Meridian Digital Surround Controller 561 User manual

Meridian 561 Digital Surround Controller
user guide

i
Preface
Meridian 561 Digital
Surround Controller
User Guide

Preface
ii
Sales and service in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd
Stonehill
Stukeley Meadows
Cambs
PE18 6ED
England
Tel␣ ␣ (01480) 52144
Fax␣ ␣ [phone]
World Wide Web
http://www.meridian-audio.com
Part no: 561
Sales and service in the USA
Meridian America Inc
3800 Camp Creek Parkway
Building 2400
Suite 122
Atlanta
GA 30331
Tel␣ ␣ [phone]
Fax␣ ␣ [phone]
Designed and
manufactured in the UK by
Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd
Stonehill
Stukeley Meadows
Cambs
PE18 6ED
England
Copyright © 1995–1998 Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation (Canadian patent 1,037,877), Lucasfilm Ltd. (US patents
5,043,970; 5,189,703; 5,222,059), Trifield Productions Ltd, and Nimbus
Records Ltd.
Dolby, Pro Logic, AC-3, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Lucasfilm, THX, and THX
Cinema are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. DTS is a registered
trademark of Digital Theatre Systems Inc. MPEG is a registered
trademark of the MPEG organisation. Ambisonic is a registered
trademark of Nimbus Records Ltd. Trifield is a trademark of Trifield
Productions Ltd. LaserDisc is a trademark of Pioneer Electric Corp.
Boothroyd|Stuart Meridian, Meridian, Meridian Digital Theatre, MLP, and
LipSync are registered trademarks of Meridian Audio Ltd.
This guide was produced by Human-Computer Interface Ltd, Cambridge,
England.

iii
Preface
Contents
Introduction 1
Introduces the digital surround controller,
and gives guidelines and suggested
layouts to help you plan your surround
system.
The Meridian 500 Series ........................ 2
Sample configurations ........................... 3
Specification and accessories ............... 5
DSP presets ........................................... 8
Using the digital
surround controller 13
Provides step-by-step instructions for
operating the digital surround controller,
using either the front panel or the Meridian
System Remote.
Front panel ............................................. 14
Meridian System Remote ...................... 15
Quick guide to operating the 561
with the remote ...................................... 16
Selecting a source ................................. 17
Adjusting the volume ............................. 19
Changing the DSP preset ...................... 20
Changing the display ............................. 21
Recording a source ................................ 22
Defining your own
presets 23
Describes how to change the built-in DSP
presets, and create your own presets.
Locking and unlocking the menus ......... 24
Changing the DSP parameters .............. 25
Standard parameters ............................. 26
Changing treble, bass, or phase ............ 27
Changing the listening position ............. 28
Changing the integration of the centre .. 30
Changing the spaciousness of the
sound ..................................................... 31
Changing the lip sync and on-screen
display .................................................... 32
Changing the DSP preset for a source .. 33
Defining your own presets ..................... 34

Preface
iv
Configuring the digital
surround controller
without a computer 65
Describes how to perform a basic
configuration of the digital surround
controller without requiring a computer.
Choosing a standard setting.................. 66
Standard source settings ....................... 68
Calibrating the system ........................... 69
Calibration tests ..................................... 72
Setting up sources ................................. 76
Setting up the digital
surround controller 49
Describes how to unpack and install the
digital surround controller, and gives
details of the video and audio
connections.
Unpacking .............................................. 50
Connecting the digital surround
controller ................................................ 51
Connecting video ................................... 56
Connecting speakers ............................. 57
Connecting sources ............................... 60
Connecting to a tape recorder ............... 62
Connecting to other Meridian
equipment .............................................. 64
DSP presets 37
Gives technical information about each of
the DSP presets, with details of the special
parameters available for each one.
Logic DSP presets ................................. 38
Music DSP presets ................................ 41
5.1 Movie DSP presets .......................... 46

v
Preface
Configuring the digital
surround controller using
a computer 79
Describes how to configure the digital
surround controller using the Meridian
Configuration program.
The Meridian Configuration program ..... 80
Installing the Meridian Configuration
program ................................................. 81
Creating a new settings file.................... 84
Setting up speakers ............................... 86
Setting the speaker sizes ....................... 89
Setting up sources ................................. 91
Configuring presets ............................... 95
Changing the setup options................... 98
Calibrating the settings with your
system.................................................... 99
Creating a User Type .......................... 101
Completing the configuration ............. 104
Troubleshooting 105
Provides suggested solutions to typical
problems.
General operating problems ............... 106
Audio problems ................................... 108
Video problems ................................... 111
Meridian Configuration program
problems ............................................. 112
Service and guarantee ....................... 113
Glossary 115
Index ................................................... 119

