monolith HTP-1 User manual

HTP-1
16 Channel Home Theater Processor
User Manual P/N 37887
Updated October 14, 2020
© 2019, 2020 Monoprice Inc. All rights reserved.

HTP-1 Installation and User Guide Release 1.8.1
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents 3
Safety Warnings and Guidelines 8
Licenses 9
Introduction 9
Customer Service 9
Package Contents 10
Requirements 10
Product Overview 11
Front Panel 11
Rear Panel 12
Front Panel LCD Display 14
Remote Control 16
Web GUI Home Page 18
Basic Setup 20
System Requirements 20
Step by Step 20
Initial WiFi Setup 22
Update the Firmware 22
Interface Description 23
Speaker Configurations 24
Speaker Location Diagrams 26
5.1 vs 7.1 Surround Speakers 28
Top Middle vs High Side 28
Valid Speaker Configurations 29
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Multiple Subwoofers and Dirac Live Bass Control™31
Mapping Channels to Speakers 31
Speaker Setup 32
Setting Speaker Size 33
Enabling Speakers 34
Dolby® Enabled Speakers 35
Example Speaker Setups 36
Back Panel Mapping Display 37
Example 7.1.4h Speaker Configuration (Upper Level On the Wall) 38
Example 7.2.6 Speaker Configuration (Upper Level On the Ceiling) 39
Example 9.3.4 Speaker Configuration (Upper Level On the Ceiling) 40
Example 9.1.6 Speaker Configuration (Upper Level On the Ceiling) 41
Configure the Bass Manager 42
Calibration 44
Volume Range and Maximum Output Voltage 45
Recommendations on setting the Maximum Output Level 46
Lipsync Delay 46
Dirac Calibration 47
Calibration Steps 48
Dirac Bypass 53
Dirac On 53
Dirac Bypass 53
Dirac Off 54
Tips for a Successful Dirac Calibration 54
Manual Calibration 55
Calibrating for Higher Sample Rates 55
Dirac Live Bass Control 55
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A DLBC Tour 57
Signal Generation Page 59
“THX like” band limited noise 60
Louder reference noise 61
Polarity Pulse 61
Left signal as input / Right signal as input 61
Sine Wave 62
EQ Page 63
Using PEQ with Dirac ™64
Inputs Page 65
Naming the Audio/Video Sources 66
Watch Video with Other Audio 67
Partial Reset by Changing Inputs 67
PCM Detect Sensitivity 68
USB Audio Input 68
Sound Enhancement Page 69
Using Surround Modes 69
Wide Synth 70
Bass Enhancement (AKA Bass Reinforcement) 71
Audio Features 72
Night Mode 72
Dialog Enhancement 72
Loudness 72
For Highest Quality Audio 74
Connectivity 75
Setting up ARC/eARC and CEC 75
Connecting HTP-1 to TV for ARC/eARC 76
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CEC Settings 76
CEC Control Options 77
Alternate TV Input 77
TV Audio Priority 77
System Audio 77
Using Wi-Fi 79
Choosing DHCP or Static IP Address Assignment 79
Bluetooth 80
System Page 81
Support Features 84
Video Features 85
UHD Support 85
EDID Management 85
Dolby Vision 86
Triggers 86
Using Roon 86
Firmware Updates 87
Feedback 88
Alexa 89
Specifications 90
Signal Processing Flow 91
IR Code Table 92
IR Code Over HTTP Remote Control 93
Third Party Applications 93
Privacy Disclosure 93
Regulatory Compliance 94
Notice for FCC 94
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RF Exposure Statement for FCC 95
Notice for Industry Canada 95
Special Thanks 95
Revision History 95
Important Information 96
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Safety Warnings and Guidelines
Please read this entire manual before using this device, paying extra attention to these safety warnings
and guidelines. Please keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
●This device is intended for indoor use only.
●Do not expose this device to water or moisture of any kind. Do not place drinks or other
containers with moisture on or near the device. If moisture does get in or on the device,
immediately unplug it from the power outlet and allow it to fully dry before reapplying power.
●Do not touch the device, the power cord, or any other connected cables with wet hands.
●Do not install this device on an unstable surface where it could fall and cause either personal
injury or damage to the device and/or other equipment.
●Do not subject the product to extreme force, shock, or fluctuations in temperature or humidity.
●Do not expose this device to excessively high temperatures. Do not place it in, on, or near a heat
source, such as a fireplace, stove, radiator, etc. Do not leave it in direct sunlight.
