AVR400 Handbook AVR surround amplifier
English AVR400 Handbook AVR surround amplifier
safety Class II product This equipment is a Class II or double insulated electrical appliance. It has been designed in such a way that it does not require a safety connection to electrical earth (‘ground’ in the U.S.). CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
FCC Information (for US customers) 2. Important notice: do not modify this product This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modification not expressly approved by ARCAM may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product. This product 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.
Safety............................................................E-2 Welcome......................................................E-5 Before you begin........................................E-6 Rear Panel Connectors..............................E-9 Audio/Video Connections..................... E-10 Connection Guide................................................. E-14 Radio Connectors................................... E-16 Other Connectors................................... E-17 Speakers..................
before you begin… input. Control of the AVR400 is either by front panel control buttons, IR remote control or RS232 port. The AVR400 is a high-quality and high-performance home-cinema processor and amplifier built to Arcam’s quality design and manufacturing standards. It combines digital processing with high-performance audio and video components to bring you an unrivalled home-entertainment centre.
< Place the unit on a level, firm surface, avoiding direct sunlight and sources of heat or damp. < Do not place the AVR400 on top of a power amplifier or other source of heat. < Do not place the amplifier in an enclosed space such as a bookcase or closed cabinet unless there is good provision for ventilation. The AVR400 will run warm during normal operation. < Do not place any other component or item on top of the amplifier as this may obstruct airflow around the heat-sink, causing the amplifier to run hot.
Trademark acknowledgements Arcam is a registered trademark of A & R Cambridge Ltd. Dolby Volume FLAC Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. rovi - Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Digital connectors HDMI English rear panel connectors Optical and electrical digital audio connectors, seepage E-11. Video connectors For information, see page E-10. Component, S-Video and Composite connectors, see page E-11. Zone 2 connection, see page E-11. Aerials, control and communication Audio connectors FM/AM/DAB radio, rLead/irDock, RS232, Network/USB, IR and trigger connectors, see page E-16, page E-17. Two-channel and multichannel, see page E-12.
audio/video connections Before connecting your AVR400 to your source components and speakers, please read through the next few pages which will explain all the input and output connectivity that is available. The ‘Speakers’ section explains how to connect up your speakers to avoid damage to the amplifier and how to arrange your speakers for best performance. HDMI connectors General The inputs are named to make it easier to reference connected devices (e.g. ‘BD’ or ‘VCR’).
Component/RGB video connectors Zone 2 connectors S-Video and Composite connectors AV, VCR, BD, SAT Connect these inputs to the S-Video and Composite outputs of your available source equipment. If you are connecting up to an RGB source you may also need to connect the source’s Composite output to the AVR400 Composite input to act as a video sync (‘RGB + Sync’ format). The Composite signal should be on the same named input as the RGB signals.
M NU MCH input This multi-channel analogue audio input can be connected to a source device which outputs surround sound on its analogue outputs. Such devices typically include DVD-Audio and SACD players. This input does not pass through any of the audio processing in the AVR400, therefore functions such as speaker size and distance from the listening position should be copied from the AVR400 Setup menus into the Setup menus of your multi-channel source.
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Connection guide Blu-ray Disc (BD) / DVD player The diagram shows how to make audio and video connections from a typical BD/DVD player. The preferred video hook-up, in order of preference is: < use the HDMI connector (if HDMI output is provided by the player), otherwise connect the three Component or four RGB+Sync video connectors. < use the S-Video connection if HDMI or Component /RGB+Sync outputs are not provided by your player.
Connecting an iPod using the Arcam irDock English The combination of the AVR400 and Arcam’s optional irDock or rLead accessory provides a great platform for your iPod. Connect the irDock as shown, power on the irDock, slot in your iPod and select iPod as the source. Note that the default input is VCR but this can be changed in the General Setup menu. Navigating through music and podcasts on your iPod is simple using the CR102 remote, with text appearing on the AVR400 display.
