TAG MCLAREN AUDIO 100X5R User manual

contents
01
02 controls
04 welcome
06 features
14 set-up
19 remote control
23 TAGtronic Communications Bus
24 grounding and hum
25 running in and warming up
26 care and maintenance
28 technical data
five channel amplifier 100x5R s
6595P
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controls
03
Specification shown may vary for different countries
controls
02
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welcome
05
heading
04
In addition to our experience in the
world of hi-fi we are able to utilise our
expertise in mechanical engineering,
material science, multi-layer printed circuit
boards, fast digital signal processing,
electronic noise suppression, radio
frequency technology and software design
to name but a few.
All these skills are sharpened to compete
in the toughest of all technical sports:
Formula One motor racing.We directly
apply them to enhance high-end audio, for
example material science makes better
audio interconnects and resonant - free
loudspeaker cabinets, suspension
technology decouples better electronics
from the sound field and digital signal
processing makes better home cinema
products.The list is almost endless.
I have been an audiophile for more
than 30 years, and have used and upgraded
many, many audio systems in that time.
Our aim is sonic perfection combined with
aesthetic delight and solid build quality – a
rare combination in hi-fi but one whichTAG
McLaren Audio is already delivering.
It is our technical expertise, combined
with the strongest desire to be the best,
which has produced this hi-technology,
multi channel amplifier 100x5R. Its
development has pushed the boundaries of
refinement in the field of home cinema
further. It perfectly compliments our
excellent AV32R audio-visual processor and
DVD32R dvd player.Whether used for two-
channel stereo or full five channel surround
sound, we are convinced that, with the
100x5R, you will never be disappointed.
TAG McLaren Audio exists with one
aim in mind: to produce the very best high-
end audio and audio-visual equipment in
the world.
Like many people, I often have my best
ideas when relaxing to a piece of music or
watching a movie. For years, knowing the
technical capabilities of TAG McLaren, I
have nurtured the ambition to push sound
reproduction to the absolute limit; that’s
why we formedTAG McLaren Audio.
At the core of our development team are
highly experienced electronics engineers
whose heritage of award-winning hi-fi and
world-beating electronic control systems is
envied by many and equalled by few.
welcome to
Dr. Udo Zucker – Physicist, PhD in
Science, designer of award-winning
control electronics, dedicated audiophile
and Chief Executive Officer of TAG
McLaren Audio
Award-winning TAG McLaren technology -
the TAG2000 F1 powertrain control system
has been selected as a Millennium Product
the TAG McLaren Audio home cinema experience
welcome
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features
07
features
06
The 100x5R is a powerful, hi-performance amplifier which
delivers sound reproduction of outstanding clarity and purity for
up to five channels.TAG McLaren Audio's expertise in amplifier
design has led to a product which will satisfy the audiophile and
movie lover.
For many years it has been considered quite impossible to set-
up a home cinema system to the same high standards as an
audiophile stereo set-up. However, with the advent of ultra-
high-resolution, high-performance DVD, we now can have ‘no-
Thank you for purchasing theTAG McLaren Audio five-channel amplifier 100x5R.
compromise’ home cinema with truly
excellent sound and picture quality. In many
homes the home cinema system has now
replaced the two channel stereo set-up,
requiring components to complement but
also to compete with the best audiophile
products.
Home cinema provides an all involving
sound field, with sound reaching the listener
from all directions, just like it happens in the
real world. More and more recordings are
now available including full surround sound,
but even two channel stereo recordings can
sound breathtaking when surround
information is added.Whilst initial surround
sound recordings (such as Dolby Pro
Logic™) provided most of the sound energy
to the front channels with often only very
subtle information in the surround channels,
the latest 5.1 digital recordings can provide
full sound to any of the five channels,
individually or at the same time.
Audiophiles have known for many years
that precision, clarity, stereo image and
depth can be improved by using so called
monoblocs or single channel amplifiers.
