e i d u g r e s u Meridian 596 DVD Player
Meridian 596 DVD Player User Guide Preface i
Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Sales and service in the USA Cambs PE29 6EX Meridian America Inc England 3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Tel (01480) 52144 Designed and manufactured in the UK by Suite 122 Fax (01480) 459934 Atlanta GA 30331 Tel (404) 344 7111 Cambs Fax (404) 346 7111 PE29 6EX England Part no: 596 Copyright © 2000 Meridian Audio Ltd Dolby, Dolby Digital, Pro Logic, AC-3, and the double-D symbol Preface are trademarks of Dolby Lab
Contents Introduction 1 Introduces the 596 DVD player, and gives examples of two suggested configurations using it in conjunction with other Meridian Using the DVD player 7 products. Provide step-by-step instructions on The Meridian 500 Series ...................... 2 operating the DVD player, using either the Sample configurations ......................... 3 front panel or the Meridian System Specification and accessories ............. 5 Remote.
Setting default options 27 Explains how to set up the default options using the DVD player’s Setup menu. Setting up the DVD player 41 Setting default options ....................... 28 Selecting the default languages ......... 30 Describes how to unpack and install the Selecting the display settings ............ 32 DVD player. Selecting the audio settings .............. 38 Configuring the DVD player 51 Unpacking .......................................... 42 Positioning the DVD player .............
Troubleshooting 55 Provides suggested solutions to typical problems. Troubleshooting ................................. 56 Maintenance ...................................... 59 Service and guarantee ....................... 60 Index ..................................................
vi Preface
Introduction The 596 DVD video player combines Meridian’s extensive experience of producing audiophile CD players with their close involvement in the development of DVD formats, resulting in an outstanding DVD player that takes full advantage of the capabilities of DVD. The 596 uses a precision DVD-ROM drive, with the audio and video data read asynchronously and then triple buffered to isolate output timing from the mechanics of the drive.
The Meridian 500 Series The Meridian 500 Series is a unique system of digital, analogue, 500 Series communications and video components designed to meet the demand for absolute quality, ease of use, and lasting value. The Meridian 500 Series includes a sophisticated communications link, to ensure that any configuration of units The flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series is such that you can will work together as a fully integrated system.
Sample configurations Meridian Digital Theatre™ DSP6000 DSP6000 DSP6000 DSP6000 DSP5500HC 504 The Meridian 596 DVD Player is ideal for use with a Meridian The Meridian Surround Processor can decode Dolby Digital Surround Processor as the heart of a Meridian Digital Theatre (AC-3), MPEG Surround, DTS Audio, and Dolby Surround Introduction system. soundtracks.
Meridian Digital Music System DSP5000 DSP5000 Introduction 596 4 The 596 DVD Player can be connected directly to Meridian DSP By careful design Meridian have achieved a sound quality with loudspeakers, as these include DSP volume and tone controls. audio CDs which approaches that of their dedicated CD players. In addition to playing DVD discs, the 596 can play audio CDs, VCD, CVCD, and MP3 files on CD-ROM.
Specification and accessories Specification Audio outputs 1 x digital coax SPDIF/IEC1937/MHR for transferring PCM up to 96kHz 24-bit Dolby Digital (AC-3) or DTS THD Less than -93dBFS. Noise Less than -93dBFS. Mechanism Dual-lens pickup with red laser. Formats DVD-Video, CD Audio (CD-DA), CD-R, 24-bit conversion. All audio outputs Video CD (VCD), CVCD, and MP3. use FIFO and relocking to give Processing bitstreams.
Available accessories The following accessories are available from your dealer: ❍ Power cord Europe. ❍ Power cord Canada and USA. If you have problems purchasing these items, you can order them direct from Meridian Audio Limited, who can also supply a range of cables suitable for connecting the 596 DVD Player to Introduction other equipment.
Using the DVD player This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the DVD player in order to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. It also describes the basic aspects of using the DVD player to play DVD video discs and audio CDs. Unless otherwise specified, each function is available from the front panel or the Meridian System Remote.
Front panel 1 Open Opens and closes the disc tray. 2 > (Play) Display Plays a selected chapter/ track. 3 * (Stop) Stops the disc. BOOTHROYD STUART DVD 596 Open DVD Player > 1-017 * = Display [ ] Off 4 = (Pause) Pauses the disc. 5 Display Selects the information Using the DVD player displayed. Tray 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 [ (Previous) Selects the previous chapter/track. 7 ] (Next) Selects the next chapter/ track. 8 Off Switches to standby.
