Cambridge Sound Works MegaWorks THX 250D User manual

MegaWorks THX 250D
Multimedia Speaker System
User Guide
™

2
CAUTION:
This Symbol indicates that the marked item
may be Hot and should not be touched without
proper care.
- To minimize the risk of burns and other inju-
ries to children, position the device such that
hot surfaces are out of their reach.
- To minimize the risk of fire, keep flammable
materials like paper and cloth (for example,
curtains) away from the hot surface.
Safety Warnings
Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or
splashing fluids, and ensure that no objects filled
withliquids—suchasvases—areplacedonthe
apparatus.
Warning:

3
Safety & Regulatory Information
The following sections contain notices for various countries:
Notice for the USA
FCC Part 15: 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, this notice is not a 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 one or more of the following
measures:
❒ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
❒ Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.
❒
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
❒ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician.
CAUTION: To comply with the limits for the Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules, this device must be
installed with computer equipment certified to comply with the
Class B limits.
All cables used to connect the computer and peripherals must be
shielded and grounded. Operation with non-certified computers
or non-shielded cables may result in interference to radio or
television reception.
Modifications
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
grantee of this device could void the user’s authority to operate
the device.
Notice for Canada
This apparatus complies with the Class B limits for radio
interference as specified in the Canadian Department of
Communications Radio Interference Regulations.
Cet appareil est conforme aux normes de CLASSE “B”
d’interference radio tel que spe’cifie’ par le Ministère Canadien
des Communications dans les règlements d’interfèrence radio.
Important Notice
The serial number for the MegaWorks THX 250D is located on
the subwoofer. Please write this number down and keep it in a
secure area. This is for your security.
CAUTION
Take care to prevent accidental operation of your new
loudspeaker system at excessive sound pressure levels!
In a typical personal computer installation, the MegaWorks THX
250D satellite speakers are less than a meter from the listener.
If you do not hear sound from your new speaker, keep the
MegaWorks THX 250D's volume control at a low level (two
LED indicators lit on the wired remote) while trying to restore
sound to your system. This will prevent accidental operation at
uncomfortably loud levels.
Compliance
This product conforms to the following Council Directive:
Directive 89/ 336/ EEC, 92/ 31/ EEC (EMC), 73/ 23/ EEC (LVD)
Declaration of Conformity
According to the FCC96 208 and ET95-19,
Manufacturer/Importer’s Name: Creative Labs, Inc.
Manufacturer/Importer’s Address:1901 McCarthy Boulevard
Milpitas, CA. 95035
United States
Tel: [phone]
declares under its sole responsibility that the product
Trade Name: Creative Labs
Model Numbers: MMS0650
has been tested according to the FCC / CISPR22/85 requirement
for Class B devices and found compliant with the following
standards:
EMI/EMC: ANSI C63.4 1992, FCC Part 15 Subpart B
Complies with Canadian ICES-003 Class B.
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 undesirable operation.
Ce matériel est conforme à la section 15 des régles FCC. Son
Fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes:
1. Le matériel ne peut étre source D’interférences et
2. Doit accepter toutes les interférences reques, Y compris celles
pouvant provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable.
Compliance Manager
Creative Labs, Inc.
September 11, 2002