Providing completely independent
amplification for each channel prevents
interaction between them, resulting in a
cleaner signal and hence better clarity and
stereo imaging.This is true whether dealing
with two channels or with five channels!
TheTAG McLaren Audio five-channel
amplifier 100x5R includes five completely
independent amplifiers, one for each
channel, including power switching,
transformer, power supply and
amplification.The only feature shared is the
remote control circuitry which allows each
channel to be switched on/off individually
using a microcontroller.This micro-
controller is also used to switch off the
amplifier should problems be detected in
a channel.
five channel amplifier 100x5R s
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features
09
features
08
TAG McLaren Audio's five-channel
amplifier can be equipped with one, two,
three, four or all five channels of
amplification, making it suitable for a stereo
set-up or complete home cinema system.
The 100x5R is fully remote controlled and
can be expanded into a multi-room set-up
using theTAGtronic Communications Bus.
topology
The 100x5R consists of five identical
power amplifier modules in a single
compact enclosure. Each module is a
complete self contained amplifier, including
its own power transformer, bridge rectifier,
energy storage capacitors and amplification
stage, requiring only mains supply and
control signals for functioning. Control
signals are required to switch each amplifier
module individually on/off and to protect
it in case an error condition, such as a short
circuit to the loudspeaker, is detected. Each
module uses its own custom designed
aluminium heatsink for excellent heat
dissipation, allowing each module to drive
even more critical loudspeakers safely and
totally independently from any of the other
modules.This results in uncompromised
sound quality with perfect channel
separation. For added convenience the
100x5R is fully remote controlled, even
allowing the user to shut down specific
channels, for example when listening to
two channel stereo.The remote control also
allows the user to adjust the volume of the
TAG McLaren AV32R av processor and to
run the DVD32R dvd player.
massive power resources
The 100x5R power output of 100 watts
into 8 ohms is a conservative rating as the
100x5R will typically deliver 120 watts
into 8 ohms, 160 watts into 4 ohms and
will drive 190 watts into 2 ohms for short
durations.As a result of the 100x5R's self-
contained amplifier module construction,
this performance is independant of the
number of channels being driven and thus
even during the loudest passages of your
favourite movie the soundstage remains
stable, controlled and detailed.
audiophile uality for movie lovers
The 100x5R provides five channels of
amplification at audiophile quality. Sound is
not compromised if used as a 2 channel
stereo amplifier or as a five channel
surround sound system. Finally home
cinema requirements and audiophile
qualities have met.
premium-grade audio components
All components have been carefully
selected and auditioned before a decision
about their use in the 100x5R was made.
For maximum performance ultra-stable
Vishay metal film resistors and low-
dielectric loss Wima polypropylene
capacitors have been selected, providing the
increased transparency and excellent noise
suppression which audiophiles attribute to
these components.
mixed technology construction
With surface mount components for
fast digital signal transfer and leaded
through-hole components for perfect audio
signals, the 100x5R incorporates mixed
technology construction to optimise
performance.The result is uncompromised
sound at a small size.
low intermodulation distortion
A theoretically ideal amplifier
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features
11
features
10
reproduces sound perfectly over an infinite
range of frequencies - starting from well
below the audible range and extending far
above the capabilities of human hearing.
Although sound outside the human hearing
range of approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz
cannot be heard, it can significantly distort
the quality of music reproduction through
an effect which audio engineers call
‘intermodulation distortion’.This type of
distortion moves imperfections that
originate outside the hearing range back
into the audible frequencies.To minimise
this effect, theTAG McLaren Audio
amplifiers have a frequency response which
extends both above and below the range of
normal human hearing.
straight line technology s
To prevent intermodulation distortion,
an amplifier must respond to very low
frequencies but block any Direct Current
(DC).This is traditionally achieved using
capacitors, which also block some of the
low-frequency signals. In the 100x5R, a
feedback circuit eliminates DC offset
voltage and allows the signal path to be
direct coupled without any capacitors.This
arrangement, which we at TAG McLaren
Audio call‘Straight LineTechnology’ is easy
to describe but not easy to realise.The
design has taken our expert engineers years
to perfect.The result is a very precise
reproduction of the lowest bass.
supersonic high fre uency response
In order to reproduce high frequencies,
the 100x5R is constructed using highly-
rated, high-precision components.The
circuit has been painstakingly designed
to minimise audio signals picking up
interference and intermodulating.
