MSB Technology DVD Audio Player User manual

1
Super DVD Audio Player
Users Manual
It’s a complete player, processor and preamp that plays everything!
Rev 1 Draft (5/03)

2
Contents
Simple Setup and Quick Start................ 5
Unique Features and Unprecedented
Per ormance .......................................... 6
The Preamp Upgrade ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Burn-In ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Features .................................................... 7
IEEE 1394 and MSB Network d g tal nterface ............................................................................................ 7
No se Shaped V deo (NSV)* .............................................................................................................................. 7
Bu lt- n Dolby* D g tal and DTS* decod ng w th mult channel outputs .................................................. 7
24 b t 192 kHz Upsampl ng ............................................................................................................................... 7
Progress ve scan ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Super F ne Focus d g tal f lter ........................................................................................................................ 7
MP3 compat b l ty ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Graph cal on-screen d splays ........................................................................................................................ 7
Whats n the box .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Putt ng the batter es n the remote control ...................................................................................................
7
Us ng the remote controls .............................................................................................................................. 8
D sc/Content Format Playback Compat b l ty ............................................................................................. 8
DVD-V deo reg ons ............................................................................................................................................ 9
System Design and Connections ........ 10
Stand alone system ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Enhanced Aud o system ................................................................................................................................. 10
Add to a complex home theater ..................................................................................................................... 11
Enhanced Home Theater Des gn ................................................................................................................... 11
Rear Panel Details ................................ 12
Inputs ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
V deo Outputs .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Analog Aud o Outputs .................................................................................................................................... 13
D g tal Aud o Outputs ..................................................................................................................................... 13
The MSB Network ............................................................................................................................................ 13
The IEEE1394 Network ................................................................................................................................... 14
Creat ng an IEEE1394 network ................................................................................................................... 14
Front Panel Controls .......................... 15
Display...................................................... 15
Remote controls ................................... 16
S mple Volume Remote .................................................................................................................................... 16
Complete Remote ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Player Setup ........................................... 18
Eight Channel Audio Con iguration . 18
Setup Operat ons ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Conf gurat on Opt ons .................................................................................................................................. 18

3
Open ng the Player ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Center Channel Downm x ng ....................................................................................................................... 20
Master Slave MODE ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Player Settings using the On Screen
Menus ..................................................... 22
Sw tch ng on .................................................................................................................................................... 22
Us ng the on-screen d splays ........................................................................................................................ 22
Sett ng up w th the Setup Nav gator ............................................................................................................. 22
Playing discs ........................................... 23
Bas c playback controls ...............................................................................................................................23
Front panel and small remote controls .................................................................................................... 23
DVD d sc menus ............................................................................................................................................... 23
........................................................................................................................................................................... 24
FAQ .................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Playing Discs........................................... 25
Introduct on .................................................................................................................................................... 25
Us ng the D sc Nav gator to browse the contents of a d sc ..................................................................... 25
Scann ng d scs ................................................................................................................................................ 25
Us ng the Mult D al ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Play ng n slow mot on................................................................................................................................... 25
Frame advance/frame reverse .................................................................................................................... 26
Loop ng a sect on of a d sc ............................................................................................................................ 26
Us ng repeat play ............................................................................................................................................ 26
Us ng random play .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Creat ng a program l st ................................................................................................................................. 27
Ed t ng a program l st .................................................................................................................................... 27
Other funct ons ava lable from the program menu .................................................................................. 27
Search ng a d sc ............................................................................................................................................. 28
Sw tch ng subt tles ........................................................................................................................................ 28
Sw tch ng DVD-V deo aud o language ......................................................................................................... 28
Sw tch ng DVD-RW aud o channel .............................................................................................................. 28
Sw tch ng DVD-Aud o aud o channel ........................................................................................................... 28
Sw tch ng CD/MP3 aud o channel .............................................................................................................. 28
Sw tch ng camera angles .............................................................................................................................. 28
D splay ng d sc nformat on ......................................................................................................................... 28
