English AVR500 / AVR600 / AV888 Handbook AVR surround amplifier / AV processor POWER/STANDBY MENU Ð INPUT + OK INFO MODE DIRECT AVR600 DISPLAY ZONE MUTE Ð VOLUME + AUX PHONES POWER
safety guidelines 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. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Class II product This equipment is a Class II or double insulated electrical appliance.
consignes de sécurité ATTENTION : afin de réduire les risques de choc électrique, n’ouvrez pas le boîtier de l’appareil. Les pièces internes ne sont pas réparables par l’utilisateur. Pour tout problème matériel, contactez des techniciens qualifiés. ATTENTION : afin de réduire les risques de choc électrique et d’incendie, veillez à ne pas exposer cet appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité.
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safety guidelines........................................E-2 welcome.......................................................E-3 before you begin…...................................E-4 audio/video connections.........................E-7 AVR600/AV888 rear panel connectors..E-8 Connection guide - AVR600/AV888............... E-12 AVR500 rear panel connectors............. E-14 Connection guide – AVR500............................. E-18 radio connectors..................................... E-20 other connectors.
before you begin… The AVR500/AVR600 is a high-quality and highperformance home-cinema processor and amplifier built to Arcam’s quality design and manufacturing standards. The closely related AV888 is a home-cinema processor which provides multichannel input to an external amplifier (such as Arcam’s P777). They both combine digital processing with high-performance audio and video components to form the locus of 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 unit on top of a power amplifier or other source of heat. < Do not place the unit in an enclosed space such as a bookcase or closed cabinet unless there is good provision for ventilation. The unit 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 Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Dolby True HD, Digital, Digital Plus, PL IIx Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Pro Logic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. DTS-HD Master Audio Manufactured under license under U.S.
Product operation is broadly similar for the AVR500, AVR600 and AV888, however, the AVR600 & AV888 have a greater variety of input connectors and a different rear panel layout. For this reason, two sections of connection diagrams are presented. Please see Page 8 for the AVR600 & AV888. For the AVR500 please skip ahead to Page 14. General The inputs are named to make it easier to reference connected devices (e.g. ‘DVD’ or ‘VCR’).
Digital connectors Aerials, control and communication Component, S-Video and Composite connectors, see page 9. Optical and electrical digital audio connectors, see page 10. Sirius satellite radio, FM/AM/DAB radio, rLead/ rDock, RS232, Network/USB, IR and trigger connectors, see page 20.
If you are connecting up to an RGB source you will also need to connect the source’s Composite output to the unit’s Composite input to act as a video sync. The Composite signal should be on the same named input as the RGB signals. These inputs are suitable for connection to source devices which output Component (YUV or YPbPr) or RGB high quality analogue video signals.
MENU OPTICAL, COAX Connect the optical or coaxial output to your digital recording device such as CD-R, digital VCR or Minidisc player. When a digital source is selected, the digital output will send an exact copy of the incoming digital signal. For example, for a 5.1 digital source, the digital output will also be in 5.1 format. When an analogue-only source is selected, this is digitized by the unit and routed to the digital outputs.
rLead/rDock AM RS232 The trigger connectors (Trig Z1, Trig Z2 and Trig Z3) provide an electrical signal whenever the amplifier is switched on and the relevant zone enabled. DAB ETHERNET Z1 IR Z2 IR TRIG Z1 Z3 IR TRIG Z2 USB The trigger signal can be used to switch on and off compatible pieces of home entertainment equipment, for example, you could set up a trigger to turn on your television and DVD player whenever the unit was switched on.
Connection guide AVR600/AV888 115/230/240V In each case, connect the video inputs labelled DVD on the unit.
Connecting an iPod using the Arcam rDock Navigating through music and podcasts on your iPod is simple using the CR102 remote, with text appearing on the front panel display. More information is given in the rDock quick start guide (or rLead quick start guide) supplied with these accessory units.