4
READ INSTRUCTIONS - All safety and
operating instructions should be read
before the MegaWorks THX 250D
amplified subwoofer/satellite system is
operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS - The safety and
operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.
HEED WARNINGS - All warnings on the
subwoofer and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS - All operating and
usage instructions should be followed.
CLEANING - Unplug the subwoofer from the
wall outlet or other power source before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
ATTACHMENTS - Do not use attachments not
recommended by Cambridge Soundworks
and Creative Technology, as such items
may cause hazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE - Do not use the
subwoofer near water—for example, near a
bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or
laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a
swimming pool; and other similar
conditions.
ACCESSORIES - Do not place the
MegaWorks THX 250D system on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table. The subwoofer or satellites may fall,
causing serious injury to a child or adult,
and serious damage to the product. Use
only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table recommended by Cambridge
Soundworks and Creative Technology, or
sold with the product. Any mounting of the
satellites or subwoofer should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions, and should use
a mounting accessory recommended by
Cambridge Soundworks and Creative
Technology.
VENTILATION - Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation, to
ensure reliable operation of the subwoofer
and to prevent it from overheating; and
these openings must not be blocked or
covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed,
sofa, rug, or other similar surface. The
subwoofer should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack
unless proper ventilation is provided or
Cambridge Soundworks and Creative
Technology’sCambridge Soundworks and
Creative Technology’s instructions have
been adhered to.
HEAT - The subwoofer should be situated
away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, and
other products (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
POWER SOURCES - The subwoofer should
be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of power supply
to your home, consult your product dealer
or local power company. For products
intended to operate from battery power or
other sources, refer to the operating
instructions.
POLARIZATION - The subwoofer may be
equipped with a polarized alternating-
current line plug (a plug having one blade
wider than the other). This plug will fit into
the power outlet only one way. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert
the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION -Power-supply
cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the subwoofer.
LIGHTNING - For added protection for the
MegaWorks THX 250D system during a
lightning storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, unplug
it from the wall outlet. This will prevent
damage to the subwoofer due to lightning
and power-line surges.
OVERLOADING - Do not overload wall outlets,
extension cords, or integral convenience
receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire
or electric shock.
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY - Never push
objects of any kind into the subwoofer
through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the
subwoofer.
SERVICING - Do not attempt to service the
subwoofer yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing
to qualified service personnel.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE - Unplug
the subwoofer from the wall outlet or other
power source and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:
a) When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
b) If liquid has been spilled, or object have
fallen into the subwoofer.
c) If the subwoofer has been exposed to rain
or water.
d) If the subwoofer does not operate normally
by following the operating instructions; or
exhibits a distinct change in performance.
e) If the product has been dropped or
damaged in any way.
REPLACEMENT PARTS - When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts
specified by Cambridge Soundworks and
Creative Technology, or have the same
characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in
fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
SAFETY CHECK - Upon completion of any
service or repairs to the MegaWorks THX
250D system, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the
MegaWorks THX 250D system is in proper
operating condition.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING - The
MegaWorks THX 250D satellites should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as
recommended by Cambridge Soundworks
and Creative Technology.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

5
User Guide
MegaWorks THX 250D
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology Ltd. No part of
this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose
without the written permission of Creative Technology Ltd. The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may be
used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the license agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any other medium except as
specifically allowed in the license agreement. The licensee may make one copy of the software for backup purposes.
Copyright © 2002 by Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Version 1.0
September 2002
© 2002 Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. All rights reserved. Cambridge SoundWorks is a registered trademark of Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc., Andover, MA,
USA. THX is trademark or registered trademark of THX Ltd. All other logos, brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Actual contents may differ slightly from those pictured.

6
Thank you for purchasing the
MegaWorks THX 250D by
Cambridge SoundWorks.
This high-quality 2.1 amplified
multimedia speaker system features
the finest drivers, precision internal
crossover and amplifier circuitry in
an elegant enclosure design. Analog
and digital sources up to 24-bit/96
kHz are supported, making
MegaWorks THX 250D the ideal
2.1-channel companion for the latest
24-bit/96 kHz Sound Blaster®
Audigy™
series audio cards.
For instructions on how to set up
your speakers, refer to the Quick
Start leaflet provided in the
MegaWorks THX 250D package.
Remember to ensure that all plugs
are securely fastened to their
respective sockets.
To experience the full potential of MegaWorks THX 250D,
we recommend that you take a few minutes to read through
this User Guide.
Safety Warnings................................Pg 2
Safety and Regulatory Information ..Pg 3
Important Safety Instructions ...........Pg 4
Introduction ......................................Pg 6
Using the Wired Remote...................Pg 7
Using the Auxiliary Input.................Pg 8
Using Multiple Inputs.......................Pg 8
Controlling Noise and Distortion .....Pg 9
Specifications....................................Pg 9
Contents
Introduction


