Acoustic Research ARW51 User manual

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Installation and Operation Manual
Manual de la instalación y de la operación
Manuel d'installation et d'opération
AR Modular
Wireless

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Contents
Getting Started ............................................................................................. 1
Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................ 2
Quick Setup Instructions ............................................................................... 5
Features ....................................................................................................... 6
Control Locations .......................................................................................... 9
Installing the ARWT1 Transmitter ............................................................... 12
Installing the Receiver ................................................................................ 13
Operation .................................................................................................... 15
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................... 19
Specifications ............................................................................................. 20
1 Year Limited Warranty ............................................................................. 21
Contenido
Introducción ................................................................................................ 23
Instrucciones Importantes de Seguridad .................................................... 24
Instrucciones de Inicio Rápido .................................................................... 27
Características ............................................................................................ 28
Ubicaciones de Control .............................................................................. 31
Como instalar el Transmisor ARWT1 ......................................................... 34
Como instalar el Receptor .......................................................................... 35
Operación ................................................................................................... 37
Resolución de Problemas ........................................................................... 42
Especificaciones ......................................................................................... 43
Garantía Limitada de 1 año ........................................................................ 44
Table des matières
Comment demarrar .................................................................................... 45
Instructions de securite importantes ........................................................... 46
Instructions pour configuration rapide ........................................................ 49
Caracteristiques .......................................................................................... 51
Situations de commandes .......................................................................... 54
Installer l’emetteur ARWT1 ......................................................................... 57
Installer le recepteur ................................................................................... 58
Operation .................................................................................................... 60
Depannage ................................................................................................. 64
Specifications ............................................................................................. 65
Garanti limitee d’un an ................................................................................ 66

1
GETTING STARTED
Congratulations on your purchase of the AR Modular Wireless system, the first
expandable modular system capable of delivering high quality wireless transmission to
a complete 5.1 channel home theater. The AR Modular Wireless system is designed to
provide you with years of reliable, trouble-free service.
ARW51 Contents List
• 5 x 2.4 GHz Amplified Receivers (ARWR2)
• 1 x 5.1 Channel, 2.4 GHz Transmitter (ARWT1)
• 1 x 2.4 GHz Subwoofer Receiver (ARWS3)
• 5 x AC-DC Adaptors (INPUT AC 100-240V OUTPUT DC 26V 2.5A)
• 5 x Power Cords
• 2 x AC-DC Adaptors (INPUT AC 100-240V OUTPUT DC 12V 1.2A)
• 1 x Owner’s Manual including Warranty Statement
• 1 x Product Registration Card for Online Registration
• 1 x eMusic Download Card
• 6 x Stands for Receivers
ARW20 Contents List
• 1 x 5.1 Channel, 2.4 GHz Transmitter (ARWT1)
• 2 x 2.4 GHz Amplified Receivers (ARWR2)
• 2 x AC-DC Adaptors (INPUT AC 100-240V OUTPUT DC 26V 2.5A)
• 1 x AC-DC Adaptor (INPUT AC 100-240V OUTPUT DC 12V 1.2A)
• 1 x eMusic Download Card
• 1 x Product Registration Card for Online Registration
• 1 x Owner's Manual including Warranty Statement
• 2 x Power Cords
• 2 x Stands for Receivers
ARWR2 Contents List
• 1 x 2.4 GHz Amplified Receiver (ARWR2)
• 1 x AC-DC Adaptor (INPUT AC 100-240V OUTPUT DC 26V 2.5A)
• 1 x eMusic Download Card
• 1 x Power Cord
• 1 x Product Registration Card for Online Registration
• 1 x Owner's Manual including Warranty Statement
• 1 x Stand for Receiver
ARWS3 Contents List
• 1 x 2.4 GHz Subwoofer Receiver (ARWS3)
• 1 x AC-DC Adaptor (INPUT AC 100-240V OUTPUT DC 12V 1.2A)
• 1 x eMusic Download Card
• 1 x Product Registration Card for Online Registration
• 1 x Owner's Manual including Warranty Statement
• 1 x Stand for Receiver

AR Modular Wireless System
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a damp cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus including amplifiers that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other. The wide blade is provided for your
safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician
for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plug,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by
the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used,
use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lighting storms or when unused for
long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

