Sony SDP-E800 User manual

3-860-721-11(1)
Digital Surround
Processor
Operating Instructions
Mode d'emploi-
SDP-E800
© 1997 by Sony Corporation

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose
the unit to rain or
moisture.
A
W3 * 'oONOT open” 00 '
NO
refer sen
O REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
NOT REMOVE COVER (OR SACK)
USCR^ERWCEASie PARTS INS®*
(ICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
A ■
This symbol is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock to persons.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any change or
modifications not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority
to operate this equipment.
Owner's record
The model and serial numbers are
located on the rear of the unit. Record
the serial number in the space provided
below. Refer to them whenever you call
upon your Sony dealer regarding this
product.
Model No. SDP-E800
Serial No. _
For the customers in Canada
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG
WITH AN EXTENSION CORD,
RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET
UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY
INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE
EXPOSURE.
A
This symbol is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
IMPORTANT
This equipment Fias been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
- Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
Precautions
On safety
• Should any solid object or liquid fall
into the cabinet, unplug the processor
and have it checked by qualified
personnel before operating it any
further.
On power sources
• Before operating the processor, check
that the operating voltage is identical
with your local power supply. The
operating voltage is indicated on the
nameplate at the rear of the processor.
• This unit is not disconnected from the
AC power source (mains) as long as it
is connected to the wall outlet, even if
the unit itself has been turned off.
• If you are not going to use the
processor for a long time, be sure to
disconnect the processor from the wall
outlet. To disconnect the AC power
cord, grasp the plug itself; never pull
the cord.
• One blade of the plug is wider than
the other for the purpose of safety and
will fit into the wall outlet only one
way. If you are unable to insert the
plug fully into the outlet, contact your
dealer.
• AC power cord must be changed only
at the qualified service shop.
On placement
• Do not install the appliance in a
confined space, such as a bookcase or
built-in cabinet.
• Place the processor in a location with
adequate ventilation to prevent heat
buildup and prolong the life of the
processor.
• Do not place the processor near heat
sources, or in a place subject to direct
sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical
shock.
• Do not place anything on top of the
cabinet that might block the
ventilation holes and cause
malfunctions.
On operation
• Before connecting other components,
be sure to turn off and unplug the
processor.

On cleaning
• Clean the cabinet, panel and controls
with a soft cloth slightly moistened
with a mild detergent solution. Do
not use any type of abrasive pad,
scouring powder or solvent such as
alcohol or benzine.
For customers in the USA
For detailed safety precautions, see the
“IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS" leaflet.
If you have any question or problem
concerning your processor, please
consult your nearest Sony dealer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting Started
Unpacking 4
Source Component Hookups 4
Amplifier Hookups 6
Speaker Placement 6
Before You Use Your Processor 7
Speaker Set Up 8
Processor Operations
Selecting a Component 11
Selecting a Sound Field 12
Customizing the Sound Fields 14
Digital Recording 18
About This Manual Additional Information
Conventions
• The instructions in this manual
describe the controls on the processor.
You can also use the controls on the
remote if they have the same or
similar names as those on the
processor.
• The following icons are used in this
manual:
Indicates that you can use only
the remote to do the task.
Indicates hints and tips for
making the task easier.
Troubleshooting 19
Specifications 20
Glossary 20
Front Panel Descriptions 21
Rear Panel Descriptions 21
Index 22
This processor incorporates the Dolby
Pro Logic Surround system.
Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
DOLBY, the double-D symbol
"AC-3" and "PRO LOGIC" are
tradernarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.

