Parasound Halo d 3 User manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The lightning ﬂash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user

to the presence of “dangerous voltage” inside the product that may constitute a risk of electric shock.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence

of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE

PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

1. Read Instructions — Read all the safety and operating instructions before operating this product.

2. Retain Instructions — Retain safety and operating instructions for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings — Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.

4. Follow Instructions — Follow all operating and use instructions.

5. Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

Clean the outside of the product only.

6. Attachments — Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the product manufacturer;

they may be hazardous.

7. Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water.

8. Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart or stand. The product may fall, causing

bodily injury and damage to the product. A product and cart combination should be moved with care.

Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart to overturn.

9. Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of

the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. This product

should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided.

10. Power Sources — Operate this product only from the type of power source indicated on the label.

If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your dealer or local power

company. This product is equipped with a three-prong grounding plug. This plug will only fit into a

grounding power outlet. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician

to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding plug.

11. Power Cord Protection — Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be

walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them.

12. Lightning — Unplug the unit from the wall outlet for added protection during a lightning storm

and when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time. This will prevent damage to the

product due to lightning and power line surges.

13. Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords. This can result in a fire or electric shock.

14. Inserting Objects into Unit — Never push objects of any kind into this product through any openings;

they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in fire or electric shock.

15. Servicing — Do not attempt to repair or service this product yourself. Opening or removing covers may

expose you to dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

16. Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified

service personnel under the following conditions: a) If the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b) If liquid has been spilled into the product. c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water. d)

If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. e) If the product has

been dropped or damaged in any way. f) If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

17. Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used

replacement parts specified by the manufacturer. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric

shock, and other hazards.

18.

Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician

to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

19. Wall or Ceiling Mounting — Mount the product to a wall or ceiling only as recommended.

20. Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, and other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

www.parasound.com

Thank You for Choosing Parasound

Your Parasound® D 3 is an advanced disc player with extraordinary performance capabilities.

We designed the D 3 to be very easy to set up and to operate. This manual is divided into two

sections. The ﬁrst section describes connections and menu setup selections that will enable

you to play movies and CDs right away, even if you’ve had little or no previous experience with

audio-video components. The second section explains the advanced features that you may prefer

to use later or even ignore altogether.

We appreciate you taking the time to read these instructions and thank you for selecting

Parasound. For updates and corrections to this manual, we invite you to check our web site,

www.parasound.com

Enjoy.

The Parasound Staff

Keeping Records for Future Reference

Record the serial number located on the back panel of your D 3 in the space below. Also note

your Parasound Dealer’s name and telephone number. We recommend that you make a copy

of your original purchase receipt/bill of sale and store the original and the copy in a safe place.

Your purchase receipt/bill of sale is required to determine if your D 3 is eligible for Parasound

warranty service. We recommend you keep a copy with your original packaging.

You Should Know

There is no Parasound warranty for this unit if it was not purchased from an Authorized

Parasound Dealer. Investigate warranty coverage statements made by an unauthorized dealer

very carefully, as you will need to depend entirely upon your dealer, and NOT upon Parasound.

Unauthorized dealers lack the capability to make repairs or arrange for repairs of Parasound

equipment. Authorized Parasound Dealers are listed at www.parasound.com or you can call us

at 415-397-7100 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Pacific time to verify the status of a dealer.

A missing or altered serial number could indicate that this unit was sold by an unauthorized

dealer or is stolen merchandise. If this unit is missing its serial number, you should return it to

your dealer immediately for a full refund.

INTRODUCTION

OWNERSHIP REFERENCE INFORMATION

Parasound D 3 Disc Player Serial #:

Parasound Dealer:

/ /

Dealer Phone Number: Date of Purchase:

( ) -

4TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Safety Instructions ........................................ 2