●This device ventilates excessive heat through the slots and openings in the case. Do not block or
cover these openings. Ensure that the device is in an open area where it can get sufficient
airflow to keep from overheating.
●Do not place or install this device in an area where it can be exposed to excessive amounts of
dust, humidity, oil, smoke, or combustible vapors.
●Use only in a well-ventilated area. Do not use in close, confined spaces. Ensure that there is at
least 3" of space around and above the device.
●Prior to operation, check the unit and power cord for physical damage. Do not use it if physical
damage has occurred.
●Before plugging the unit into a power outlet, ensure that the outlet provides the same type and
level of power required by the device.
●This device uses a grounded power cord and requires a ground connection for safe operation.
Ensure that the power source has a proper ground connection. Do not modify the plug or use a
"cheater" plug to bypass the ground connection.
●Disconnect the unit from the power source when replacing the fuse. Replace the fuse only with
the same type. Never bypass the fuse.
●Unplug this device from the power source when not in use.
●Take care to prevent damage to the power cord. Do not allow it to become crimped, pinched,
walked on, or become tangled with other cords. Ensure that the power cord does not present a
tripping hazard.
●Never unplug the unit by pulling on the power cord. Always grasp the connector head or adapter
body.
●Ensure that power is turned off and disconnected before making any electrical connections.
●Remove the batteries from the controller if it will go unused for a lengthy period of time.
●Clean using a soft, dry cloth only. Do not use chemical cleaners, solvents, or detergents. For
stubborn deposits, moisten the cloth with warm water.
●This device has no user serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open, service, or modify this device.
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Licenses
This product uses features licensed from several suppliers:
●Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories
●Manufactured under license from Xperi / DTS
●Manufactured under license from Auro Technologies
●Manufactured under license from Momentum Data Systems
●Manufactured under license from Dirac Research
Introduction
The Monolith™ HTP-1 is an "AVP" or "Audio Video Pre-Processor" designed for use in home theaters. It
supports Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X®, Auro-3D®, and Dirac Live®. It features eight HDMI® Ultra High Definition
(4K UHD) inputs and two HDMI 4K UHD outputs. It has seven digital audio inputs, two stereo analog
inputs, one secondary stereo analog output, and sixteen balanced XLR analog outputs. It has a built-in
web GUI, which allows you to configure it using a computer, smartphone, or tablet, as well as an
infrared remote control for adjusting volume, changing the upmix, and selecting inputs. It is designed for
easy software updates using an Ethernet connection.
This User Guide describes version 1.7 of the HTP-1 software. As a software product, the HTP-1 may be
updated and this user guide may also be updated. Please check for updates on the info page of the
HTP-1 web interface. Do also read the release notes found on the info page. The release note gives the
latest information about what has changed in the software.
Each page of the Web GUI includes a help button.
These bring up brief descriptions of the current page. This User Guide gives more detailed information.
The latest version of the user guide can always be retrieved from the help screens.
Customer Service
The Monoprice Customer Service department is dedicated to ensuring that your ordering, purchasing,
and delivery experience is second to none. If you have any problem with your order, please give us an
opportunity to make it right. You can contact a Monoprice Customer Service representative through the
Live Chat link on our website www.monoprice.com or via email at [email protected]. Check the
website for support times and links.
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Package Contents
Please take an inventory of the package contents to ensure you have all the items listed below. If
anything is missing or damaged, please contact Monoprice Customer Service for a replacement.
1x HTP-1 Home Theater Pre-Processor
1x IR Remote Control
1x Bluetooth®/Wi-Fi® Antenna
1x AC Power Cord
Requirements
●The HTP-1 must be connected to an existing Ethernet wired or wireless network for initial
configuration. Computers or mobile devices connected to the network can be used to control
and configure the HTP-1. The HTP-1 can be operated with no network connection if no more
configuration is required.
●A separate power amplifier or powered speakers are required.
●A laptop or desktop computer with a web browser. Mac’s and PC’s are supported by the Dirac
Live® calibration system.
○A phone can easily access the Web GUI once initial setup is complete, but a bigger
screen is very helpful for setup.
●A USB connected calibrated  microphone (not included) is required to perform a Dirac®
calibration. A smartphone or tablet cannot be used to perform a Dirac calibration. The Dirac web
page (https://www.dirac.com/recommended-microphones) discusses microphones.
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Product Overview
Front Panel
1. LCD Display: This 5" [s1] touchscreen displays the volume level, selected input, upmix selection,
and various other system statuses. See the Front Panel LCD Display  section below for details.