The Audio Settings Menu ...................... 29
Aud o DRC (Default sett ng: Off) .................................................................................................................. 29
Legato PRO (Default sett ng: Off) ................................................................................................................ 29
H -B t (Default sett ng On) ............................................................................................................................. 29
V rtual Surround (Default sett ng Off) ..................................................................................................... 29
Channel Level (Default sett ng: F x) ............................................................................................................ 29
Speaker D stance (Default sett ng: all speakers 10 ft./3 m) ................................................................... 29
The Video Settings Menu ...................... 29
V deo Adjust (Default sett ng: Profess onal) ........................................................................................... 29
Creat ng your own presets ........................................................................................................................... 30
Using the Initial Settings menu ........... 30
Digital Audio Out settings ................... 30
D g tal Out (Default sett ng: On) .................................................................................................................. 30
Dolby D g tal Out (Default sett ng: Dolby D g tal) .................................................................................... 31
DTS Out (Default sett ng: DTS>PCM) ............................................................................................................ 31
L near PCM Out (Default sett ng: Down Sample On) ................................................................................ 31

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MPEG Out (Default sett ng: MPEG>PCM) .................................................................................................... 31
Video Output settings ........................... 31
TV screen (Default sett ng: 16.9 (W de)) ..................................................................................................... 31
Component Out (Default sett ng: Interlace) .............................................................................................. 31
S-V deo Out (Default sett ng: S2) .................................................................................................................. 31
St ll P cture (Default sett ng: Auto) ............................................................................................................ 31
Language settings................................. 31
Aud o Language (Default sett ng: Engl sh) ................................................................................................ 32
Subt tle Language (Default sett ng: Engl sh) ............................................................................................ 32
Auto Language (Default sett ng: On) .......................................................................................................... 32
DVD Menu Language (Default sett ng: w/Subt tle Lang.) ....................................................................... 32
Subt tle D splay (Default sett ng: On) ......................................................................................................... 32
Display settings ..................................... 32
OSD Language (Default sett ng: Engl sh) ................................................................................................... 32
On Screen D splay (Default sett ng: On) ..................................................................................................... 32
Angle Ind cator (Default sett ng: On) ......................................................................................................... 32
Background (Default sett ng: Black).......................................................................................................... 32
Screen Saver (Default sett ng: Off) ............................................................................................................ 32
Options ..................................................... 32
Parental Lock (Default level: Off, Default password: none, Default country code: us (2119)) ........ 32
Bonus Group .................................................................................................................................................... 33
Auto D sc Menu (Default sett ng: On) .......................................................................................................... 33
Group Playback (Default sett ng: S ngle) .................................................................................................. 33
DVD Playback Mode (Default sett ng: DVD-Aud o) ..................................................................................... 33
SACD Playback (Default sett ng: 2ch Area) .............................................................................................. 34
CD Playback (Default sett ng: PCM Playback).......................................................................................... 34
Speakers .................................................. 34
Aud o Output Mode (Default: 2 Channel) .................................................................................................... 34
Speaker Installat on (default: L/R: Large | C:Large | LS/RS: Large | SW: On) .................................. 34
Speaker D stance (Default sett ng: all speakers 10 ft./3 m) .................................................................. 34
Channel Level (Default sett ng: F x) ........................................................................................................... 34
IEEE1394 Setup ...................................... 35
Aud o Out (Default sett ng: On) .................................................................................................................... 35
Connect ons Setup ......................................................................................................................................... 35
Auto Select Play (Default sett ng: Off) ...................................................................................................... 35
Additional In ormation ........................ 35
Handl ng d scs ................................................................................................................................................ 35
Stor ng d scs ................................................................................................................................................... 35
D scs to avo d ................................................................................................................................................... 35
Screen s zes and d sc formats ..................................................................................................................... 36
W descreen TV users .................................................................................................................................... 36
Standard TV users ......................................................................................................................................... 36
Watch ng NTSC on a PAL TV ......................................................................................................................... 36
About the aud o output sett ngs .................................................................................................................... 36
Language code l st ......................................................................................................................................... 37
Select ng languages us ng the language code l st ................................................................................... 37
Glossary .......................................................................................................................................................... 37
Troubleshoot ng ............................................................................................................................................. 38
IEEE1394 troubleshoot ng ............................................................................................................................ 40
IEEE1394-related messages .......................................................................................................................... 40
Limited Warranty................................... 41

5
Simple Setup and Quick Start
Location - This unit produces a lot of heat. DO NOT STACK, Do
not place anything on top of this unit or put in closed cabinet!
