Felston DD540 User manual

DD540
DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY
Owner’s Manual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING THE UNIT
1. To ensure the best performance, read this manual carefully. Keep it in
a safe place for future reference.
2. Install this unit in a well-ventilated, cool, dry, clean place. There
should be a space of at least 4” (10cm) above, behind and to the sides
of the unit. Lack of ventilation can cause the unit to malfunction.
3. Do not place anything on top of this unit, such as other components,
as they could damage the finish of the unit. In addition, objects placed
on top of the unit could obstruct the heat dissipation, causing the unit
to malfunction.
4. Do not expose the unit to sudden temperature changes from cold to
hot. Do not locate the unit in a environment with high humidity (e.g. a
room with a humidifier), as this can cause condensation inside the unit
which may cause an electrical shock, fire, damage to the unit and/or
personal injury.
5. Do not plug this unit into a wall socket until all the connections are
completed.
6. When disconnecting the power lead from the wall socket, hold the
plug. Do not pull on the power lead.
7. Do not use force on any of the buttons or the cables attached to the
unit.
8. Do not clean this unit with chemical solvents, as this can damage the
unit’s finish. Use only a clean, dry cloth.
9. Only use the power adaptor supplied with this unit. Using another
power supply is dangerous and may cause fire and/or damage to the
unit, and/or personal injury. The manufacturer of the unit will not be
held responsible for any damage or injury caused in this way.
10. Only use in a wall socket providing the AC voltage specified. Using an
AC voltage outside the specified range is dangerous and may cause
fire and/or damage to the unit, and/or personal injury. The
manufacturer of the unit will not be held responsible for any damage
or injury caused in this way.
11. To prevent damage by lightning, disconnect the power lead from the
wall socket during an electrical storm.
12. Take care not to drop any liquid or foreign objects into the unit.
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13. Do not open the unit, the power adaptor, or try to modify them in any
way. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the unit or power
supply. Opening the unit or power supply, or carrying out any
modifications will invalidate your warranty, as well as being potentially
dangerous. Always contact your supplier or the manufacturer for
service requirements.
14. When you are not using the unit for a long period of time, disconnect
the power adaptor from the wall socket.
15. Should a problem occur, please read the Troubleshooting section
covering common operating errors before deciding the unit is faulty.
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
• Increase the separation between the equipment and AV amplifier
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the AV amplifier is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
This unit is in conformity with the EMC directive and
low-voltage directive.
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Contents
Introduction..............................................................................5
Controls ...................................................................................6
Front Panel ............................................................................6
Remote Control .....................................................................6
Getting Started .........................................................................7
Check Package Contents........................................................7
Install Batteries in Remote Control .........................................7
Integration with Learning Remote Controls.............................7
Connecting the DD540.............................................................8
Rear Panel .............................................................................8
Typical Connections ...............................................................8
Output Configuration 1 .........................................................8
Output Configuration 2 .........................................................9
Power ..................................................................................10
Operation ..............................................................................11
Standby Mode .....................................................................11
Switching the DD540 On .....................................................11
Setting the Amount of Delay ................................................11
Selecting the Input ...............................................................12
Presets.................................................................................12
Menu Options......................................................................13
Returns and Repairs................................................................14
Troubleshooting......................................................................15
Specifications..........................................................................16
4

Introduction
Lip sync error, i.e. where sound and picture are slightly out of
synchronization, is a common problem particularly with modern
displays. There are a number of causes. For instance, the video
processing performed by sophisticated plasma screens, LCD
displays and digital projectors. This gives superb picture quality,
however the processing can take a few frames of video to
complete, meaning the picture is displayed a fraction of a
second after the sound.
On top of this, television broadcasts can also suffer from lip sync
error before they even reach your display. Again typically the
video lags behind the audio by a small amount. There are other
sources of the problem too. In the worst cases two or more of
the causes combine to produce a very obvious and frustrating
synchronization error.
The Felston DD540 digital audio delay provides a solution to this
for any user with an AV amplifier and sources that include a
digital audio output (DVD players, certain digi-boxes etc.) Up to
two sources can be connected simultaneously. By providing a
means of delaying the audio signal before it reaches your AV
amplifier, the DD540 puts sound and picture back in perfect
sync once more.
The amount of lip sync error present depends partly on the
components in your AV system. In addition, in the case of
broadcast television, the error can vary between programs or
even across scenes. So it is vital that the amount of delay
applied to the audio signal is quick and easy to adjust. The
DD540 provides this via its intuitive user interface that is fully
accessible from its remote control. Ease of use is further
enhanced by features such as automatic input selection,
separate delays held for each input, and a set of presets to store
the most common delays you require. In all, the DD540 means
that lip sync error need no longer disrupt your viewing
experience.
5