Meridian System Remote 10 Number keys 7 = (Pause) Select a title, Pauses the disc. chapter, or track by 8 Subtitle number. Turns subtitles on/off. 11 Repeat/A-B +Function Repeats a chapter/ Subtitle language. track or section. 9 Source keys Select a source. 1 2 3 CD RADIO 1 2 4 LP TV 5 TAPE 1 TAPE 2 12 Off Switches to standby. 13 Volume keys Change the volume. 14 Mute Mutes or restores the sound.
Playing a disc During normal use the DVD player should be left in the standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the DVD player operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start playing a disc. If you are not going to use the DVD player for a period of several days you should switch the unit completely off, at the back panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.
To play the disc To move to the next or previous album (MP3 discs only) ● Press > (front panel or remote). ● Press V or A (remote). The on-screen display shows and the front-panel display shows the title and chapter, or track number: The on-screen display shows 2-01 For example, on chapter 1 of title 2: Note: Pause and fast forward/back are not available for MP3 To switch to standby ● Press Off (front panel or remote). ● Press ] or [ (front panel or remote). . .
Locating a specific title, chapter, or track Normally, DVD video discs are divided into one or more titles, and the titles are subdivided into chapters. Audio CDs are To locate a chapter or track by number divided into tracks. ● Press # (Function Top Menu on the remote) twice. The DVD player allows you to play an entire disc, or start playing from any chapter or track number.
To locate a title by number ● Press # (Function Top Menu on the remote). The on-screen display prompts you to enter the title number: ● Enter the title number using the number keys (remote). ● Press > or Enter (remote) to play from the title number you have specified. To play from a specified timecode the on-screen display prompts for a timecode: ● Enter the timecode using the number keys (remote). ● Press > or Enter (remote) to play from the timecode you have specified.
Stopping, pausing, and resuming play You can stop or pause a disc, and then resume play at the same To step forward frame by frame position. If you are playing a DVD video disc you can step forward, frame To stop play by frame, while it is paused: ● Press * (front panel or remote). ● Press =(front panel or remote). The on-screen display shows . The on-screen display shows To resume after stopping To continue after pausing ● Press > (front panel or remote). ● Press > (front panel or remote).
Disc information You can display information about a disc on the front panel or To display disc information on screen on-screen display. ● Press OSD (remote). To change the front panel display For a DVD video disc this shows the following information: ● Press Display (front panel, or remote if the 596 is controller *).
To display information about DVD video disc features ● Press OSD (remote) twice while a DVD disc is playing. This shows the following information about DVD features: Subtitle language Audio track Audio format Repeat mode To turn off the on-screen display Using the DVD player ● Press OSD (remote) again.
Advanced features This chapter describes the more advanced features of the 596 DVD Player. These features are not essential if you simply want to enjoy DVD video discs or audio CDs, but they allow you to take full advantage of the range of options available with the DVD format. Note: Many of the advanced features depend on the content of the particular DVD disc you are playing. The advanced features described in this chapter are only available using the Meridian System Remote.
Selecting options from a menu Many DVD video discs provide additional sections of video or To select a title using the title menu special options, which you can select from an on-screen menu. ● Press Top Menu to display the title menu on the screen. Some DVD video discs which contain several titles also provide a title menu, from which you can select one of the titles. To select an option from the disc menu ● Press Menu to display the disc menu on the screen.
Fast and slow-motion play You can play back DVD video discs faster than normal, at between twice and eight times normal speed, or in slow motion, To play DVD video discs or audio CDs faster than normal at between one-half and one-sixteenth of normal speed. ● Press ˘ or ¯ during playback. You can also play back audio CDs faster than normal.
Playing repeatedly You can play back a specified title, chapter, track, or section of The on-screen display shows A–B: a disc repeatedly. To repeat a title, chapter, or track The DVD player automatically returns to the start of the section ● Select the title, chapter, or track you want to repeat. and plays it back repeatedly. ● Press Repeat to switch between Ch. (chapter repeat), Title (title repeat), and Off (no repeat).
Selecting a playback audio setting You can select one of the audio soundtracks from those To select the audio setting included on a DVD video disc during playback. ● Press Audio (Function >). To display the current audio setting Each time you press Audio the next available soundtrack is ● Press OSD (Function ]) twice to display the second selected. on-screen display bar: This gives the following information: Information Examples Soundtrack language ENG, FRE, GER, SPA.
Displaying subtitles Many DVD video discs include subtitles in up to 32 different To select the subtitle language languages. While you are playing a disc you can turn the subtitles on or off, and select the subtitle language from those ● Press Function Subtitle. provided on the DVD video disc. Each time you press Function Subtitle the next subtitle To display the current subtitle setting language is selected.
Selecting the camera angle Some DVD video discs include scenes recorded from up to nine different camera angles, and you can select the camera angle while you are playing the disc. To display the camera angle ● Press OSD (Function ]) to display the first on-screen display bar. The camera angle icon shows the current camera angle and the total number of angles: To select or change the camera angle camera angles. Each time you press Angle the next camera angle is selected.
Setting the parental lock Some DVD video discs are provided with a parental lock ● Press V to highlight Rating and press Enter to select it: function to allow you to lock out playback of scenes whose content exceeds a specified rating. To set the parental lock ● Press Setup (Function Menu) while the disc is stopped. The Setup menu is displayed on the on-screen display: Advanced features The following screen prompts you to enter the password: ● Press Enter to select Playback options.
Initially the password is set to 7890, but you can change it to To change the password any password you choose as described in To change the password, opposite. ● Highlight Change password on the Set rating level screen and press Enter to select it. The following screen then allows you to set the rating level: The following screen allows you to specify the new password: highlight Off to turn the parental lock off, and press Enter to select it.
26 Advanced features
Setting default options The DVD format allows disc manufacturers to provide a wide range of options on DVD video discs, and the 596 DVD Player allows you to choose between these options. Which of these features is available depends on the DVD video disc you are playing. For information about changing these options refer to the chapter Advanced features, page 17.
Setting default options The default options are divided into the following five menus of To display the Setup menu settings: ● If necessary switch on the DVD player and press * if a disc is Menu Description Playback options The audio, subtitle, and menu currently playing. ● Press Setup. languages. Video setup The display settings. Audio setup The sound format. Meridian setup Product configuration options. Information The region code and engineering Setting default options information.
To select an option from a menu ● Press A or V to highlight the option you want: ● Press Enter to select the option. ● Press Return. To exit from the setup menus ● Press Setup.
Selecting the default languages The Playback options menu lets you change the default The Audio language menu is displayed: language for the audio soundtrack, subtitles, and on-screen menus, and the parental rating: ● Press <, >, A, or V to highlight the default soundtrack Setting default options language you want to use, or select Original to choose the 30 To select the default soundtrack language original soundtrack language, and press Enter.
● Highlight Subtitles in the Playback options menu, and press To select the disc menu language Enter. The 596 DVD Player allows you to choose the language for the The Subtitle language menu is displayed: disc menus. ● Highlight Menu in the Playback options menu and press Enter. The Menu language menu is displayed: use, and press Enter. Alternatively, select Auto to automatically display subtitles in the specified audio language if no soundtrack is available for that language.
Selecting the display settings The Video setup menu lets you change the video and operational settings of the 596 DVD Player: ● Highlight Display aspect in the Video setup menu, and press Enter. The Display aspect ratio menu is displayed: Note: The SCART switch option only appears with the SCART Setting default options version of the 596. 32 ● Press V or A to select the format of your TV, and press To set the default picture format Enter.
● Highlight Video output in the Video setup menu, and press SCART version Enter. The Video output menu is displayed. The options depend on which version of the 596 you have; see below. ● Press V or A to highlight the appropriate option, and press Enter. Note: The option you select will not affect the composite output, which is always available. Component version Choose CVBS or S to provide a composite video or S-video signal to the SCART socket. S-video is also available on the S-VIDEO OUT socket.
To select the black level To select closed caption subtitles ● Highlight Black level in the Video output menu, and press Some DVD videos include closed caption subtitles, which Enter. provide a description of sound effects for the hard of hearing; for example “door creaks”. The Black level menu is displayed: ● Highlight Closed caption in the Video setup menu, and press Enter.
To select the TV standard Choose Auto if your television can display both PAL and NTSC video, or choose NTSC or PAL to match the format supported DVD movies are produced in both PAL and NTSC television by your television. formats. The 596 DVD Player is capable of converting between formats, to allow you to view DVD movies in either format even if If your television is capable of displaying both formats the your television is not capable of displaying that format.