AVR500 rear panel connectors Video connectors Digital connectors Aerials, control and communication Component, S-Video and Composite connectors, see page 15. Optical and electrical digital audio connectors, see page 16. FM/AM radio, DAB radio (optional), rLead/ rDock, RS232, Network/USB (optional), IR and trigger connectors, see page 20. Audio connectors Zone 2 connectors, see page 15. Two-channel and multichannel, see page 16.
Zone 2 connectors VCR HDMI connectors AV AV, SAT, DVD, VCR, PVR Connect the HDMI video outputs of your source equipment to these corresponding HDMI inputs. DVD OUT 1 Connect this output to the HDMI video input of your main zone display device. S-Video and Composite connectors VCR, PVR Connect these inputs to the S-Video and Composite outputs of your available source equipment.
MENU Digital audio connectors Analogue audio inputs TAPE, CD, AV, DVD, SAT, VCR, PVR Connect these inputs to the digital outputs of your available source equipment. TAPE, CD, AV, DVD, SAT, VCR, PVR Connect the left and right inputs to the left and right outputs of your source equipment. Ð INPUT + OK MCH input This multichannel analogue audio input can be connected AVR600 to a source device which outputs surround sound on its analogue outputs.
Infra-red (IR) connectors The trigger connectors (Trig Z1 & Trig Z2) provide an electrical signal whenever the amplifier is switched on and the relevant zone enabled. The infra-red inputs (Z1 IR and Z2 IR) allow the connection of external IR receivers, either when the unit’s front panel IR receiver is fully or partially obstructed or to allow the use of a remote control in Zone 2.
Connection guide – AVR500 DVD player The diagram shows how to make audio and video connections from a typical 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. AV The preferred audio hook-up is using the coaxial digital connector (usually marked Digital audio out), in addition to the coaxial analogue outputs for left and right channels.
Connecting an iPod using the Arcam rDock English The combination of the AVR500 and Arcam’s optional rDock or rLead accessory provides a great platform for your iPod. Connect the rDock as shown, power on the rDock, slot in your iPod and select iPod as the source. Set the Audio In iPod item in the ‘General Setup’ menu to the audio input that you have used to connect the rDock. For video connections, select the video source you have used for the iPod input in the ‘Video Inputs’ menu.
L-band, then ask your dealer for advice for the best aerial to use. Contact your local Arcam dealer or aerial installation experts for advice about local reception conditions. The AVR500/AVR600 is fitted with an AM/FM receiver module and Sirius connector or a DAB/FM receiver, depending on the region where it was sold. The type of aerial you need depends on your listening preferences and the local conditions.
FM English NOTE The AVR600 provides power for the Sirius receiver, so an external power supply is not needed. AM FM RS232 rLead/rDock In strong signal areas, the FM ribbon aerial supplied can be used with reasonable results. Mount this as high up as possible on a wall with the top of the DAB ‘T’‑elements positioned vertically or horizontally, depending on the reception in your area.
rLead/rDoc AM rLead/rDock other connectors SIRIUS FM rLead/rDock AM For use with an Arcam rLead or rDock accessory. See page 13 and the accessory documentation for details. RS232 RS232 serial connector DAB ETHERNET Z1 IR Z2 IR TRIG Z1 Z3 IR TRIG Z2 IR OUT TRIG Z3 Networking is a large subject and only the briefest guidelines are presented in this handbook.
Connecting speakers – AVR500 & AVR600 The AVR500/AVR600 allows you to connect up to seven speakers and three active subwoofers in the main system. The output channels correspond to speakers installed in the front left, centre, front right, surround left, surround right, surround back left, surround back right and an active subwoofer. The configuration and placement of your speakers is very important.
Centre Subwoofer The centre speaker allows for a more realistic reproduction of dialogue. The centre speaker should have a similar tonal balance to the front left and right speakers and be positioned at a similar height. 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.
operation Selecting a source 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: For information display we recommend you use the OSD (On-Screen Display) on your display device whenever possible. Switching on Press the front panel power button in.
