e i d u g r e s u Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor
Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor 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 Meridian America Inc England 3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Tel␣ ␣ (01480) 52144 Fax␣ ␣ (01480) 459934 Suite 122 Atlanta GA 30331 World Wide Web http://www.meridian-audio.com Preface ii Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation (Canadian patent 1,037,877), Lucasfilm Ltd.
Contents Introduction 1 Introduces the digital surround processor, and gives guidelines and suggested layouts to help you plan your surround Using the digital surround processor 13 system. Provides step-by-step instructions for The 568 Digital Surround Processor ...... 2 operating the digital surround processor, Sample configurations ........................... 4 using either the front panel or the Meridian Specification and accessories ............... 6 System Remote. DSP presets ...............
DSP presets 37 Gives technical information about each of parameters available for each one. Setting up the digital surround processor Logic DSP presets ................................. 38 Describes how to unpack and install the Music DSP presets ................................ 41 digital surround processor, and gives 5.1 Movie DSP presets ..........................
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 77 Describes how to configure the digital surround processor using the Meridian Configuration program. Troubleshooting 105 The Meridian Configuration program ..... 78 Provides suggested solutions to typical Installing the Meridian Configuration problems. Glossary program ................................................. 79 Creating a new settings file .................... 82 General operating problems ...............
vi Preface
Introduction The Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor combines a completely digital surround-sound processor with a high-performance digital preamplifier in a single integrated unit. It takes advantage of the latest techniques in highprecision analogue electronics and digital signal processing, and the result is an impressively realistic and exciting reproduction of music and cinema sound.
The 568 Digital Surround Processor The 568 Digital Surround Processor incorporates the result of several years of research and development into several innovative technologies. ❍ To resample the signal to take advantage of the highest rate available (upsampling). ❍ To perform filtering or adjustment of the frequency response; eg treble or bass.
Meridian High Resolution (MHR) 500 Series communications The 568 Digital Surround Processor supports Meridian High The 568 Digital Surround Processor is part of the Meridian 500 Resolution (MHR), to allow you to connect to other MHR- Series of advanced digital, analogue, and video components, compliant Meridian products to take advantage of high-rate and these incorporate a sophisticated communications link, to audio sources, and provide the additional benefits of lower jitter allow you to control
Sample configurations Meridian Compact Theatre™ M33 M33 rear M33 rear M33 Introduction Meridian DVD Player 4 M33 M1500 568 The Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor is ideal for use with The 568 Digital Surround Processor can connect directly to up the M33 Active Analogue Loudspeaker and M1500 Active to eight Meridian active loudspeakers, allowing you to create a Subwoofer. The M33 provides an unusually good response for 5.1 or 7.
Meridian Digital Theatre™ DSP6000 DSP6000 DSP5000C D33 side D33 side D33 rear D33 rear 504 Meridian DVD Player 568 The 568 Digital Surround Processor can be used with two multi-channel reproduction from music and film sources. The Meridian DSP6000 Digital Loudspeakers, and a DSP5000C Meridian DVD Player is an ideal source for use with the 568. It Digital Centre Loudspeaker, to provide audiophile-quality sound.
Specification and accessories Specification Digital inputs Analogue outputs 8 x unbalanced outputs for centre, sub, 4 x cable, 75Ω, IEC958 and data rears, mains, and sides or subs. compatible, up to 24 bits. 3 x balanced outputs for mains and 1 x optical, Toslink (EIAJ), IEC958 and centre. data compatible, up to 24 bits. Analogue inputs Outputs variable between 0 and 2 x unbalanced, 20kΩ input 3.5Vrms, output impedance 47Ω. impedance. Distortion <0.01%. 1 x stereo 24-bit Delta-Sigma ADC.
Control 2 x Meridian Comms. 9-pin D connector for RS232 PC setup and control. Dimensions 321mm x 88mm x 332mm (12.7" x 3.5" x 13.1") (W x H x D). Weight 5kg (10lb). Available accessories The following accessories are available from your dealer. Meridian 511 S-patch Box The Meridian 511 S-patch box provides a convenient way to interconnect the S leads between up to eight Meridian DSP digital loudspeakers.
