e i d u g r e s u Meridian 561 Digital Surround Controller
Meridian 561 Digital Surround Controller User Guide Preface i
Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Sales and service in the USA Cambs PE18 6ED England Meridian America Inc 3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Suite 122 Tel␣ ␣ (01480) 52144 Atlanta Fax␣ ␣ (01480) 459934 World Wide Web http://www.meridian-audio.com GA 30331 Tel␣ ␣ (404) 344 7111 Fax␣ ␣ (404) 346 7111 Part no: 561 Copyright © 1995–1998 Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd.
Contents Introduction 1 Introduces the digital surround controller, and gives guidelines and suggested layouts to help you plan your surround Using the digital surround controller 13 system. Provides step-by-step instructions for The Meridian 500 Series ........................ 2 Sample configurations ........................... 3 Specification and accessories ............... 5 operating the digital surround controller, using either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote. DSP presets .........
DSP presets 37 Gives technical information about each of parameters available for each one. Setting up the digital surround controller Logic DSP presets ................................. 38 Describes how to unpack and install the Music DSP presets ................................ 41 digital surround controller, and gives 5.1 Movie DSP presets ..........................
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer 79 Describes how to configure the digital surround controller using the Meridian Configuration program. Troubleshooting 105 The Meridian Configuration program ..... 80 Provides suggested solutions to typical Installing the Meridian Configuration problems. Glossary program ................................................. 81 Creating a new settings file .................... 84 General operating problems ...............
vi Preface
Introduction The Meridian 561 Digital Surround Controller combines a completely digital surround-sound processor with a high-performance digital preamplifier and a video controller in a single integrated unit. Its unique combination of features allows you to build a complete system for audio and video reproduction with a minimum of additional components. The result is an impressively realistic and exciting reproduction of music and cinema sound.
The Meridian 500 Series The 561 Digital Surround Controller is part of the Meridian 500 500 Series communications Series of advanced digital, analogue, and video components designed to meet the demand for absolute quality, ease of use, The Meridian 500 Series includes a sophisticated and lasting value. communications link, to ensure that any configuration of units will work together as a fully integrated system.
Sample configurations Meridian Analogue Theatre™ M33 M33 rear M33 rear M33 Meridian DVD Player M33 M1500 561 The 561 Digital Surround Controller can connect directly to up to the M33 Active Analogue Loudspeaker and M1500 Active six Meridian active loudspeakers, allowing you to create a 5.1 Subwoofer. The M33 provides an unusually good response for analogue theatre ideal for superb music and cinema sound in such a compact case, and can be mounted either horizontally or the home.
Meridian Digital Theatre™ DSP5000 DSP5000 DSP5000C Video recorder M33 side M33 side M33 rear M33 rear LaserDisc 508.24 Introduction Meridian DVD Player 4 561 The 561 Digital Surround Controller can be used with two The Meridian DVD Player is an ideal source for use with the 561. Meridian DSP5000 Digital Loudspeakers, and a DSP5000C It allows you to play both audio CDs and DVD video discs, Digital Centre Loudspeaker, to provide audiophile-quality sound.
Specification and accessories Specification Digital outputs 4 x stereo SPDIF on cable, 75Ω, up to 24-bit precision. Digital inputs 5 x cable, 75Ω, IEC958 and data compatible, up to 24 bits. 1 x optical, Toslink (EIAJ), IEC958 and data compatible, up to 24 bits. Analogue inputs 7 x unbalanced, 0.7 to 2V sensitivity, 20kΩ input impedance. 1 x stereo 20-bit Delta-Sigma ADC. Processing 2 x Motorola 56002 running at 66MHz. 4 x composite inputs. 1 x main composite output with on-screen display.
Tape outputs 2 x stereo analogue for tape and Available accessories second zone, 470Ω output impedance. With additional module: independent The following accessories are available from your dealer. ADC and DAC for analogue and digital Control tape loop, variable analogue tape out.
Meridian 519 Demodulator To take advantage of Dolby Digital on LaserDisc you need the Meridian 519 Demodulator, which converts the LaserDisc RF output to a bitstream which can be fed to the 561. The 519 Demodulator automatically senses the presence of a Dolby Digital signal, and can select the LaserDisc PCM or DTS digital audio output when no Dolby Digital signal is available. Fan kit A Fan kit is available for the 561 to provide additional ventilation if the unit is installed in an enclosed space.
DSP presets The digital surround controller provides an extremely Multi-channel digital sources comprehensive range of digital signal processing options for decoding both analogue and digital audio signals and The 561 Digital Surround Controller supports the three processing them for multi-channel reproduction.
In addition, a high data-rate version of DTS can be used to compress five channels of CD-quality audio into the same space Multi-channel sources encoded onto two channels as two channels of unencoded sound, allowing a DTS music CD to provide over an hour of five-channel music, at a quality Several systems have been developed for encoding multi- indistinguishable from conventional CD.
TV Logic TV Logic provides user-adjustable steering, and is recommended for use with TV broadcasts that are not surround encoded, where Pro Logic may give reduced intelligibility.
Trifield Trifield uses a different processing technique to give a stable, three-dimensional image, with the ability to adjust the width of the image. Because of its precision we recommend this option for solo, chamber, or vocal music. Super Stereo Super Stereo provides a form of Ambisonic decoding suitable for material that is not specially encoded. We recommend this option for multi-miked or multi-tracked music, such as rock music.