Headphones To use headphones with the unit, plug the headphones into the Phones socket in the centre of the front panel. When headphones are plugged into the front panel phones socket, the outputs for Zone 1 are muted and the audio will be down-mixed to two channels (2.0). The two-channel down-mix is required so that the centre channel and surround information can be heard via the headphones. Using Zone 2 and 3 Zone 2 provides the option for the occupants of the master bedroom, conservatory, kitchen, etc.
Direct front panel operation Selects between Stereo and the available surround modes for the current source. English 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 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 remote control Inserting batteries into the remote control The CR102 is a sophisticated ‘universal’ backlit remote control that can control up to eight devices. It is preprogrammed for use with the AVR500, AVR600, AV888 and many other Arcam products (FM/DAB tuners, CD players and DVD players).
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.
Controlling other devices 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 52). < A mode only controls Arcam equipment.
AMP Device Mode The A Device Mode button configures the CR102 to control the AVR500/AVR600/AV888. Pressing this button does not affect the currently selected input on the AVR500/AVR600/AV888. IMPORTANT: The CR102 must also be in AMP Device Mode to control the following sources: PHONO, MCH (multichannel analogue), AUX, NET (optional network audio), USB, IPOD (for use with the optional Arcam rLead or rDock). S Modifies many keys (see individual key descriptions below).
Network commands The AVR500 (optional)/AVR600/AV888 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 AVR500/AVR600/AV888 source. P Toggles power between standby and on 0…9 Functions as original remote number key. Selects Tape input on the AVR500/AVR600/ PHONO AV888. E SHIFT + E selects PHONO input on the AVR500/AVR600/AV888.
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 AVR500/AVR600/AV888 source. The w 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.
CD Device Mode P 0…9 PHONO E Toggles power between standby and on. Functions as original remote number key. Selects Tape input on the AVR500/AVR600/ AV888. SHIFT + E selects phono input on the AVR600/AV888. English The c Device Mode button configures the CR102 to control the CD functions of Arcam CD players, although this can be changed (see page 25). Pressing this button also selects CD as the AVR500/AVR600/AV888 source.
Speaker types Before you use your AVR500, AVR600 or AV888 it is essential that you enter some information about your system configuration into the Setup menus. essential setup Many of the inputs have several different connection types available, for example, HDMI or component video; HDMI, digital or analogue audio. It is necessary to set the connection type used for each input by setting the Video Source and Audio Source options in the Input Config. menu (see page 41).
auto speaker setup There is a proprietary automatic loudspeaker setup function built into your AVR500, AVR600 or AV888. The Arcam Auto Speaker Setup function attempts to set all the essential speaker settings for all the speakers in your system. It also calculates room equalisation (Room EQ) filter values to remove some of the worst effects of resonant frequencies in the listening room.
setup menus The Setup menus allow you to configure all aspects of your AVR500, AVR600 or AV888. 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.
video & audio connection settings Before entering the menu, select the input that you wish to change (e.g. dvd). To enter the setup menu, press the amp button followed by the menu button on the remote control. The front panel display shows ‘MENU’ and the setup menu (pictured right) is displayed. Press the remote control E key to enter the Input Config menu then use the Ckey to navigate down to the Video Source option.
Input Config. 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.
You should typically select RGB+Sync if you are using a standard SCART to 4-wire phono breakout cable to connect an RGB SCART source. Dialnorm – (Information only) If a Dolby Digital audio stream is connected to this input, this is the Dialogue Normalisation setting requested by the stream. Brightness – Sets the video brightness for this input. This setting can be used to compensate for an overly dark or bright source picture on this input when compared with other video sources.
Auto Setup Auto Speaker Setup of your loudspeakers and subwoofer (if present) is controlled by this menu. A full description of how Auto Speaker Setup works is given on page 37. Remember to insert the calibration microphone into the AUX input on the front panel and position the microphone at the listening position before running Auto Setup. Run Auto Setup – Press OK (or O on the remote) to start Auto Speaker Setup.