Power - The SDVDA Player comes standard with an inboard
power supply. A fuse block inside the unit allows the unit to be
switched between 240V and 120V. Please check the back of the
unit before plugging the unit in. Unit is configured for 120V
unless otherwise marked. Leave the SDVDA powered on all the
time.
Connections - Connect the video outputs and audio outputs using
the row of 8 RCA connectors. Be sure to connect to the set
labeled output, not the set labeled input!
Very Important - Be sure the toggle switch on the back of the unit
is set to AUTO (the center position).
Best Installation - Connect this player
directly to your Amplifiers and Monitor
or Projector. It is a complete system. If
you already have a system, connect it to
the inputs of this player. Connect the line
level audio from your system to the 6 or 8 AUDIO INPUTS. Insert
new cables from AUDIO OUTPUTS to your AMPS. Connect
the video connections from your system to VIDEO INPUTS.
Insert new cables from VIDEO OUTPUTS to Projector or monitor.
To use the SDVDA Player - Insert disc and play. Adjust volume
with either remote. (Volume starts out low on power up)
To use your existing system - Turn SDVDA Player off using
remote. (Leave unit plugged in). Adjust system volume with
either remote. Leave existing system volume at line level (0db).
Super DVD Audio Player
with Master Volume Controls and
Trims
Existing
System AMPs
Audio
Out
Video
Out
Audio
In
Video
In
Display

6
Super DVD Audio Player
Users Manual
Rev 1 (5/03)
Unique Features and Unprecedented Per ormance
MSB has been making high-end audio players for over 15 years. The latest is a new audio player that plays SACD and DVD Audio discs,
DTS CDs, CDs, MP3s and just about any disc sized music source. It has 24 bit 192k DACs, 192k MSB upsampling, MSB-built volume
controlled analog outputs with a pass-through, as well as all the latest digital outputs including Firewire (IEEE 1394), 24 bit 192k MSB
Network standard optical and coaxial outputs. It is the player for music lovers - enjoy the
music in every disc format.
Just for audiophiles?
Not a chance. Why should home theater enthusiasts compromise video performance for
great sound? The MSB Player features advanced progressive video with 108 MHz 12 bit
DACs. Video pass-throughs allow easy integration into your system. All decoding is internal
and our 8 channel audio system accommodates a wide range of advanced theater designs.
The strongest feature of this player is its unique ability to be integrated into the most
demanding systems.
In the most simple case, the player is a complete multi-channel system. Add amplifiers and
speakers and you have a full 8 channel surround system that will play back all the current
music and movie formats. It includes two remote controls, a simple one for volume and play and a complex one for programming and total
control.
A second application is as an upgrade product for an existing home theater. The Player
includes a master volume control and trims and has a complete audio and video pass-through.
This means it can be installed into any existing system with separate amplifiers (or integrated
system with external input) with no re-configuration or loss of features. You have just added
a player that will play almost anything, and a much higher quality volume control to your
system. Simple and fast with big results.
Another way to expand is to take advantage of the comprehensive 24 bit 192K digital audio
outputs. External DACs can be added for any channels and they can be played back through
a high-quality audiophile DAC and outboard volume control that can be slaved to the Players
volume control. For example, a high-end balanced DAC and volume control can be added to
the front channels for uncompromised audio only playback yet movies can be enjoyed without any system changes.
The Preamp Upgrade
The Super DVD Audio Player has just one 8 channel analog input. It is designed to be the
last component in your system before the amplifiers. With its low impedance output it can
drive long interconnects and handle any type of amplifier input stage design with optimum
performance.