2. Power Button : If the Master Power Switch on the rear panel is in the ON position, the front
panel Power Button turns the unit on or puts it into standby. A blue LED illuminates the power
button while the unit is powering on or powering off. The LED is extinguished when the unit
reaches a stable state.
3. Volume Knob: Rotate the Volume Knob counterclockwise to decrease the volume level or
clockwise to increase the volume level.
4. IR Receiver: The IR Receiver accepts infrared signals from the included IR Remote Control.
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Rear Panel
1. HDMI INPUTS: Eight HDMI® inputs for connecting HDMI source devices. Each input supports the
4K resolution and the HDMI 2.0b and HDCP™ 2.3 standards.
2. ANALOG INPUTS: Two pairs of RCA analog stereo jacks for connecting an analog stereo audio
source.
3. COAXIAL/OPTICAL DIGITAL INPUTS: Three digital coaxial and three digital optical S/PDIF audio
for connecting digital audio inputs. All six inputs are active and can be independently selected.
4. AES/EBU DIGITAL INPUT: Three-pin XLR jack for connecting an audio device that outputs an
AES/EBU (aka AES3) digital audio signal.
5. MIX OUT: One pair of RCA analog stereo jacks for connecting a stereo amplifier or powered
speakers. The main signal is mixed down to a stereo signal.
6. TRIGGER INPUT: A 3.5mm trigger input turns the HTP-1 on when a 12V signal is applied. The
HTP-1 will go into standby mode when the trigger signal is removed. Note that the Master
Power Switch on the rear panel must be in the ON position for the trigger signal to turn the
HTP-1 on.
7. TRIGGER OUTPUTS: Four 3.5mm jacks send a 12V trigger signal when the HTP-1 is powered on.
These triggers are typically used to power on the power amplifiers.
8. HDMI OUTPUTS: Two HDMI® outputs for connecting HDMI displays. The “HDMI 1” output
supports the Audio Return Channel (ARC)/Extended Audio Return Channel (eARC) HDMI
features, which receive audio signals from the connected display. This is necessary if you are
going to stream video from an app on your TV or if you are receiving over-the-air television
broadcasts using an HD antenna.
9. USB AUDIO: A USB Type-B jack for streaming audio from a connected computer.
10. SYSTEM RECOVERY: Mini SD card slot used by the factory for production purposes only. A
factory restore procedure is available using this.
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11. ETHERNET/SERVICE: An RJ45 jack for making a wired connection to an existing Ethernet
network. The USB port is for performing service at the factory.
12. ANTENNA: An SMA connector for attaching the included Bluetooth®/Wi-Fi® Antenna.
13. MAIN OUTPUTS: Sixteen balanced XLR jacks for connecting external power amplifiers. The
channel labels on the back panel are supplemented with a diagram labeled in the software for
complex speaker configurations.
14. GND: Screw terminal for making a ground connection to the chassis.
15. POWER SECTION: The POWER SECTION contains the Master Power Switch, the IEC Power
Connector for attaching the included AC Power Cord, and a Fuse Holder. Always disconnect the
power cord from the power source before replacing the fuse, and replace the fuse with the
same type. To assure a completely clean reboot, allow the HTP-1 to be powered down for 15
seconds before powering on again via the master power switch.
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Front Panel LCD Display
1. Input: The current active Input is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. The sample
screenshot above shows Philips as the Input. The text for each input can be configured on the
INPUTS tab on the System Configuration screen in the Web GUI.
2. Program Format: The Program Format displays the audio format of the selected Input. The
sample screenshot above shows Object Audio Dolby Digital Plus (Atmos) as the Program
Format. See the About Speaker Configurations  section for details of the number displayed.
3. Volume: The Volume level is displayed in the center of the screen. The sample screenshot above
shows -30dB as the Volume. The decibel (dB) value is relative to the amplifier input sensitivity,
which can be configured on the CALIBRATION tab on the System Configuration screen in the
Web GUI. When the audio is muted, the display changes from white to red. Mute can be toggled
on or off by touching the Volume display on the screen, using the IR remote control, or by
clicking the Volume display on the built-in Web GUI Home Page.
4. Upmix Selection: The current Upmix Selection setting is displayed beneath the Volume on the
screen. The upmix is selected using the IR remote control or with the built-in Web GUI. The
selected mode is only the desired/requested upmix mode. The system will perform the
requested upmix mode only if it is supported. The Listening Format (see 8 below) is displayed
beneath the Setup icon and shows the actual upmix mode algorithm being used, which may not
match the requested mode. See the Using Surround Modes  section for details.