Fan kit A Fan kit is available for the 568 to provide additional ventilation if the unit is installed in an enclosed space. The fan can be programmed using the Meridian Configuration program so that it either runs when the 568 is out of standby, or when the temperature rises above the recommended level. Rack mount kit The Meridian 500 Shelf is a tray produced by Middle Atlantic Products which will allow the 568, or any other 500 Series unit, to be fitted in a standard 19" rack.
DSP presets The digital surround processor provides an extremely Multi-channel digital sources comprehensive range of digital signal processing options for decoding both analogue and digital audio signals and Several alternative multi-channel digital formats are currently processing them for multi-channel reproduction. These are available which encode up to eight different channels onto a referred to as DSP presets, and are designed to provide the best digital signal.
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.
Using the digital surround processor This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the digital surround processor to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. processor, using either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote.
Front panel 1 Source Selects the source. 2 Store Changes the DSP preset Display assigned to a source. 3 Preset Changes the preset. Using the digital surround processor BOOTHROYD STUART 14 568 Digital Source Store Preset Digital Surround Processor 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 processor Quick guide to operating the 568 with the remote 16 Action 568 as controller DSP speaker as controller Source selection CD, RADIO etc. CD, RADIO etc.
Selecting a source When not playing, the digital surround processor should be left To select a source in the standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the digital surround processor operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you ● Press Source (front panel) until the display shows the source you require. start.
To switch to standby ● Press Off on the front panel or the remote. . The display will show: If you have other Meridian 500 Series equipment or Meridian Using the digital surround processor DSP loudspeakers connected to the digital surround processor 18 these units will also switch to standby.
Adjusting the volume The digital surround processor adjusts the volume in precise To mute the sound 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 processor displays information about the current settings on the 12-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 5.1 video image. For more information about setting up the on-screen display refer to Connecting video, page 55. To change the display ● Press Display.
22 Using the digital surround processor
Defining your own presets In addition to being able to change the source, volume, and DSP preset, the digital surround processor 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.
Locking and unlocking the menus To simplify the normal operation of the digital surround processor, 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 processor menus. To lock the menus ● Press Off to put the 568 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 processor 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 568 Digital Surround Processor 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, or Mono 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 processor 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 Store (front panel) to save the new association.
Defining your own presets The 568 Digital Surround Processor allows you to modify one of the built-in presets, and save it for future use. ● Hold down Store (front panel), or press Store (remote) until the display shows the next available user-defined preset. You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you can create up to 12 presets of your own, with names of your choice, so you can use them alongside the built-in presets. Sto.
If you are defining a user preset you can now edit the name of If you are using a Meridian DSP loudspeaker you select a blank the preset if you wish. by pressing Function Clear. A flashing cursor shows the letter you Sto.•ser 1 For example, you could change the Sto.La Scala are editing: name to: If you have an on-screen display it shows: Alternatively, you can cancel editing the name by pressing Display (front panel).
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 for that preset are restored.
DSP presets This chapter gives technical information about each of the DSP presets built in to the digital surround processor. 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 processor provides four 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 Party? is set to No, the combined or selected signal is played only through the centre speaker, or the left and right speakers if Parameter Options What it changes Roll Off, Low, Med, High The degree of left–right steering. Yaw Mono Rear Off, Low, Med, High there is no centre, to centrally localise high-frequency hiss and clicks.
Music DSP presets The digital surround processor 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. Trifield is recommended for well-made recordings and stereo Parameter Options What it changes HS Out? * Y or N High-rate audio.
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 processor This chapter explains how to install the digital surround processor. It describes what you should find when you unpack the unit, how you should constraints. Before you begin installation you should ensure that your digital surround processor is the correct voltage for your local AC supply. If it is not, do not try to install the unit, and contact your dealer.
Unpacking The digital surround processor comes in a box containing the Radio interference following components: Setting up the digital surround processor FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate radio 50 ❍ Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor. frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in ❍ Meridian System Remote. accordance with our instructions may cause interference to ❍ Power cord. radio communications or radio and television reception.
