Theta Digital Casablanca III HD User manual

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PREFACE CONGRATULATIONS
You have just acquired the most advanced component for the control and processing of audio and video ever to
have been developed.
IMPORTANT
Save all packaging in a dry place away from fire hazards. Your Casablanca III HD is a precision electronic
instrument and should be properly packaged any time shipment is made. In the unlikely event that you have to
return your Casablanca III HD to the factory for service, or if you send it to us for updating, the original
packaging will best protect the unit from shipping damage.
In order to achieve the fullest flexibility and enjoyment from your Casablanca III HD, we at Theta recommend
that you read this manual in full before connecting the unit to your audio/video system.
WARNING
United Stated law prohibits disposition of these commodities to Libya, Laos, North Korea, Cambodia or Cuba
unless otherwise authorized by the United States.
NOTE:
This equipment has 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 and 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 equipment and receiver.
* Connect the receiver into an outlet on a circuit different from that which the Casablanca III HD is connected
to.
Acknowledgments
Casablanca III HD is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, “Dolby
TrueHD” and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Casablanca III HD is manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc. U.S. Pat. No's. 5,451,942;
5,956,674; 5,974,380; 5,978,762; 6,226,616; 6,487,535 and other U.S. and world-wide patents issued and
pending. "DTS", "DTS-ES", "DTS-ES", "Neo:6", "DTS 96/24" and “DTS Master Audio” are trademarks of Digital
Theater Systems, Inc. Copyright 1996, 2003 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
©2000-11 Theta Digital. All rights reserved.
Written and illustrated by Glenn Buckley.
This manual is also available for download as a PDF file at Theta Digital’s website. http://www.thetadigital.com
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Theta Digital.

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The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of
significant magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THE (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY
INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

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Casablanca III HD Identification Record
This information is for your records and for future identification of the Casablanca III HD. Please take a
moment to fill out all pertinent data now, and as upgrades and/or options are installed. Whenever
upgrades, inquiries and/or changes are requested, the serial number will be required.
SERIALNUMBER
DATE PURCHASED
DEALER’SNAME
DEALER’S ADDRESS/PHONE
INSTALLED CARDS/OPTIONS
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)
(Dateofinstallation)

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please carefully read each item of the operating instructions and safety precautions before using this
product. Use extra care to follow the warnings written on the product itself and/or in the operating
instructions. Keep the operating instructions and safety precautions for future reference.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE ANY OF THE COVER
PANELS.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL ONLY.
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT ALLOW LIQUIDS TO SPILL OR OBJECTS TO FALL
INTO ANY OPENINGS OF THE PRODUCT.
THIS UNIT IS SUPPLIED WITH A 3 PIN GROUNDED AC PLUG. ALWAYS INSERT THE AC PLUG INTO
A GROUNDED OUTLET. DO NOT REMOVE THE GROUND PIN OR DISABLE THE GROUND FOR ANY
PURPOSE.
BEFORE MAKING ANY CONNECTIONS TO THE CASABLANCA III HD, FIRST TURN OFF THE POWER
AND THEN DISCONNECT THE AC POWER CORD.
WHEN INSTALLING THE CASABLANCA III HD IN YOUR SYSTEM, MAKE CERTAIN TO ALLOW A
MINIMUM OF 3 INCHS OF VENTILATION ON EACH SIDE OF THE UNIT. ALSO ALLOW AT LEAST 3½
INCHS OF VENTILATION SPACE ABOVE THE UNIT. IMPROPER VENTILATION OF THE UNIT MAY
CAUSE OVERHEATING, WHICH MAY DAMAGE THE UNIT AND CAUSE A FIRE. PLACE THE UNIT ON
A SOLID SURFACE ONLY. I.E. NOT ON CARPET, ETC.
DO NOT PLACE THE CASABLANCA III HD NEAR HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS DIRECT SUNLIGHT,
STOVES, HEAT REGISTERS, RADIATORS OR OTHER HEAT PRODUCING EQUIPMENT.
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE ANALOG OUTPUT CIRCUITRY, BE CERTAIN NOT TO SHORT THE
OUTPUT SIGNAL PIN(S) TO GROUND. ENSURE THAT YOUR AUDIO OUTPUT CABLES DO NOT
HAVE ANY INTERNAL SHORTS BEFORE CONNECTING THEM TO THE CASABLANCA III HD.
IF REPLACEMENT OF THE AC LINE FUSE BECOMES NECESSARY, REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME
VALUE AND TYPE OF FUSE. NEVER BYPASS THE FUSE.
IF THE AC CORD BECOMES DAMAGED, DO NOT USE IT. IMMEDIATELY REPLACE IT WITH A NEW
ONE OF THE SAME OR BETTER RATING.
AFTER MARKET and THIRD PARTY MODIFICATIONS
Please note that any after market and/or third party modifications will void the warranty. In the case of
changing the feet on a unit, in order to prevent any damage (which will also not be covered under warranty),
please verify that the screws being used to secure non Casablanca III HD feet do not screw any deeper into
the chassis than the original ones. The original screw is 10-32 by 3/8 and goes into the chassis 1/5 inch.