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15. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
16. Do not overload wall outlet. Use only power source as indicated.
17. Always leave sufficient space around the product for ventilation. Do not place
product in or on a bed, rug, in a bookcase or cabinet that may prevent air flow
through vent openings.
18. Do not place lighted candles, cigarettes, cigars, etc. on the product.
19. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall into the product.
20. The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily
operable.
21. Where there is more than one connection supplying HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES or
HAZARDOUS ENERGY LEVELS to equipment, a prominent marking, located
close to the entry point provided for a SERVICE PERSON to gain access to the
hazardous parts, shall be provided to indicate which disconnect device or devices
isolate the equipment completely and which disconnect devices can be used to
isolate each section of the equipment.
22. Use the Adaptor which we provided and do not replace them at discretion.
WARNING: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV
INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS
EQUIPMENT. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO
OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.
COMPLIANCE WITH FCC REGULATIONS: This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
This symbol indicates that this
product incorporates double
insulation between hazardous
mains voltage and user
accessible parts.

AR Modular Wireless System
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• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
A Class II APPARATUS shall be permanently marked with the words "DOUBLE
INSULATION" or "Double Insulated" and "When servicing use only identical
replacement parts."
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
This apparatus contains a module with FCC ID: RFAARW51 and IC: 7186A-ARW51.

5
QUICK SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
The ARW51 and ARW20 systems come pre-linked from the factory. The channels are
already assigned to each receiver, indicated by the peel-off tabs on the receiver.
1. Place each receiver near its respective speaker in your room.
2. Attach the Receivers to your speakers, being careful to maintain polarity.
• For the ARWR2 Amplified Receivers, use a standard 2-conductor speaker wire
to attach to the speaker.
• For the ARWS3 line level Subwoofer Receivers, use a standard RCA cable to
go from the ARWS3 to your powered subwoofer's LINE, LFE or Sub input
connector.
3. Plug in the AC-DC power Adaptors to a convenient AC power outlet and then plug
the DC jack into each receiver.
4. Turn off the power to your Home Theater Receiver and place the ARWT1
Transmitter in a convenient nearby location. NOTE: The ARWT1 Transmitter should
not be placed near a significant source of heat as this may cause damage to the
transmitter's circuitry.
5. Attach the source's speaker and/or line level outputs to the ARWT1 transmitter's
speaker and line level inputs.
• Depending on your system configuration, you may not use all channels.
• Be sure to leave your Home Theater Receiver's power OFF during this process
to prevent damage from accidentally shorting the speaker wires.
6. Plug in the Transmitter's AC-DC power adaptor and plug the DC jack into the back
of the ARWT1 Transmitter. The transmitter will go through a short initialization
process and then automatically link to each Wireless Receiver in the system.
7. If you have purchased additional ARWR2 or ARWS3 Receivers, you will need to
manually link them to your preferred channel. See the complete linking description
that follows in this Owner's Manual.
DC 12V ADAPTOR
ARWT1 TRANSMITTER
SUB LINE IN
HOME THEATER RECEIVER
SUBWOOFER OR
SPEAKER
SPEAKER LEVEL IN LFE LINE LEVEL
OUTPUT
OUT