Positioning the digital surround processor Safety warnings To avoid interference ❍ Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing. Do not position the digital surround processor: ❍ Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase, on the unit. ❍ Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the unit. ❍ Near strong magnetic radiation, such as near a power amplifier. ❍ Near to a television, or where connecting cables may be subject to or cause interference.
Connecting the digital surround processor Rear panel Expansion connector Power input and fuse Analogue speakers Balanced analogue outputs REAR-L SIDE-L/SUB Analogue inputs Analogue speakers CENTRE RADIO MAIN-L TV Setting up the digital surround processor EXPANSION OFF 52 ON 7 5 8 6 3 1 4 REAR-R SIDE-R/SUB CENTRE RIGHT 2 SUB LEFT L R MAIN-R A2 A1 ANALOGUE INPUT BALANCED OUTPUT CDR/D3 CD/D1 7–8 5–6 3–4 1–2 OUT IN LD/O1 RS232 MERIDIAN COMMS PC Comms TAPE2/D4 DVD/D2 DIG
Digital audio inputs Analogue audio inputs The following table gives details of the digital audio inputs: The following table gives details of the analogue audio inputs: Use this input To connect to this Use this input To connect to this CD/D1, DVD/D2, A digital source, such as a CD player, TV/A1, RADIO/A2 An analogue source such as a CDR/D3, TAPE2/D4 radio tuner, tape recorder, TV tuner, or cable television.
Setting up the digital surround processor Audio outputs Communications connections The following table gives details of the analogue and digital The following table gives details of the communications outputs: connections: Use this output To connect to this Use this connection MAIN 1-2 Main left and right speakers. COMMS CENTRE/SUB 3-4 Centre speaker and centre or mono Left and right subwoofers, or side left speaker. RS232 the digital surround processor using a computer, page 77.
Connecting video On-screen display The on-screen display automatically locks to an NTSC, PAL, or SECAM signal, and requires an input signal to operate. The video circuits in the 568 are of broadcast quality, and passing Television/Monitor the video signal through the digital surround processor will not MONITOR IN 568 Digital Surround Processor affect its quality.
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.
To connect to active loudspeakers (eg Meridian M33s) M33 Active Loudspeaker M33 Active Loudspeaker 568 Digital Surround Processor INPUT 556 Stereo Power Amplifier MAIN–L 1 2 MAIN–R INPUT INPUT INPUT Audio leads ● Connect the appropriate analogue output socket from the digital surround processor to the speaker inputs, using screened audio cable.
To connect an active subwoofer (eg Meridian M1500 or M2500) 568 Digital Surround Processor Subwoofer DIRECT INPUT 4 SUB CROSSOVER INPUT Setting up the digital surround processor Audio lead 58 ● Connect the SUB analogue output socket from the 568 Digital Surround Processor to the subwoofer’s line level input. The digital surround processor 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) 508.24 24-Bit CD Player DIGITAL OUTPUT To connect to an analogue source (eg Meridian 504 FM Tuner) 568 Digital Surround Processor DIGITAL INPUT CD/D1 504 FM Tuner 568 Digital Surround Processor OUTPUT Digital lead ANALOGUE INPUT RADIO/A2 Audio lead You can connect up to two analogue sources to the 568 Digital Surround Processor. Surround Processor.
To connect to a DVD player (eg Meridian DVD Player) To connect to a LaserDisc player LaserDisc player Meridian DVD Player DIGITAL OUT S-video output 568 Digital Surround Processor DIGITAL INPUT DVD/D2 OPTICAL OUTPUT RF OUTPUT 568 Digital Surround Processor VIDEO OUT VIDEO IN S DIGITAL INPUTS LD/O1 VIDEO IN S S-video lead Setting up the digital surround processor Digital lead 60 S-video lead Optical lead RF lead RF INPUT OPTICAL OPTICAL INPUT OUTPUT Meridian 519 Demodulator ● Connect the
To connect to a 562 or 562V Multimedia Controller 562V Multimedia Controller MAIN DIGITAL OUTPUT ANALOGUE MAIN Digital lead ● Connect up to eight analogue, five digital, and two optical sources to the appropriate inputs of the 562 or 562V. 568 Digital Surround Processor DIGITAL INPUT CD/D1 ANALOGUE INPUT TV/A1 Audio lead D1 digital input socket of the 568, using high-quality 75Ω screened cable.