5. Special Listening Modes: The status of the NIGHT, DIRAC, LOUDNESS, and DIALOG modes is
displayed beneath the Upmix Selection.
6. IP Address: The current wired IP Address is displayed in the lower left corner. The sample
screenshot above shows the IP Address as 192.168.1.101. You access the built-in Web GUI by
typing the IP Address into the address bar of your web browser. Some browsers default to
https:// before the address, which will not work. The address must begin with http://.
7. Wi-Fi Setup: Touch the gear icon to display the Wi-Fi® Setup screen. See the WI-FI SETUP
section for details. If the icon is yellow, a software update is available for the HTP-1.
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8. Listening Format: The Listening Format is displayed beneath the Wi-Fi Setup icon and shows
the actual upmix mode algorithm being used, which may not match the requested mode. See
the Using Surround Modes  section for details.
9. Wireless: If the HTP-1 is connected to a wireless connection, the IP Address will be displayed in
the lower right corner. The sample screenshot above shows 169.254.8.119 for the wireless IP
address. The unit can be accessed from either IP address - wired or wireless.ither connection can
be used.
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Remote Control
1. POWER: Press the POWER button to
turn the unit on or or to put it into
standby mode.
2. USER INPUTS: Press the number
buttons to select individual inputs. The
numbers map to the visible inputs, from
left to right, that are display on the
Web GUI Home Page. Press the LAST
button to select the last input used.
3. INFO: Press the INFO button to display
the relevant information on the Front
Panel LCD Display.
4. COLORS: The Red, Green, Yellow, and
Blue buttons activate user definable
functions.
5. HDMI+: Press the HDMI+ button to
cycle forward through the eight HDMI®
inputs as well as the TV input. When
using this button the GUI will display
the HDMI input that will be selected
after a short timeout period expires
(about 3 seconds). This allows the user
to rotate through the input options
without actually changing the input
(which can slow things down). This
delayed input change only applies to
this button, not any of the other +
buttons.
6. SURROUND MODES: Press the buttons
to select the NATIVE, DTS®, DIRECT,
DOLBY®, or AURO-3D® surround
modes.
7. SPDIF+: Press the SPDIF+ button to
cycle forward through the digital audio
inputs. The cycle order is COAXIAL 1,
COAXIAL 2, COAXIAL 3, OPTICAL 1,
OPTICAL 2, OPTICAL 3, and AES/EBU.
8. MASTER: Press the + button to increase
the MASTER volume level or press the -
button to decrease the MASTER volume
level.
9. LETTERS: The A, B, C, and D buttons
activate user user defined functions.
These may be supported in the future.
10. DIRAC: Press the DIRAC button to
enable or disable Dirac® Room
Correction.
11. NIGHT: Press the NIGHT button rotates
between off, auto and on. Night mode
is designed for low volume movie
viewing. See more details under “Audio
Features”.
12. LOUD: Press the LOUD button to enable
or disable Loudness mode, which
boosts low and high frequencies for low
volume music listening. This is
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described in more detail under “Audio
Features”.
13. BT PAIR: Press the BT PAIR button to
initiate Bluetooth® pairing. This is not
connected in v1.1.
14. DIM: Press the DIM button to cycle
through several brightness levels for the
front panel LCD display. When the dim
level is zero, the screen will briefly
brighten to show changes in volume.
15. STRM+: Press the STRM+ button to
cycle through the USB, Roon®, and
Bluetooth® streaming inputs.
16. ANALOG+: Press the ANALOG+ button
to toggle between the two analog audio
inputs.
17. DIALOG: Press the + button to increase
the DIALOG volume level or press the -
button to decrease the DIALOG volume
level.
18. MUTE: Press the MUTE button to turn
audio muting of all speakers on or off.
19. NUMBERS: The preset 1, 2, 3, and 4
buttons are designed to activate user
defined functions. These may be
supported in the future.
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Web GUI Home Page
1. Active Input: The current Active Input is displayed in the upper left corner. The sample
screenshot above shows Magnavox as the Active Input. The specific text used for each input is
configured on the INPUTS tab of the System Configuration screen.
2. Program Format: The Program Format displays the audio format of the selected input. The
sample screenshot above shows 5.1.5h DTS MA as the Program Format. See the About Speaker
Configurations  section for details of the number displayed.