12 Introduction
Using the digital surround controller This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the digital surround controller to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. controller, using either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote.
Front panel 1 Source Selects the source. 2 Copy Copies a selected source to Display the tape and VCR outputs. 3 Preset Changes the preset. Using the digital surround controller BOOTHROYD STUART 14 561 Digital Source Copy Preset Digital Surround Controller Mute Display V 65 A Off 4 Mute 5 Display Changes the information displayed on the front panel. 6 V Decrease Decreases the volume. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 A Increase Increases the volume. 8 Off Switches to standby.
Meridian System Remote 1 2 3 1 Source keys Select a source. 2 Control keys Control the source functions. 3 RADIO LP TV 1 2 3 4 5 6 TAPE 1 TAPE 2 CDR CABLE DVD VCR 1 VCR 2 Switches to standby. LD 4 Angle 7 8 9 Audio OSD T Slow Return Enter Repeat Off Phase Record A-B Subtitle Store Menu Clear Acesses additional functions. 5 and radio presets.
Using the digital surround controller Quick guide to operating the 561 with the remote 16 Action 561 as controller DSP speaker as controller Source selection CD, RADIO etc. CD, RADIO etc.
Selecting a source When not playing, the digital surround controller should be left in To select a source the standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the digital surround controller operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you ● Press Source (front panel) until the display shows the source you require. start.
The audio input, video input, and DSP preset associated with each source can be configured using the Meridian Configuration program; for more information refer to Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer, page 79. To switch to standby Using the digital surround controller ● Press Off on the front panel or the remote. 18 .
Adjusting the volume To mute the sound The digital surround controller adjusts the volume in precise steps of 1dB, where 9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness. The current volume setting is displayed in dB on the front panel ● Press Mute. display, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99dB.
Changing the DSP preset Each source has a set of DSP presets associated with it, one for The following table gives the sequence of DSP presets for each each of the alternative audio formats: two-channel (PCM), Dolby audio format, followed where appropriate by the abbreviated Digital, DTS, MPEG, and MLP. name used on the display: When you choose a source an appropriate DSP preset is Audio format Presets Two-channel (PCM) Direct, Music, Trifield, Ambisonic selected for the incoming audio format.
Changing the display The digital surround controller displays information about the current settings on the twelve-character front panel display. In addition, it can display the same information superimposed on a Display option Example DSP preset and volume Music 65 DSP preset and THX gain Music -22 Source and volume Radio 65 Audio stream AC3 3/2.1 44 video image. For more information about setting up the onscreen display refer to Connecting video, page 56.
Recording a source The 561 Digital Surround Controller allows you to copy any of Display the standard sources to the tape and VCR outputs, independently of the source you are listening to. Copy Source If you are using the digital surround controller in a two-room Copy Mute The tape and VCR outputs are muted. available to the second room. Copy CD Copies the first source to the tape and VCR outputs.
Defining your own presets In addition to being able to change the source, volume, and DSP preset, the digital surround controller provides a sophisticated range of more advanced adjustments for each DSP preset, to allow you to change the characteristics of the sound to the settings you want. This chapter explains how to change these advanced parameters, and to use them. For information about the parameters specific to individual presets see DSP presets, page 37.
Locking and unlocking the menus To simplify the normal operation of the digital surround controller, and to protect the settings from accidental changes, you can lock the menus so that the parameters cannot be accessed. To display or change the DSP presets, or to define your own presets, you first need to unlock the digital surround controller menus. To lock the menus ● Press Off to put the 561 in standby. Defining your own presets .
Changing the DSP parameters Each DSP preset provides a series of parameters that you can To change a DSP parameter vary to customise its behaviour to your specific requirements. For example, most presets provide Balance and Depth parameters which alter the characteristics of the sound. For each of the built-in DSP presets these parameters are set to standard values, designed to give the best sound in typical listening conditions and with most source materials.
Defining your own presets Standard parameters 26 Parameter Range Default What it changes Treble * † -10dB to +10dB +0dB The slope of the frequency response. Bass * † -5dB to +5dB +0dB The bass response. Phase * † + or - + The phase of all loudspeakers. Balance <10 to 10> <0> The L-R balance. Centre -3.0dB to +3.0dB +0.0dB The level of the centre. Depth -2.5ms to +5.0ms +0.0 The delay of the centre. Rear -30dB to +10dB +0dB The level of the rears.
Changing treble, bass, or phase The digital surround controller provides sophisticated treble and The treble control tilts the frequency of the response over the bass controls, to allow you to adjust the broad balance of the entire frequency range to make the sound brighter or dimmer. It system to correct for the acoustics of your listening room, or for can be adjusted between ±10dB in 0.5dB steps. Normally a misbalanced recording. settings between +1.0 and -2.0 will give the most natural results.
Changing the listening position A conventional stereo system provides a single balance control, which changes the relative loudness of the two speakers. The To move the listening position to the left or right 561 Digital Surround Controller provides a more sophisticated adjustment which corresponds to moving the listening position to the left or right. ● Press > or < (remote) until the display shows the current balance.
To change the relative level of the rear or side loudspeakers ● Press > or < (remote) until the display shows the speaker(s) you want to adjust. Rear +0 For example: ● Press A or V (remote) to change the relative level of the speakers, in dB. You can change the relative loudness of the rear loudspeakers from -30dB (about one-eighth of the loudness) to +10dB (about If you have side speakers an additional Sides parameter allows Defining your own presets double the loudness).