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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to a new world of possibilities. Casablanca III HD is by far the most advanced surround sound
processor/home theater controller available today. It offers the advantages of Theta’s legendary mastery in digital
signal processing and sound quality unapproachable by any other equipment.
Getting to know your Casablanca III HD
Despite Casablanca III HD’s great technical sophistication, we believe in making it as easy as possible for you to use.
We think you’ll enjoy the intuitive way the Casablanca III HD works. Rather than offer a frustrating bewilderment of
little used functions in constant view vying for your attention, Casablanca III HD is structured systematically by
function.
The “user interface” is based on simple logic. For example, when a function button is pressed, you can make changes
within its menu(s) and press the same function button again to exit that function. (The same button that got you in gets
you back out).
This Casablanca III HD has been put through a rigorous and unique testing procedure that insures that it will last for
many years with minimal service requirements. This procedure includes the following:
• All assembled circuit boards are given a thorough visual inspection and are then tested in a bench-reference
Casablanca III HD.
• The tested assembled circuit boards are installed in a new Casablanca III HD and the whole unit is tested for
every function and parameter.
• The unit is put on a burn-in torture rack for 100 hours to test for any possible component failures.
• The Casablanca III HD is tested on an audio analyzer for all pertinent parameters.
• The Casablanca III HD is put through a final bench test wherein every possible feature, mode and parameter is
checked.
• The unit has all remaining chassis components installed and then undergoes a complete visual inspection,
which assures that all Casablanca III HDs meet visual specifications.
• The unit is then put through a critical listening test.
Burn In Time
This unit has a break in period of about 1 week during which continuous improvement in sound quality will be
observed. It is recommended that music be played continuously through the unit during this time to expedite the break
in period.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE
I. Due to the computer-based circuitry used in Theta products, it is imperative that the Casablanca III HD be
connected to a ground via its three wire AC power cord. It is important that the AC power outlet which the
Casablanca III HD is plugged into, is actually grounded. Failure to do so will severely compromise the
performance, reliability and safety of use of the Casablanca III HD.
II. It is important to prevent contact with static electricity when connecting other components and cables to the
Casablanca III HD. When connecting cables, simply place one hand on top of the Casablanca III HD and then
grasp the metal “barrel” of the cable with the other hand and plug (unplug) the cable into (from) the appropriate
jack on the Casablanca III HD.
III. The Casablanca III HD, as with all electronic equipment, is susceptible to static discharges. Resetting the unit
may be required if anomalies occur after receiving a static discharge. In this case, put the unit in standby and
turn off the rear panel power switch for 2 minutes, and then turn it on again.
IV. Ventilation is an important issue when placing the Casablanca III HD in a system. Make certain that the
Casablanca III HD is placed in a well-ventilated area or rack unit.
V. Please take note that some powerline conditioners defeat the AC power ground on their outlets. If the
intention is to plug the Casablanca III HD into a line conditioner, check with your dealer to make certain that
the particular conditioner that is intended for use DOES NOT DEFEAT THE AC GROUND on its AC outlets.
VI. DO NOT remove any cover panels from the Casablanca III HD, as there are no user serviceable components
inside. Refer servicing and updating to qualified service personnel only.
VII. Should the Casablanca III HD need to be reset, it must be put in standby first via the front panel power button.
Then the rear panel power switch is to be turned off for at least 2 minutes.
VIII. The Casablanca III HD can be susceptible to excessive RF. End caps on all unused inputs will improve the
sound quality and may reduce the susceptibility to RF induced anomalies.
Reference Manual Conventions
For clarity purposes, references to buttons, LEDs and display parameters will be shown in BOLD CAPITOL letters.
All functions to be performed from, and in reference to, the front panel of the Casablanca III HD will be found in the
front section of this manual. All functions to be performed using the hand held remote and/or viewed on a video
monitor will be found in the back, or last part of this manual.

