resumed by turning the volume knob (more than about 45 degrees) or pressing any front panel button or remote key (other than light) at any time. 1. 2. 3. AV32R `Dual Processor'-GB indicates that the AV32R `Dual Processor' uses the English language. The AV32R `Dual Processor' might also be available with other languages. The necessary software will be made available from www.tagmclaren.com. This text will be overwritten by your personalized startup message, for details see page 46. If the AV32R `Dual Processor' is powered down using the front panel mounted on/off switch whilst in standby mode, it will go back into standby when next switched on. In this event press the standby key to power up the unit. 22 | controlling remotely / front panel display controlling remotely The AV32R `Dual Processor' is supplied with a `learning' remote. This is supplied preprogrammed for TAG McLaren home cinema products, but may easily be re-programmed to control other devices using an infra-red remote(1). Before you can control the AV32R `Dual Processor' using the remote, you must first select it as the device to control by pressing the av key in the REMOTE SELECTION area at the top of the remote. The AV32R `Dual Processor' will remain selected by the remote until another unit is chosen via the REMOTE SELECTION keys. REMOTE SELECTION av cd dvd amp sat tv vcr ld Once the AV32R `Dual Processor' has been selected, it can be controlled in its entirety from the remote. The red `remote control active' LED on the front panel of the AV32R `Dual Processor' will flash when commands from the remote are received, and the av key in the REMOTE SELECTION area will light briefly with each key press. For optimum performance from the remote you should point it towards the remote control window on the front panel of the AV32R `Dual Processor'. front panel display in operation When the AV32R `Dual Processor' leaves the factory, the display will be configured similar to the one shown below. It can be configured to your personal preference, for details see page 46. sample rate decoding/processing mode The programme source format indicator shows the active output channels, i.e. channels receiving information from the AV32R `Dual Processor'. The sample rate indicator at the top left of the display window shows the sample rate of the digital source. When an analog source is active, it shows the sample rate used for the analog to digital conversion. The display will show station name and radio text if your AV32R `Dual Processor' includes the FM radio or/and DAB digital radio option and radio is selected as the current input. video standard audio input volume setting programme source format 1. Please refer to the `programming the remote' section on page 83 for further details on how to do this. status screen all essential user settings at a glance | 23 Pressing the ok key on the remote will bring up a status screen which shows information about the current operation of the AV32R `Dual Processor' as shown in the example opposite: the status screen might differ from the one shown, depending on the operating mode of the AV32R `Dual Processor' In the example above, the user has selected the analog audio input TV and the Composite video input TV-C. The stereo signal is processed using Dolby Pro Logic II Movie at a sampling rate of 96kHz, i.e. all frequencies in the incoming analog signal up to about 48kHz are processed to Pro Logic II Movie. The sound is replayed at a volume level of -4.5dB below reference level (assuming the AV32R `Dual Processor' was calibrated using a SPL meter for details see page 62). The sound balance is as calibrated, i.e. no balance shifts were made to the front/rear or left/right. There is no subwoofer in the system and hence sound is only produced using the left/right front, centre, and the left/right surround speaker. The time delay between picture and sound is as the incoming signals (0 ms), for details see page 50. The night mode is off, as it doesn't apply to this input- it can only be applied to DTS and DD, for details see page 45. 24 | selecting a source preparing the remote control To control the AV32R `Dual Processor' via the remote press the remote selection av key. The AV32R `Dual Processor' will remain selected until another device, e.g. dvd is selected. REMOTE SELECTION av cd dvd amp sat tv vcr ld source selection The AV32R `Dual Processor' remote has 11 source selection keys, labelled tv, vcr, sat, tuner, aux, cd, ld, dvd, md, dab and tape(1), to which the user can freely assign any audio and video inputs. Each of these source selection keys can carry two audio inputs as some sources offer different output formats, e.g. a DVD-Audio player offers a digital SPDIF output, when playing CDs and DVD-Video discs, but offers 5.1 analog when playing DVD-Audio discs. tv vcr sat tuner aux cd ld dvd md dab tape subtitle When the AV32R `Dual Processor' leaves the factory the source selection keys are programmed to cover many installations, but you can change this , if you need. Please see page 56 how to change the assignment of audio and video inputs to the source selection keys. Scanning through all inputs, one by one An alternative, is to scan through the analog, digital audio and video inputs, one by one, using the analog, digital or video button at the AV32R `Dual Processor' front fascia. analog digital video tape analog + pause An analog (digital) input may also be selected by pressing shift followed by, cursor up/down G/H (E/F), pressing once or repeatedly, until the desired input is shown in the display. dig -- r e w ok play f f d dig + stop 10 shift analog -- A video input may also be selected by pressing once or repeatedly the VIDEO (sometimes labelled CH) key on the remote control until the desired input is shown in the display. + VIDEO -- 1. caution when pressing the tape key/button during tape recording If you listen to an analog stereo input, pressing the tape key/button will route the TAPE input to the ANALOG OUTPUTs without changing the signal going to TAPE