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 568 Digital Surround Processor 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 processor without using a computer, and then how to calibrate the loudspeakers and sources for your particular system.
Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer Choosing a standard setting 64 The digital surround processor provides several alternative The following diagram shows the meaning of the standard Type standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of codes: the 568 into the most commonly needed configurations. In addition, any User Types you create using the Meridian Configuration program are also available.
To set up the 568 for use with a 562 or 562V Multimedia Controller ● Put the digital surround processor into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote). ● Hold down the A key on the front Select 562 Mode as follows: Type in... 3 panel until the display shows: ● Hold down the A key for three ● Press the Source key on the front 562 Mode on panel; the display shows: Type,wait... ● Press the Source key again to turn off 562 Mode.
Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer Standard source settings 66 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 processor is connected to a television or sound with any particular combination of associated equipment, monitor, the on-screen display also provides additional text the 568 Digital Surround Processor includes a built-in calibration explaining what to do. For information about setting up the on- procedure. screen display refer to Connecting video, page 55.
Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer To choose the distance units To start the calibration procedure You can choose to display and enter distances in either feet and ● Put the digital surround processor into standby by pressing inches, or metres. Off (front panel or remote). ● Press and hold the Off key on the front panel for at least five To change the distance units: seconds. ● Put the digital surround processor into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).
● Press > (remote) or Source (front panel) to move to the next test. ● Press < (remote) to move back to an earlier test. ● Press Store (front panel or remote) 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 processor without a computer Calibration tests 70 ● 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 processor 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 speaker when used in conjunction with other speakers on the Left 18'0 For example: 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 processor without a computer Setting up subwoofers This section explains how to use Sine/Sub mode to adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency to suit the subwoofers in your system, and use a sinewave test signal to check for room resonances. The 568 allows the crossover frequency for any subwoofers which you have to be adjusted between 30 and 120Hz. The To turn on Sine/Sub mode crossover can be set independently for Music, Logic, and 5.1 Movie presets.
To change the sweep rate Sine/Sub mode includes a sinewave signal test, to help you set ● Press < or > (remote) until the the subwoofer crossover frequencies, or check for room Pause 80Hz display shows: resonances. ● Press [ or ] (remote) to change the frequency in steps of ● Turn on Sine/Sub mode, as described above. ● Press < or > (remote) until the 1Hz.
Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 76 To change the volume To select other test signals ● Use the volume keys in the usual way. ● Press < or > (remote) until the display shows the current signal. Warning: Very loud low-frequency signals may damage Signal Sine speakers. For example: To select the channel ● Press A or V to choose between the following test signals: ● Press < or > (remote) until the display shows the current Display channels. Description A sinewave.
The 568 Digital Surround Processor 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 568 you use the Meridian Configuration program, an intelligent Windows-based application that is supplied with the 568. This allows you to create one or more custom configurations, and download them to the 568 so that they are available alongside the built-in types.
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer The Meridian Configuration program 78 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 568 Digital Surround Processor 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, analo
Installing the Meridian Configuration program Planning the configuration To use the Meridian Configuration program you need: Before creating a configuration for your 568 Digital Surround Processor 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 processor using a computer 80 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 568 Digital Surround Processor. ● 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 processor using a computer Creating a new settings file 82 The section explains how to create a new settings file, using the A new settings file will be created for you, with the initial name Meridian Configuration program, and how to enter personal MSF1, and the Meridian window will show a Surround information to identify the settings in your product. processor icon to identify the product you are configuring.
To enter your personal details ● Double-click the Surround processor icon, to open it and ● Click the Owner icon in the left-hand panel. display the settings it contains. The left-hand panel of the Meridian window will change to show the following three icons: ● 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 568 front-panel display.
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 84 The options on the Advanced tab are for use by dealers in setting up multi-room systems, and to upload a new version of 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. The Meridian window will change to show the four categories of settings contained in the settings file: Setup, Speakers, Sources, and Presets.
Setting up speakers To specify the speaker layout program to configure the 568 Digital Surround Processor 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.