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Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
TERM DEFINITION
AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society) / (European
Broadcasters Union) A three wire balanced digital audio standard. This interface uses a 3-pin XLR connector and allows for data communication between digital audio
equipment.
Analog-to-Digital Converter A device that converts analog signals into a digital format. Once
encoded, all audio is stored or processed as a series of numbers rather
than as the audio itself.
Balanced Audio Signals Signals that are carried on three-conductor cables (AES/EBU), with two
of the conductors carrying the same signal 180° out of phase and the
third as ground. Balanced connections usually cost more than
unbalanced connections, but are less susceptible to picking up hum and
prevent interference with low-level signals.
Center Spread A proprietary Theta Digital process whereby the front center speaker
signal can be incrementally spread evenly between the front left and right
speakers.
dB Decibel, a relative unit of loudness.
Dolby 3 Stereo The Dolby 3 Stereo mode reproduces sound using only the 3 front
channels, and is intended to be used either before surround speakers are
installed, or for programs that might benefit from deriving a center
channel output, but where the quality of the surround output is
unsatisfactory.
Digital-to-Analog Converter A device that converts digital signals into an analog format.
Hz (Hertz) A unit of frequency.
IR Infrared. A method of wireless transmission of data.
LFE Low Frequency Effect. Commonly a discrete audio track designated for
a sub woofer.
mS Millisecond, or 1\1000 of a second.
Oversampling The process of creating more sample points in order to more accurately
reconstruct a digitized signal for playback in the analog domain.
Phantom Center Mode Redirects the center channel signal equally to the front left and right
outputs, thus creating the illusion of a center speaker. This mode is
intended for use when no center speaker is present.
Phantom Surround Mode Intended for use when no surround speakers are present in the system.
The surround information is added to the front channels. If the current
mode is Dolby Pro Logic, the Casablanca III HD will automatically
decode in Dolby 3 Stereo.
Sampling Rate The rate at which an analog (real world) signal is converted into digital
numeric values.
S/PDIF Interface (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface
format) A digital audio interconnection standard, developed jointly by Sony and Phillips.
TRS Tip, Ring, Sleeve. Names of the 3 connecting elements of a stereo phono
jack or plug.
Unbalanced Audio Signals (AKA single-ended) Signals that are carried on two-conductor cables, one “hot”, or signal,
and one ground.
Xover Abbreviation for the word ‘Crossover’.
Table 1 - Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

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Casablanca III HD Block Diagram – DAC, Analog and Digital Out Sections – Con’t
PREMIUM BALANCED OUT CARD
Figure 2 - Block Diagram of Premium DAC board
SUPERIOR II BALANCED/UNBALANCED OUTPUT CARD
Figure 3 - Block Diagram of Superior II DAC board