Getting Started
Unpacking
Check that you received the following items with the
processor:
• Remote commander (remote) (1)
• Size AA (R6) batteries (2)
• Connecting cords (3)
Inserting batteries into the remote
Insert two size AA (R6) batteries with the + and - on
the battery compartment. When using the remote,
point it at the remote sensor 19 on the processor.
When to replace batteries
Under normal use, the batteries should last for about 6
months. When the remote no longer operates the
processor, replace both batteries with new ones.
Notes
• Do not leave the remote in an extremely hot or humid
place.
• Do not use a new battery with an old one.
• Do not expose the remote sensor to direct sunlight or
lighting apparatuses. Doing so may cause a malfunction,
• If you don't use the remote for an extended period of time,
remove the batteries to avoid possible damage from
battery leakage and corrosion.
Before you get started
• Do not connect the power cord to an AC outlet or
press the POWER switch before completing all
connections.
• The cable connectors should be fully inserted into the
jacks. Loose connection may cause hum and noise.
Source Component Hookups
The surround processor allows you to connect up to 3 '
digital audio (video) source components, such as a
DVD player, LD player (with AC-3 RF output) and CD
player (etc.). You can also connect 1 analog source
component, such as a VCR.
O ANALOG O DIGITAL 3 O DIGITAL 2 O DIGITAL 1
What cords will I need?
• Optical digital connecting cord (not supplied)
diTfc aai- Jffl s Hiiiiiib *
• Coaxial digital connecting cord (not supplied)
d.
• Video cable (not supplied)
Yellow Yellow
• Audio/video cable (not supplied)
Yellow =Q3K Yellow
White (L) -^ ™ €P= white (L)
Red (R) <C33Nn/ \«e> Red (R)
Make sure to match the color of the plugs and the jacks:
• Yellow jacks and plugs: Video signal
• Red jacks and plugs: Right audio channel
• White jacks and plugs: Left audio channel
4 EN

Getting Started
= ■ : signal flow
O DIGITAL 1 (to a LD or DVD player)
Surround processor LD player
Surround processor DVD player
Notes for LD players
• Be sure to connect the LD player's AC-3 RF output to the
surround processor's AC-3 RF input jack.
• If your LD player has an optical digital output, connect it
to the DIGITAL 1 OPTICAL IN jack on this unit.
This connection can be used together with the AC-3 RF
connection.
Q DIGITAL 2 (to a DVD player or DBS tuner)
Surround DVD player/
processor DBS Tuner
Note
If your DVD player has a coaxial digital output, we
recommend connecting the DVD player's COAXIAL
DIGITAL OUTPUT to the this unit's DIGITAL 1 COAX IN
instead of making the optical connection to DIGITAL 2.
O DIGITAL 3 (to a CD player or DAT/MD deck)
Surround
processor CD player
Surround
processor DAT/NID deck
Note
This unit is only compatible with digital components using
32 kHz/44.1 kHz/48 kHz sampling frequencies. It is not
compatible with 96 kHz.
O ANALOG (to a VCR, etc.)
Surround
processor VCR (etc.)
Warning regarding the playback of DAT/MD sources
When playing DAT/MD sources through this unit, do
not play a DAT/MD that contains digital-recordings
made from a DVD player whose digital output was set to
"DOLBY DIGITAL*. HigTi volume noise will be output
which may damage this unit or your speakers.
5 EN

Getting Started
Amplifier Hookups
Connect the audio and video signals output from the
surround processor to a multi-channel amplifier with
5.1 ch input and video input capability.
Speaker Placement
Normally, to obtain the best possible surround sound
all speakers should be placed the same distance from
your listening position (©).
This unit, however, allows you to place the center
speaker closer (©), so that it lines up with the front
speakers. The rear speakers can also be placed closer
(©), according to the shape of your room.
If you feel that this placement reduces the surround
effects, you can adjust the center and rear delay
parameters to obtain the effect you desire (see page 9).
What cords will I need?
• Video cable (not supplied)
Yellow =€3® ™ -““(S3 3 Yellow
• Audio cable (supplied)
White (L) Q \ White (L)
Red (R) <=C3pnr Red (R)
• Audio cable (not supplied)
White <<3® ™ - ™ C33= White
(or Red) (or Red)
Make sure to match the color of the plugs and the jacks:
• Yellow jacks and plugs: Video signal
• Red jacks and plugs: Right audio channel
• White jacks a Fid plugs: Left audio channel
• You can use either red or white cables for the center and
sub woofer audio channels.
© OUTPUT (to 5.1 ch audio input)
Surround Multi-channel
processor amplifier
Note
To take full advantage of Dolby Digital (AC-3) surround
effects we reccommend using high quality speakers. We also
reccommend using front, center, and rear speakers that are
of the same size and quality.
Notes
• Do not place the center or rear speakers farther away from
the listening position than the front speakers.
• When mounting the rear speakers on side walls
perpendicular to the listening position they should be
placed 60 - 90 cm (2-3 feet) above the listening position.
© MONITOR (to 5.1 ch video input*)
Surround Multi-channel
processor amplifier
Rear speaker
60 - 90 cm
(2 - 3 feet)
Front speaker
* If the 5.1 ch input does not have a corresponding video
input jack, connect MONITOR to the video input jack of
the function that is selected when the 5.1 input is
activated. (Refer to the operating instructions supplied
with your amplifier for details regarding its operation.)
6 EN