Changing the integration of the centre If you have a centre loudspeaker you can adjust its relative loudness, to provide the best integration of the centre with the To change the relative delay of the centre speaker main left and right speakers. ● Press > or < (remote) until the display shows the current You can also adjust the relative delay of the centre speaker to centre depth. give the best perspective between the three front speakers. Depth +0.
Changing the spaciousness of the sound You can adjust the spaciousness of the sound by altering the If you have side speakers an additional S Delay option allows delay on the rear and side channels. you to adjust the delay on the side speakers between 15ms and 30ms. Note that for best results you should never set the Note that these adjustments are not available for the Direct, S Delay to be less than the R Delay. Stereo, Mono, or Academy presets.
Changing the lip sync and on-screen display To adjust the lip sync To change the position of the on-screen display The LipSync parameter is a unique feature of the digital surround controller which allows you to adjust the delay For each DSP preset you can specify the position of the between the sound and the video image by up to one video on-screen display (OSD), or blank the on-screen display frame. altogether.
Changing the DSP preset for a source Each source has an appropriate DSP preset associated with it for each music format. For example, for a standard stereo (PCM) ● Press Preset (front panel or remote) to select the DSP preset you want to associate with the source. signal the CD source uses Trifield and the TV source uses TV Logic. Trifield For example: This section explains how to change the DSP preset associated with any source. ● Press Function Store (remote) to save the new association.
Defining your own presets The 561 Digital Surround Controller allows you to modify one of The display shows the next available user-defined preset. the built-in presets, and save it for future use. Sto.User 2 You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you For example: can create up to 12 presets of your own, with names of your choice, so you can use them alongside the built-in presets.
A flashing cursor shows the letter you Sto.•ser 1 If you are using a Meridian DSP loudspeaker you select a blank are editing: by pressing Function Clear. If you have an on-screen display it shows: For example, you could change the Sto.La Scala name to: ● When you have entered the name you want to use press Store. The display shows the source and the new preset you have defined. CD=La Scala For example: ● Press A or V to change the character.
To clear a user-defined preset ● Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus, page 24. ● Press Preset (front panel or remote) to select the DSP preset you want to clear. User 2 For example: ● Press and hold down Clear (remote) for several seconds. Preset Clear Defining your own presets The display shows: 36 If you clear a preset that was saved over a built-in preset, the original settings are restored.
DSP presets This chapter gives technical information about each of the DSP presets built in to the digital surround controller. It explains the processing performed by each DSP preset, and gives details of the types of material you should use with each preset. It also gives details of the special DSP parameters available for each preset. The DSP presets are divided into three categories: Logic, Music, and 5.1 Movie.
Logic DSP presets The digital surround controller provides five DSP presets Pro Logic specifically designed for reproducing stereo film soundtracks. Three of these presets, Pro Logic, THX Cinema, and TV Logic, Dolby Surround is an encoding system based on a phase- are designed for Dolby Surround encoded material. Most films, amplitude matrix whose output can be decoded by a very and many TV programmes and series, are encoded using Dolby simple passive matrix.
THX Cinema THX can also be used with the 5.1 Movie DSP presets; see Dolby Digital THX, DTS THX, and MPEG THX, page 46. The THX Cinema DSP preset provides Pro Logic decoding, by Lucasfilm Ltd.
TV Logic DSP preset parameters If there is a centre speaker, the combined or selected signal is played only through this to centrally localise high-frequency hiss Parameter Options What it changes Roll Off, Low, Med, High The degree of left–right steering. Yaw Off, Low, Med, High The degree of and clicks. The Academy DSP preset includes an equalisation (recommended by Lucasfilm Ltd) to correct for a high-frequency balance in some old mono films. front–rear steering.
Music DSP presets The digital surround controller provides seven alternative music Music DSP presets designed for the reproduction of well-recorded material, originally intended for replay over a traditional stereo The Music DSP preset extracts the mono and surround pair of loudspeakers. components of the original recording.
This gives a significant improvement over traditional stereo, which converts the differences between the microphone signals Music and Trifield DSP preset parameters into amplitude differences in the speaker signals. This version of the Trifield algorithm is virtually impossible to implement without digital signal processing. Parameter Options What it changes Centre Flat, EQ1 to 3 The timbre of the centre loudspeaker.
Ambisonic recording space whether you are at the exact central seat or well off to one side. The Ambisonic DSP preset is designed for replaying material encoded in UHJ format, the two-channel stereo-compatible Of all the signal-processing options, Ambisonic is the one that encoding found on Ambisonically recorded discs and requires the greatest attention to speaker choice and broadcasts. This material is specifically encoded for surround positioning.
Ambisonic and Super Stereo DSP preset parameters Music Logic Music Logic is a music DSP preset with user-adjustable Parameter Options What it changes Width * 0 to 1 The width of the image. Position † A, C, E, G, I, K, M The seating position; the steering, designed to provide an exciting experience with many types of studio-produced music. Music Logic DSP preset parameters letters are like rows in a hall.
DTS Music Stereo and Direct DTS Music is a special version of the DTS preset designed with The Stereo preset passes the left and right input signals directly a lower LFE level of -10dB to match the bass levels applied to to the left and right main speakers. Any mono or front left and DTS music CDs. right subwoofers continue to be used. MPEG Music With the Direct preset only the left and right main speakers are used.