Controls
Front Panel
Input A &
Input B lights
(behind glass)
Delay Active
light
(behind glass)
Displa
y
Input /
Menu
button
Power
button Delay -
button
Infrared sensor
(behind glass)
Delay +
button
Remote Control
Infrared
transmitter
Power button
Input / Menu button
Store Preset button
Preset + button Delay + / Menu Up button
Preset - button Delay - / Menu Down button
6

Getting Started
Check Package Contents
• DD540 digital audio delay unit
• Power adaptor
• Remote control
• 2 x AAA batteries
• Owner’s manual – this document
PLEASE KEEP ALL THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING!
If the unit requires repair it should be returned in its original
packaging to ensure protection.
Install Batteries in Remote Control
1. Carefully slide the battery cover on the back of the remote
control downwards until it comes free. Put the cover to
one side.
2. Insert the batteries supplied in the directions indicated by
the drawings inside the battery compartment.
3. Replace the battery cover.
When you need to replace the batteries in the remote control,
use alkaline AAA/MN2400/LR03 1.5V batteries. Do not use
rechargeable batteries, as they do not produce the voltage
required for the remote control to operate reliably.
Integration with Learning Remote Controls
The DD540 includes features to allow extensive integration with
your AV system if you use a learning remote control. For more
information and related downloads, please visit our website:
http://www.felston.com/dd540/remotes
7

Connecting the DD540
Rear Panel
Digital Audio
In A (optical) Power socket
Digital Audio
Out A (optical)
Digital Audio
Out B (coaxial)
Digital Audio
Out B (coaxial)
Typical Connections
The DD540 has two output configurations, giving flexibility when
connecting to different types of AV amplifiers. If your amplifier
has both optical and coaxial digital audio input sockets available
then use output configuration 1. Otherwise, use output
configuration 2.
Follow the instructions in the relevant section below.
Output Configuration 1
DD540
A
V Amplifier
Digital Audio Source A
Digital Audio Source B
Connections
Connect the digital audio output from the source(s) to the In A
and/or In B sockets of the DD540. Use optical or coaxial cable
as required. If you are using coaxial cable, take care to connect
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to the digital audio output of the source – it may be labeled
“digital audio”, “SPDIF”, “coax audio” or similar, and should
have either an orange- or black-colored insert in its socket.
Next, if you have a source connected to socket In A of the
DD540, connect Out A of the DD540 to the AV amplifier’s
digital audio input socket that corresponds to that source.
If you have a source connected to socket In B of the DD540,
connect Out B of the DD540 to the AV amplifier’s digital audio
input socket that corresponds to that source.
Unit Settings
When power is applied to the DD540, the unit’s output
configuration is indicated briefly on the display, either CF1 or
CF2. Ensure that CF1 is displayed. If not, change the setting to
CF1 as described in section Menu Options on page 13.
Output Configuration 2
Example: Connections for AV amplifier with only optical digital audio input
DD540
A
V Amplifier
Digital Audio Source A
Digital Audio Source B
Example: Connections for AV amplifier with only coaxial digital audio input
DD540
A
V Amplifier
Digital Audio Source A
Digital Audio Source B
9