Introduction ................................................... 3

Unpacking and Placement Guidelines .................................. 6

Rack Mounting ................................................. 6

Getting Started ................................................. 7

Connecting Your D 3 .............................................. 8

Video Connections ............................................... 9

Audio Connections .............................................. 11

AC Voltage Switch .............................................. 12

IR Remote Repeater Input ......................................... 12

RS-232 Serial Port .............................................. 12

Video and Audio connections for a Remote Zone .......................... 12

Power Up Your D 3 .............................................. 13

Navigating The Setup Menus .......................................... 15

Video Setup .................................................... 17

HDMI Output ................................................. 17

HDMI Format ................................................. 17

Video Output .................................................17

Scan Type ................................................... 17

TV Display .................................................. 18

TV System .................................................. 18

Black Level .................................................. 18

Audio Setup .................................................... 19

Speaker Size ................................................. 19

Subwoofer .................................................. 19

Front L & R .................................................. 19

Center Speaker ............................................... 20

Surround L & R ............................................... 20

Crossover ................................................... 20

Distance Setup ............................................... 20

Level Setup .................................................. 21

Test Tone ................................................... 21

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Audio Output ................................................... 22

Audio Out ................................................... 22

Late Night ................................................... 22

DVD Audio Area ............................................... 22

SACD Area .................................................. 22

Language Setup .................................................. 23

Other Setup ....................................................24

Angle Mark ................................................. 24

Screen Saver ................................................ 24

Parental ................................................... 24

Password .................................................. 24

Momentary OSD ............................................. 24

Background ................................................. 24

Restore Defualt .............................................. 24

Advanced Video ................................................. 25

Custom Video Setup ........................................... 25

Preset Select ................................................ 26

Remote Control Functions ......................................... 27

Typical Problems and Remedies ..................................... 29

If You Require Assistance ......................................... 31

Repairs: Return Authorization and Shipping ............................. 31

Warranty Repair ............................................... 31

Language Code Chart ............................................ 32

Specifications ................................................. 33

Connection and Setup Notes ....................................... 34

6UNPACKING YOUR D 3 AND PLACEMENT GUIDELINES

Unpacking Your D 3

Carefully unpack your D 3 from its shipping carton and locate all the enclosed accessories:

• Remote control, two AAA batteries

• AC power cord

• Combination cord for two channel audio and composite video

While you are unpacking your D 3, inspect it thoroughly for possible shipping damage and tell

your Parasound dealer right away if you ﬁnd any. If possible, save and store both the inner and

outer cartons and–most especially–the foam packing inserts, so you can use them to protect

the D 3 if you have to move it or ship it. You can ﬂatten the cartons to save room in storage by

cutting the taped seams on the bottom ﬂaps.

Placement Guidelines

The D 3 will be easy to use and will last longer if you follow these simple guidelines:

• Place the D 3 on a shelf that will adequately support its weight.

• Unless you’ll control the D 3 through a remote infrared sensor/repeater system, pick a shelf

where you can aim the remote control handset directly at the D 3. (If you do use remote repeater

sensors, be sure the remote’s signals can’t reach both the IR repeater’s sensor and the unit’s

front-panel sensors at the same time.)

If you’re installing the D 3 yourself, use cables that are long enough to leave at least two feet

of slack; that will enable you to pull the D 3 out of the cabinet to check or change connections

without inadvertently disconnecting cables. If you’re putting the D 3 in a cabinet, make sure

there’s grab space on each side; with a space that’s at least 22 inches wide, you’ll be able to turn

it around for access to its rear panel connections.

Rack Mounting Your Parasound D 3

With its four feet removed, the D 3’s front panel height occupies three rack spaces (51⁄4” or 133

mm—a single standard rack space occupies 13⁄4” vertical space.) For mounting in a standard 19”

equipment rack, you must use the Parasound HRA 3 rack mount kit (purchased separately). The

HRA 3 includes four bolts and eight plastic washers with raised “shoulders.”

Slide one washer onto each mounting bolt with its raised shoulder pointing toward the panel hole.

Carefully insert the bolt through the hole and slide the other washer on the bolt with its raised

shoulder facing the rear side of the panel. The washers will sandwich the D 3 panel and the four

mounting bolts to prevent metal-to-metal contact between the Model D 3 chassis, the equipment

rack, and the other components mounted in the rack.

Note: Tighten each bolt just

enough to keep the unit secure

in the rack to avoid deforming

the shoulder washers.