Getting Started
Depending on the shape of your room (etc.), you may
wish to place the rear speakers behind you instead of
on the side walls. One advantage of this placement is
that you can use a pair of large floor standing speakers
matching your front speakers.
Note
If you place the rear speakers behind you, be sure to check
the speaker location setting in the SP. SETUP menu when
using VIRTUAL MULTI REAR and VIRTUAL REAR SHIFT
sound fields (see pages 8 and 13 for details).
Before You Use Your Processor
Before you start using your processor, make sure that
you have:
• Turned MASTER VOLUME to near the center
position.
Turn on the processor and check the following
indicator.
• Press MUTING on the remote if "MUTING"
appears in the display.
JEN

Getting Started
Speaker Set Up
To obtain the best possible surround sound, first
specify the type of speakers you have connected. Then
use the test tone to adjust the speaker volumes to the
same level.
Specifying the speaker type
POWER
DPC MODE Digital Processing Control
DPC MODE
Digital
Processing
Control
1 Press POWER on the front panel to turn on the
processor.
2 Press DPC MODE repeatedly until "SP. SETUP"
appears in the display.
3 Use digital processing control buttons ( A / V) to
select the parameter you want.
Front speaker
Initial setting is : FRONT SP. [LARGE]
• If you connect large speakers that will effectively
reproduce bass frequencies, select "LARGE".
• If you cannot obtain sufficient surround effects when
playing a Dolby Digital (AC-3) source (a source for
which the DISCRETE indicator lights), select
"SMALL". The bass frequencies for the front speakers
will be output from the sub woofer or other
"LARGE" speakers.
Center speaker
Initial setting is : CENTER SP. I LARGE 1
• If you connect large speakers that will effectively
reproduce bass frequencies, select "LARGE".
• If you cannot obtain sufficient surround effects when
playing a Dolby Digital (AC-3) source (a source for
which the DISCRETE indicator lights), select
"SMALL". The bass frequencies for the center speaker
will be output from the sub woofer or other
"LARGE" speakers.
• If you do not connect the center speaker, select "NO".
Rear speaker
Initial setting is : REAR SP. [LARGE!
• If you connect large speakers that will effectively
reproduce bass frequencies, select "LARGE".
• If you cannot obtain sufficient surround effects when
playing a Dolby Digital (AC-3) source (a source for '
which the DISCRETE indicator lights), select
"SMALL". The bass frequencies for the rear speakers
will be output from the sub woofer or other
"LARGE" speakers.
• If you do not connect rear speakers, select "NO".
Rear speaker place
Initial setting is : REAR SP. [ SIDE 1
This parameter lets you specify the location of your rear
speakers for proper implementation of the Digital
Cinema Sound VIRTUAL REAR SHIFT and VIRTUAL
MULTI REAR modes. Refer to the illustration below.
• Set to SIDE if the location of your rear speakers
corresponds to section ©.
• Set to BEHIND if the location of your rear speakers
corresponds to section ©.
This setting effects only the VIRTUAL REAR SHIFT and
VIRTUAL MULTI REAR modes.
This parameter does not appear when the rear speaker
parameter is set to "NO".
8 EN