Exceptional transparency and purity of
sound are the result.
remote control
In addition to being able to switch the
100x5R in and out of standby, the user can
also switch off any of the 5 channels not
currently being used.The most often used
functions of the AV32R and the DVD32R
player have also been included to make this
a compact system remote control for your
completeTAG McLaren Audio home
cinema set-up.
powerful 16-bit processor
The 16-bit Siemens C161RI micro-
controller controls and monitors all
functions of the five channel amplifier
100x5R.
muting
The 100x5R has a sophisticated muting
system, which stops you hearing loud,
annoying switching noises and protects the
amplifier and loudspeakers.
pure oxygen free copper loudspeaker
connectors
For excellent sound quality the 100x5R
uses high grade oxygen free high purity
copper (OFHC) loudspeaker terminals,
designed and manufactured byTAG
McLaren.Very few companies provide
OFHC loudspeaker terminals due to the
difficulties in machining solid copper(1).
The benefits of OFHC are clearly audible:
improved clarity and transparency, even
when compared to high percentage
copper alloy terminals.
TAG McLaren Audio's OFHC
1. TAG McLaren's expertise in machining exotic and difficult materials for use in Formula One motor racing has overcome this
manufacturing problem.
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features
13
features
12
loudspeaker terminals are gold-plated to
ensure consistently good contact quality.
Plating is done directly on the OFHC
without using a (frequently applied) Nickel
separator, as its existence is clearly audible
as a more grainy sound. However, without
this separator copper atoms will slowly
diffuse into the gold plating, making it lose
its brilliant shine and gold colour.This
change of colour and shine has no affect on
the sound quality, it is a purely cosmetic
affect which has been accepted by our
engineers in pursuit of best sound quality.
TheTAG McLaren Audio OFHC copper
terminal allows for spade connection, as it
is superior to all other types of loudspeaker
cable connections. Please make sure that
you use a high quality loudspeaker cable
(such as our Cable AvantGarde
F3-10- SPK) including 3/8”(10 mm) OFHC
spade contacts.
made to last
The finned centre section of the three
part fascia is machined from a solid
aluminium extrusion and is then fine paint
finished.To complete the fascia assembly
the two extruded end caps are machined,
bead blasted and linished to create an even
texture which is then chemically brightened
and hard black anodised or painted.
vibration damping
The cover panel is stiffened by formed
ribs, then bonded with viscoelastic laminate
to provide a low Q panel which provides
rapid absorption of externally induced
vibrations.
mounting feet
The outer shell carries a polyurethane
disk which protects the surface of
furniture.
TAGtronic Communications Bus
TheTAGtronic™ Communications Bus
enables products equipped with this advanced
interface to transfer and share information
easily, e.g. multi-room installations.
retrospective channel number
upgrade
The 100x5R can be factory assembled
with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 channels. Retrospective
upgrade to a higher number of channels is
possible without losing or compromising
quality.The installation should be carried
out at an authorised TAG McLaren Audio
service centre as each module is connected
by solder joints instead of less reliable and
often sound quality affecting connector
constructions.
future proof engineering
The 100x5R can be upgraded in future
should better amplifier technology become
available by replacing amplifier modules.
The software of the control circuitry can be
field upgraded by a PC over the Internet
using theTAGtronic Communications Bus.
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set-up
14
set-up
15
power
connection
surround
sound basics
1. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in; the next will
release it
Check that the power button is out so that the power is off when
you plug in(1). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the
back of your 100x5R to an AC supply outlet.