AR Modular Wireless System
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FEATURES
The AR Modular Wireless system is a full 5.1 channel expandable transmitter/receiver
system operating at 2.4GHz. The system uses a variety of methods to provide you with
high resolution, low noise uninterrupted audio. An adaptive "sniff-before-transmit"
algorithm continually checks the operating band for interference from wireless networks,
cordless phones, microwave ovens and other devices. This allows the system to
anticipate interference before it happens so it can jump to an adjacent band. The
system uses an advanced process called Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) to
quickly find the next available free band without losing data. Unlike many wireless
systems, the AR Modular Wireless uses transceivers at both the transmitter and
receiver end. This technology allows each receiver to have its own dedicated
communications channel for delivering Quality of Service (QoS) information back to the
transmitter, or to request retransmission of lost or corrupted packets, determine channel
assignments and serve as a secondary method of measuring interference. The AR
Modular Wireless systems transmits 6 channels of uncompressed CD-quality audio at
16 bits, 44.1kHz sampling rate for a combined bandwidth of over 4 Megabit/second. The
system uses an additional 7 Megabit/second of bandwidth to perform continuous QoS
analysis for high interference immunity. As a result of the high bandwidth capacity, the
AR Modular Wireless system can operate at an extremely low latency, typically less
than 14 msec, without loss of signal integrity. Advanced load-shunt power regulators in
the transmitter keep digital switching noise out of the analog inputs. In addition, a fully
digital signal path is used within the ARWR2 Amplified Receiver to dramatically reduce
hiss, clicks, pops and other noise inherent in many other wireless systems. The AR
Modular Wireless system can use high powered amplifiers in the ARWR2 receiver and
connect to high powered subwoofers with the ARWS3 receiver.
The AR Modular Wireless system is made up of three main components:
• ARWT1 5.1 channel transmitter with 5 speaker-level spring-clip inputs (max
15.5VRMS) and 1 line level RCA Subwoofer/LFE input (max 1.4VRMS)
• ARWR2 Amplified Receiver module with an efficient, high power Class D amplifier
capable of delivering over 60W RMS into a 4 ohm speaker load
• ARWS3 Line Level Subwoofer/LFE module with an RCA output for driving powered
subwoofers
The AR Modular Wireless system employs a unique linking system that allows you to
link any receiver to any channel, and even multiple receivers per channel. You may link
up to 6 receivers per channel without loss of signal integrity. The channels on the
ARWT1 are labeled with the common surround channel designations (Surround Left,
Front Left, Center, Front Right, Surround Right and Sub Line In) but they can be used
for any purpose. The transmitter's 5 speaker level inputs are all full-range inputs using
high quality ADCs (Analog to Digital Converters) to convert your receiver's speaker
outputs to 16 bit 44.1kHz uncompressed CD quality digital sound. The Subwoofer or
LFE line-level input uses the same high quality ADCs, but is bandwidth-limited
specifically for subwoofer use. Though not normally recommended, any ARWR2
receiver may also be linked to the transmitter's line level subwoofer channel and may be
used to drive a small non-powered subwoofer with its internal 60W amplifier.

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Likewise, any ARWS3 receiver may be linked to any speaker-level channel. The
ARWS3 receiver will produce a bandwidth-limited signal (below 250Hz) that is 1/10th
the output voltage of the input to that speaker-level input. For instance if you have
10VRMS going into the speaker level input, the ARWS3 will produce 1VRMS. This is
useful for situations where a line level subwoofer output is desired from a speaker level
input.
The unique linking ability allows you to create additional configurations beyond a
standard 5.1 surround sound system:
• You may purchase additional ARWR2 Amplified Receivers and link them to the
Front Left and Front Right channels. These modular receivers can be placed
anywhere within range, making this configuration ideal for whole-house distributed
audio without wires.
• The system may be configured to run 3 wireless surround speakers and the
subwoofer in a 6.1 channel system. With this configuration, you may prefer to use
your receiver's power amplifier to drive the front three speakers through regular
wires, leaving two channels of the ARWT1 open for use as a "Zone 2" system or
any other application.
• Since each of the 5 channels are general purpose, you can install a full 8.1 system,
using the ARW51 to provide 5 wireless surround speakers and your receiver's
power amplifier to drive the front three speakers through regular wires.
• The ARW20 comes with only two ARWR2 Amplified Receivers and is generally
used to make your rear surround speakers wireless in a conventional 5.1 system.
However, the ARWT1 Transmitter is capable of expanding to cover the full 5.1
system. Add a third ARWR2 Amplified Receiver to create a cost-effective wireless
system for three surround speakers in a 6.1 configuration, or to make a front
speaker wireless in a case where running wires to one of the front speakers is
difficult due to a fireplace or other obstruction. You can also purchase an ARWS3
wireless subwoofer receiver to make your subwoofer wireless.

AR Modular Wireless System
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WHOLE HOUSE DISTRIBUTED AUDIO

9
CONTROL LOCATIONS
Transmitter
1. POWER (LED indicator):
When the 12V adaptor is plugged into the DC Jack, the POWER indicator turns
green.
2. SUB (LED indicator):
When the subwoofer channel is linked to a wireless receiver, the SUB indicator
turns green.
3. SL (LED indicator):
When the Surround Left (SL) channel is linked to a wireless receiver the SL indica-
tor turns green.
4. FL (LED indicator):
When the Front Left (FL) channel is linked to a wireless receiver the FL indicator
turns green.
5. C (LED indicator):
When the Center (C) channel is linked to a wireless receiver the C indicator turns
green.
6. FR (LED Indicator):
When the Front Right (FR) channel is linked to a wireless receiver the FR indicator
turns green.
7. SR (LED indicator):
When the Surround Right (SR) channel is linked to a wireless receiver the SR indi-
cator turns green.
8. CONNECT button:
Press this button to enter linking mode. See complete description of linking process
on page 15.
9. CHANNEL SELECT button:
Press this button to select the next channel (SUB-> SL -> FL -> C -> FR -> SR).
See complete description of linking process on page 15.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12
FRONT OF TRANSMITTER BACK OF TRANSMITTER