If you have a complex system with a preamp with many analog inputs, attach the outputs of
your preamp to the input on the SDVDA Player. Set your preamp to a volume that matches
the SDVDA output and use nothing but the SDVDA volume control in your system.
Burn-In
The concept of burn-in is little understood. Does it take your ears some time to get used to the incredibly detailed and life like sound of
an MSB product or is something actually changing? The feedback we receive leads us to recommend at least 100 hours of burn-in on the
DACs in this unit. Customers generally recommend one month.
Super DVD Audio Player
with Master Volume Controls and
Trims
Outboard
DAC
Audio
Out
Video
Out
Audio
In
192k
Digital
Output
AMPs
Display
Super DVD Audio Player
with Master Volume Controls and
Trims
Existing
System AMPs
Audio
Out
Video
Out
Audio
In
Video
In
Display
Super DVD Audio Player
with Master Volume Controls and
Trims
Audio
Out
Video
Out
AMPs
Display

7
Features
IEEE 1394 and MSB Network digital interface
The IEEE 1394 and MSB Network interface makes it possible to connect this player to another product with a single cable and enjoy high
sampling rate (up to 192 kHz) PCM multichannel digital audio from DVD-Audio and SACD (IEEE only) discs , as well as digital audio
(upsampled to 192k on MSB Network only) from DVD-Video, CD, Video CD and MP3 discs.
In addition to simplified connection, jitterless audio is possible with these technologies when playing audio CDs, SACDs and DVD-Audio
discs.
Noise Shaped Video (NSV)*
Noise Shaped Video processing makes it possible to display video images at higher resolutions than would otherwise be possible using the
same video data converter. This is achieved using the digital processing techniques of oversampling to reduce high-frequency aliasing
and multi-bit Delta-Sigma processing (to reduce quantization noise). *Noise Shaped Video is a trademark of Analog Devices Inc.
DVD-Audio and SACD compatible
This player has separate signal paths and DACs for SACD and PCM Audio. This unit is capable of delivering exceptional sound quality
in terms of dynamic range, low-level resolution and high-frequency detail.
Built-in Dolby* Digital and DTS* decoding with multichannel outputs
This player features multichannel analog outputs for connection to your amplifier to give you stunning surround sound from Dolby
Digital, DTS and multichannel DVD-Audio discs. *Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby” and the double-D
symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. *“DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems,
Inc.
24 bit 192 kHz Upsampling
All of the audio channels output from both the volume controlled analog outputs and the MSB Network are upsampled to 24 bit, 192 kHz
resolution using MSB’s proven 4X upsampling.
Progressive scan
When connected to a progressive scan-compatible TV or monitor using the component
video outputs, you can enjoy extremely stable, flicker free images, with the same frame
refresh rate as the original movie.
Super Fine Focus digital filter
This improves the quality of the video output by reducing video noise and increasing the
horizontal resolution to 540 lines.
MP3 compatibility
This player is compatible with CD-R, CD-RW and CD-ROM discs that contain MP3 audio
tracks.
Graphical on-screen displays
Setting up and using your DVD player is made very easy using the graphical on-screen
displays.
What’s in the box
Please confirm that the following accessories are in the box when you open it.
•2 remote controls
•2 AA batteries and 2 AAA batteries
•4-pin IEEE cable
•Power cable
Putting the batteries in the remote control
SIGN WAVE (0DB, 19.95 KHZTEST TONE
SCOPE SETTINGS 2 V/DIV, 10USEC/DIV)
4X
UPSAMPLING
ON

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1. Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the remote control.
2. Insert two AA/R6P batteries into the battery compartment following the indications (+, -) inside the compartment
of the larger remote. Install two AAA batteries in the smaller remote.
3. Close the cover.
Note, incorrect use of batteries can result in hazards such as leakage and bursting. Please observe the following:
· Don’t mix new and old batteries together.
· Don’t use different kinds of battery together—although they may look similar, different batteries may have
different voltages.
· Make sure that the plus and minus ends of each battery match the indications in the battery compartment.
· Remove batteries from equipment that isn’t going to be used for a month or more.