OUT, allowing for example, the recorded signal to be compared with the original whilst recording using a threehead tape recorder (if its output is connected to TAPE). In this instance the front display will show TAPE (name of analog input routed to TAPE out), e.g. TAPE(SAT). Pressing tape again will return to the analog signal selected before tape was pressed the first time. If however, you record the result of a digital audio input, e.g. CD, or the 5.1 BYPASS then you should not press the tape key/button whilst recording, as this will route the TAPE input to the ANALOG OUTPUTs and TAPE OUT, spoiling your recording. This behaviour will be shown in the front display by the word TAPE. Pressing tape again will return to the digital input/5.1 BYPASS selected before pressing tape the first time. volume control - main & zone 2 volume adjustment and display | 25 Volume (in the main or in zone 2) can be adjusted from 0 (very quiet) to 99 (very loud) if the volume is configured to operate in Pre-Amp(1) mode or -90dB (very quiet) to +15dB (very loud) if you have configured the volume control for Cinema mode (factory setting)(2). In the Cinema mode the volume level of 0dB is the so-called `Dolby reference level' ­ i.e. the level at which a movie director intended a film to be listened(3). The `Dolby reference level' in Pre-amp mode is indicated by ref being shown on the OSD at a volume level of 84. changing volume Turn the volume knob clockwise to increase the volume or anti-clockwise to decrease the volume in 0.5dB steps. Alternatively, you may use the VOL + and VOL ­ keys on the remote to increase or decrease the volume in 0.5 dB steps per key press. If you keep the VOL + / VOL ­ key pressed, the volume change per second will increase the longer you keep the key pressed. changing zones You can assign two analog audio outputs to zone 2, for details see page 65. If you have assigned zone 2, then you can switch between the main zone and zone 2 by pressing shift, followed by VOL+ or VOL-. If zone 2 is selected, the front display's volume will show ZN2 followed by the volume of zone 2. main zone (4) Turn the volume knob or press VOL+ and VOL- to alter the signal level of all connected loudspeakers of the main zone. zone 2 If the AV32R is set to the main zone, press shift followed by VOL+ or VOL- to switch to zone 2 then adjust the volume, for zone 2 as normal. start volume Normally the AV32R remembers the last volume setting for the main zone and zone 2 from when it was turned off or put into standby, so that it will re-use exactly this volume when you switch it on. start volume allows to set a volume level that the AV32R will use when powered on regardless of any previous setting. You can set a different start volume (or none at all) for the main zone and zone 2. start volume is set within the Change Set-up -> Output/Speaker Options -> Main Zone or Zone 2 menu. max volume This feature allows to set a maximum volume level that the AV32R will be allowed to be set to. You can set a different max volume (or none at all) for the main zone and zone 2. Max volume is set within the Change Set-up -> Output/Speaker Options -> Main Zone or Zone 2 menu. 1. 2. 3. 4. the mode is change in Change Set-up -> Displays -> Front Panel Text Config. as described on page 46 They do not affect the signal level of the analog TAPE OUT or COAX OUTputs This setting will only be accurate if you have calibrated the volume settings using a sound level meter. The AV32R `Dual Processor' must be set to main zone. 26 | muting / attenuating - main & zone 2 volume attenuation & muting To attenuate all speakers by a user configurable amount in the main zone(1) press the mute button on the front panel of the AV32R `Dual Processor' or the mute key on the remote. A second press of the mute key/button will completely mute the output to all speakers in the main zone. surround THX Cinema mute/standby display mute Adjusting the volume will restore full output to the speakers. If fully muted, adjusting the volume or pressing the mute button/key again will restore the speaker outputs. If the AV32R `Dual Processor' is set to zone 2 control, indicated by ZN2 in the volume information on the AV32R's front display (e.g. ZN2 -10.0), the mute key will attenuate/mute zone 2, as described above for the main zone. The amount of attenuation applied when pressing the mute key first, can be selected as 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50dB. Select Audio mutes completely if you do not want any attenuation - in this instance repeatedly pressing mute will switch the outputs in and out of mute without going through an attenuation level first. This is done through Change Set-Up, Output/Speaker Options -> Mute Configuration -> When Mute First Pressed. the AV32R `Dual Processor' offers two ways of muting Muting a loudspeaker can be carried out in different ways. Most products employ semi- conductor based switches which are fast, silent and cheap but unfortunately affect the sound quality in the `mute off' state as they can never be completely removed from the signal path. The `sonically transparent' alternative is to use electronically controlled mechanical relays, a method chosen for the AV32R `Dual Processor'. There are eight relays in an AV32R `Dual Processor'. They all switch together, leading to a distinct switching noise which cannot be prevented without affecting the quality of the contact. Mechanical relays have been acknowledged to be the best sounding solution, but their switching noise has with the introduction of DVD become a disadvantage. Every time a DVD changes its sound format, which can happen several times during a DVD, the AV32R `Dual Processor' might potentially receive - for a short time - invalid data. If this invalid data reaches the loudspeakers you hear a short `digital hiss'. The AV32R `Dual Processor' tries to predict these transitions, but sometimes it might take just a fraction of a second before this invalid data is detected, a period long enough for the wrong data to reach the Digital to Analog converters and from there (via the power amplifiers) the loudspeakers. Only switches, downstream of the DACs' outputs, can prevent this invalid data from reaching your speakers. The AV32R `Dual Processor' uses mechanical relays to swiftly disconnect the outputs in these cases. You can set the AV32R `Dual Processor' to Mute Using Relays or alternatively use them only in `serious' cases, but with the result that you might infrequently hear some `digital hiss' coming from your speakers. When the AV32R `Dual Processor' leaves the factory it is set to Mute using relays: No, meaning it will use its relays as little as possible. However, to prevent any `digital hiss' switch the AV32R `Dual Processor' into the Mute using relays: Yes mode, which is done through Change Set-Up, Output/Speaker Options -> Mute Configuration. 