3. Volume: The Volume level is displayed in the center of the screen. The sample screenshot above
shows -31dB as the Volume. The decibel (dB) value is relative to the input sensitivity, which can
be configured on the CALIBRATION tab on the System Configuration screen. When the audio is
muted, the display changes from white to red. Mute can be toggled on or off by touching the
Volume display on the Front Panel LCD Display, using the IR remote control, or by clicking the
Volume display on the Web GUI Home Page.
4. Volume Buttons: Click the volume up and down icons to change the volume level. The Volume
Buttons can be replaced by a Volume Slider using a control on the SYSTEM tab on the System
Configuration screen.
5. Input Select: Click one of the buttons to select one of up to nine inputs. Which inputs are
displayed and how they are named can be configured on the INPUTS tab on the System
Configuration screen.
6. Upmix Select: Click one of the buttons to select one of up to nine upmix/surround modes. The
selected mode is only the desired/requested upmix mode. The system will perform the
requested upmix mode only if it is supported. The Listening Format (see 11 below) shows the
actual upmix mode algorithm being used, which may not match the requested mode. See the
Using Surround Modes  section for details.
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7. Modes: Click the buttons to toggle the state of the NIGHT, DIRAC, LOUDNESS, and DIALOG
special listening modes.
8. Setup: Click the gear icon to display the System Configuration screen with the SPEAKERS,
CALIBRATION, EQ, INPUTS , SOUND ENHANCEMENT, CONNECTIVITY, and SYSTEM setup tabs.
9. Information: Click the i icon to display a screen with detailed status, as well as access to updates
and the ability to roll back the current software installation. If the button is yellow, a software
update is available.
10. Help: Click the ? icon to see useful information about the current tab or page. The User's Manual
is also accessible on the main Help screen.
11. Listening Format: The Listening Format is displayed beneath the Help icon and shows the actual
upmix mode algorithm being used, which may not match the requested mode. See the Using
Surround Modes  section for details.
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Basic Setup
System Requirements
1. AC power
2. Ethernet connection (initially wired, then WiFi if desired)
3. Audio and video sources
4. Connection to an Amplifier
5. A web browser, preferably on a device larger than a phone. Avoid the Microsoft (MS Edge)
browser for now.
Step by Step
The best way to become familiar with the HTP-1 is to simply start using it! Before delving into more
advanced topics, we will connect one HDMI® source, an HDMI display, and a power amplifier in stereo
2.0.0 mode. Perform the following steps connect these devices. The internal signal generator can also
be used as a test source with no external source.
1. Prepare a location for the HTP-1. Ensure that it is not in an enclosed cabinet, that it has at least
3" of space around and above the unit, and that it is in a well-ventilated area to ensure sufficient
cooling airflow. The HTP-1 can operate entirely from a WiFi link, but in the initial software
release it is best to initially connect to a wired Ethernet and then use that to configure the WiFi
network. If your final location does not include a wired Ethernet cable, then see the note below
on “Initial WiFi Setup”.
2. Ensure that all equipment to be connected is powered off and unplugged from its power source.
3. Connect the included Bluetooth®/Wi-Fi® Antenna to the antenna jack on the rear panel.
4. Using a Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable (not included), plug one end into the ETHERNET jack on the
rear panel, then plug the other end into your Wi-Fi® router or Ethernet switch. Note that the
HTP-1 supports Gigabit (1000Mbps) data rates.
5. Using an HDMI Cable (not included), plug one end into the input on your HDMI® display, then
plug the other end into HDMI OUTPUT 1 on the rear panel. A “Premium High Speed” HDMI cable
is specified for UHD/4k operation.
Note that HDMI OUTPUT 1 supports the Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return
Channel (eARC) HDMI features, which sends audio from the connected display back to the amplifier. The
ARC/eARC feature is necessary if you plan on streaming video from the internet using an application on
your TV or if you plan on receiving over-the-air TV broadcasts using an HD antenna connected to the TV.
You must connect the TV to output 1 for (e)ARC to work.
6. Using an appropriate gauge of speaker wire (not included), connect your left and right speakers
to the left and right speaker outputs on your power amplifier. Ensure that there are no stray
wires and that polarity is properly maintained.
7. If your power amplifier has XLR inputs, plug an XLR cable (not included) into the left channel
input on your power amplifier, then plug the other end into the LEFT MAIN OUTPUT on the rear
HTP-1 User Manual Page 20 V1.8.1