5.1 Movie DSP presets The discrete digital formats can encode up to eight separate MPEG channels, which can be decoded to provide separate signals to the eight speakers in a surround configuration. MPEG surround is the preferred audio format for DVD in PAL territories. Dolby Digital Dolby Digital is a totally digital format capable of encoding five Dolby Digital THX, DTS THX, and MPEG THX full frequency-range channels, together with one restricted frequency-range channel used for extreme bass.
5.1 Movie DSP preset parameters Using dynamic range control Parameter Options Because Dolby Digital is a digital format it allows dynamic range Surr. Rear Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Switches the surround Surr. All What it changes signal between the side and rear speakers. LFE 0 to -30dB The relative level of the LFE bass channel. Max SPL * 105 to 120dB SPL The peak-level limit for an control without the distortion involved in analogue methods.
Using peak-level limiting The Max SPL or Limit parameters allow you to set up peak-level limiting for bass signals, and the setting applies to all the discrete digital DSP presets. If your loudspeaker layout includes one or more subwoofers the parameter is named Max SPL, and it sets the peak-level limit for the LFE channel. If your loudspeaker layout contains no subwoofer the parameter is named Limit, and it sets the peak-level limit of the bass signal added to the main loudspeakers.
Setting up the digital surround controller This chapter explains how to install the digital surround controller. It describes what you should find when you unpack the processor, how you siting constraints. Before you begin installation you should ensure that your digital surround controller is the correct voltage for you local AC supply. If it is not, do not try to install the unit, and contact your dealer.
Unpacking The digital surround controller comes in a box containing the following components: ❍ Near to a television, or where connecting cables may be subject to or cause interference. ❍ Meridian 561 Digital Surround Controller. To avoid overheating ensure that air can flow through the ❍ Meridian System Remote. cooling slots on the base and top cover. Alternatively, an ❍ Power cord. optional Fan kit can be fitted to ensure adequate ventilation ❍ 500 Series communications lead.
Connecting the digital surround controller Rear panel Optical input OFF DTV/D5 ON Digital inputs Expansion socket DIGITAL IN CDR/D3 CD/D1 Analogue speakers ANALOGUE OUT TAPE OUT Rear L Centre Main/Side Room 2 Tape L 1 Rear R TRIGGER OUT Power input and fuse Rear Meridian Comms Only COMMS PC Digital tape output L L R R Comms Video inputs The table opposite gives details of the video inputs.
Video outputs Digital audio inputs The following table gives details of the video outputs. All outputs The following table gives details of the digital audio inputs: include the 561 on-screen display. When an S-video source is selected the S-video output is also converted to composite and fed to the composite outputs.
Analogue audio inputs Audio outputs The following table gives details of the analogue audio inputs: The following table gives details of the analogue and digital outputs: To connect to this CD/A1, Radio/A2, An analogue source such as a Tape1/A3, TV/A4, radio tuner, tape recorder, TV Cable/A5, VCR1/A6, tuner, or cable television. VCR2/A7 The analogue connections should be made using high-quality Use this output To connect to this Main 1/2 Main left and right speakers.
Audio tape and expansion socket outputs Control outputs The following table gives details of the control outputs: The following table gives details of the tape and headphone Setting up the digital surround controller outputs: 54 Use this output To connect to this DIGITAL Tape Out A digital tape recorder. Tape L, R An analogue tape recorder or video Use this output To connect to this TRIGGER OUT 1 Other equipment. On when the 561 is switched on but not in standby.
Communications connections The following table gives details of the communications connections: Use this connection COMMS To connect to this Other Meridian 500 Series digital speaker. RS232 The serial port of a PC, to configure the 561. See Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer, page 65.
Connecting video To connect to a television or monitor The 561 adds a text overlay to the video signal from the Mains Outs video outputs, to provide additional information about its 561 Digital Surround Controller VIDEO OUT Main Outs Television MONITOR IN S-video Composite operation in the form of a textual on-screen display (OSD). In normal operation this repeats the information provided on the 561 front panel display.
Connecting speakers To connect to Meridian DSP loudspeakers ● If your system includes more than two Meridian DSP loudspeakers you will need a 511 S-patch box (available separately) to link together the S5 leads from each speaker. DSP5000C Centre (master) Connect the COMMS output from the master digital speaker to one socket on the 511 using an S5 lead. 561 Digital Surround Controller INPUT COMMS OUTPUT DIGITAL INPUTS shown in the illustration.
To connect to active loudspeakers (eg Meridian M33s) M33 Active Loudspeaker M33 Active Loudspeaker 561 Digital Surround Controller INPUT Main/Side L To connect to a stereo power amplifier (eg Meridian 556) 561 Digital Surround Controller Setting up the digital surround controller 58 ● Connect the appropriate ANALOGUE OUT sockets from the digital surround controller to the speaker inputs, using Audio leads ● Connect the appropriate ANALOGUE OUT sockets from the digital surround controller to the ster
To connect an active subwoofer (eg Meridian M1500 or M2500) 561 Digital Surround Controller Subwoofer DIRECT INPUT CROSSOVER INPUT Sub Audio lead surround controller to the subwoofer’s line level input. The digital surround controller provides very high-quality crossovers for the subwoofer, and for best results you should use these instead of the subwoofer’s crossover.
Connecting sources To connect to a digital source (eg Meridian 508.24 24-Bit CD Player) 561 Digital Surround Controller DIGITAL IN CD/D1 ANALOGUE IN CD/A1 Setting up the digital surround controller Digital lead 60 508.
To connect to a DVD player (eg Meridian DVD Player) To connect to a LaserDisc player 561 Digital Surround Controller 561 Digital Surround Controller DIGITAL IN DVD/D2 VIDEO IN DVD/S1 Meridian DVD Player DIGITAL OUT DIGITAL IN LD/O1 VIDEO IN LD/S2 LaserDisc player VIDEO OUT RF OUTPUT OPTICAL OUTPUT S-video output S-video lead Digital lead S-video lead OPTICAL OPTICAL OUTPUT INPUT RF INPUT RF lead Optical lead ● Connect the S-video output from the DVD player to the DVD/S1 VIDEO IN socket of t
Connecting to a tape recorder To connect to a digital recorder 561 Digital Surround Controller DIGITAL IN Digital recorder Digital Digital Output Input Tape Out Tape 2/D4 To connect to an analogue recorder 561 Digital Surround Controller TAPE OUT ANALOGUE IN Tape Tape1/A3 Setting up the digital surround controller Digital leads 62 ● Connect the Tape Out socket on the 561 Digital Surround Controller to the recorder’s digital input.
To connect to a video recorder 561 Digital Surround Controller TAPE OUT VCR1/A6 Tape VCR1/V1 VCR Outs Video Recorder VIDEO IN OUT AUDIO OUT IN Video leads ● Connect the Tape TAPE OUT sockets on the 561 Digital Surround Controller to the video recorder’s audio inputs. ● Connect the video recorder’s audio outputs to the VCR1/A6 ANALOGUE IN sockets on the 561. ● Connect the appropriate VCR Outs VIDEO OUT socket on the 561 Digital Surround Controller to the video recorder’s video input.
Connecting to other Meridian equipment To connect to other Meridian 500 Series equipment One unit will then be designated ● Connect one of the COMMS sockets on the back panel of the This is the unit that will respond to the remote.
The 561 Digital Surround Controller can be set up for most standard configurations of loudspeakers and sources using just the front-panel controls and Meridian System Remote. This chapter explains how to configure the digital surround controller without using a computer, and then how to calibrate the loudspeakers and sources for your particular system.
Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer Choosing a standard setting 66 The digital surround controller provides 39 alternative standard The following diagram shows the meaning of the standard Type settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 561 codes: into the most commonly needed configurations. In addition, any User Types you create using the Meridian Configuration program are also available.
● Press the Off key on the front panel. ● Select a video source to produce an on-screen display. ● Put the digital surround controller into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote). ● Hold down the A key on the front Type in... 5 panel until the display shows: ● Keep holding down the A key for a further 5 seconds. Type- Wait.. The display will show: Followed by the current Type setting; Type 5.1 AAA for example: ● Press ▲ or ▼ on the front panel to select the Type.
Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer Standard source settings 68 The digital surround processor provides 12 sources When the digital surround processor is reset to one of the corresponding to the 12 source selection keys on the Meridian standard Types the sources are set up with the labels, inputs, System Remote. and presets shown in the table below.
Calibrating the system If your digital surround controller is connected to a television or sound with any particular combination of associated equipment, monitor, the on-screen display also provides additional text the 561 Digital Surround Controller includes a built-in calibration explaining what to do. For information about setting up the on- procedure. screen display refer to Connecting video, page 56.
Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer 70 To choose the distance units To start the calibration procedure You can choose to display and enter distances in either feet and ● Select a video source to produce an on-screen display. inches, or metres. ● Put the digital surround controller into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).
calibration tests see the following sections. To move between the calibration tests ● Press > (remote) to move to the next test. ● Press < (remote) to move back to an earlier test. ● Press Store to jump to the next set of tests. The calibration tests are described in the following sections. To exit from the calibration procedure You can exit from the calibration procedure at any time, and any parameters you have set will be retained. ● Press Off (front panel or remote).
Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer Calibration tests 72 ● Use the > and < keys to move between each of the speakers Levels in the layout in the sequence: Left, Centre, Right, Side R, Rear These tests allow you to adjust the output level to each speaker individually, and it follows the general guidelines from Dolby Laboratories and Lucasfilm. A Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter can be useful at this stage; ask your dealer for more information.
Measure from the ear height at the listening position to the tweeter on each speaker (where applicable), in the distance units These tests allow you to adjust the delay of each of the speakers in the layout to time-align the system so that sounds are ● Use the > and < keys to move between each of the speakers coincident when they arrive at the listening position. in the layout.
Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer Fine tuning The next display shows the distance (or delay) for the same speaker. These tests allow you to fine-tune the phase and delay of each Left 18'0 For example: speaker when used in conjunction with other speakers on the layout. If you have an on-screen display it shows: ● Use the > and < keys to move between each of the speakers in the layout. The first display allows you to adjust the phase.
dramatic effect on the overall sound. As you increase the delay the speaker will appear to move away from you. You have now completed the calibration of your system. ● Press Off (front panel or remote) to exit from the calibration procedure.
Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer Setting up sources 76 This section explains how to use Gain/Sub mode to set up the To turn off Gain/Sub mode sources connected to the digital surround controller, and configure them to suit your other equipment. ● Repeat the above procedure until Gain/Sub Off the display shows: You can also adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency to suit To adjust the sensitivity of analogue sources the subwoofers in your system.
material playing. • +9 ● Press A or V (remote) to adjust the sensitivity until three bars The display shows a Clip indicator, and the current sensitivity of are showing in the loudest passages. ● Repeat for any other analogue sources you want to adjust. the source in dB. Radio • For example: If you have selected a digital source you cannot adjust the sensitivity and the display shows NA.
Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer 78 For THX loudspeaker systems you should not adjust these ● Press A or V to start the sinewave sweeping up or down in settings – they should be left at 80Hz. 80Hz is also the frequency, respectively. Press the key twice to sweep more recommended setting for all movie listening. You may prefer, quickly. however, to lower the crossover frequency for music if your main speakers have good bass handling down to, say, 50Hz.
The 561 Digital Surround Controller provides a flexible range of customisation options which you can change to suit your own preferences and the other equipment in your system. To configure the 561 you use the Meridian Configuration program, an intelligent Windows-based application that is supplied with the 561. This allows you to create one or more custom configurations, and download them to the 561 so that they are available alongside the built-in types.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer The Meridian Configuration program 80 The Meridian Configuration program is a stand-alone Windows- Sources based application that lets you design your own configuration of Lets you customise the operation of each of the the 561 Digital Surround Controller to suit your own personal sources, including the presets used by each source preferences and the particular configuration of equipment in for each of the audio formats, the digital, ana
Installing the Meridian Configuration program Planning the configuration To use the Meridian Configuration program you need: Before creating a configuration for your 561 Digital Surround Controller it is a good idea to plan the following aspects of your ❍ A computer running Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.00. setup: ❍ A 100MHz or faster Pentium-class processor. ❍ At least 16 Mbytes of RAM. ❍ 5 Mbytes of free disk space. ❍ How you are going to set up the different speakers in your layout.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer 82 To run the Meridian Configuration program ● Click Start, point at Programs, then click Meridian Configuration. Button Option Function New Creates a new settings file. Open Opens an existing settings file. Save Saves the current settings file to disk. The Meridian window will be displayed: Fetch Fetches the current configuration of the attached product(s). Store Stores the current settings and User Types to attached products.
The serial cable is symmetrical, and can be connected either way round. ● Connect one end to the RS232 connector on the back panel of the 561 Digital Surround Controller. ● Connect the other end to one of the serial ports on the PC or PC notebook computer. Then specify the serial port you are using as follows: ● Choose Options from the View menu to display the Options dialogue box: ● Select the port you want to use and click the OK button.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer Creating a new settings file 84 The section explains how to create a new settings file, using the To display the settings Meridian Configuration program, and how to enter personal information to identify the settings in your 561. ● Double-click the Surround controller icon, to open it and display the settings it contains.
The options on the Advanced tab are for use by dealers in setting up multi-room systems, and to upload a new version of ● Click the Owner icon in the left-hand panel. ● Enter any text you like in the Dealer, Owner, and Description fields. You can enter up to 12 characters in each field, the size of the 561 front-panel display. the software to the product, and it is recommended that you do not change these settings. To display or edit the settings ● Double-click the Settings icon.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer Setting up speakers 86 This section describes how to use the Meridian Configuration To specify the speaker layout program to configure the 561 Digital Surround Controller for the configuration of loudspeakers in your system, and specify information about the type of each speaker, for optimum performance. The first stage in setting up the speakers is to specify the ● Click Speakers in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window.
To specify the size and type of the main speakers If you select a combination of options that is not supported, the ● Choose Large if your main left and right speakers are large, other options will be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the with good bass performance, and you want to use them for whole configuration is valid. full range reproduction.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer 88 To specify information about the centre speaker To specify the number of subwoofers, and the DSP presets that use them ● From the first drop-down menu choose one of the following If your main left and right speakers are small you will need to use options: one or more subwoofers to handle the bass. You can choose between appropriate combinations of mono (front), centre, left and right, or surround.
Setting the speaker sizes A setting of Max corresponds to no protection, and 0 Sizes page of settings allows you to set up speaker protection corresponds to full protection. By default any Meridian DSP for the 5.1 sources. loudspeakers in your system are set to Max, as these include built-in protection.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer 90 To specify the type of subwoofer If your loudspeaker layout contains no subwoofer the parameter For each subwoofer in the system you can specify the signal added to the main loudspeakers. For loudspeaker layouts subwoofer filtering.
Setting up sources To configure the source options program to configure the sources provided by the digital surround controller. To set up sources ● Select the source in the list of sources. ● Click the Options tab. ● Click the Sources icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. The right-hand panel shows a list of the 12 sources that are available. For each source you can display three pages of settings by clicking on the Options, Connections, or Advanced tabs.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer 92 You can prevent the source from appearing in the list of sources, To specify the source connections or being selectable using the Meridian System Remote, by disabling this option. ● Click the Connections tab to show the Connections page of settings. ● If you want, you can change the name displayed when the source is selected by editing the Name field.
If you have chosen an analogue input for the main audio input: setting unchanged when you select the source. You would usually set Video Input to Last valid for audio sources such as CD, Radio, Tape1, and Tape2. ● Specify the sensitivity of the input by choosing an appropriate option from the Sensitivity drop-down menu.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer 94 To set the advanced source options ● If you have two Meridian source units of the same type you can configure them to have different Comms addresses. You ● Click the Advanced tab to show the Advanced page of settings. can then select the appropriate source by specifying its Comms address in the Comms address field. ● You can also select a 30 millisecond delay to avoid DTS noise.