GETTING STARTED

To get the most out of your Halo D 3, you’ll need to know how to connect it to your other

components, how to set it up for your listening space and how to operate it. This manual is

organized in this order:

Connecting Your D 3: pages 8 – 12

This will show you how to make the video and audio connections that go between your Halo D 3

and your 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel surround controller (or AV receiver) and your TV. Which con-

nections you make will depend on the capabilities of the other equipment in your audio system.

Setting Up Your D 3: pages 15 – 26

This section will show you how to make the selections in your D 3’s Setup Menu to match your

D 3 to your TV and your loudspeakers. You will also learn how to set up each channel to play at

the correct volume level and so that the sound from each channel reaches your seating position

at the correct time. You do not need to make all of these adjustments right away, so feel free to

enjoy your movies now and come back to this section at a later time.

Remote Control Functions: pages 27 – 28

Here you will learn about some of the more advanced buttons on your remote control.

Frequently Asked Questions: pages 29 – 30

There may be answers here if you can’t get something to work correctly. If you are still having

problems, please contact your dealer or call the Parasound Tech Department for technical support.

The telephone number and hours are shown on page 31.

8CONNECTING YOUR D 3

Making Connections

The connector jacks on various components often have different names, so read the operating

instructions of each component to make sure you are identifying the correct jacks by the names

we use on the D 3 and in this manual.

Jacks on the units and the plugs on your video and audio cables are usually color coded to

simplify hookup. Be sure to connect the same color plugs to their corresponding jacks.

Don’t attach the D 3’s AC cord yet. You will do this after all the other connections are made.

CONNECTING YOUR D 3 continued

VIDEO CONNECTIONS

You should make the video connection between the D 3 and your TV ﬁrst. It will be either direct

or via the video inputs on your surround controller (or AV receiver). A video connection is required

to view the D 3’s setup menu on your TV. This section will help you make the video connection.

The D 3 includes four different types of video outputs. All of the video outputs can be active

at the same time allowing you to use a combination of connections for a second TV or second

Zone. You will connect only one of the D 3 video outputs for your primary viewing area, or “main

zone.” Choose the best quality video output for which your TV has a matching input.

- HDMI provides the best picture quality. Only High Deﬁnition digital TVs include an HDMI input.

- Component video is the next best and consists of three separate cables.

- S-video is next, but it’s a big step down in picture quality from component video.

- Composite video is the lowest quality but is the most common type of connection.

HDMI Video Connections

Connect the HDMI Output connector of the D 3 to the HDMI INPUT connector on your TV using a

high quality HDMI-certiﬁed cable. If your TV does not have an HDMI or DVI connector you should

skip to “Component Video connections” on the next page.

HDMI connections are for the transmission of uncompressed wide bandwidth digital video and

stereo or multi-channel digital audio signals. HDMI data transmission is usually superior because

it avoids degradation from video digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion, so what you

see and hear is a perfect reproduction of the disc being played.

“HDMI” will ﬂash on the D 3’s front panel when an HDMI cable is not connected between the

D 3 and a TV or if your TV is turned off. If you are not using the HDMI output you can turn it off

in the Video setup menu and it will stop ﬂashing.

Note: If you have more than one HDMI source component (such as a cable or satellite receiver,

or a game console) you may need to use an external HDMI switcher.

We strongly recommend the HDMI-certiﬁed Parasound Zhd ﬁve input switcher. You can ﬁnd

details on the Zhd at www.parasound.com.

D 3 HDMI Output to a TV’s DVI Input

If your TV is equipped with a DVI input connector instead of an HDMI input connector you might

be able to use it with a commercially available HDMI-to-DVI adapter. Please make sure your TV’s

DVI Input supports HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), otherwise it will not be

compatible with the D 3. If you plan to route the DVI signal through your surround controller’s or

AV receiver’s DVI input, it must also support HDCP.

Note: Many earlier model TVs with DVI inputs are not HDCP-compliant (digital copyright protection)

and will not operate with the D 3 HDMI output. Your TV’s owner’s manual or your TV dealer can

tell you if the TV is HDCP-compliant.

10 CONNECTING YOUR D 3 continued

No HDMI or DVI input on your TV?

If your TV does not have an HDMI input you will have to use one of the analog video

connections. These connections are Component, S-Video and Composite. Choose the

highest quality connection that your TV has.

