Convert Plato User manual

HOME ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL
Plato Complete Guide V1.3.3
Convert Technologies
Suite 3
Acorn Place
Alfreton Road
Derby.
DE21 4AS

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Plato Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of Plato!
Plato is a highly capable product and will revolutionise the way you, and your family, access
audio and video content in your home; consolidating all media access through one simple
interface. This home entertainment/media management system is designed and
manufactured to the highest specification in the UK and rigorously tested to ensure you
enjoy many years of listening and viewing pleasure.
Our vision is to bring harmony to your media. As such, its correct installation and operation
will have a major influence on the overall performance of your new set up. Please read the
contents of this manual thoroughly, as it will help you to understand your Plato system
better.

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Contents
1. Before you begin ........................................................................................................................ 7
1.1. Safety First.................................................................................................................................. 7
1.1.1. Warnings and cautions....................................................................................................... 7
1.1.2. Location of your Plato unit................................................................................................. 8
1.1.3. Ventilation.......................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.4. Servicing............................................................................................................................. 8
1.2. Unpacking your Plato box........................................................................................................... 9
1.3. Maintenance............................................................................................................................... 9
2. Your Plato Unit ......................................................................................................................... 10
2.1. Front View ................................................................................................................................ 11
2.2. Rear View.................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.1. Pre-Amplifier module....................................................................................................... 12
2.2.2. Power amplifier module .................................................................................................. 12
2.2.3. Power supply module ...................................................................................................... 12
2.2.4. Digital module.................................................................................................................. 12
2.2.5. External connections........................................................................................................ 13
2.3. Connecting your Plato .............................................................................................................. 14
2.3.1. Connecting to the mains supply....................................................................................... 14
2.3.2. Connecting your analogue inputs .................................................................................... 14
2.3.3. Connecting your digital inputs ......................................................................................... 15
2.3.4. Connecting your speakers via 4mm banana plugs........................................................... 16
2.3.5. Connecting to an external amplifier ................................................................................ 16
2.3.6. Connecting to a digital sound system.............................................................................. 17
2.3.7. Connecting to the internet directly via your home router .............................................. 17
2.3.8. Connecting to your TV via HDMI...................................................................................... 18
2.3.9. Playing to remote TVs and speakers................................................................................ 18
2.4. Switching on your Plato unit and launching the Plato App...................................................... 19
2.4.1. Switching off your Plato unit using the rear panel switch............................................... 19
2.4.2. Switching off your Plato unit using the front panel On/Off button................................. 19
2.4.3. Switching on your Plato unit using the front panel On/Off button................................. 19
3. The Plato Control App for Android........................................................................................... 21
3.1. Introduction.............................................................................................................................. 21
3.2. Using the touchscreen.............................................................................................................. 21

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3.3. The Plato App Overview ........................................................................................................... 21
3.3.1. The Plato Main Drawer Feature Menu ............................................................................ 22
3.3.2. Selected Device................................................................................................................ 23
3.4. Plato features menu options overview .................................................................................... 24
3.4.1. External Source ................................................................................................................ 24
3.4.2. Media Library ................................................................................................................... 24
3.4.3. Internet Radio .................................................................................................................. 24
3.4.4. Playlist .............................................................................................................................. 24
3.4.5. Import .............................................................................................................................. 25
3.4.6. HighResAudio................................................................................................................... 25
3.5. Now Playing.............................................................................................................................. 25
3.5.1. Volume control ................................................................................................................ 26
3.5.2. Mute................................................................................................................................. 27
3.5.3. HDMI audio route ............................................................................................................ 27
3.5.4. Media controls ................................................................................................................. 27
3.5.5. Lyrics ................................................................................................................................ 27
3.5.6. Show Media Info .............................................................................................................. 27
3.6. Downloading the Plato Android app to your smartphone or tablet........................................ 28
3.7. Updating your Plato App & System Firmware.......................................................................... 29
3.8. Advanced Menu Options Overview.......................................................................................... 30
3.8.1. Search............................................................................................................................... 30
3.8.2. Video mode select............................................................................................................ 30
3.8.3. Exiting the Plato App........................................................................................................ 31
3.8.4. Advanced menu list.......................................................................................................... 32
4. Configuring and using external (pre-amp) inputs .................................................................... 33
4.1. Adding a Turntable ................................................................................................................... 34
4.2. Adding a CD Player ................................................................................................................... 35
4.3. Adding other devices................................................................................................................ 37
5. Configuring Inputs .................................................................................................................... 38
5.1. Generic Controls....................................................................................................................... 38
5.2. Input Gain................................................................................................................................. 38
5.3. Phono controls ......................................................................................................................... 38
5.3.1. Moving Magnet/Moving Coil Select ................................................................................ 39
5.3.2. Input Resistance............................................................................................................... 39