Configuring presets To modify a built-in preset and the Meridian Configuration program lets you configure the DSP parameters of any of the built-in presets to suit your own ● Select the preset in the list of presets. preferences. The default DSP parameters will be displayed: You can also create up to 12 additional user-defined presets. Each user-defined preset is based on one of the built-in presets, and can have any name of your choice.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer 96 Note that the treble and bass settings will not be available if your The new preset is created in the first available space after the system includes DSP loudspeakers, because in this case the built-in presets. DSP speakers handle the treble and bass adjustments. ● Select the new preset you have created. For more information about the DSP parameters available for each DSP preset see DSP presets, page 37.
● Select the preset in the list of presets. ● Click the Delete this preset button. To copy a preset to a specific position in the list of user-defined presets ● Highlight the preset you want to copy. ● Choose Copy from the Edit menu, or click the Copy button in the toolbar: ● Highlight the user-defined preset or empty position you want to replace.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer Changing the setup options The final stage in editing the settings is to configure the general The options are described in the following table: Setup options. To change the setup options ● Click the Setup icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. The Setup options will be displayed: Option What it means Lock settings on Locks the DSP preset parameters.
Calibrating the settings with your system your system, the next step is to store the settings to the 561 and To store the settings to the digital surround controller use the calibration listening tests built into the 561 to calibrate it for correct performance. ● Switch on the 561 Digital Surround Controller, and check that the serial cable is connected between the 561 and the PC. To save the settings First save the settings to your PC hard disk.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer 100 When the download is complete the 561 will automatically reset To fetch the calibrated settings itself to use the new settings, and show the owner name you defined: Finally fetch the calibrated settings back from the digital surround controller as follows: Zachary Ford For example: ● Make sure your settings file is loaded into the Meridian Configuration program.
Creating a User Type To name the User Type surround controller, the final step is to store them permanently to the 561 as a User Type, so that you can reset the unit to them whenever you need to. ● Click the Settings icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window: When you store one or more User Types to the 561 they become available in the list of Types, alongside the built-in Types. For more information about selecting one of the Types see Choosing a standard setting, page 66.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer 102 To create additional User Types Initially the new type will be created with the same settings as the type you based it on, and with the name New type: If you wish you can create several User Types, and store them all to the digital surround controller. You can then reset the digital surround controller to any of the User Types by selecting the appropriate Type name.
● Highlight the User Type you want to copy the settings from. ● Choose Copy from the Edit menu, or click the Copy button in the toolbar: ● Highlight the User Type you want to copy the settings to.
Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer Completing the configuration 104 The final stage in creating a settings file is to save it, and then If the download was successful the 561 will briefly display the store it to the digital surround controller. owner name you have defined; To save the current settings Zachary Ford For example: ● Choose Save from the File menu or click the Save toolbar button, to save the changes you have made to the It will then switch itself to standby.
Troubleshooting This chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may occur when setting up the digital surround processor. If you are still not able to resolve a difficulty with the help of this guide and the suggestions in the following pages, please contact your Meridian dealer or Meridian Audio Ltd.
General operating problems Standby point not lit Remote not working Check the following: Check the following: ❍ There is AC power connected to the socket on the rear of the ❍ The battery in the Meridian System Remote. 561. ❍ The power switch on the rear panel of the 561 is turned on. ❍ Remove the 500 Comms connections from the 561, does it respond now? If so, replace the connections and perform an Auto Configure procedure as described opposite.
When playing a Dolby Digital DVD, the 561 selects the Pro Logic preset DVDs include a two-channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, which will use the default two-channel preset. ❍ Select a six-channel soundtrack, if it is available. Unit is overheating If there is not adequate ventilation around the unit, or you are operating it in an enclosed space, you will need to fit the optional Fan kit.
Audio problems Hum on analogue input There is radio interference There is no reason for the 561 to produce hum on the analogue The 561 is a digital audio and computing device which has been input. designed to very high standards of electromagnetic compatibility. ❍ Check the source equipment. Disconnect each source in turn. ❍ If the hum originates from a ground loop, an antenna or cable If this equipment does cause or suffer from interference to/from supply may be the cause.
Audible hiss at high volume settings The 561 has a 20-bit capability on its internal analogue-to-digital converter, which is used for analogue sources. When the volume The input dynamic range of most current recordings is at is turned up high you may hear its dither as a hiss when the maximum 16 bit. The reason for this is that currently CD, DVD, sources are stopped.
Sound not clear Centre not working ❍ If speech sounds muffled in a system with a centre speaker, There may be a connection problem. check that sound is coming from the centre as there may be a connection problem. In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre ❍ In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre, you may have set it you may have set it up to be right instead of left so that it is up to be right instead of left, and therefore it may be playing a playing a subwoofer signal. subwoofer signal.
Video problems Poor picture quality Video source produces a ‘washed out’ low-contrast image Picture quality may suffer if you do not attend to the following: The 561 video inputs V1 to V3 and S1 to S3 are direct coupled, ❍ Are you using suitable quality cables with good connectors? for highest quality. However, some video sources (typically cable ❍ Is there a ground loop created between any of the television interfaces) have a DC offset which causes video components connected to the 561? problems.