AR Modular Wireless System
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10. Speaker Level in (Spring type terminal x 5: SR, FR, C, FL, SL):
Connect speakers using up to five channels of spring clips with a maximum input
voltage of 15.5VRMS.
11. SUB LINE IN:
Subwoofer Line Level Input or RCA input with a maximum input voltage of
1.4VRMS.
12. DC 12V 1.2A:
Insert the DC 12V/1.2A AC-DC Adaptor plug.
ARWS3 Subwoofer Receiver
13. LINK (LED indicator):
When the power is plugged in but the receiver is not linked to a transmitter the LINK
text will glow red. When the receiver is linked to a transmitter the LINK text will glow
green. If the LINK text is blinking red-green this indicates the system is in the pro-
cess of linking.
14. SUB LINE OUT:
Connect the RCA output to a powered subwoofer with a line level or LFE input. The
maximum output voltage is 1.4VRMS.
15. DC 12V 1.2A:
Insert the DC 12V/1.2A AC-DC Adaptor plug.
16. LINK button:
Press this button to connect the ARWS3 Receiver to the Transmitter. See complete
description of linking process on page 15.
16
15
14
13
Bracket
Bracket

11
ARWR2 Receiver with Amplifier
The front of the ARWR2 Receiver with Amplifier is the same as ARWS3 Subwoofer
Receiver. The back is different.
17. SPEAKER OUT:
Connect to a speaker with an impedance from 4 to 8 ohms. Connecting to a
speaker with an impedance less than 4 ohms may cause damage to the power
amplifier.
18. DC 26V 2.5A:
Insert the DC 26V/2.5A AC-DC Adaptor plug.
19. LINK button:
Press this button to connect the ARWR2 Receiver with Amplifier to the Transmitter.
20. LINK (LED indicator):
When the power is plugged in but the receiver is not linked to a transmitter the LINK
text will glow red. When the receiver is linked to a transmitter the LINK text will glow
green. If the LINK text is blinking red-green this indicates the system is in the pro-
cess of linking. See complete description of linking process on page 15.
19
18
17
Bracket
ARWR2 RECEIVER WITH AMPLIFIER
13
Bracket
20

AR Modular Wireless System
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INSTALLING THE ARWT1 TRANSMITTER
Follow the instructions below to properly set up the Transmitter to send a wireless signal
to the ARWS3 Subwoofer Receiver or ARWR2 Receiver with Amplifier.
Connecting to your Device
1. Connect an RCA cable from the SUBWOOFER or LFE Line Level output of your
home theater receiver to the SUB LINE IN connector on the ARWT1 transmitter.
2. There are five Speaker Level inputs on the back of the ARWT1 transmitter, allowing
easy connection of a home theater receiver. Press each plastic finger pad to open
the connection terminals on the back of the ARWT1 and insert the end of the
speaker wire with the insulation removed to approximately 3/8" (10mm). Release
the finger tab to secure the wire. Ensure that the wires are held securely in place
and no strands of wire are touching any adjacent wire. Pay careful attention to wire
polarity, the black terminals are negative. Each terminal is electrically isolated from
the others, do not place a jumper wire across any terminal as this may cause
damage to the unit.
The maximum input voltage is 15.5VRMS. The receivers are equipped with Anti-
clipping protection to reduce audible distortion. If the input substantially exceeds
15.5VRMS, the receiver linked to this channel may distort or temporarily turn off to
protect itself and the speaker from damage.
Connecting Power
Connect the DC plug from the AC-DC Adaptor to a the back of the transmitter and then
plug the AC-DC Adaptor into a conveniently located wall outlet.
DC 12V ADAPTOR
ARWT1 TRANSMITTER
SUB LINE IN
HOME THEATER RECEIVER
SUBWOOFER OR
SPEAKER
SPEAKER LEVEL IN LFE LINE LEVEL
OUTPUT
OUT

13
INSTALLING THE RECEIVER
Installing Receiver and Bracket
Connect the receiver to the bracket as shown below. First place the rear "hook" over the
small lip on the back of the receiver with the receiver angled up in the front, then press
down lightly on the front of the receiver. The receiver will snap into place and may be
removed if desired.
Installing the ARWR2 Receiver with Amplifier
1. CONNECTING TO THE SPEAKER
Connect a 2 conductor speaker cable (not included) from the Speaker Out on the
receiver to the speaker. Use the red cable to connect the “+” (plus) and connect the
the other end to the black terminals marked “-” (minus). Pay careful attention to wire
polarity at the receiver and at the speaker.
2. CONNECTING POWER
Insert the DC 26V/2.5A AC-DC Adaptor plug into the DC In Jack located on the
back of the ARWR2 Receiver with Amplifier. Plug the other end of the AC-DC Adap-
tor into a conveniently located electrical wall outlet.
RECEIVER
BRACKET
SPEAKER
ARWR2 RECEIVER WITH AMPLIFIER
DC IN JACK
SPEAKER OUT
DC 26V ADAPTOR

AR Modular Wireless System
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Installing the ARWS3 Subwoofer Receiver
1. CONNECTING TO THE SUBWOOFER
Connect an RCA cable from the SUB LINE OUT of the ARWS3 Subwoofer
Receiver to the LFE or Line level input of your subwoofer. The ARWS3 does not
have a power amplifier and must be connected to a powered subwoofer to work
properly. Do not connect the RCA output directly to a low impedance speaker load
as this may cause damage to the system.
2. CONNECTING POWER
Insert the DC 12V AC-DC Adaptor plug into the DC Jack on the rear of the ARWS3
Subwoofer. Plug the other end of the AC-DC Adaptor into a conveniently located
electrical wall outlet.
ADAPTOR (DC 12V) ARWS3 SUBWOOFER RECEIVER
DC IN JACK
SUB LINE OUT
SUBWOOFER

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OPERATION
Linking Instructions
The ARW51 and ARW20 systems are prelinked from the factory so normally no
relinking is necessary. If you decide to use the system in a different configuration, the
relinking process is very straightforward. Any receiver may be linked to any transmitter
channel and you may link up to 6 receivers per transmitter channel. The system
remembers linking settings in the case of power outages and will automatically re-link
when power is restored. If you make a mistake or later decide to change the linking
configuration, simply go through the linking procedure again and assign the receiver to
it's new channel.
For linking in systems with a maximum of one receiver assigned to each transmitter
channel, use the following procedure:
1. Press CHANNEL SELECT on the transmitter until the green LED blinks slowly on
the channel you wish to link to a receiver. The transmitter cycles through the chan-
nels from left to right: SL->FL->C->FR->SR->SUB.
2. Press CONNECT on the transmitter. The LED for the selected channel will blink
quickly and audio transmission will be interrupted.
3. Press the LINK button on the back of the ARWR2 or ARWS3 Receiver to link to the
selected channel. The receiver's LED will blink alternating red and green until it has
made a secure connection. Once the connection is made the receiver's and
transmitter's LED for that channel will turn solid green and the units will be linked.
Audio transmission will resume once the units are linked.
For linking in systems with two or more receivers per transmitter channel, there is a
slightly different linking method:
1. Press CHANNEL SELECT on the transmitter until the green LED blinks slowly on
the channel you wish to link to a receiver. The transmitter cycles through the chan-
nels from left to right, i.e. SL->FL->C->FR->SR->SUB.
2. Press the LINK button on the back of the ARWR2 or ARWS3 Receiver to link to the
selected channel. The receiver's LED will blink alternating red and green for up to
30 seconds, indicating it is trying to link to your ARWT1 Transmitter.
3. Press CONNECT on the transmitter. The LED for the selected channel will blink
quickly until it has made a secure connection. Once the connection is made the
receiver's and transmitter's LED for that channel will turn solid green and the units
will be linked.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to link additional receivers to the same transmitter channel.
The system will continue to link receivers to the same transmitter channel until you
press CHANNEL SELECT to move to the next channel. You may link up to 6
receivers per transmitter channel without loss of signal integrity.
Each channel can link to up to 6 individual receivers of either type (ARWS3 Subwoofer
Receiver or ARWR2 Amplified Receiver). You can add additional receivers to any
channel at any time without losing the existing links. For example, if you want to use
your system to distribute audio throughout the house, you can purchase additional
ARWR2 amplified receivers. You can place the additional receivers anywhere indoors
within range of the transmitter, and then link them to any channel on the transmitter.

AR Modular Wireless System
16
You can use the RESET function to erase all linked channels. For the transmitter,
unplug the DC power cord, press and hold CONNECT and CHANNEL SELECT
simultaneously, then plug the DC power cord back into the transmitter. Wait 5 seconds
and release the buttons. The POWER indicator will turn green. For the receivers,
unplug the DC power cord, press and hold LINK and then plug in the DC power cord.
Wait 5 seconds and then release the LINK button. The link indicator will turn red.
NOTE: Be sure to turn the Transmitter and Receivers off when not in use.
Time Alignment and Latency
Home Theater systems are very
sensitive to the overall time alignment
of each speaker. Some speakers will
be closer to you than others,
depending on your position in the
room. See adjacent diagram for a
common room arrangement in a 5.1
home theater configuration.
The rear speakers are substantially
closer than the front speakers, so in a
normal wired system the sound from
the rear speakers would arrive at your
ears sooner than the front speakers.
The difference in time is
approximately equal to 1 millisecond
(abbreviated 1ms) per foot of
distance. So for the below example,
the front left (FL) and front right (FR)
speakers are 12 feet from the listening
position. The center speaker (C) is 10
feet from the listening position, and
the surround left (SL) and surround
right (SR) are both 6 feet from the
listening position.
Home Theater Receivers can
configure the time delay in two
different ways, either by requiring you
to enter the total distance from each
speaker to the listening position, or by
requiring you to enter the total time delay required for each speaker. The first method is
much more common and easier to understand. The second method requires calculation
and is a bit more complicated.
LEFT REAR
w/WIRELESS
RECEIVER
RIGHT REAR
w/WIRELESS
RECEIVER
SUBWOOFER
w/WIRELESS
RECEIVER
YOUR RECEIVER &
WIRELESS TRANSMITTER
LEFT FRONT
w/WIRELESS
RECEIVER CENTER FRONT
w/WIRELESS RECEIVER
RIGHT FRONT
w/WIRELESS
RECEIVER

17
Distance Method
In a non-wireless arrangement the numbers you would enter the distances into your
Home Theater Receiver's configuration without any changes. The AR Modular Wireless
system operates at approximately 14ms of latency. This latency is the time delay from
when the signal enters the ARWT1 transmitter, is converted to a digital signal,
transferred wirelessly to the receivers, decoded and then amplified. When configuring
the time delay in your Home Theater Receiver, simply add 14 feet to the number
measured in your room. So for instance if you are using an ARW20 to make your rear
surround speakers wireless you would leave the front speaker delays the same, and
add 14 to the rear numbers:
If you are using an ARW51 system and all of your speakers are wireless, then every
speaker is delayed by the same amount. You do not need to add distance to each
speaker.
Delay Method
This method is used by a relatively small number of receivers because it requires you to
calculate the difference in delay between each speaker. In the above example of
distances, you would calculate the difference in milliseconds of delay for each speaker
and add delay only to those channels that are closer to your listening position. Please
refer to your owner's manual that came with your receiver for specific instructions on this
calculation. An example is below. This method can be complicated and is not normally
used. The method is to take the speaker that is furthest from your listening position and
subtract the distances for each other speaker. In the example below the longest
distance is 12 feet. So to find the delays for each speaker subtract the distance from that
speaker from 12 and this is your added time delay. Because the AR Modular Wireless
system operates on 14ms of delay, you should add 14 feet to the surrounds in the below
example. This usually changes the added delay substantially. In the case below, this
makes the maximum effective distance 19 feet with the added delay numbers
referenced from 19 milliseconds.
NON-WIRELESS WIRELESS SURROUNDS
FL = 12 feet FL = 12 feet
C = 10 feet C = 10 feet
FR = 12 feet FR = 12 feet
SL = 5 feet SL = 19 feet
SR = 4 feet SR = 18 feet

AR Modular Wireless System
18
As with the Distance Method, if you are using a full ARW51 system and all of your
speakers are wireless, every speaker is delayed by the same amount. You do not need
to add distance to each speaker.
NON-WIRELESS NON-WIRELESS
DELAY
WIRELESS
SURROUNDS
WIRELESS
SURROUNDS
FL = 12 feet FL = 0ms FL = 12 feet FL = 7ms
C = 10 feet C = 2ms C = 10 feet C = 9ms
FR = 12 feet FR = 0ms FR = 12 feet FR = 7ms
SL = 5 feet SL = 7ms SL = 19 feet SL = 0ms
SR = 4 feet SR = 8ms SR = 18 feet SR = 1ms