DAB radio connectors Aerial connectors The AVR400 is fitted with an AM/FM receiver module and a DAB receiver, depending on the region where it was sold. The type of aerial you need depends on your listening preferences and the local conditions. Your AVR400 is capable of superb radio reception, but only if it is receiving a good quality transmission signal. Try the aerials supplied with your unit. If you are in a medium to strong signal area, these should be adequate for good reception.
Sockets referring to ‘Z2’ relate to connections used in multi-room installation. For more information on these connectors, see page E-46. other connectors Data connectors If your network uses static IP addressing rather than DHCP, you will need to provide IP address, gateway, DNS and proxy information. See page E-39 for information on setting up the network.
Centre speakers A subwoofer will greatly improve the bass performance of your system. This is useful for reproducing special cinema effects, especially where a dedicated LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel is available, as with many discs encoded with Dolby or DTS technologies. More than one subwoofer unit may be required for larger installations, particularly in rooms of a timber frame construction.
To connect each of the speakers, unscrew the corresponding terminals on the back of the AVR400, insert the speaker wires through the hole in each post and screw the terminals back up. Make sure that the red (positive/+) terminal of the speaker is connected to the red (positive/+) terminal on the back panel, and the black (negative/–) terminal of the speaker is connected to the black (negative/–) terminal on the back panel.
operation Operating your AVR400 Selecting a source For information display we recommend you use the OSD (On-Screen Display) on your display device whenever possible. To select a particular source, press the –input or input + buttons until that source is shown on the front panel display, or (if available) press the corresponding source button on the remote. The following sources are available: Switching on Press the front panel power button in.
Extended front panel menu Updating firmware via USB Zone 2 provides the option for the occupants of the master bedroom, conservatory, kitchen, etc. to view or listen to a different source at a different volume level from the main zone (Zone 1). Pressing the menu key and holding it for longer than four seconds will bring up the Extended Menu, allowing you to perform the following: The firmware in your AVR400 can be updated using a USB flash drive containing a firmware update file.
Direct Stereo Direct on/off. Provides a direct analogue path from the analogue inputs to the left and right front outputs. Switches off any surround processing modes and shuts down the DSP circuits for best stereo sound quality. Mode front panel operation Selects between Stereo and the available surround modes for the current source. Display Info This switches the display brightness between off/dim/bright. Selects the information displayed on the lower left portion of the front panel.
The CR102 universal remote controller The CR102 is a sophisticated ‘universal’ backlit remote control that can control up to eight devices. It is preprogrammed for use with the AVR400 and many other Arcam products (FM/DAB tuners, CD players and DVD players). With its extensive built-in library of codes, it can also be used with thousands of third party audio-visual components – TVs, satellite and set-top boxes, PVRs, CD players, etc. See the list of codes at the back of this handbook, beginning on page 56.
Useful information Backlight A blue backlight comes on for five seconds whenever a key is pressed. This helps you use the handset in subdued lighting conditions. It may be possible to hear a quiet tone being emitted from the remote control when the backlight is on. This is perfectly normal. Power LED blinks Short blinks indicate a valid key press. Multiple short blinks convey information (such as a device code) or signal the beginning and successful completion of a programming sequence.
Method 1 (Direct code setup) This section describes the simplest (preferred) way to program the CR102’s Device Mode keys to control the non-Arcam devices in your system. < Some of the modes are locked to Arcam operation but can be unlocked if required (see page E-50). < A mode only controls Arcam equipment.
AMP Device Mode P The A Device Mode button configures the CR102 to control the AVR400. Pressing this button does not affect the currently selected input on the AVR400. IMPORTANT: The CR102 must also be in AMP Device Mode to control the following sources: MCH (multichannel analogue), AUX, NET (optional network audio), USB, IPOD (for use with the optional Arcam rLead or irDock). However to control the internal Tuner (AM/FM/DAB (if fitted)) the CR102 must first be in Tun Device Mode (see later).