· When disposing of used batteries, please comply with governmental regulations or environmental public
instruction’s rules that apply in your country or area.
Using the remote controls
Two remotes are provided. A small simple remote has just limited functions aimed primarily at volume control and
is easy to use in the dark. The larger remote has all the Player setup and control functions. Keep in mind the
following when using the remote controls:
· Make sure that there are no obstacles between the remote and the remote sensor on
the unit.
· The remote has a range of about 23 ft. (7 meters)
· Remote operation may become unreliable if strong sunlight or
fluorescent light is shining on the unit’s remote sensor.
· Remote controllers for different devices can interfere with each other. Avoid
using remotes for other equipment located close to this unit.
Replace the batteries when you notice a fall off in the operating range of the remote.
Disc/Content Format Playback Compatibility
This player was designed and engineered to be compatible with software bearing one
or more of the following logos. Other formats, including but not limited to the following, are not playable in this player: Photo CD, DVD-
RAM, DVD-ROM, CD-Rom except those that contain MP3 files formatted as specified in the “Compressed Audio Compatibility” section.
DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW discs (Audio CDs and Video CDs) recorded using a DVD recorder, CD recorder or personal computer may not
be playable on this machine. This may be caused by a number of possibilities, including but not limited to: the type of disc used; the type
of recording; damage, dirt or condensation on either the disc or the player’s pickup lens.
· This unit will play CD-R and CD-RW discs recorded in CD Audio or Video CD format, or as a CD-ROM containing MP3 audio files.
However, any other content may cause the disc not to play, or create noise/distortion in the output.
· Unfinalized CD-R/RW discs recorded as CD Audio can be played, but the full Table of Contents (playing time, etc.) will not be
displayed.
· This unit will play DVD-R/RW discs that were recorded using the
DVD Video format or Video Recording format.
· Unfinalized DVD-R/RW discs cannot be played in this player.
· This unit will play CD-ROM discs containing files saved in the MPEG-
1 Audio Layer 3 format (MP3) with a sampling rate of 44.1 or 48kHz.
Incompatible files will not play and “UNPLAYABLE” will be displayed
on the unit.
· Fixed bit-rate files are recommended. Variable bit-rate (VBR) files are
playable, but playing time may not be shown correctly.
· The CD-ROM used to compile your MP3 files must be ISO 9660 Level
2 compliant.
· CD physical format: Mode1, Mode2 XA Form1.
· This player only plays MP3 tracks that are named with the file extension
“.mp3” or “.MP3”.

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· This player is compatible with multi-session discs, but only plays sessions that are closed.
· Use CD-R or CD-RW media for recording your MP3 files.
· This player can recognize a combined total of up to 250 tracks and folders. If a disc containing over 250 tracks/folders is loaded,
only the first 250 tracks/folders recorded on the disc will be playable.
· Folder and track names (excluding the “.mp3” extension) are displayed.
· There are many different recording bit-rates available to encode your MP3 files. This unit was designed to be compatible with all
of them. Audio encoded at 128Kbps should sound close to regular CD Audio quality. This player will play lower bit-rate MP3
tracks, but please note that the sound quality becomes noticeably worse at lower bit-rates.
· If you record a disc using a personal computer, even if it is recorded in a “compatible format” as listed above, there will be cases
in which the disc may not be playable in this machine due to the setting of the application software used to create the disc. In these
particular instances, check with the software publisher for more detailed information. Check the DVD-R/RW or CD-R/RW
software disc boxes for additional compatibility information.
· DVD-Video discs are generally divided into one or more titles. Titles may be further subdivided into chapters.
· DVD-Audio discs are divided into one or more groups that can each contain a number of tracks.
· CDs, SACDs and Video CD/Super VCDs are divided into tracks.
· CD-ROMs containing MP3 files are divided into folders and tracks. Folders may also contain further subfolders.
DVD-Video regions
All DVD-Video discs carry a region mark on the case somewhere that indicates which region(s) of the world the disc is compatible with.
Your DVD player was produced to only play region 1 discs. Discs from incompatible regions will not play in this player. Discs marked ALL
will play in any player.