Meridian Configuration program problems Preset options do not appear or are not available Meridian Configuration program repeatedly fails to talk to the product The options available when you are editing the DSP preset ❍ Check that you have selected a COM port. parameters depend on the speaker layout you have defined in ❍ Check that no other program currently running is using the Speakers. COM port. ❍ Check that it is connected correctly.
Service and guarantee Service Guarantee The Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefully The 561 Digital Surround Processor is guaranteed against designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user- defects in material and workmanship for 2 years from the date of serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any purchase. form of maintenance.
114 Troubleshooting
Glossary Absolute phase Controller DTS A control which changes the phase of the The product in a Meridian system that Digital Theatre Systems originally signals to all the speakers. uses the infra-red signals from the remote produced digital audio tracks for motion to control the system. The controller is pictures. A version of this format adapted normally chosen automatically, but the for consumer video and audio products is installer can override this. referred to as DTS Entertainment.
Layout Limit Mono sub Refers to a particular arrangement of A DSP parameter that sets the peak-level A subwoofer which handles all the bass for speakers and subwoofers. You can select limit of the bass signal added to the main the system. A THX standard subwoofer different layouts for the cinema, music, loudspeakers. has a crossover at 80Hz. Max SPL Mono surrounds A DSP parameter that sets the peak-level Surrounds which have a common signal limit for the LFE channel. steered to them.
MSF Preset SPL Meridian Settings File, a file containing A DSP decoding option in the 561. You Sound Pressure Level, a physical settings and User Types for one or more can create user-defined presets based on measurement of the level of sound at a Meridian products. the built-in presets, and with specific particular location which can be obtained parameter values; see Defining your own using an SPL meter. MSR presets, page 34. Steered surrounds The Meridian System Remote, or handset.
THX Additional processing that follows Dolby Pro Logic Surround decoding to give a more faithful reproduction of cinema sound in the home. Trifield A music decoding system designed to extract centre and surround signals from a conventional two-channel stereo source. Type A standard configuration of the digital surround controller. Selecting a Type resets any configuration and calibration Glossary changes.
Index A Audio inputs, digital AC-3 encoding 8 52 Centre speaker Audio outputs 53 changing the relative delay 30 Accessories 6 Audio problems 108 changing the relative level 30 expansion cards 6 Audio stream display 21 not working 110 Fan kit 7, 50 Audio tape outputs Clearing a DSP preset 36 Meridian 511 S-patch Box 6 Automatic setup Academy DSP preset 11, 40 54 64 Clip indicator 77 Meridian 519 Demodulator 7 Clipping of analogue sources 76 B Rack mount kit 7 parameter) Tape card
D DSP parameters (continued) DSP presets 8, 37 Depth (DSP parameter) 25, 26, 30 Compress 47 Academy 11, 40 Digital audio inputs 52 Depth 25, 26, 30 Ambisonic 10, 43 Digital DSP preset 8 Input 40 changing 20 Digital recorder, connecting 62 LFE changing source association Defining your own presets 23, 34 Digital source, connecting 60 Limit Direct DSP preset LipSync 11, 45 26, 32 47, 48 39, 40, 44 clearing 36 configuring using a PC 95 defining 23, 34 Direct 11, 45 changing 21 Mono
G DSP presets (continued) Stereo 11, 45 Super Stereo Gain/Sub mode 76 Logic DSP presets 38 Glossary 115 Loudspeakers connecting 57 11, 43 H THX Cinema 10 Headphone volume 22 setting up using a PC 86 Trifield 11, 41 Hiss TV Logic 10, 39 at high volume settings 109 DTS DSP preset 8, 46 starting DTS LaserDiscs DTS encoding Hum on analogue input 108 8, 9 specifying layout using a PC 86 specifying the size and type using a 110 PC 87 specifying the sizes using a PC 89 Low-contrast image 1
MPEG THX DSP preset Meridian Configuration program Music DSP preset 80 9, 46 installation 81 Music Logic DSP preset problems Muting the sound 112 requirements Presets icon 80, 95 11, 44 Pro Logic encoding 9 N New (File menu) R O On-screen display (OSD) 84 R Delay (DSP parameter) 26 R Filter (DSP parameter) 42, 44 toolbar buttons 82 Meridian Digital Theatre 4 Meridian DSP loudspeakers changing position connecting Optical input 52 53, 57 21 32 Rack mount kit 7 Radio interference 50
S Speakers (continued) S Delay (DSP parameter) 26 Sound not clear S Filter (DSP parameter) 42, 44 Sound Pressure Level meter 110 S-patch Box 6 Sources Sample configurations adjusting sensitivity 76 Speakers icon 80 Meridian Analogue Theatre 3 changing DSP preset associated Special sub option 66 69 with 33 Meridian Digital Theatre 4 specifying the size and type using a PC 87 17 Specification 5 Save As (File menu) 84 configuring options using a PC Selecting a source 17 connecting Seri
T Tape card TV Logic DSP preset 6, 22 Tape outputs Types 54 Tape recorder, connecting 62 Television connecting THX encoding 10 67 connecting 56 standard 68 inputs 51 UHJ format 43 Unlocking the menus Unpacking 10 problems 111 24 Toolbar buttons 82 copying settings between Treble, changing 26, 27 27 creating naming Volume adjusting 19 103 headphone 22 101 muting 19 101 Trifield DSP preset 11, 41 User-defined presets Troubleshooting 105 creating 96 audio deleting 97 10