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 86 As you change the options the layout illustration will change to show the resulting layout. ● Choose Large if your main left and right speakers are large, with good bass performance, and you want to use them for full range reproduction. If you select a combination of options that is not supported, the other options will be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the whole configuration is valid.
Use the Centre drop-down menus to specify which presets use the centre speaker, and its size and type. ● From the first drop-down menu choose one of the following options: type of the rear and side speakers. Subwoofers ● Use the Subwoofers drop-down menus to specify the number of subwoofers, and the DSP presets that use them. Option Description None If you do not have a centre speaker.
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer To specify the speaker sizes ● Once you have specified the speaker layout for you system, click the Sizes tab to display the Sizes page of speaker settings: Speaker protection Because of the high bass levels that 5.1 materials are capable of reproducing, the digital surround processor allows you to set up automatic protection of each full-range speaker or subwoofer.
● Type the size into the appropriate field. If you prefer you can copy and paste the size directly. Subwoofer filtering and type For each subwoofer in the system you can specify the Peak-level limiting values you have set up when you calibrate the digital surround Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer The size value is displayed in the SizeCalc display. processor.
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer Setting up sources 90 This section describes how to use the Meridian Configuration To configure the source options program to configure the sources provided by the digital surround processor. 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.
The Audio input option can be set to Last valid to leave the you press the Source key, or the corresponding source key on input unchanged when you select the source. This allows you to the Meridian System Remote. create a source that changes some other aspect of the current source, such as its DSP preset, without changing the selected ● If you want, you can change the name displayed when the input. source is selected by editing the Name field.
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 92 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. The following additional options are available.
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 processor using a computer 94 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 processor using a computer Changing the setup options 96 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.
What it means Meridian 800 present If selected, the menu keys on the Meridian System Remote operate the DVD/CD Player menus rather than the Digital Surround Controller menus. Meridian High Specifies whether the digital output Resolution uses Meridian High Resolution for all sources, or only when necessary. This option is only available if the left, right, and centre speakers are 96.24 DSP types; see To specify the speaker layout, page 85.
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer Calibrating the settings with your system 98 Once you have edited the settings to suit the configuration of your system, the next step is to store the settings to the 568 and To store the settings to the digital surround processor use the calibration listening tests built into the 568 to calibrate it for correct performance.
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 processor as follows: Zachary Ford For example: ● Make sure your settings file is loaded into the Meridian Configuration program. To calibrate the loudspeakers Now proceed through the calibration procedure to set the correct relative level, delay, and phase for each of the loudspeakers in the system.
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer Creating a User Type 100 Once you have fetched the calibrated settings from the digital To name the User Type surround processor, the final step is to store them permanently to the 568 as a User Type, so that you can reset the unit to them whenever you need to.
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 processor. You can then reset the digital surround processor to any of the User Types by selecting the appropriate Type name. To create a new User Type: ● Select the User Type you want to base it on in the left-hand panel of the Meridian Setup window; eg Standard.
Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 102 To copy settings between User Types ● 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.
Completing the configuration If the download was successful the 568 will briefly display the store it to the digital surround processor. 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. settings file to your PC hard disk.
104 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer
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. 568. ❍ The power switch on the rear panel of the 568 is turned on. ❍ Remove the 500 Comms connections from the 568, 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 568 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 568 to produce hum on the analogue The 568 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 568 has a 24-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 Picture quality may suffer if you do not attend to the following: ❍ Are you using suitable quality cables with good connectors? ❍ Is there a ground loop created between any of the components connected to the 568? Remember that reception of broadcast or cable signals can be significantly deteriorated by cross-modulation in the RF domain. It is unwise to attempt to cascade and mix several video sources, eg LaserDisc, VCR, etc, to an antenna system.
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 568 Digital Surround Processor is guaranteed against designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user- defects in material and workmanship for two years from the date serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any of purchase. form of maintenance.
114 Troubleshooting
Glossary Absolute phase Controller Dolby Surround A control which changes the phase of the The product in a Meridian system that The encoding system used for the majority signals to all the speakers. uses the infra-red signals from the remote of movies on video and many TV to control the system. The controller is broadcasts. Dolby Surround encoded normally chosen automatically, but the material can be replayed with a surround installer can override this.
