Sony DFP-R3000 User manual

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SDDS Player System
DIGITAL FILM SOUND READER
DFP-R3000
DIGITAL FILM SOUND DECODER
DFP-D2500
QUICK START GUIDE
1st Edition

Sony DFP-2500 SDDS Player System
Quick Start Guide to Installation and Setup
Outline of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Equipment and accessories.
3. Site preparation and Interconnection.
4. B-Chain calibration, using the Setup Software.
5. Final adjustments and tests.
6. Troubleshooting.
7. Rear Panel Connectors.

1. Introduction
1.1 About the DFP-2500
The Sony DFP-D2500 Film Sound Decoder has been designed to upgrade existing
cinema sound systems to SDDS in a simple and cost effective way, whether your
auditorium sound system supports 5.1, or the full 8 channel SDDS sound format.
The DFP-D2500 must be combined with a DFP-R3000 Film Sound Reader, which reads
the SDDS data on film and sends this bit-stream to the DFP-D2500 for SDDS decoding
and audio processing. The audio processing includes complete 8 channel B-chain
functions and a calibrated master level control, both using high-power DSP (Digital
Signal Processing) for maximum sound quality, reliability and consistency.
The output of the DFP-D2500 is then routed directly to the main crossover networks and
power amplifiers (alternate configuration of the DFP-D2500 is also possible – see
section 3.1, Configuring the DFP-D2500 as an Input Device).
Additionally, the DFP-D2500 can apply its powerful DSP-based sound processing to the
current system’s cinema processor, vastly improving the sound performance of existing,
or aging equipment. For example, if the existing cinema processor in the sound system
is not of current design and technology, the D2500’s input can be configured so that the
superior B-chain and master level control of the D2500 is applied instead. This
effectively upgrades the sound performance of the existing cinema processor to today’s
state-of-the-art technology and capability, at a much more reasonable cost than
discarding and replacing it with a new, higher-priced cinema processor.
1.2 About this guide
To properly install and maintain the DFP-2500 system, the following documentation is
available in addition to this guide:
•DFP-D2500 Operation Manual 3-205-080-01 (included in the decoder box)
•DFP-D2500 Maintenance Manual 9-976-894-01 (available upon request)
•DFP-R3000 Installation Manual 9-968-522-02 (available upon request)
•DFP-R3000 Maintenance Manual 9-968-523-01 (available upon request)
•Relevant Technical Notes and Bulletins see www.sdds.com

2. Equipment and accessories.
Your purchase of a DFP-D2500 system includes the following items in two boxes:
In the Reader box you will find:
Digital Film Sound Reader Unit 1DFP-R3000
Reader-to-Decoder Cable, 10 meter* 11-783-382-11
Adapter EA 13-194-819-03
Spacers 4
Bolt, Hex 3/8" 43-185-981-01
Washer 10 47-688-000-32
Screw, Hex 4x12 57-683-421-04
Washer 4 57-688-004-12
Spring Washer 4 57-623-210-22
In the Decoder box you will find:
Film Sound Decoder Unit 1DFP-D2500
Mains cable 1Varies by country
Operation Manual 13-205-080-01
The following additional equipment is available from Sony:
Setup Software Free http://www.sdds.com
SDDS Alignment Film 1-759-836-11
#1 JIS screwdriver, cross point type 7-700-749-03
Reader-to-Decoder Cable, 50 meter* 1-783-896-11
*Neither the 10 meter nor 50 meter cable can be cut, spliced, or re-pinned.
Personal equipment you will need:
Personal computer (laptop) running
Windows 3.1 or later 486-66 with 32 Mb RAM, Floppy drive, serial port, 20Mb available disk space.
Pentium 120+ MHz recommended
Null modem cable, RS232C With 9-pin male on D3000 end
Real Time Analyzer With calibrated microphone(s)
Allen wrench set, ANSI Up to 3/8-inch
Allen wrench set, Metric Up to 6mm
Tweaker (small screw driver)

3. Site preparation and interconnection.
Before you begin making settings and adjustments to your DFP-2500 system, it is best
to confirm some basic conditions. Here is a check list.
3.1 Decide audio signal path
Configuring the DFP-D2500 as an output device
The DFP-D2500 has been primarily designed to be the last link of the audio processing
chain before the crossover networks and power amplifiers (in order to facilitate the full
8 channel output capability), very much like the 1st generation SDDS processor, the
DFP-D2000. Only by using the DFP-D2500 in this manner will you obtain the full benefit
of the D2500, such as its 8 channel capability, its exceptional B-chain performance, its
seamless fallback transitions, and the capability to enhance the performance of the
existing cinema processor to today’s state-of-the-art audio processing.
The illustration below shows this recommended signal path. No automation connections
are needed.
Configuring the DFP-D2500 as an input device
If for some reason the above configuration is not possible, the DFP-D2500 can also be
used as an input device to the central cinema processor. The System Output of the DFP-
D2500 is then routed to the auxiliary input of the existing cinema processor.
Additionally, automation lines need to be connected to allow the DFP-D2500 to switch
the central cinema processor in and out of the applicable SDDS preset, depending on
the SDDS Playback Status. The necessary logic signals have been integrated into the