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System Design and Connections
This DVD player has many interesting features that allow it to be used effectively in a whole range of audio and home theater systems.
Following the system design section the individual features of the front and rear panel will be described. This player can be distinguished
from most others in three ways. First it includes an eight channel volume control. This allows it to be used independently with nothing but
amplifiers, speakers and a display. Second, it includes full pass-through features for both audio and video. This allows it to be inserted
into an existing system with no changes to the system. Third, it contains substantial and very high quality digital audio outputs, allowing
it to be incorporated in a very high performance system. Four systems configurations are shown below.
Stand alone system
With 8 channels of volume controlled audio and video in composite, interlaced component
and progressive component, the SDVD player is a complete system. How good is it? The
volume control is excellent in the player, as good as any super high-end 2 channel audio
preamp. As a DVD player it has excellent sound. For the most discriminating listener who is
primarily interested in audio, not movies, we recommend adding PLATINUM DACs, at least
to the front channels. We have made provision for these, so that the installation is easy and
the operation remains simple. If you have balanced amps and want a balanced output player,
see the enhanced system below.
Enhanced Audio system
Up to three external DACs can be added to the player using either IEEE 1394 or the MSB Network. MSB sells a line of DACs that are
optimized for 192K operation over the MSB Network.
For single ended amplifier operation, attach the MSB Network output to an MSB DAC using a CAT5 cable. Now attach the single ended
analog outputs of the DAC to the appropriate channel analog inputs on the back of the player. Now plug a DB-25 to RCA cable (availible
from MSB) into the 5.1 Line Level outputs of the player. This output is line level and contains all the channels. Plug in the RCA outputs
to either the audio pass-through on the DAC or the Audio inputs on the player as appropriate. Turn the SELECT toggle switch on the back
of the player to the OFF position. This instructs the player to look for DVD audio on the input during play, instead of from the internal
DACs. For example, if a Platinum LINK II DAC is used with the player, the hookup is as shown below. The rear, center and sub channels
pass out of the DB-25 line level output and are looped to the rear, center and sub channel inputs on the back of the player. The front
channels are plugged into the PLATINUM using a RCA to XLR adapter (as the platinum only has balanced inputs). It was designed to use
this adapter for single-ended output. The toggle switch is turned OFF so that the player looks to the 8 channel input instead of the internal
DACs for audio from the player. We must make the analog connection through the DAC because the PLATINUM DAC does not decode
SACD. It passes the SACD through when played. Last, disable the volume controls in the external DAC by removing the volume modules
or setting the level to 0 db and putting tape over the remote sensor as the player and DAC use the same remote codes.
For front channel balanced operation, the task is complicated just a little. Because the volume control in the player is single-ended, the
MSB PLATINUM MVC Preamp is used externally. It is configured at the factory to run in the slave mode and is attached to the player using
the MSB NETWORK. It now matches the master volume set at the player. Just as in the single-ended mode, the external DAC is attached
to the MSB NETWORK. The balanced line level output is attached to the analog input of the DAC. The balanced output of the DAC is
hooked up to the balanced input of the MVC and its balanced output is connected to the front amplifiers. The remaining channels can be
hooked up as described above.
For stereo operation only, the process is
simplified. Connect the balanced line level out
and the MSB NETWORK to the PLATINUM
DAC. Connect the DAC directly to your
amplifiers using either single-ended or balanced.
Use the volume control in the DAC as they use
the same remote codes. Ignore the volume
settings on the player as they are not used.
Super DVD Audio Player
with Master Volume Controls and
Trims
Audio
Out
Video
Out
AMPs
Display
Outboard
DAC
Audio
Out
Video
Out
Line
Level
Front
Output
(XLR)
MSB
Network
Digital
Output
(CAT5)
AMPs
Display
Super DVD Audio Player
with Master Volume Controls and
Trims
MSB
Network
Input
(CAT5)
Audio
In
(XLR)
5.1 Line
Level
Output
(DB25)
Analog
Audio
Inputs
(RCA)
DAC
Analog
Outputs
(RCA)