DVD LFE sub MHR Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc, A subwoofer which plays the full 120Hz Meridian High Resolution is a proprietary a CD-sized disc with nearly 30 times the bandwidth LFE signal in Dolby Digital, secure encoding format using encryption storage capacity of CD. It is capable of DTS, and MPEG presets. and anti-copy methods that allows secure storing digital video, high-quality multichannel audio, or computer data.
Mono surrounds OSD Source Surrounds which have a common signal On-Screen Display, which the 568 can An input to the system, such as CD or TV. steered to them. This may then be superimpose on a composite video signal The Meridian 500 and 800 Series provide decorrelated by the THX process to give to give information about the state of the 12 named sources, corresponding to the more spaciousness. system, and to help during configuration. names of the 12 source keys on the MSR.
Surround Type A sound reproducing system with more A standard configuration of the digital than two loudspeakers, and usually with surround processor. Selecting a Type speakers behind or to the side of the resets any configuration and calibration listener. changes. THX Additional processing that follows Dolby Pro Logic Surround decoding to give a more faithful reproduction of cinema sound in the home.
Index A AC-3 encoding 9 Audio stream display 21 Clearing a DSP preset 36 Academy (DSP parameter) 12, 40 Automatic setup Communications connections 54 62 Accessories 7 Components 50 B Fan kit 8, 51 Balance (DSP parameter) Meridian 511 S-patch Box 7 Compress (DSP parameter) 47 25, 26, 28 Meridian 519 Demodulator 7 Balanced outputs 54 Rack mount kit 8 Bass (DSP parameter) Active loudspeakers, Bass, changing Compression 47 Computer, configuring using 77 26, 27 Configuring the digital surr
Distance calibration test 71 DSP parameters (continued) DSP presets (continued) Distance units, changing 68 Party? 40 Dolby Digital 9, 46 Dolby Digital DSP preset 9, 46 Phase 26, 27 Dolby Digital THX 10, 46 dynamic range control 47 Position 44 DTS 9, 46 Dolby Digital encoding 9 R Delay 26 DTS Music 10, 45 Dolby Digital THX DSP R Filter 44 DTS THX 10, 46 10, 46 Rear editing name 35 Dolby Surround encoding 10 Roll preset DSP loudspeakers.
Meridian 500 Series (continued) Integration of the centre, DTS THX DSP preset 10, 46 DVD player, connecting 60 changing Dynamic range control 47 Introduction 1 DSP6000 Digital Loudspeakers 5 30 M1500 Active Subwoofer 4 M33 Active Analogue F Fan kit L 8, 51 LaserDisc player, connecting 60 Fetching calibrated settings 99 Levels calibration test 70 Fine tuning calibration test LFE (DSP parameter) 47 72 5.
Meridian DSP loudspeakers Music Logic DSP preset connecting Muting the sound 54, 56 12, 44 R 19 R Filter (DSP parameter) 42, 44 using with remote Rack mount kit 8 O control 16, 25, 35 On-screen display (OSD) Meridian DVD Player, changing position connecting 60 Optical input 53 21 Radio interference 50, 108 32 Rear (DSP parameter) 26 Rear loudspeakers Options (View menu) 81 changing the relative delay 31 3, 97 Options dialogue box 81 changing the relative level 29 Meridian Lossles
Save As (File menu) 82 Sources (continued) Selecting a source 17 setting up Serial cable, connecting 81 setting up using a PC Serial port, specifying 81 standard settings Settings file, creating Sources icon Settings icon Setup icon 82 Subwoofers crossover 58 74 setting crossover frequency 74, 75 90 Super Stereo DSP preset 12, 43 66 Super Stereo encoding 12 78, 90 Surr.
U UHJ format 43 Unlocking the menus 24 Unpacking 50 User Types copying settings between creating 102 100 naming 100 User-defined presets clearing 36 creating 94 deleting 95 editing name 35 V Ventilation 51 Video connecting 55 connections problems 52 111 Volume adjusting Index muting 124 19 19 W Width (DSP parameter) 42, 44 Y Yaw (DSP parameter) 40, 44