Getting Started
Sub woofer
Initial setting is : SUB WOOFER IYES)
• If you connect a suh woofer, select "YES" to output
the LFE (low frequency extension) channel from the
sub woofer.
• If you do not connect a sub woofer, select "NO". This
activates the Dolby Digital (AC-3) bass redirection
circuitry and outputs the LFE signals from other
speakers.
• In order to take full advantage of the Dolby Digital
(AC-3) bass redirection circuitry, we recommend
setting the sub woofer's cut off frequency as high as
possible. (However, when using an amplifier with 5.1
ch inputs, set the sub woofer's cut off frequency to
match the characteristics of the amplifier.)
4 Use digital processing control buttons (< / >) to
adjust the level of the parameter.
Adjusting the delay time
The delay time allows you create a more effective
surround effect by adding a sense of depth to the
center or rear channels. Longer delay times create a
greater sense of depth.
1 Press POWER on the front panel to turn on the
processor.
2 Press DPC MODE repeatedly until "OTHER
SETUP" appears in the display
3 Use digital processing control buttons (A / V) to
select the parameter you want.
Center speaker delay
- Initial setting is : CENTER DELAY Oms
Use this parameter to add a sense of depth to the center
channel.
• Center speaker delay time can be set in 1 ms steps
from 0 to 5 ms.
Rear speaker delay
Initial setting is : REAR DELAY 5ms
Use this parameter to add a sense of depth to the rear
channels.
When "PRO LOGIC" is displayed, the actual delay time
is 15ms longer than the time shown in the display.
• Rear speaker delay time can be set in 5 ms steps from
0 to 15 ms.
4 Use digital processing control buttons (< / >) to
adjust the level of the parameter.
Adjusting the speaker volume
Use the remote while seated in your listening position
to adjust the volume of each speaker.
2 0
2 E
2 m
2 E
Note
This unit incorporates a new test tone with a frequency
centered at 800 Hz for easier speaker volume adjustment.
1 Press TEST.
You will hear the test tone from each speaker in
sequence.
2 From your listening position, use the remote to
adjust the volume of each speaker so that the test
tone can be heard at the same level from all
speakers.
® Press FRONT BAL L or R to adjust the balance
between the front left and right speakers (±8
dB, 0.5 dB/steps).
During this adjustment, the test tone is emitted
from both speakers simultaneously.
® Press REAR BAL L or R to adjust the balance
between the rear left and right speakers (±8 dB,
0.5 dB/steps).
During this adjustment, the test tone is emitted
from both speakers simultaneously.
IS Press CENTER + or - to adjust the level of
center speaker (+10 to -20 dB, 0.5 dB/steps).
During this adjustment, the test tone is emitted
from the center speaker.
[0 Press REAR + or - to adjust the level of rear
speakers (+10 to -20 dB, 0.5 dB/steps).
During this adjustment, the test tone is emitted
from both speakers simultaneously.
[§ Press SUB WOOFER + or - to adjust the level
of the sub woofer (+10 to -20 dB, 0.5 dB/steps).
During this adjustment, the test tone is emitted
from the sub woofer.
3 Press TEST to turn off the test tone.
9 EN
(continued)

Getting Started
Q To adjust the volume of all the speakers at one time
Use MASTER VOLUME on the processor, remote, or
your multichannel processor.
When using an^mplifier with 5.1 ch inputs, set this
unit's MASTER VOLUME to near the center position
and adjust the amplifier's volume control.
Notes
• The test tone will not be emitted if the sound field is set to
VIRTUAL ENHANCED A/B, ACOUSTIC or KARAOKE.
• The front balance, rear balance, center level, rear level, and
sub woofer level are shown in the display during
adjustment.
• Although these adjustments can also be made with the
LEVEL' ADJUST menu using the digital processing control
buttons on the front panel, we recommend you follow the
procedure described above and adjust the speaker levels
from your listening position using the remote control.