Component Video Connections

If your TV doesn’t have an input for HDMI or DVI

This is a three-cable connection that must use cables that are made for video. The three Component

Video jacks are identiﬁed with red, green, and blue colors. The component video cable’s plugs are

usually color-coded to help you connect the same color jacks on the D 3 and your TV.

Connect either set of the Component Video Out 1 or 2 jacks on your D 3 to the three

corresponding Component Video Input jacks on your TV or your surround controller/receiver.

The Component Video Out 1 jacks are standard RCA type and the Component Video Out 2

jacks are higher quality, more robust, BNC jacks.

S-Video Connections

If your TV doesn’t have an input for HDMI, DVI or Component Video

Connect either the S-Video 1 or 2 Out jack on your D 3 to the S-VIDEO input jack of your

surround controller/receiver or TV. The S-Video 1 and 2 Out jacks carry the same video signal,

enabling connection of two TVs.

Note: Connect the S-Video jacks only if you do not use either the Component Video or

Composite Video connections.

Composite Video Connections

If your TV doesn’t have an input for HDMI, DVI, Component Video or S-Video

Connect either the Composite Video 1 or 2 Out jack on your D 3 to the Composite VIDEO

(or sometimes called simply VIDEO) input jack of your surround sound controller/receiver or TV. The

Composite Video 1 and 2 Out jacks carry the same video signal, enabling connection of two TVs.

Note: Connect the Composite Video jacks only if you do not use either the Component Video

or S-Video connections. An exception is if you are using the remote, Zone B, feature on a

Parasound C 1, C 2 or Model 7100 7.1 Channel Surround Controller.

Note: All of the analog video connections are active simultaneously.

CONNECTING YOUR D 3 continued

AUDIO CONNECTIONS

TO YOUR SURROUND CONTROLLER OR RECEIVER

There are four types of audio output connections, unbalanced analog, balanced analog,

digital and HDMI. The proper connection will depend on your audio system’s capabilities.

Analog Audio Outputs

5.1 Channel Analog Audio Outputs

Connect these jacks to the corresponding channel input jacks of your

surround controller or AV receiver. These connections are required to

reproduce high resolution multi-channel DVD-A (DVD Audio) and SACD

recordings because full resolution is not available via the HDMI or Digital

Coaxial or Optical outputs. If you do not plan on listening to DVD-A or SACD

discs you do not need to use these jacks.

Note: The D 3 supports HDMI 1.1 which does not

include playback of SACD audio over HDMI.

Unbalanced Stereo Outputs

These jacks can connect to a second stereo preamp or receiver or to the remote

Zone audio input jacks on a Parasound 7.1 Channel Surround Controller. They

carry the same signals as the 5.1 Analog Audio Output L and R jacks.

Note: You will not hear any dialog from the stereo outputs when playing a DVD

recorded with surround sound, unless you selected NONE for the center speaker

in the Audio setup menu. For information on the Audio setup menu see page 19.

Balanced Stereo Outputs

Recording and broadcast studios use balanced connections almost exclusively because of their

inherent ability to reject noise and hum, even with long cable runs.

The balanced XLR jacks on the D 3 are wired according to the

AES standard: pin 1 shield, pin 2 + (positive), pin 3 – (negative

or “return”). Should you need to connect the D 3’s XLR jacks

to the unbalanced RCA jacks on another component, you can

make an adapter cable by wiring an unbalanced cable’s shield

to pin 1 on an XLR connector, wiring the unbalanced cable’s

center conductor to pin 2, and leaving pin 3 unconnected.

Digital Outputs

Connect either the Digital Coaxial jack or the Optical connector (Toslink) to one

of the Coaxial or Optical inputs on your surround controller or receiver. This is your

primary audio connection for use with DVD movies and CDs. When using the

Coaxial output, make sure to use a digital cable that is made for this purpose; a

standard audio cable will not pass digital signals correctly. Toslink cables are fragile;

be very careful not to bend the ﬁber optic cable sharply.

Note: The D 3 Coaxial or Optical digital outputs do not carry DVD Audio and SACD

digital audio signals. To play multi-channel DVD Audios and SACDs, you should also

connect the 5.1 Ch Audio Output jacks.