The AVR400 Network client is selected by pressing S + e in AMP Device Mode on the CR102. When using the network client, the keys below are used to navigate music files in AMP Device Mode. Navigate the files and menus on the screen.
SAT Device Mode The z Device Mode button configures the CR102 to control the functions of a satellite receiver. You will need to configure this Device Mode to work with your equipment. Pressing this button also selects SAT as the AVR400 source. P Toggles power between standby and on 0…9 Functions as original remote number key. Selects Display input on the AVR400.
PVR Device Mode The v Device Mode button configures the CR102 to control the functions of a video recorder or similar device. You will need to configure this Device Mode to work with your equipment. Pressing this button also selects PVR as the AVR400 source. P 0…9 PHONO Toggles power between standby and on. Fast forward ! Operates the Favourites function if the PVR uses this feature.
CD Device Mode The c Device Mode button configures the CR102 to control the CD functions of Arcam CD players, although this can be changed (see page E-25). Pressing this button also selects CD as the AVR400 source. P 0…9 PHONO Toggles power between standby and on. Functions as original remote number key. Selects Display input on the AVR400. E RPT Toggles random (‘shuffle’) play on and off. Decrease (–) and increase (+) AVR400 - + volume.
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essential setup Speaker types Before you use your AVR400 it is essential that you enter some information into the Setup menus about your speaker configuration. This allows the AVR400 to process any surround sound digital source to exactly match your system and give you the ultimate surround sound experience.
Note Auto calibration is possible only for a 7.1 Or 5.1 Speaker configuration. Oher speaker configurations, such as a 2.1 setup (left, right and subwoofer), must be configured manually using the speaker configuration menus (see page E-37), referring to the guidelines on page E-32 for speaker types, speaker distance and speaker levels.
setup menus The Setup menus allow you to configure all aspects of your AVR400. The next few pages will go through the menu items and explain their function. The Setup menus will probably look quite daunting if you are new to setting up home cinema, but the majority of them need only be configured once when you first install the system (or if your system changes or you move house!) Menu panel Adjustment panel The left-hand panel lists the setup screens available for adjustment.
The audio and video settings on this page of the Setup menu can be tailored specifically and independently to the currently selected input. When a different input is selected on the Input line, all the input-specific settings for that input are displayed below it. These settings are applied to the named Input only and are stored in memory and recalled each time the unit is powered up and whenever that input is selected. Input – The currently selected input connectors to which the settings below relate.
Contrast – Sets the video contrast for this input. This setting can be used to compensate for too much or too little contrast in the source picture on this input when compared with other video sources. Colour – Sets the video colour saturation for this input. This setting can be used to compensate for too much or too little colour in the source picture on this input when compared with other video sources. Picture Mode – Sets how the video processor in the AVR400 interprets the video on this input.
Run Auto Setup – Press OK (or O on the remote) to start Auto Speaker Setup. The process will generate test tones from the speakers and will typically take less than two minutes. The test tone generator will cycle round each speaker twice. Accept Setup – When Auto Speaker Setup has completed without errors you can choose to accept or reject the settings < No: The settings are not stored in memory.
Video Inputs Video Outputs Display Type – Set the aspect ratio of your display device; 4:3 standard or 16:9 widescreen. Mode Settings to optionally assign a video source to each of the normally audio-only inputs. The settings in this menu control the output resolution from the video processor in the AVR400. These settings are applied to all video inputs and are stored in memory and recalled each time the unit is powered up.
Network Lists the volume and control settings for Zone 2 . These settings are applied to all audio inputs and are stored in memory and recalled each time the unit is powered up. The AVR400 is fitted with an network audio client which is capable of playing internet radio stations as well as stored music on a network storage device such as a PC, or on a USB flash drive. Z2 Input – Selects the analogue audio and composite video source to be routed to Zone 2. The default is ‘Follow Z1’, i.e.
decoding modes Introduction Two-channel source modes Your AVR400 receiver provides all the key decoding and processing modes for analogue and digital signals, including the latest high definition audio formats over HDMI. The following decoding and surround modes are available for standard and high definition Dolby Digital 2.0, DTS 2.