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Front Panel Layout
Figure 6 - Front Panel Layout
1. 40 character by 2 row blue vacuum florescent display (VFD).
2. DISPLAY button. Temporarily overrides the VFD brightness display setting in the SETUP/INP page 1 submenu.
3. POWER LED. Lights when the Casablanca III HD is in standby mode.
4. MAIN POWER button. After the rear panel MAIN POWER switch is turned on, press the front panel POWER button to exit
standby mode. The VFD will display the last selected INPUT SELECT menu. Pressing this button again will place the
Casablanca III HD into standby mode and the LED above the front panel POWER button will light.
5. REMOTE POWER button. Activates/deactivates the REMOTE POWER jack on the rear panel.
6. Buttons 1through 6. Used to select a desired input on INPUT SELECT pages, or parameter to change when in a submenu.
The LED over the button lights when the button is pressed. These buttons are referred to as the INPUT SELECT buttons.
7. MODE button. Activates the MODE select menus for the currently selected input. Allows the user to temporarily override the
default MODE for the current INPUT. Will not show modes that are automatically selected.
8. TAPE OUT button. Used for routing audio and video INPUT signals to the TAPE OUT jacks.
9. SET-UP button. Used for setting speaker configurations/levels/delays, analog input levels, naming inputs, setting the display
& remote power jack time-out delays, selecting between NTSC and PAL video sources and accessing additional surround
parameters, and all other SETUP functions.
10. BALANCE button. Sets temporary speaker balance configurations, shelf EQ, and analog input levels to compensate for
different program characteristics.
11. A-D button. Sequences through input jacks mapped (assigned) to the active INPUT SELECT button.
12. MUTE button. Mutes/unmutes all audio outputs with the exception of the TAPE OUT jacks.
13. ANALOG LEVEL display. Shows input level, in dB, of currently selected analog input.
14. HDMI indicator. Lights when the unit is turned on. It is one indicator that the unit accepts HDMI
15. DOLBY TRUEHD indicator. Lights when the unit is turned on. It is one indicator that the unit processes Dolby’s lossless
codec.
16. DTS-HD MASTER AUDIO indicator. Lights when the unit is turned on. It is one indicator that the unit processes DTS lossless
codec.
18. LOCK light. Lights when a valid digital signal is detected on the selected input.
19. LEVEL LEFT and RIGHT buttons. Shifts audio balance to the left and right when the BALANCE function is selected, adjusts
the master volume within submenus when the LEVEL UP/DOWN buttons are to be used for parameter value editing, used to
toggle between the 2 input select pages, shifts to the next character when editing names.
20. LEVEL UP and DOWN buttons. Increases/decreases master volume. Also used to increment/decrement values in most edit
modes, and shifts FRONT/REAR audio balance in BALANCE submenu.
21. 1through 6LED indicators. Light when buttons 1through 6are selected.

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Figure 8 - All Superior II D/A Card Options

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Each Premium and Xtreme D-2 DAC card can have one of the following speaker sets (channels) assigned to them,
regardless of which DAC slot it (they) are installed to:
Front Left, Right, Center, Surround Center or Sub 5
Front Left, Right, Side Left, Right
Sub 1, Sub 2, Sub 3, Sub 4
Side Left, Right, Sub 3, Sub 4
Front Left, Right, Sub 1, Sub 2
Surround Left, Right, Sub 1, Sub 2
Surround Left, Right, Sub 2, Sub 3
Front Center, Sub 1, Sub 2, Sub 3
Front Center, Sub 1, Surround Left, Right
Front Left, Right, Surround Left, Right
Surround Left, Right, Side Left, Right
Front Left, Right, Center, Sub 1
Sub 1, Sub 2, Sub 3, Surround Center or Sub 5
Surround Left, Right, Center or Sub 5, Sub 1
Surround Left, Right, Center or Sub 5, Sub 2
Front Center, Surround Center or Sub 5, Surround Left, Right
Front Center, Surround Center or Sub 5, Side Left, Right
Sub 2, Sub 3, Sub 4, Surround Center or Sub 5
Front Left, Right, Center, Sub 2
Front Left, Right, Center, Sub 3
Front Left, Right, Center, Sub 4
Sub 2, Sub 3, Side Left, Right
Sub 2, Surround Center or Sub 5, Side Left, Right
Front Center, Surround Left, Right, Sub 2
Front Center Side Left, Right, Sub 2
Figure 9 - Xtreme DAC
Note:In figure 9, each output is shown with a number 1-4. Channel labels are available to better identify each output.