12 CONNECTING YOUR D 3 continued

HDMI Audio Connection

A small number of surround controllers and receivers can decode the

audio in the HDMI signal and therefore no other audio connection is

necessary for your main zone. If your surround controller or receiver

does not have an HDMI input or does not decode HDMI audio you

will need to use the Digital Coaxial or Optical connections and the

5.1 channel analog audio inputs.

Note: Some TVs with HDMI inputs do not accept HDMI audio signals. For these TV sets you’ll need

to make separate audio connections from the D 3’s Digital or Analog Audio Output jacks. If you’re

using a TV’s DVI input you will need to make an analog audio connection because DVI cables do not

carry audio signals. High-Resolution SACD audio is not available through the HDMI connection.

AC Connection and Rear Panel Power Switch

The D 3 operates on 100 - 240 volts, so no AC voltage selector switch is

necessary. Plug its AC power cord into an AC outlet that is always live (not

switched). The D 3 will not operate properly if it’s plugged into an AC outlet

that might be switched off. When the rear panel AC Power switch is switched

on you can turn the D 3 on and off with its front panel On-Off button or

remote control On and Off buttons. The only time you will be likely to turn

off the AC Power switch is when you will be away for an extended time.

IR Remote Repeater Input

The IR input jack is a 1/8” (3.5mm) mini jack that connects to an

IR (infrared) repeater system. An IR repeater system includes an IR

receiver that relays or “repeats” the IR commands from your remote

control handset to extend its range. This enables you to control your

D 3 from another room, or when it is located behind closed cabinet doors.

The Loop Out jack will relay the same IR information present at the

input jack making it easy to connect a second IR-controlled component.

Note: Position the IR repeater receiver so that the IR beam from your remote control handset cannot

also reach the D 3, otherwise, the D 3 may not respond correctly to the remote’s commands. When

positioning the IR repeater’s receiver remember that infrared can be reﬂected like visible light.

RS-232 Serial Port

This 9-pin female DB9 connector is a full-duplex serial port. This permits

the D 3 to communicate in two directions with software-based home

automation and control systems such as Crestron, AMX, Control4, and

Elan. The RS-232 write (command) and read (display feedback) codes

may be found at: www.parasound.com.

When the D 3 is connected to such a controller, it can be controlled and its status monitored

from keypads and hand-held remotes or touch-screen panels throughout your house. The

capabilities of such connections, and the programming and interfacing needed will depend on

the automation system you select; consult your Parasound dealer or custom installer for more

information regarding interfacing an external control system to your D 3.

Video & Audio Connections for a Remote Zone

Parasound surround controllers and many AV receivers include input jacks so you can watch

your movies in another room (usually called the remote zone, or Zone B).

- Connect one of the D 3’s Composite Video Out jacks to the Zone Video Input jack on

your surround controller.

- Connect the D 3’s audio Stereo jacks to the Zone audio input jacks on your surround controller.

These are independent from the video and audio connections you used for your home theater.

POWER UP YOUR D 3

After your D 3 is connected to the rest of your home theater system you are ready for its

shake-down cruise. Select the TV’s Input for its Input jacks which you connected to the

D 3’s Video Out jacks.

- Press the D 3’s rear panel Master AC Power switch to its On position. You should now

notice a very faint blue glow behind its On-Off button and a red glow behind its P logo badge.

- Press the On-Off button on the front panel to turn the D 3 on: the P logo will glow brighter,

blue will glow around all the buttons, and the front-panel display will light up.

- You can now press the LOAD button and insert a DVD into the exposed loading tray.

A few seconds after you press the PLAY button you should see and hear the opening

screens of the movie.

- Once you are conﬁdent that the D 3 is properly connected to the rest of your system you

may want to adjust some of the settings in the setup menu. The next section of this manual

is dedicated to the setup menu.

Note: If you don’t see/hear anything now, please recheck your connections and make sure your

TV is on. Check that the TV and surround controller (or AV receiver) selected inputs are the same

as the input jacks which are connected to the D 3.

14 SETUP MENU TABLE OF CONTENTS

Navigating The Setup Menus .......................................... 15

Video Setup .................................................... 17

HDMI Output ................................................. 17

HDMI Format ................................................. 17

Video Output ................................................. 17

Scan Type ................................................... 18