To select the screensaver timeouts To set up SCART switching ● Highlight Stop timeout or Pause timeout in the Video setup This option determines how the 596 controls the SCART switch menu, and press Enter. output (pin 8), which usually switches a television or monitor to display the SCART output. The appropriate menu is displayed: ● Highlight SCART switch in the Video setup menu, and press Enter.
When playing activates the output when the 596 plays a video disc or is put into setup, and it remains active until the 596 is put into standby. By Source activates the output for sources which have the SCART switch option set to On in the Source configuration menu. This allows you to set up a separate CD source which does not affect the television or monitor. For more information see To set configuration options, page 53.
Selecting the audio settings The Audio setup menu lets you select the 596 audio settings: The Digital audio format menu is displayed: To select the digital audio format ● Press V or A to highlight the format you want, and press Enter. Setting default options ● Highlight Digital format in the Audio setup menu, and press 38 Enter. Choose Bitstream if you are connecting the 596 DVD Player to an external digital surround processor.
To select the audio output rate To select Meridian High Resolution ● Highlight 96kHz enable in the Audio setup menu, and press ● Highlight MHR in the Audio setup menu, and press Enter. Enter. The following menu is displayed: The following menu is displayed: Enter. Enter. If you are using the 596 with other Meridian equipment that Only choose Yes if your digital surround processor is capable of supports MHR, the recommended setting is On, which uses decoding a 96kHz input. MHR for all sources.
40 Setting default options
Setting up the DVD player This chapter explains how to install the DVD player. It describes what you should find when you unpack the DVD player, how you should connect it to your other audio equipment, and the siting constraints. You should not make any connections to the DVD player or to any other component in your system whilst the AC power supply is connected and switched on.
Unpacking The 596 DVD Player comes in a box containing the following Radio interference components: FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate radio ❍ Meridian 596 DVD Player. frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in ❍ Meridian System Remote. accordance with our instructions may cause interference to ❍ Meridian comms lead. radio communications or radio and television reception. It has ❍ Power cord.
Positioning the DVD player Safety warnings To avoid interference ❍ Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing. Do not position the DVD player: ❍ 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.
Back panel Component video outputs Component version COMPONENT VIDEO OUT Composite video outputs Power VIDEO OUT ON Pb/B Pr/R Y/G S OFF COMPOSITE LEFT RIGHT ANALOGUE OUT DIGITAL OUT Analogue output Setting up the DVD player SCART version 44 Digital output SCART video output SCART OUT RS232 MERIDIAN COMMS RS232 connection Comms Composite video outputs Power VIDEO OUT ON S COMPOSITE LEFT RIGHT ANALOGUE OUT Analogue output DIGITAL OUT Digital output RS232 MERIDIAN COMMS R
Video connections The DVD player provides three alternative video outputs to Use this output To connect to this COMPONENT Component version only: A monitor or projection television with component provide flexibility in connecting it to other equipment. If your other equipment provides component video inputs, use video inputs. SCART these to produce the highest possible video quality.
Audio connections The analogue connections should be made using high-quality screened cable, taking care to connect the left and right The following table gives details of the two alternative audio channels correctly. outputs: Communications connections Use this output To connect to this DIGITAL OUT A surround processor such as the Meridian 561 Digital Surround Processor, a digital preamplifier such as the Meridian 562V, or Meridian DSP loudspeakers.
Connecting video Connecting using component video Television 596 DVD Player Connecting using S-video ● Connect the S-video output to a corresponding input on a television, monitor, or video control unit, using a suitable COMPONENT VIDEO COMPONENT VIDEO IN Video lead S-video cable. The S-video output is recommended if your other equipment provides a choice of both S-video and composite inputs.
Connecting audio To connect to a Meridian 561 Digital Surround Processor 596 DVD Player 561 Digital Surround Processor DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT Digital lead ● Connect the DIGITAL OUT on the 596 to the DIGITAL IN on the 561. ● Set the Digital format menu option to Bitstream; see To Setting up the DVD player select the digital audio format, page 38.
To connect to Meridian DSP loudspeakers 596 DVD Player DIGITAL OUT COMMS M5 lead DSP5000 – Main R (slave) DSP5000 – Main L (master) DIGITAL INPUTS DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT 2 1 DIGITAL INPUTS DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT 2 1 S5 lead DIGITAL INPUT 1 on the master DSP loudspeaker. ● Connect the DIGITAL and COMMS output from the left DSP loudspeaker to the DIGITAL and COMMS INPUTS on the slave DSP loudspeaker, using an S5 lead.