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Introduction to the User interface
WARNING !! : PLEASE READ FIRST!
In the SETUP menu, the PW button allows the user to password protect the entire SET-UP function. In the
SETUP/INPUT page 3 submenu, the PW button allows the user to password protect the currently selected
input. When any PW button is selected, a prompt will be displayed asking the user if they are sure they want to
change the current password (YES or NO). If YES is selected, the current password will be displayed,
prompting the end-user to change the current password. The password does not have to be changed at this
point, the same numbers that are currently displayed can be entered, using buttons 1-6and/or A-D. Pressing
A-D enters a zero. A password containing at least one zero is null, meaning no password. Therefore, to
remove a password, press A-D at least once.
Please note that there are no passwords programmed into the Casablanca III HD when it is initially shipped.
PLEASE REMEMBER and/or WRITE DOWN YOUR PASSWORDS! If it/they are forgotten, all access to
password protected areas will be denied!
The menu system within the Casablanca III HD consists of 1 to 3 layers, with the exception of the SET-UP
menu. Some menus have multiple pages, which can be accessed by pressing the A/D button, with the
exception of the INPUT SELECT menu, which uses the LEFT/RIGHT buttons. When a menu has additional
pages associated with it, a right or left arrow will be displayed in the bottom right corner of the VFD. Please
refer to figures 10 and 11 for an overall view of all menus, submenus and menu pages.
The SETUP menu contains a number of submenus, organized by setup function. All configuration parameters
which can be stored for each INPUT SELECT button (by input). They are accessed in one of the 3
SETUP/INPUT submenus. Setup parameters that are not stored individually for each INPUT SELECT button
are accessed in the two SETUP/GLOBAL submenus. All macros can be executed via the SETUP/MACROS
submenu.
Once a parameter is selected for editing, pressing the LEVEL UP/DOWN buttons edits the parameter value,
storing it at the same time. On any page, if the LEVEL UP/DOWN buttons are not used for editing a parameter
value, they will adjust the master volume. Where the LEVEL UP/DOWN buttons are used for editing a
parameter value, the LEVEL LEFT/RIGHT buttons will adjust the master volume. An exception to this is the first
BALANCE page and the pages where input select buttons and input jacks are named. In a few cases, such as
the MODE and POST PROCESS menus, simply pressing the 1-6buttons makes a selection.
The function buttons are defined as the MODE, TAPE OUT, SET-UP, and BALANCE buttons. To exit a
function the same function button can be pressed multiple times to exit, or another function button can be
pressed at any time.
Before you begin
With all input options installed in a Casablanca III HD, there are up to 24 input jacks: 6 pairs of stereo analog
audio, 14 digital audio and 4 HDMI. Each jack can be named for the piece of equipment plugged into it. It is
recommended that this step be done first. (SETUP/GLOBAL/JACK NAMES).
Each INPUT SELECT button can have up to 6 audio and 6 video jacks mapped, or assigned. The INPUT
SELECT button should be named for the function it will serve. There are a total of 12 INPUT SELECTs on two
pages. Pressing the LEVEL LEFT/RIGHT buttons will toggle between these two pages of 6 inputs each.
The procedure for setting up each INPUT SELECT is outlined in the Step-By-Step Setup section.
Note: The order in which input jacks are assigned to an INPUT SELECT button determines the search order.
Please refer to page 47 for additional information on source assignment (search order). When more than one
input jack is assigned to a single INPUT SELECT button, toggling the A-D button [when the INPUT SELECT
page is active in the front panel display] will select the next assigned input jack – both audio and video.

STEP-BY-STEP SETUP GUIDE