Connections
Connect the digital audio output from the source(s) to the In A
and/or In B sockets of the DD540 using optical or coaxial cable
as required. If you are using coaxial cable, take care to connect
to the digital audio output socket of the source – it may be
labeled “digital audio”, “SPDIF”, “coax audio” or similar, and
should have either an orange- or black-colored insert in its
socket.
Connect the AV amplifier’s digital audio input socket to either
the Out A or Out B socket of the DD540.
Unit Settings
When power is applied to the DD540, the output
configuration is indicated briefly on the display,
either CF1 or CF2. Check that CF2 is displayed. If
not, change the setting to CF2 as described in
section Menu Options on page 13.
Power
Whichever output configuration is used, when the connections to
the Digital Audio In and Digital Audio Out sockets are complete,
plug the power adaptor’s connector into the power socket of the
DD540. Finally plug the power adaptor into a wall socket.
When power is connected to the DD540, the display will briefly
show CF1 or CF2 to indicate that the unit is set for output
configuration 1 or 2. After a couple of seconds, the DD540 will
enter standby mode.
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Operation
Standby Mode
Standby mode is indicated by a single light – Input A or Input B –
being lit while the rest of the display remains blank. In standby
mode, the digital audio signal on the active input passes
through the DD540 without any delay applied. The active input
is either selected automatically or can be chosen by remote
control, without leaving standby mode. See Selecting the Input
on page 12 for more details.
Switching the DD540 On
From standby mode, press the POWER button (on the front
panel or remote control). The unit will switch on and digits will
appear on the display. You may return to standby mode at any
time by pressing POWER again.
Setting the Amount of Delay
The amount of delay applied is shown on the display.
The Delay Active light is lit whenever the current input has a
signal present and is being delayed.
The delay can be set to any time between 0 and 680
milliseconds. To increase the amount of delay, press DELAY +.
By holding down this button, the delay will increase quickly until
you release it.
To decrease the amount of delay, use DELAY –.
Release the buttons and the new delay will be set. There will be
a brief pause in the sound while the new delay is set.
The delay is set independently for both inputs. If the input
changes then the delay will revert to the setting that was last
used for the new input. This feature is useful where different
sources require different delays.
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Selecting the Input
The DD540 outputs the delayed signal (or undelayed signal, if in
standby) received on one of its two inputs, In A or In B. The
active input is indicated by the Input A and Input B lights –
whichever is lit is the active input.
The DD540 is able to detect automatically which of its inputs has
a signal present and make it active without any user action.
Alternatively, the input may be selected manually; this can be
useful if both inputs have a signal present at the same time.
To change input setting, press and release INPUT/MENU.
The current setting will appear, either InA (Input A),
Inb (Input B), or Aut (Automatic input selection).
To change it, press and release INPUT/MENU
again until the required setting is reached.
The input setting will remain selected until it is next changed,
even if power is lost to the DD540. Return the input setting to
Aut whenever possible for easiest operation.
Note, the input setting may also be changed while in standby
mode; again, press and release INPUT/MENU.
Remember to also change input selection on your AV
amplifier when the input source to the DD540 changes.
(This does not apply if using output configuration 2, where the
same input on the AV amplifier is used for both sources.)
Presets
The DD540 allows storage of up to 12 frequently used delays for
easy recall, 6 for each input. Each of these delays is held in a
preset – PA1 to PA6 (for Input A) and PB1 to PB6 (for Input B).
Presets are stored and recalled using buttons on the remote
control. Presets are retained even if power to the DD540 is lost.
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Storing a Delay in a Preset
1. Set the delay that you wish to store for the
active input
2. Press STORE on the remote control
3. The most recent preset used with the active
input will appear and start flashing
4. Select the preset to hold the delay by using
PRESET + and PRESET – on the remote control
5. Press STORE once more
The preset will stop flashing, indicating that the
delay is stored in the preset.