Digital multi-channel source material is normally provided as ‘5.1 audio’. The ‘5.1 channels’ comprise of: left, centre and right front speakers, two surround speakers and a low frequency effects (LFE) channel. Since the LFE channel is not a full range channel, it is referred to as ‘.1’. Surround systems decode and reproduce the 5.1 channels directly. Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES matrix enhanced decoding systems create one extra rear channel from information buried in the two surround signals of the 5.
Dolby volume Dolby Volume is a sophisticated new technology that resolves the problem of different volume levels between programme content (e.g. a TV show and advert breaks) and between sources (e.g. a rock radio station and DVD, or between two TV stations). It lets the listener enjoy everything at the same preferred listening level without having to reach for the volume control to compensate for the different recording/output levels. This is the Volume Leveller function of Dolby Volume.
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The AVR400 is fitted with an internal AM/FM tuner and a DAB (digital radio) tuner. DAB broadcasts are not available in all locations. tuner operation This section deals with tuner operation, for information on setting up the tuner and installing aerials, see page E-16. When a tuner input is selected, the OSD shows a list of radio presets plus an information panel giving all available information about the current frequency (for AM and FM) or station (for DAB).
The AVR400 is fitted with a network audio client which is capable of playing internet radio stations as well as stored music on a network storage device such as a PC, or from a USB flash drive. For information on installing the AVR400 on your network, see page E-17.
multi-room set up The AVR400 allows independent routing and control of analogue audio and Composite video to a separate set of equipment, typically used for a second living space, e.g., bedroom or lounge. The connection guide on the following page shows how the AVR400 is normally connected in a multi-room installation. Zone 2 Zone 2 control connections Zone 2 receives only signals obtained by the AVR400 from the analogue audio and Composite video inputs.
Zone 1 Zone 2 E-47 English Multi-room connection guide
Code Learning customising the CR102 The CR102 comes with a complete library of preprogrammed codes. After you have set up the CR102 for your device, you may find that there are one or more functions on your original remote which do not have a place on the CR102 keypad. For convenience, the CR102 offers a Code Learning feature that allows you to copy up to 16 functions from an original remote control onto the CR102 keypad.
You can program your CR102 to issue a sequence of commands when you press a single key. Any sequence of commands you regularly use can be reduced to a single key press for your convenience. For example, you might want to turn off your TV, VCR and Satellite at the same time. < A key programmed with a Macro is available in all modes; it will replace that key’s different functions for all modes. < A Macro can consist of up to eight key presses. Example: To deassign the Macro associated with the h key 1.
Copy a key between Device Modes It is possible to copy functions between Device Modes. However, remember that button functions are Device Mode specific and therefore effectively ‘punch-through’ to the original Device Mode when copied over. The following example copies the AVR400 Direct function from the CR102 AMP device mode to the shifted function of the # button on AV Device Mode. 1. Press and hold S until the power LED blinks twice: * *. 2. Press 9 9 4. 3.
The Mode key IR punch-through default is ‘on’. Example: To set the Mode key IR punchthrough to AMP Device codes Command summary Direct code setup Key mover (e.g. AV mode, NNNN=code number) (e.g. SAT mode, DISP key to MENU key) a S * * NNNN * * P zS**994DU Library search Mode mover (e.g. AV mode) (e.g. change SAT to TV(AV)) a S 9 9 1 * * P [ until unit turns off S to save S**992az Code blink back (e.g. restore SAT) a S 9 9 0 ** 1 count blinks for first N S**992zz 1.