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5.3.3. Input Capacitance ............................................................................................................ 39
5.3.4. Rumble Filter.................................................................................................................... 39
5.4. Record Controls........................................................................................................................ 39
5.4.1. Record default setting...................................................................................................... 39
5.4.2. Record Bit Depth.............................................................................................................. 39
5.4.3. Record Sample Rate......................................................................................................... 39
6. Playing music from external inputs .......................................................................................... 40
7. Recording from an external source .......................................................................................... 42
7.1. Monitoring Input Levels ........................................................................................................... 42
7.2. Changing Input Gain settings.................................................................................................... 44
7.3. Recording a track or album ...................................................................................................... 44
7.3.1. Media list tab ................................................................................................................... 45
8. Media Library............................................................................................................................ 48
8.1. Playing music from your Library............................................................................................... 48
8.2. Using media Search .................................................................................................................. 50
8.3. Additional features on the More Options menu...................................................................... 51
8.3.1. Play Menu ........................................................................................................................ 51
8.3.2. Add to Playlist .................................................................................................................. 51
8.3.3. Edit ................................................................................................................................... 51
8.3.4. Delete............................................................................................................................... 51
8.3.5. Download......................................................................................................................... 52
8.3.6. Export As .......................................................................................................................... 52
8.4. Viewing image files................................................................................................................... 53
8.5. The Play Queue tab .................................................................................................................. 54
8.5.1. Modifying the Play Queue ............................................................................................... 54
8.5.2. Saving a Playlist from the Play Queue.............................................................................. 55
8.6. Now Playing in Media Library................................................................................................... 56
9. Internet Radio........................................................................................................................... 57
9.1. Saving radio stations to your PRESETS list................................................................................ 58
9.2. Listening to your saved radio stations...................................................................................... 59
9.3. Search for radio stations .......................................................................................................... 59
10. Playlists..................................................................................................................................... 60
10.1. To create a Playlist from the Media Library ............................................................................. 60
10.2. To Play a Playlist ....................................................................................................................... 61

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10.3. Recently Added playlist ............................................................................................................ 61
10.4. Playlist options ......................................................................................................................... 62
10.5. Mood Grid ................................................................................................................................ 62
10.5.1. Building a mood based playlist ........................................................................................ 63
11. Import....................................................................................................................................... 65
11.1. Importing from a CD................................................................................................................. 65
11.1.1. Alternatives...................................................................................................................... 67
11.1.2. Eject CD ............................................................................................................................ 67
11.1.3. Individual track ripping .................................................................................................... 67
11.1.4. Show Media Info .............................................................................................................. 67
11.2. Importing from a USB memory stick or drive........................................................................... 68
11.3. Importing video files................................................................................................................. 69
11.4. Importing image files................................................................................................................ 69
11.5. File Manager............................................................................................................................. 69
12. Streaming audio and video....................................................................................................... 71
12.1. Streaming music out to remote wireless speakers .................................................................. 71
12.2. Video playback.......................................................................................................................... 71
12.2.1. To watch video from your Media Library......................................................................... 72
13. Accessing HighResAudio content ............................................................................................. 73
13.1. Download manager .................................................................................................................. 73
14. Advanced menu options........................................................................................................... 75
14.1. Server Settings and Status........................................................................................................ 75
14.1.1. Info ................................................................................................................................... 75
14.1.2. Progress............................................................................................................................ 76
14.1.3. Backup and restore .......................................................................................................... 77
14.1.4. Media Rescan................................................................................................................... 77
14.1.5. Settings............................................................................................................................. 77
14.1.6. Debug............................................................................................................................... 78
14.2. Factory Reset............................................................................................................................ 78
14.3. Exit ............................................................................................................................................ 79
14.4. UPnP friendly name.................................................................................................................. 79
15. Operating Plato using an Air Mouse remote controller........................................................... 80
16. Advanced Media Library editing options.................................................................................. 81
16.1. Editing Artwork......................................................................................................................... 83

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16.2. Adjust start/end points of a track ............................................................................................ 84
16.3. Creating a missing track............................................................................................................ 86
16.4. Merging a fragmented album................................................................................................... 90
17. Backup and restore................................................................................................................... 94
17.1. Selecting a backup device......................................................................................................... 94
17.2. Configuring your backup .......................................................................................................... 95
17.3. Restoring data from a backup copy.......................................................................................... 96
18. iOS Application ......................................................................................................................... 97
19. Specifications............................................................................................................................ 98