Settings to optionally assign a video source to each of the normally audio-only inputs. These settings are stored in memory and recalled each time the unit is powered up.
Out 1 & 2 Resolution – This setting controls the output resolution when both HDMI outputs are used simultaneously. This setting is only valid if Output Switching is set to Output 1 & 2. < The dropdown list shows all the resolutions that the video processor can output. Resolutions that are not supported by the connected display devices are greyed out and cannot be selected. < Best: sets the HDMI output to be the highest common resolution that is supported by both display devices.
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decoding modes Introduction Two-channel source modes Your AVR500/AVR600 receiver or AV888 pre-amp 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 multichannel 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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tuner operation Tuner – AVR500/AVR600 only Tuning/Channel Selection Saving and selecting Presets The AVR500/AVR600 is fitted with an internal AM/FM tuner. Depending on your location and installed options, it may also be fitted with a DAB tuner (Europe) or Sirius satellite radio connection (Americas; AVR600 only). Sirius requires the purchase of the ‘SiriusConnect™ Home Tuner’ kit and Sirius subscription – please visit www.sirius.com for details.
In this section it is assumed that you already have a ‘SiriusConnect™ Home Tuner’ kit and a Sirius subscription, and that the antenna is already correctly placed to receive Sirius broadcasts. Please visit www.sirius.com for more information. Add to your subscription Before being able to receive satellite radio broadcasts you will need to update your Sirius subscription to add the ID number of the Sirius receiver module in your AVR600.
Z2 IR TRIG Z1 USB network/usb operation Z3 IR TRIG Z2 IR OUT TRIG Z3 The AVR600 and AV888 are 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. The network audio client is an optional extra for the AVR500, please contact your dealer for upgrade information. For information on installing the AVR500, AVR600 or AV888 on your network, see page 22.
English external amplifiers Analogue pre-amplifier outputs (AVR600/AV888 only) XLR balanced line outputs – AV888 only All pre-amplifier analogue outputs are buffered, have a low output impedance and are at line level. They are able to drive long cables or several inputs in parallel if required. The AV888 processor provides XLR connectors for each of seven channels, to an XLR-equipped amplifier (e.g. the Arcam P777). Three XLR subwoofer outputs are provided in addition.
The Z2 Out, R and L phono sockets should be connected to the analogue audio inputs (Usually labelled Analogue Audio in) of the Zone 2 display device, or to the inputs of an additional stereo power amplifier in Zone 2 (for example, the Arcam P38). The connection guide on the facing page shows how the AVR600 or AV888 is normally connected in a multiroom installation. Zone 2 Zone 2 receives only signals obtained by the AVR500, AVR600 or AV888 from the analogue audio, Composite and S-Video inputs.
Zone 1 Zone 3 W SWITCH POSITIONS 115 = 85Ð132V 230 = 195Ð265V E-55
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 AVR500/AVR600/ AV888 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 unit 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 unit 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 DVD disc is encoded in the appropriate format, and the correct format < < < < < < Unable to select Dolby Digital or DTS decoding modes Problem has been selected in the disc start menu of the DVD player (if applicable). the DVD player has been set to output ‘bitstream’ audio on the digital output.
specifications Continuous power output (20Hz—20kHz at 0.05% THD), per channel (AVR600) 2 channels driven 150W All channels driven 120W THD at full rated power <0.2% Residual noise & hum <0.25mV unweighted 20Hz – 22kHz Continuous power output (20Hz—20kHz at 0.05% THD), per channel (AVR500) 2 channels driven 120w All channels driven 100w THD at full rated power <0.2% Residual noise & hum <0.
Worldwide Guarantee English product guarantee This entitles you to have the unit repaired free of charge, during the first three years after purchase, at any authorised Arcam distributor provided that it was originally purchased from an authorised Arcam dealer or distributor.
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.
SH222E Issue 5 A&R Cambridge Ltd, Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, CAMBRIDGE CB25 9QR, England