Problem There are no lights on the unit Check that... < the power cord is plugged into the AVR400 and the mains socket it is plugged into is switched on. trouble shooting < the power button is pressed in. If a red LED is present, the AVR400 is in standby mode. Press any button on the front panel or remote control. The unit responds erratically or not at all to the remote control < there are fresh batteries in the remote control.
Sound only comes from some of the speakers Check that... < you have an appropriate surround source selected and playing. < the BD/DVD disc is encoded in the appropriate format, and the correct < < < < < < Unable to select Dolby Digital or DTS decoding modes Problem format has been selected in the disc start menu of the BD player (if applicable). the BD/DVD player has been set to output ‘bitstream’ audio on the digital output.
specifications Continuous power output, per channel, 8Ω 2 channels driven, 20Hz ‑ 20kHz, <0.02% THD 2 channels driven, 1kHz, 0.2% THD 7 channels driven, 1kHz, 0.2% THD Residual noise & hum 100W 125W 90W <0.
product guarantee This entitles you to have the unit repaired free of charge, during the first two years after purchase, provided that it was originally purchased from an authorised Arcam dealer. The Arcam dealer is responsible for all after-sales service.
Arcam Arçelik Ardem TV 888 A.R.
Ferguson 0067 0365 0586 0138 1067 Fidelity 0193 0067 Filsai 0247 Finlandia 0238 0193 Finlux 0067 0586 0247 0661 0503 0838 Firstar 0039 Firstline 0039 0246 0698 1939 1221 1193 Fisher 0247 0193 Flint 0067 0640 Force 1179 Formenti 0067 0516 Formenti-Phoenix0246 Fortress 0123 Fraba 0067 Friac 0039 0400 Frontech 0193 0039 Fuchsware 0810 Fujimaro 0895 Fujitsu 0713 0193 0067 Fujitsu General 0039 Fujitsu Siemens 1328 1193 Funai 0294 1535 Furi 0294 Furichi 0890 Futronic 0294 Future 0067 Gaba 1067 Galaxi 0067 Galaxi
TV (cont.) Normerel Novak Novatronic Nurnberg NU-TEC O.K.
Universum 0838 0104 0376 0135 0503 0522 0100 0357 0139 0200 Univox 0067 Utax 0193 V7 Videoseven 1785 1406 1681 Vanguard 0067 Vestel 0067 0698 0586 Vexa 0039 Victor 0683 Videocon 0538 Videologic 0246 Videologique 0246 VideoSystem 0067 Videotechnic 0246 Videoton 0193 Vidtech 0208 Viewpia 0906 ViewSonic 1785 Visiola 0246 Vision 0067 0247 Vistron 1393 Vivax 0067 Vortec 0067 Voxson 0193 0586 Walker 1179 Waltham 0247 0586 1067 Wards 0208 Warumaia 0404 Watson 0067 1289 0039 1406 Watt Radio 0193 Wega 0067 Wegavox
VCR (cont.
Brandt Broksonic Bush DVD 3 Plus 0520 3D LAB 0569 4Kus 1188 Acoustic Solutions 0760 AEG 0818 1263 AFK 1258 AG Electronics 1258 Aim 0808 0820 Airis 1254 1035 Aiwa 0725 Akai 0820 0800 0928 0743 1725 Akashi 0868 AKI 1035 Akira 0808 Akura 1201 1170 Alba 0747 0725 0702 1560 Alize 1181 All-Tel 0820 Amitech 0800 Amoi 0882 Amoisonic 0865 Amstrad 0743 1601 AMW 0902 Ansonic 0789 Apex Digital 0702 Arena 0882 Aristona 0569 Art Mito 1451 Asono 1254 ATACOM 1254 A-Trend 0744 Audiovox 0820 Audioworld 0820 Audix 1134 Autov
DVD (cont.
SAT (cont.
SH230 Issue 2 A&R Cambridge Ltd, Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, CAMBRIDGE CB25 9QR, England