1. The AV32R `Dual Processor' must be set to main zone balance left/right balance (1) Press the F (E) button on the front panel or the F, (E) key on the remote to move the sound balance to the left (right) speakers. Keeping either the button or the key held down will move the sound progressively further to the side. The applied balance setting is briefly shown in the display window. | 27 analog + pause dig -- r e w ok play f f d dig + stop analog -- front/rear balance (2) Press the G (H) button on the front panel or the G (H) key on the remote to move the sound balance to the front (rear) speakers. Keeping the either button or the key held down will move the sound progressively further forwards (backwards). dig -r e w analog + pause ok play f f d dig + stop analog -- off balance Any off balance will be shown in the status screen, as explained on page 23 and shown in the example screen. The balance moved to the right by 2dB and to the rear by 1dB in our example. restoring normal balance A central sound balance (i.e. the removal of any temporary corrections, including lip sync delay and entre gain applied under quick settings, see page 41 and LFE settings, see page 39) will be restored by pressing the normal ok/normal button on the front panel or the normal key on the remote. normal time ok normal 1. 2. this function requires the cursor keys to be assigned to BALANCE, for details see page 40 front/rear balance can only be made if the selected surround mode supports these channels 28 | surround modes definitions Sound is recorded in a variety of encoded formats and on many different source materials, with the recording in either analog or digital form. The AV32R `Dual Processor' can decode many different recording formats: analog recordings Analog recordings do not contain information about their encoding formats called embedded control flags), so the desired decoding mode, such as Dolby Pro Logic II Music, will need to be selected by the user manually, using the surround key/button. surround THX Cinema mute/standby display 1 space 4 ghi 7 pqrs 10 shift 2 abc 5 jkl 8 tuv 0 title 3 def 6 mno 9 wxyz surround normal time display +/­ tape subtitle THX angle audio digital recordings The AV32R `Dual Processor' automatically determines the appropriate decoding mode for digital multi- channel sources including embedded control flags, such as Dolby Digital 5.1. However, many DVDs recorded in Dolby EX and some in DTS-ES 6.1 Matrix do not include the necessary flags to automatically detect the additional surround back channel information. In this instance you will need to manually select this additional processing using the surround key/button. post processing modes Any optional post processing, such as THX or DTS Music has to be selected manually using the surround or THX key/button. surround & initial modes You can assign an Initial Mode to each analog and digital audio input. This mode will be applied to the source the first time the source is selected after the AV32R `Dual Processor' is switched on. The initial mode applied to any given input will be ignored by the AV32R `Dual Processor' if a digital data stream with embedded control flags is detected. surround THX Cinema Additional decoding/post processing modes currently available for a source can be cycled through by repeatedly pressing the THX button/key. 10 shift 0 title surround THX angle audio Initial modes, selected by the user for each input, using the change set-up menu (see page 51 for details) are dynamically changed whenever the user changes the mode manually using the surround key/button, until the AV32R `Dual Processor' is switched off. THX post-processing THX: transforming for use at home Movie soundtracks are created to sound right in a cinema. The soundtrack is mixed and tailored to allow for the specific characteristics of cinemas and the equipment used in them. The differences between the cinema and Home Cinema environments mean that exact reproduction of the cinema soundtrack in a Home Cinema provides a very different experience, typically with a very `bright' sound. To correct for this and other differences, THX specifies processes that are carried out on the soundtrack: ReequalizationTM, Timbre matchingTM and Adaptive decorrelationTM. These processes are combined under the name THX Cinema. | 29 THX Ultra2 Re-equalizationTM is applied to all the speaker signals, principally to counteract the high frequency boost that is applied to the movie soundtrack to account for the high frequency losses of the cinema environment. A lot has changed in Home Cinema since the THX standards were initially laid down. VHS tapes were joined by laserdiscs and more recently by DVD, soundtrack encoding has progressed from analog Dolby Pro Logic through the now ubiquitous Dolby Digital 5.1 to discrete 6.1, and music has gone from being a solely 2-channel stereo format to fully embrace multi-channel. The advances in the THX specification embodied in the new THX Ultra2, available in the AV32R `Dual Processor', accommodate the changes that have occurred and specify systems that can perform superbly with both movies and music, with a single speaker layout that will suit all programme material.