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1. Before you begin
This product bears the CE mark .
230V Products are designed to comply with the legal provisions of EU Directives
2006/95/EC, 2004/108/EC and 2011/65/EU. The standards which have been applied are
those which were in force at the time of the introduction of these products.
230V Products comply with the following safety standard EN60065:2002 + A12:2011.
100-120/230V Products are designed to comply with the legal provisions of EU Directives
2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2011/65/EU, 2012/19/EU, 2009/125/EC. The standards which
have been applied are those which were in force at the time of the introduction of these
products.
100-120/230V Products are designed to comply with the following safety standards
EN60950-1: 2006 + A2: 2013
For the USA and Canada, UL 60950-1 & CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1.
This product must be earthed. Please ensure that other equipment connected to it is earthed
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
1.1. Safety First
1.1.1. Warnings and cautions
Your Plato unit operates from a fixed supply voltage which is marked on a label below the
mains inlet on the rear panel. Before connecting the mains lead please check that your mains
supply corresponds to the appropriate label below:
230V Products: Voltage Range 220V-240V AC, 50Hz
100-120/230V Products: Voltage Range 100-120/230V, 50/60Hz
If you move to another area with a different mains voltage, please contact your local
distributor to have your product converted.
Use only the mains lead supplied to connect your Plato to the mains power socket. The
mains lead supplied has a moulded IEC connector which plugs into the IEC power inlet on the
unit’s rear panel. Keep the mains lead away from heat sources. Do not place a heavy object
on the mains lead. Do not modify the mains lead. Do not overload the mains socket. Do not
use a poor fitting mains socket. Do not use a damaged mains lead.
This product must be earthed and must be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a
protective earthing connection. This product includes a MAINS switch that is located on
the rear of the unit, see the diagram in section 2.2.
Please ensure that other equipment connected to Plato is earthed according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

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The Plato unit incorporates a mains fuse that is located on the rear panel, next to the AC
switch. This must only be replaced by a fuse of the type and rating as described on the
rating label on the rear panel of the unit. If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
If the Plato unit is likely to be unattended for some time, unplug it from the mains supply.
Disconnect the Plato unit from the mains supply before you connect or disconnect any
equipment from the unit’s rear panel. Make sure all electrical connections are properly
made.
1.1.2. Location of your Plato unit
Your Plato unit should be situated in a well ventilated area.
Your Plato unit should be situated on a hard surface such as a strong shelf or open support
cabinet.
Your Plato unit should not be situated in a closed cabinet.
Your Plato should be kept away from sources of heat, excess dust, humidity and from direct
sunlight.
Ensure there is a minimum of 10cms (4 inches) of ‘free space’ all the way around the Plato unit.
Do not expose your Plato to rain or moisture, this unit must not be exposed to dripping or
splashing water.
Do not place objects filled with liquid such as vases on top of or above the unit.
Never allow liquids or other objects to fall into the unit.
Your Plato unit should not be placed directly on top of or underneath another unit.
Do not use your Plato unit outdoors.
Your Plato unit is designed to be operated at an ambient temperature of 10C to 35C.
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles should be placed on the unit.
1.1.3. Ventilation
Your Plato unit includes slots and openings in the cabinet to provide ventilation. These openings
should not be blocked or covered. Do not place your Plato unit on soft furnishings, carpets or
any other surface likely to hinder normal ventilation. Do not allow curtains, tablecloths
newspapers or other similar items to block the ventilation slots. Never insert any items into the
ventilation openings.
1.1.4. Servicing
This unit contains no user serviceable parts.
DO NOT attempt to service it yourself. Never remove any covers from the Plato unit.
There are no user serviceable parts inside but there are high voltage live parts. Remember
that contact with AC mains can be lethal or can cause an electric shock.
Unauthorised servicing will render the warranty void. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.

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1.2. Unpacking your Plato box
Included in the packing of your Plato system you will find:
•Plato Unit
•1 x Mains lead
•1 x HDMI Cable
•Important User Notes (Includes Safety Instructions)
•USB CD/DVD drive
•Android remote control tablet (Amplified Models)
1.3. Maintenance
After disconnecting the Plato unit from the mains supply, the casing and front panel may be
cleaned with a lightly dampened soft cloth or chamois leather. Avoid using abrasives or
solvents.