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. Controller as the controller, and display: DVD player to one of the COMMS sockets on another 500 Series unit, using the 500 comms lead provided with the 596 All the other units will be configured DVD Player.
Configuring the DVD player Many advanced aspects of the 596 DVD Player can be configured to alter the way it operates with the other Meridian equipment in your system. These settings are initially set to standard values, which are suitable for most situations, and this chapter describes how to restore the standard settings. It then gives details of the more advanced settings and explains how to change them.
Choosing standard settings The DVD player provides three standard settings, called Types, To restore the standard settings which configure the 596 into the most commonly needed ● Switch the 596 to standby. configurations. Choosing one of the three Types overrides any other configuration you may have performed, and so can be used to reset the configuration of the unit. Configuring the DVD player After a short delay the display Type,wait...
Configuring the 596 DVD Player To configure specific options ● Highlight Meridian setup in the Setup menu, and press Option Default Description Diagnostics No Set to Yes for a diagnostic display on the front-panel Enter. The Meridian setup menu will be displayed: display. System address 1 Set to a value from 1 to 8. Product address 1 Set to a value from 1 to 8. Controller Auto Specifies whether the DVD player is controller, not controller, or set automatically.
To configure the sources If you are using the 596 DVD Player as the controller in your The Category, Address, and SCART switch options show the current values defined for that source. The SCART switch option only appears with the SCART version of the 596. Meridian system, you can use the Source config option on the Meridian Setup menu to configure each of the sources in your system. ● Highlight Source config in the Meridian Setup menu, and press Enter.
Troubleshooting This chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may occur when setting up or using the DVD player. 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.
Troubleshooting No lights are displayed when switching on There is interference on the radio and/ or television when the DVD player is switched on ❍ Check that your AC power supply is connected correctly. ❍ Check that the ON/OFF switch on the back panel is in the ON position. There is no sound when playing a disc ❍ Check that your preamplifier is switched on, and the volume is at an appropriate level.
The video picture is bright blue or pink The on-screen display shows WRONG REGION CODE If you are using the Component outputs, check that the Y option is selected in the Video output menu; see To select the video This screen is displayed if you attempt to play a DVD video disc output format, page 32. encoded for a region that is not supported by your DVD player: Otherwise, check your video cabling.
A question-mark symbol is displayed on the on-screen display Creating MP3 discs MP3 discs can be created from a computer using appropriate This indicates that the function you have selected is not MP3 encoding software and a CD-ROM writer. available on the disc you are playing. Generate the MP3 files with a date rate of at least 128 Kbits per The pause timeout automatically switches the 596 from pause second.
Maintenance Cleaning used. Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and reconnect the plugs at least once a year. A proprietary contact When cleaning the DVD player bear in mind that the front of the cleaner can be used to some advantage. DVD player is plastic, and the display panel and lid are glass. The electrical digital output should be treated in a similar way. Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.
Service and guarantee Service Guarantee The Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefully The 596 DVD Player is guaranteed against defects in material designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user- and workmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase. serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form of maintenance.
Index A A-B (remote) COMMS connection 20 Disc menu 18 display ANALOGUE OUT 46 component video, connecting 47 flashing 10 audio CDs components 42 front panel 15 17 12 on-screen display 15 composite output audio connections composite video, connecting 46, 48 45 on-screen 16 47 Display aspect ratio menu 32 Audio language menu 30 configuring the DVD player audio output rate, selecting 39 connecting DVD information, displaying 16 audio settings 21 audio DVD video discs 12, 18 Audio s
L MP3 discs language screen displays 11 preamplifier, connecting to 48 moving between albums 11 31 creating subtitles 30 R 58 locating a specific title, chapter, or track M O 12 maintenance menu, on-screen on-screen display 15 a title, chapter, or track 20 DVD information 16 RS232 connection 46 outputs 31 audio 18 a specific section of a disc 20 15, 16 disc information opening the tray 59 Menu language menu Meridian 500 Series 2 SCART 562V Multimedia Controller 4 video 10
soundtracks (continued) tracks selecting 21 locating by number specification 5 moving to next/previous standard settings 12 12 12 tray, opening and closing 52 10 choosing 52 troubleshooting standby 10 TV standard, selecting 35 55 switching on from 10 switching to 11 U unpacking 42 V ventilation 43 stepping forward frame by frame 14 stopping play 14 Subtitle language menu 31 video connections 45, 47 Video setup menu 28, 32 subtitles closed caption default language displaying
64 Index