After a couple of seconds, the delay will reappear
on the display.
Recalling a Delay from a Preset
1. Press PRESET + or PRESET – on the remote
control. The most recent preset number for the
active input will appear.
2. Use PRESET + and PRESET – to select the
preset you require.
3. Release the buttons. After a couple of seconds,
the delay stored in the preset will be displayed.
Menu Options
There are two settings that can be accessed via the DD540’s
menu: display brightness and output configuration. To enter the
menu, press and hold INPUT/MENU for approximately 5
seconds.
The display will show the current brightness setting.
To change this, see below. To skip to output config-
uration, press and release INPUT/MENU again.
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Display Brightness
With the brightness level displayed, change
brightness using the DELAY +/MENU UP and
DELAY –/MENU DOWN buttons. Five levels of
brightness are available, with br5 being the most
intense.
When the required brightness level is selected, release the
buttons for approximately 5 seconds to exit the menu.
Alternatively, press and release INPUT/MENU to advance to
the output configuration setting.
Output Configuration
The current configuration will be displayed, either
CF1 (configuration 1) or CF2 (configuration 2).
To change setting, use the DELAY +/MENU UP
and DELAY –/MENU DOWN buttons. Release for
approximately 5 seconds to exit the menu and store
the setting.
The output configuration setting controls which of the Out A and
B sockets output the delayed signal (or undelayed if in standby):
Configuration 1 Configuration 2
Active
Input
Output at
Out A
Output at
Out B
Active
Input
Output at
Out A
Output at
Out B
In A Delayed A No output In A Delayed A Delayed A
In B No output Delayed B In B Delayed B Delayed B
Returns and Repairs
If, after checking the Troubleshooting section on page 15, you
believe there is a fault with the unit then you should contact your
dealer. If a return to the dealer is required, be sure to include
the unit along with all accessories and documentation,
preferably in its original packaging to ensure safe transit.
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Troubleshooting
No indicator lights are lit and the display is blank.
Check the power lead is securely plugged into the back of the
DD540. Check the power adaptor is plugged into a working,
powered wall socket.
The DD540 is on. It responses to the buttons on its front panel,
but there is no response from the remote control.
Ensure you are pointing the remote control’s infrared transmitter
squarely at the front of the DD540. Check there is nothing
obscuring the display of the DD540. Check the batteries in the
remote control are installed correctly; replace them with new
ones if required.
The DD540 is on but there is no sound heard from the AV
amplifier.
Check the digital audio source is operating.
Check the correct input is selected on the DD540. Check the
correct input is selected on the AV amplifier.
Check that the cable connections between the source and the
DD540, and between the DD540 and the AV amplifier, are
secure. Try alternative cables that are known to be working.
Check the DD540’s output configuration is correct for the cable
connections in place. Refer to Typical Connections on page 8
and also Output Configuration on page 14.
Does the digital audio signal from the source have a sample rate
of more than 96kHz? The DD540 can handle up to 96kHz. If the
frequency is higher, reduce the sample rate of the source.
If there is still no remedy after the above approaches, try this
test: Disconnect the source from the DD540. Disconnect the AV
amplifier from the DD540. Connect the source to the AV
amplifier directly using the same sockets that were used with the
DD540. If there is no sound, the issue is with the source or AV
amplifier. Refer to their documentation for more information.
15

Specifications
Audio Delay Capabilities
• 0 – 680ms in 1ms steps (32 – 48kHz sample rate)
• 0 – 340ms in 1ms steps (96kHz sample rate)
• 12 user-programmable presets (6 per input)
Digital Audio Signal Compatibility
S/PDIF, Dolby Digital/EX/DTS/ES/PCM with sample rates of:
32kHz, 44.1kHz (CD), 48kHz (standard DVD), 96kHz
Connections
• Digital Audio In RCA phono socket (75Ω, 0.5Vpk-pk)
• Digital Audio In optical socket
• Digital Audio Out RCA phono socket (75Ω, 0.5Vpk-pk)
• Digital Audio Out optical socket
• DC power supply socket
Power Requirements
9V DC (+ve center), 300mA from power adaptor supplied
Power adaptor requires 110-120V/230-240V AC, 50/60Hz.
Refer to specification printed on power adaptor for details.
Power Consumption
3 Watts
Dimensions of Main Unit (WxDxH)
Size: 5.7” (145mm) x 4.1” (105mm) x 1.4” (35mm)
Weight: 9.9oz (280g) approx.