Automation connector of the DFP-D2500, making system integration for this
configuration simple to achieve.
In this application, connect the signals noted below from the DFP-D2500 automation
connector to the control input of the central cinema processor:
Pin # Function Signal
32 SDDS Data OK Output pulse: Low = SDDS OK
36 SDDS Data not OK Output pulse: Low = SDDS NG
3.2 Check the version of the Setup Software on your computer.
The Setup Software is updated regularly. Be sure you are using the latest version,
which will be v3.00, build 3.000 or higher. You can check the SDDS web site at
http://www.sdds.com or contact Sony Cinema Products to determine the latest version
and to request a free copy. You can check the version of Setup Software you are
currently using by launching the program and selecting Help>About. . . from the pull
down menus at the top of the main screen.
3.3 Confirm proper audio interface wiring.
The Sony DFP-D2500 Decoder unit uses professionally balanced audio interface
connectors, pinned according to the THXconvention, for interconnections to amplifiers,
crossovers, limiters, booth monitors, and other cinema processors. Unfortunately,
many such devices may not employ balanced inputs or outputs. It is essential that
proper balanced to unbalanced interface wiring techniques are used when connecting to
these devices to ensure optimum operating conditions for the DFP-D2500 and
connected equipment. Failure to use proper techniques in your sound rack wiring may
result in reduced system headroom, improper theater calibration, and compromised
sound performance. For a guide to properly interconnecting balanced and unbalanced
audio signals, refer to Tech Note TN99060401.
3.4 Chassis earth ground check.
Most audio grounding schemes require that the chassis of the DFP-D2500 have a solid
electrical connection to the rack in which it is mounted. The finish on the rack mounting
rails may be very durable. Make sure that the mounting screws cut through the finish of
the DFP-D2500 and that the mounting ears make electrical connection through the rack
rails’ finish to the rack itself. Test this with an ohm meter. Additionally, a screw terminal
Technical Ground is available on the back panel of the Decoder, to help make a solid
ground connection. Do not remove the line cord safety ground pin in an attempt to
avoid ground loops. This precaution is already taken care of in the design of the
DFP-D2500 and removing the pin will have no benefit, but doing so will compromise
electrical safety and may violate electrical codes.

Note: Do not “hot plug” the Reader! The Reader gets its power through the cable
that connects it to the Decoder. Do not remove or install this cable while the Decoder
AC power is on. Doing so may cause damage to the Reader and void the warranty.
3.5 Decoder environment check.
The DFP-2500 Decoder is intended to be mounted in a rack chassis along with other
cinema equipment. However, it should not be mounted in close proximity to power
amplifiers or other equipment which may radiate strong magnetic fields or which give
off high heat. Observe the ambient temperature limit of 50° C (120° F) and if the
interior of the rack is excessively warm, provide more ventilation to lower the
temperature.
3.6 Wiring of other equipment.
This following is an illustration of the DFP-D2500 rear panel.
Note that these D-Sub connectors have metric (M2.5x.45) screw receptacles and require
mating connectors with metric screws. A kit of metric D-Sub connector screws is readily
available from most ordinary electronic part distributors. Avoid using standard D-Sub
connectors with 4-40 jscrews.
Cinema processors. Refer to the list of available Tech Notes for instructions on
correct audio and logic interconnections to other cinema processors. Note that Sony
connectors use the THXpinout convention, but other equipment may not. Therefore,
pre-fabricated cables, or cables made with flat ribbon computer-type cable may not be
acceptable for use with the DFP-D2500.

AUX input
The 8 channel AUX input can be used and configured in many ways. Here are some
examples:
•It can be used as a straight bypass input for the audio coming from the central
cinema processor, such as the Sony DCP-1000 or a cinema sound processor of a
different make. If the central cinema processor is of recent design, technology and
quality, the AUX input can be configured so that the DFP-2500 B-chain is bypassed.
The master level control will still be active.
•It can be used to process the audio from a central cinema processor with a B-chain
of inferior audio quality, which is then bypassed. Instead the DFP-2500 B-chain
takes care of channel level trim, channel EQ and master level control.
•It can be used to process the audio from an external audio source, such as an
electronic cinema playback device. All B-chain processes will then be done in the
DFP-D2500
Automation inputs and outputs. All automation logic inputs and outputs are brought
to a 37-pin D-Sub connector on the DFP-D2500
RS-232C connector. This 9-pin female D-Sub connector is used to connect an external
PC-compatible computer for set-up and alignment using a null-modem cable.
RS-422 connector. This 9-pin female D-Sub connector is used to connect an external
automation system to the DFP-D2500. This makes it possible to control all the main
operation functions of the DFP-D2500. Contact Sony for details about the protocol of
this connector.
Remote level control. Remote control of the Master Volume is possible by connecting
a 100k-ohm linear taper potentiometer. The wiring convention of this potentiometer is
unique to Sony, so follow the documentation carefully.

4. Checks of correct DFP-R3000 Reader mounting.
Do not “hot plug” the Reader! The Reader gets its power through the cable that
connects it to the Decoder. Do not remove or install this cable while the Decoder power
is on. Doing so may cause damage to the Reader and void the warranty.
Frame offset. Specific installation instructions for mounting the Reader to each type of
projector are available in the DFP-R3000 Installation Manual. Following these
instructions will ensure a minimum frame offset between the Reader’s LEDs and the
picture gate. See Step 17 in Section 5, B-Chain Alignment. The frame offset must be
at least 32 frames ahead of the projector gate. The maximum frame offset
possible is 115 frames.