Digital surround modes, such as Dolby Digital™ or DTS™ replay
the audio information using five discrete channels to recreate the
sound field through a full 360 degrees. In addition there is a
further channel which carries the low frequency information or
effects. This information is usually replayed through an active
subwoofer which can directly connect to an av processor. The five
loudspeakers which provide the directional audio information
and the subwoofer are located as shown in the diagram below.
before
you start
positioning
set-up
We know you are keen to get your 100x5R working. This section
will have you listening as quickly as possible. The controls
diagrams located on pages 2 and 3 of this manual will help you
find your way around your 100x5R(1).
Make sure that all the components of your system are
disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change
any connection.
Please be aware, when the front panel switch is in the off
position, this unit is still connected to the mains supply. If this unit
is not to be used for some time, withdraw the mains plug from the
wall socket outlet.
The 100x5R is capable of consuming over 1300 watts of
electrical power during demanding audio-visual presentations.
This results in significant heat being dissipated. Please ensure that
there is adequate ventilation above and below the unit. Place on
an open flat surface. Do not use in a cabinet or on a soft
surface such as a carpet. If the 100x5R is going to be run at
high levels for many hours at a time then it is not recommended
that any other piece of equipment is placed on top of the
100x5R.
1. Throughout this instruction manual, bold print indicates the lettering that you will
find on the panels of your 100x5R and the Remote Control
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set-up
17
set-up
16
loudspeaker
terminals
loudspeaker
connections
On the rear panel of the 100x5R you will find five pairs of TAG
McLaren Audio loudspeaker terminals. Each pair is connected
to one of the five power amplifier modules. The terminals are
designed to accept high quality 3/8” (10 mm) spade connectors(1).
Use high quality loudspeaker cables, such as the TAG McLaren
Audio F3-10-SPK, terminated in high quality 3/8” (10 mm) spades
to connect the red (+) terminal of the loudspeaker to the red
terminal on the rear panel of the 100x5R. In turn connect the black
(–) terminal of the loudspeaker to the black terminal on the 100x5R.
The diagram opposite
shows a standard loudspeaker
arrangement
surround sound
basics (cont)
The five channels of power amplification in the 100x5R are
designed to drive the five surround channels. As a result of the
self contained amplifier module construction all channels are
identical and any amplifier channel can be used to drive any of
the surround loudspeakers.
For best heat dissipation we recommend connecting the channels
as shown below.
1. To bi-wire your speakers, attach 2 spade connectors to each loudspeaker terminal
or preferably use a single run of higher quality loudspeaker cable instead.
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remote controlset-up
1918
confirming
operation
100x5R mute
remote control
The 100x5R is equipped with a sophisticated micro-controller to
monitor and control the 100x5R. The performance of this
processor, activated by a tiny remote control, allows for class
leading ergonomics, for example the flexibility to not only mute
all five channels simultaneously but for example have individual
control over each power amplifier module. So if you play CDs in
stereo you only need to switch on the left and right channels.
For added convenience TAG McLaren Audio has integrated the
main control functions for the av processor AV32R and the dvd
player DVD32R. The complete audio-visual system can be started,
stopped or muted from the tiny remote control of the 100x5R.
Whenever the 100x5R receives valid infra red (IR) instructions
from the remote control the 100x5R acknowledges by flashing the
top LED on the right front panel, above the power button.
The sound output of all five channels can be muted using the
single ‘mute amp’ button on the remote. This is a toggle action
command - one press will mute and a second press will un-mute.
When muted the 100x5R has only disconnected the
loudspeakers. The amplifier is still running and the sound will be
restored instantly when the ‘mute’ button is pressed again.
When the 100x5R is muted the bottom LED on the right front
panel, above the power button, will illuminate.
audio-visual
processor or
preamplifier
connection
switch on
You will require an audio-visual processor (such as our theatre
AV32R) or a preamplifier (such as our PA10, PA20R or PA32R) to
provide the signals to drive the 100x5R. Use a good quality,
screened phono-phono audio cable, such as the TAG McLaren
Audio F3-10-ANA, to connect between the phono socket output
on the processor/preamplifier and the phono socket input on the
rear module panel of the 100x5R. Ensure that the correct
processor/preamplifier output e.g. left front is connected to the
100x5R module which in turn is connected to the left front
speaker. Continue in this manner until all of the channels are
connected.