Preface
vi

Introduction
1
Introduction
The Meridian 561 Digital Surround Controller combines a completely digital
surround-sound processor with a high-performance digital preamplifier and
a video controller in a single integrated unit. Its unique combination of
features allows you to build a complete system for audio and video
reproduction with a minimum of additional components. The result is an
impressively realistic and exciting reproduction of music and cinema sound.
The 561 Digital Surround Controller accepts analogue, digital, composite
video, and S-video sources. It supports all the current two-channel and
multi-channel audio formats including PCM, Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS, and
MPEG. It also includes several proprietary processing modes, including the
MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing) format.
For instructions on setting up the unit turn to Setting up the digital
surround controller, page 49. Once the digital surround controller has been
set up refer to the next chapter, Using the digital surround controller, for
information about getting the best results from all your music and film
recordings.

2
Introduction
The 561 Digital Surround Controller is part of the Meridian 500
Series of advanced digital, analogue, and video components
designed to meet the demand for absolute quality, ease of use,
and lasting value.
The flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series is such that you can
assemble a system as simple or as complex as you need,
perfectly suited to your requirements, and allowing you to add to
it or alter it at a later date should your requirements change.
Each Meridian 500 Series component is housed in a matching
slimline case. Front-panel controls provide access to the most
important functions, and the full range of functions is available
from the Meridian System Remote using a simple and intuitive
control interface.
500 Series communications
The Meridian 500 Series includes a sophisticated
communications link, to ensure that any configuration of units
will work together as a fully integrated system.
The 500 Series communications system allows you to control
any combination of units using a single remote, and ensures that
your commands from the remote are interpreted unambiguously.
The communications system also allows you to extend your hi-fi
system into two or three rooms, with the ability to control the
sources in one room from the controller in another room.
Professional features
The 500 Series also includes features for professional users,
including RS232 computer control and balanced connections.
The following pages show two recommended configurations
based on the 561 Digital Surround Controller to illustrate the
flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series.
The Meridian 500 Series

Introduction
3
Meridian Analogue Theatre™
The Meridian 561 Digital Surround Controller is ideal for use with
the M33 Active Analogue Loudspeaker and M1500 Active
Subwoofer. The M33 provides an unusually good response for
such a compact case, and can be mounted either horizontally or
vertically for total flexibility.
Sample configurations
Meridian DVD Player
M33
561
M33M33 M1500
M33 rear M33 rear
The 561 Digital Surround Controller can connect directly to up to
six Meridian active loudspeakers, allowing you to create a 5.1
analogue theatre ideal for superb music and cinema sound in
the home.

4
Introduction
Meridian Digital Theatre™
Meridian DVD Player
DSP5000C
508.24
LaserDisc
Video recorder
M33 side
DSP5000DSP5000
M33 side
561
M33 rear M33 rear
The 561 Digital Surround Controller can be used with two
Meridian DSP5000 Digital Loudspeakers, and a DSP5000C
Digital Centre Loudspeaker, to provide audiophile-quality sound.
A further two or four M33 Active Analogue Loudspeakers can be
added as side or rear loudspeakers to give extremely convincing
multi-channel reproduction from music and film sources.
The Meridian DVD Player is an ideal source for use with the 561.
It allows you to play both audio CDs and DVD video discs,
taking full advantage of the 561’s control and digital signal
processing capabilities.