7
Using the Wired Remote
To turn the system On/OffTo turn the system On/Off
Turning the system On/Off
❒
Ensure that the subwoofer’s
main power switch is On.
❒
Press the
Standby/Power
Button
once. The red indicator
above the button shuts off. The
Master Volume Mode
Indicator
lights up.
❒
To switch the system to
Standby Mode
, press the
Standby/ Power Button
again.
❒
If the Master Volume Mode
Indicator is lit, press or
to vary the system volume.
❒
If the Master Volume Mode
Indicator is not lit, press the
Mode Select Button until the
MasterVolume ModeIndicator
is lit. Then press or .
❒
To increase the rate of
adjustment, hold down or .
❒
Press the
Mode Select Button
until the
Sub
or
Treble Mode
Indicator
is lit.
❒
To increase or reduce the
Sub/
Treble
level, press or .
❒
To increase the rate of adjust-
ment, hold down or .
❒
For private listening, you can
connect headphones to the
Headphones Output
of the
wired remote. This will mute
all speakers.
❒
Adjust the headphones volume
as you would for the speakers.
❒
The
Sub Mode
can be used to
adjust the bass level you hear
from the headphones.
Fig 1: Wired
remote
Varying/muting the volume Adjusting Sub/Treble levels Using Headphones
Notes
• On first power-on, the system
uses a preset default master
volume level: two volume Level
Indicators will be lit.
• On subsequent power-on, the
system reinstates the last-used
master volume level.
•
All volume and Sub/Treble set-
tings will be lost if you turn off
themainpowerswitch,orremove
the AC power cord or wired re-
mote, or if there is a power inter-
ruption. The system will revert to
default master volume and Sub/
Treble levels.
Notes
• The remote will revert to Master
Volume Mode if left idle for some
time.
• To mute the master volume, press
the Mute Button once. The
system volume will be muted. All
previously-lit Level Indicators
will blink during the muting.
• To return to listening, press the
Mute Button again. Or press
or to return to normal listening.
•
For your own safety, reduce the
master volume level before switch-
ing the system to Standby Mode.
Notes
• On first power-on, default Sub/
Treble levels (flat response) are
applied. Three Level Indicators
will be lit to reflect this. Pressing
boosts the level, and causes
more Level Indicators to be lit.
Pressing reduces the level, and
causes fewer Level Indicators to
be lit.
•
Subsequent Sub/Treble settings
will be stored during Standby
Mode, and recalled when you next
turn the system on using the remote.
Notes
•Treble settings can be adjusted in
the same way as for the speakers.
• When you disconnect the
headphones, the system will revert
to a preset default master volume
setting (two Level Indicators lit),
in order to prevent high
headphones volume levels from
being applied to the system
speakers.

8
Using Multiple Inputs
The MegaWorks THX 250D
allows you to mix a second audio
program source with the main
program source (Audio Input 1 or
Digital Input).
About the built-in
Digital-to-Analog
Convertors
MegaWorks THX 250D features
high performance true 24-bit
Digital-to-AnalogConvertors and
supports sampling frequencies
from 44.1 kHz to 96 kHz, via an
RCA SPDIF digital connection.
Table 1 lists the results of using
the multiple inputs in different
ways on this system.
Table 1: Mixing audio through Digital and Analog inputs
Digital In Audio Input 1 Audio Input 2 Result
Connected Not connected Not connected SPDIF Digital only
Not connected Connected Connected Audio Input 1 and Audio Input 2 mixed
Connected Connected Connected SPDIF Digital In and Audio Input 2 mixed
Connected Not connected Connected SPDIF Digital In and Audio Input 2 mixed
CD or MP3
player with
miniplug
analog output
Analog Input 2
(Auxiliary Input)
Fig 2: Using Analog Input 2

9
MegaWorks THX 250D has
moderately high input sensitivity, so
it may amplify the hum and hiss
inherent in some audio program
sources (more common in analog
rather than digital sources).
Any noise is not due to a fault in the
speaker system. You can minimize
background noise as follows:
❒
Use the MegaWorks THX 250D
volume control as your master level
control. Examine your computer's
mixer software (for example,
Surround Mixer in Sound Blaster
software). Turn off any inputs you
don't need (Microphone, for
instance). Set the remaining input
volume controls to about 70% of
their overall scale.
❒
Adjust the sound control program's
master output level so that the
MegaWorks THX 250D reaches a
comfortably loud output level.
Controlling Noise
and Distortion
Specifications
Total System Burst Power: 300 W
Satellite Frequency Response:
150 Hz - 20 kHz
Subwoofer Frequency Response:
32 Hz - 150 Hz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 99 dB
Input voltage
For Europe/Asia:
230Vac 50/60 Hz 2.5A
For USA:
120Vac 60 Hz 5A
Magnetic Shielding
All satellite speakers are shielded to
allow placement close to display
devices that are sensitive to
magnetic fields.
Specifications

12
Limited Hardware Warranty
Creative Technology Ltd (“Creative”) warrants the product enclosed herein to
be free of defects for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of purchase.
In the event of a defect in material or workmanship during the warranty period,
Creative, at its sole discretion, will either repair or replace the defective
product when the defective product is returned to Creative by the owner as
further outlined herein. The remedy for this breach in warranty is limited to
servicing or replacement only and shall not cover any other damages,
whatsoever.
CREATIVE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. WITH RESPECT TO THE
USE OF THIS PRODUCT, IN NO EVENT SHALL CREATIVE BE LIABLE
FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFIT OR ANY COMMERCIAL DAMAGE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES. Some states/countries do not
allow the exclusion of limitation of liability for consequential or incidental
damages, in which case the above limitation may not apply to you.
Creative makes final determination whether such product is defective. You
must deliver the product with a return material authorization (RMA) number
and a dated proof of purchase. To receive an RMA number, contact Creative’s
Technical Support. If Creative’s Technical Support verifies the product is
defective, the Return Material Authorization Department will issue an RMA
number to note on the outer package of the product being returned.
Creative cannot accept any product that does not include an RMA number on
the package. You must use the original container (or the equivalent), pay any
shipping charges, and assume the risk of damages or loss in transit. Creative
mayuse newor reconditioned parts,and anyreplaced parts, or productbecome
the property of Creative.
Creative warrants the repaired or replaced product to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for the remainder of the initial warranty period.
Technical Support Inside USA, Canada and Latin America
Visit our online help websites for help with installation, answers to frequently
asked questions, or troubleshooting tips. Our websites hold a wealth of infor-
mation as well as up-to-the-minute software and driver upgrades.
http://www.americas.creative.com/support/
For comments or questions regarding our Technical Support, you can also
contact us at the following address:
Creative Labs Inc.
Technical Support
1523 Cimarron Plaza
Stillwater, OK 74075
If after consulting our online help, you still have an installation question on a
Creative product, you may contact us by the following numbers (please have
your system hardware and operating system configuration information and
Creative product model and serial numbers available for the call): Telephone
[phone].
Technical Support Inside Asia
To reach Technical Support via the Internet, visit our website at:
http://asia.creative.com/support/
For comments or questions regarding our Technical Support, you can also
contact us at the following address:
Creative Technology Ltd.
Technical Support
31 International Business Park
Creative Resource
Singapore 609921
If after consulting our online help, you still have an installation question on a
Creative product, you may contact us by the following numbers (please have
your system hardware and operating system configuration information and
Creative product model and serial numbers available for the call):(65) 6895–
4100, telephone and (65) 6569–6640 FAX. Our operating hours are (Singapore
Time): Mon–Fri 9:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M., Sat–Sun & Public Holidays closed.

100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA USA 01810
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.cambridgesoundworks.com
or e-mail us at [email protected]
0200000003009