When you have completed the set-up and have connected all
cables between all components, ensure that the volume control
on the av processor/preamplifier is set to minimum before
switching on.
Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on.
The five channel status indicators will flash, as the amplifier
channels power up sequentially to prevent excessively high
current demand from the mains supply. When all five channels
have been activated, you should see the five red LEDs softly
illuminated, showing that all five channels have energised. Then
the amplifier is ready to play source material through the system.
Raise the volume level at your av processor or preamplifier slowly
at first, until sound is replayed through the audio system. Sit back
and enjoy!
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remote control
21
remote control
20
channel
standby
dvd and av
control
The 100x5R allows for switching individual channels into power
saving standby mode. This is beneficial when replaying two
channel stereo without surround sound enhancement (such as
TAG McLaren Surround).
To provide this function certain buttons need to be operated in
combination. When pressed, the button marked ‘channel -
amp’ will, after a time delay of one second switch all five
channels between in and out of standby as described above.
Alternatively if you press the button ‘channel - amp’ followed
(within 1 second) by ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’, ‘4’ or ‘5’ then only that
channel will toggle in and out of standby.
To allow the user to switch several modules together in or out of
standby press ‘channel - amp’ immediately followed by any
sequential combination of numbers.
The 100x5R remote control allows the convenient control of the
major functions of the TAG McLaren Audio av processor AV32R
and the dvd player DVD32R.
unit / system
standby
amp - dvd - av
all
The 100x5R is provided with a ‘standby’ mode. This function
will switch off the power supplies of the amplifier module. The
control section of the 100x5R remains active to monitor the
status of the 100x5R and to wait for a ‘wake-up’ command from
the remote control.
Pressing ‘standby amp’ key of the remote control, will ‘wake-
up’ the 100x5R. The 100x5R runs through the start up procedure
which takes approximately 10 seconds before the unit is finally
un-muted.
For those channels of the 100x5R which are switched to standby
mode the individual channel LED will be extinguished. Only the
active channel LEDs are illuminated.
The remote control also allows you to switch the five channel
amplifier 100x5R (amp), the dvd player DVD32R (dvd) and the
av processor AV32R (av) in and out of standby.
Pressing the button labelled ‘all’(1) will switch all three
products in and out of standby mode.
1. This function will only work if all 3 products receive the command synchronously
(ie all products must either be in standby or out of standby). If a product has
gone out of synchronisation, use its individual standby button to bring it back
into synchronisation.
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TAGtronic Communications Busremote control
2322
future proof
software
updates
TAGtronic Communications Bus
The 100x5R features the TAGtronic™ Communications Bus. This
will allow TAG McLaren Audio products to work seamlessly
together to form an effective, fully integrated system. Remote
control codes can be transferred over the bus, allowing system
components to be operated out of sight. The TAGtronic™
Communications Bus will allow the system to be extended to offer
multi-room capability in which the output from sources can be
controlled and redirected throughout a home. Thus the 100x5R
can be incorporated into a home installation where it can be
mounted in a convenient unobtrusive location so long as it is
provided with adequate ventilation.
One of the flexible aspects of the 100x5R is that the micro-
controller software is stored in re-programmable FLASH memory.
The FLASH can be re-programmed with updated software using a
PC suitably connected via the TAGtronic™ Communications Bus.
Details of multiroom extension and future upgrades will be
published on our website www.tagmclarenaudio.com and
the updates themselves will be directly downloadable (using a
PC) for user installation.
AV32R
DVD32R
Two major functions of the AV32R can be controlled:
volume
Pressing the ‘+’ and ‘–’ buttons adjacent to the ‘volume’ label
will increase or decrease the volume of the sound.
av input
By using either the ‘+’ or ‘–’ buttons adjacent to the label
‘AV input’ the AV32R will step through all available audio
and video inputs in sequence.