Introduction
5
Specification
Digital inputs 5 x cable, 75Ω, IEC958 and data
compatible, up to 24 bits.
1 x optical, Toslink (EIAJ), IEC958 and
data compatible, up to 24 bits.
Analogue inputs 7 x unbalanced, 0.7 to 2V sensitivity,
20kΩinput impedance.
1 x stereo 20-bit Delta-Sigma ADC.
Processing 2 x Motorola 56002 running at 66MHz.
1 x Motorola 56303 running at 72MHz.
Internal precision maintained using 24-
and 48-bit arithmetic.
Analogue outputs 3 x stereo 20-bit Delta-Sigma DAC.
6 x unbalanced outputs for centre, sub,
rears, and mains or sides or subs.
Outputs variable between 0 and
3.5Vrms, output impedance 47Ω.
Distortion <0.01%.
Noise and hum <-95dB CCIR.
Digital outputs 4 x stereo SPDIF on cable, 75Ω, up to
24-bit precision.
Video switching 4 x composite inputs.
1 x main composite output with
on-screen display.
1 x tape/second room composite
output.
4 x S-video inputs.
1 x main S-video output with on-screen
display and S-video to composite
conversion.
1 x tape/second room S-video output.
Composite video: phono, 75Ω,
1.5V p-p, PAL/NTSC/SECAM.
S-video: Y/C on minidin, 75Ω,
1.5V p-p, PAL/NTSC/SECAM.
Specification and accessories

6
Introduction
Tape outputs 2 x stereo analogue for tape and
second zone, 470Ωoutput impedance.
With additional module: independent
ADC and DAC for analogue and digital
tape loop, variable analogue tape out.
Headphone output only available with
Tape card fitted – full volume control
and headphone amplifier.
Control 2 x Meridian Comms.
9 pin D connector for RS232 PC Setup
and Control.
2 x triggers, active high, 9V up to
100 mA on 3.5mm DC jack.
Dimensions 321mm x 88mm x 332mm
(12.7" x 3.5" x 13.1") (W x H x D).
Weight 5kg (10lb).
Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product
specifications at any time.
Available accessories
The following accessories are available from your dealer.
Meridian 511 S-patch Box
The Meridian 511 S-patch box provides a convenient way to
interconnect the S leads between up to eight Meridian DSP
digital loudspeakers. It is required if your 561 system includes
more than two DSP loudspeakers.
Expansion cards
A range of expansion cards will be available for the 561 to
extend its capabilities or add features.
The first of these is a Tape card, which provides conversion
between analogue and digital sources, so that analogue
recordings can be made of digital sources, and vice versa. The
Tape card also adds a headphone output to the back panel, with
independent control over the headphone volume.

Introduction
7
Meridian 519 Demodulator
To take advantage of Dolby Digital on LaserDisc you need the
Meridian 519 Demodulator, which converts the LaserDisc
RF output to a bitstream which can be fed to the 561. The
519 Demodulator automatically senses the presence of a Dolby
Digital signal, and can select the LaserDisc PCM or DTS digital
audio output when no Dolby Digital signal is available.
Fan kit
A Fan kit is available for the 561 to provide additional ventilation
if the unit is installed in an enclosed space.
The fan can be programmed using the Meridian Configuration
program so that it either runs when the 561 is out of standby, or
when the temperature rises above the recommended level.
Rack mount kit
The Meridian 500 Shelf is a tray produced by Middle Atlantic
Products which will allow the 561, or any other 500 Series unit,
to be fitted in a standard 19" rack. For more information please
contact Middle Atlantic Products, Inc., Riverdale, NJ 07457,
USA, [phone]-1011, or their local distributor.

8
Introduction
The digital surround controller provides an extremely
comprehensive range of digital signal processing options for
decoding both analogue and digital audio signals and
processing them for multi-channel reproduction. These are
referred to as DSP presets, and are designed to provide the best
results with a range of different types of music and film material.
In addition to selecting built-in DSP presets, the digital surround
controller allows you to create your own presets based on the
standard ones. For example, you may want to add more delay to
the rear speakers to create a more spacious sound. You can
store your modified preset with a name of your choice, and
recall it for use at a later date.
This section gives information about each of the built-in DSP
presets, and gives recommendations for the best preset to
choose for different types of material.
Multi-channel digital sources
The 561 Digital Surround Controller supports the three
alternative multi-channel digital formats currently available,
which encode up to 8 different channels onto a digital signal:
Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS, and MPEG Audio. It also supports
Meridian’s own MLP format.
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital, previously called AC-3, is the preferred sound
format for DVD video, and is widely used on LaserDisc
soundtracks. It is also the audio standard for US digital
television.
DTS
DTS uses a carefully designed audio compression technique to
encode five channels of audio onto a digital signal. The DTS
format is used to encode multi-channel film soundtracks on
LaserDiscs and DVD video discs.
DSP presets