Two buttons, directly below the label ‘DVD’ allow the user to
control the most frequently used functions of the TAG McLaren
Audio dvd player DVD32R.
play/pause
The DVD32R will play the disk, and any subsequent presses
will bring the DVD player in and out of pause.
stop
The replay of a disc will be stopped.
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running in and warming upgrounding and hum
2524
running in
warming up
running in and warming up
TAG McLaren equipment is designed to give optimum
performance for many years.
Just like a high quality car, the performance of your 100x5R will
improve during the first few hours of operation. The electronic
components will then have reached and settled down to near
perfect specification.
Every time you switch on your 100x5R the performance will
improve until the components reach their optimum operating
temperature.
power supply
avoiding hum
grounding your
system
grounding and hum
The AC mains supply operates at either 50 Hz or 60 Hz
(depending on which country you are in).
Under some circumstances, you may experience an audible
hum in your loudspeakers. Should you have any problems with
hum in your system, please follow the steps below or contact
your retailer.
To minimise the possibility of mains hum in your system:
do not link the ground terminals (if available) of separate audio
products together;
use high quality screened interconnects, such as our F3-10-ANA
for your signal connections and keep the five signal channel
cables close together.
This product is double insulated and does not require a safety
ground connection.
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care and maintenancecare and maintenance
2726
service The only service you should do to your 100x5R is described on
the previous page. All other servicing should only be carried out
by one of our authorised service agents.
If service is required, please contact your authorised TAG
McLaren Audio retailer. If your 100x5R is still under guarantee,
please refer to the guarantee card which gives you details on
how to claim against the guarantee.
Please keep the original packaging and use it whenever your
100x5R is transported.
fuses
cleaning
care and maintenance
There is a fuse in the power socket on the back of your 100x5R.
To change the fuse, unplug the power cable and carefully pull out
the fuse carrier drawer(1).
The fuse carrier contains a spare fuse; this is the first one that you
see when you open the carrier.
There are no other user-serviceable parts inside the 100x5R.
In order to maintain the appearance of your 100x5R, you can
clean it as follows:
before cleaning always disconnect your 100x5R from the
AC supply;
any grease or dirt on the case may be removed with a soft, lint
free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm water
and detergent or washing up liquid. Do not use any other
solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives;
take great care not to get any liquid inside the case. If this
happens, you should have your 100x5R serviced.
1 You cannot open the fuse drawer while the plug is in the socket
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technical datatechnical data
2928
fre uency response
(-3 dB)
fre uency response
(20 Hz - 20 kHz)
0.2 Hz - 87 kHz
± 0.05 dB
less than 0.002% @ 1 kHz 100 W into 8 Ω
less than 0.05% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 100 W into 8 Ω
non-inverting between any input and output
10 - 35° C
50 - 60 Hz
100 V, 110 - 120 V or 220 - 240 V
the voltage is marked on the rear of the product
polarity
(phase)
total harmonic
distortion + noise
operating
temperature range
ac supply fre uency
ac supply
voltage
This section is for those of you who really want to know the ‘insides’ of your
100x5R. You will not miss out on any of the functions or performance of your
100x5R if you choose not to read any further.
rated power
output
typical power
output
input for full rated
power
input
impedance
gain
100 W into rated load impedance (8 Ω)
120 W per channel into 8 Ω
160 W into 4 Ωand 190 W into 2 Ωfor short periods
1.0 V rms
47 kΩnominal
29.0 dB at 1 kHz
greater than 90 dB (relative to 0 dBW)
signal to noise
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technical data
30
power consumption
dimensions
(including feet,
terminals and controls)
less than 1380 W
445 mm wide
139 mm high
352 mm deep
trademark acknowledgements
‘Dolby’is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished Works.
©1992-1997 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
‘DTS’ and ‘DTS Digital Surround’ are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
©1996 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice.
Specification may vary for different countries.
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