Introduction
9
In addition, a high data-rate version of DTS can be used to
compress five channels of CD-quality audio into the same space
as two channels of unencoded sound, allowing a DTS music CD
to provide over an hour of five-channel music, at a quality
indistinguishable from conventional CD.
MPEG Surround
MPEG Surround is the preferred audio format for DVD in PAL
territories, and along with Dolby Digital is a contender as the
standard for music and performance videos on DVD worldwide.
In addition, it is widely available in US satellite broadcasts.
THX
THX versions of Dolby Digital, MPEG Surround, and DTS are
provided to give a better match between the original soundtrack
and typical domestic listening conditions.
MLP
MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing) is a format designed for DVD
audio which allows multiple audio channels, of up to 192kHz
24-bit quality, to be stored on a DVD without losing any
information. It can also be used to store four-channel audio on a
standard CD without any loss of quality.
Multi-channel sources encoded onto
two channels
Several systems have been developed for encoding multi-
channel sources onto a standard two-channel analogue signal
so that they can be reproduced by a conventional stereo
system, or decoded with special equipment for multi-channel
reproduction. The 561 Digital Surround Controller provides
decoding of the two most important of these, Ambisonic and
Dolby Surround. Although the channel separation cannot be as
good as with the digital multi-channel formats, the 561 produces
excellent results with these formats.
Pro Logic
The Pro Logic preset is recommended for decoding Dolby
Surround encoded video and LaserDisc soundtracks, and films
on television. Such materials are usually identified by a Dolby
Surround symbol on the packaging, or displayed on the film
before the programme.

10
Introduction
TV Logic
TV Logic provides user-adjustable steering, and is
recommended for use with TV broadcasts that are not surround
encoded, where Pro Logic may give reduced intelligibility.
THX Cinema
THX Cinema enhances Pro Logic to replicate the sound of a
dubbing stage or theatre, whether or not the other equipment in
your system is THX approved.
Ambisonic
Ambisonic decodes material specifically encoded for surround
sound reproduction, using a two-channel stereo-compatible
encoding. Recordings encoded in Ambisonic format are
available on CD from several sources including Nimbus Records
and York Ambisonic. Some radio broadcasts are also broadcast
in Ambisonic format.
Conventional stereo sources
The digital surround controller can also accept a conventional
two-channel source, such as music on compact disc or a video
soundtrack, and by analysing the information in the signal
separate the two-channel recording into multiple channels to
give better reproduction and a more stable spatial image.
Four alternative DSP presets are provided for reproducing
material originally designed for a conventional stereo pair of
speakers, and which preset you choose largely depends on your
own personal preferences.
All four presets use similar procedures to extract the surround
component of the original recording, which is delivered to the
rear surround speakers, and side surround speakers if present.
Music
Music uses a special technique developed by Meridian to divide
the sound between the left, right, and centre speakers and give
a wide, spacious sound. We recommend this option for large-
scale music, such as orchestral and choral music.

Introduction
11
Trifield
Trifield uses a different processing technique to give a stable,
three-dimensional image, with the ability to adjust the width of
the image. Because of its precision we recommend this option
for solo, chamber, or vocal music.
Super Stereo
Super Stereo provides a form of Ambisonic decoding suitable
for material that is not specially encoded. We recommend this
option for multi-miked or multi-tracked music, such as rock
music.
Music Logic
Music Logic provides user-adjustable steering to give an
exciting sound with many types of music. We recommend this
option for studio-produced music, ie material not produced
using natural soundfield recording.
Special DSP presets
The digital surround controller also includes the following special
DSP presets, for specific applications:
Mono and Academy
The Mono and Academy presets are designed for reproducing
mono materials through a centre speaker, so that any high-
frequency hiss or clicks are centrally localised.
Mono is designed for mono recordings, and multi-language
LaserDiscs and video soundtracks.
Academy is designed for early black and white film
soundtracks. It includes equalisation designed to correct for a
high-frequency balance in some old black and white films.
Stereo and Direct
Stereo and Direct are provided for comparison with the other
DSP presets. Direct uses just the main left and right speakers
for traditional two-speaker stereo reproduction. Stereo, in
addition, uses any subwoofers in the layout to enhance the bass
or to protect small speakers.

12
Introduction

Using the digital surround controller
13
Using the digital
surround controller
This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the digital surround
controller to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit.
It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the digital surround
controller, using either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote.