Meridian America 596 manual

Meridian 596 DVD Player user guide[...]

i Preface Meridian 596 DVD Player User Guide[...]

Preface ii Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Cambs PE29 6EX England Tel (01480) 52144 Fax (01480) 459934 World Wide Web http://www.meridian-audio.com Part no: 596 Sales and service in the USA Meridian America Inc 3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Suite 122 Atlanta GA 30331 Tel (404) 344 7111 Fax (404) 346[...]

iii Preface Contents Introduction 1 Introduces the 596 DVD player, and gives examples of two suggested configurations using it in conjunction with other Meridian products. The Meridian 500 Series ...................... 2 Sample configurations ......................... 3 Specification and accessories ............. 5 Using the DVD player 7 Provide st[...]

Preface iv Setting default options 27 Explains how to set up the default options using the DVD player ’ s Setup menu. Setting default options ....................... 28 Selecting the default languages ......... 30 Selecting the display settings ............ 32 Selecting the audio settings .............. 38 Setting up the DVD player 41 Describes h[...]

v Preface Troubleshooting 55 Provides suggested solutions to typical problems. Troubleshooting ................................. 56 Maintenance ...................................... 59 Service and guarantee ....................... 60 Index .................................................. 61[...]

Preface vi[...]

Intr oduction T he 596 DVD video player combines Meridian’s extensive experience of producing audiophile CD players with their close involvement in the development of DVD formats, resulting in an outstanding DVD player that takes full advantage of the capabilities of DVD. The 596 uses a precision DVD-ROM drive, with the audio and video data read [...]

2 Introduction The Meridian 500 Series The Meridian 500 Series is a unique system of digital, analogue, and video components designed to meet the demand for absolute quality, ease of use, and lasting value. The flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series is such that you can assemble a system as simple or as complex as you need, perfectly suited to your[...]

Introduction 3 Sample configurations 596 DSP5500HC 504 Meridian Surround Processor DSP6000 DSP6000 DSP6000 DSP6000 The Meridian Surround Processor can decode Dolby Digital (AC-3), MPEG Surround, DTS Audio, and Dolby Surround soundtracks. Meridian Digital Theatre ™ The Meridian 596 DVD Player is ideal for use with a Meridian Surround Processor as [...]

4 Introduction By careful design Meridian have achieved a sound quality with audio CDs which approaches that of their dedicated CD players. 596 DSP5000 DSP5000 The 596 DVD Player can be connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers, as these include DSP volume and tone controls. In addition to playing DVD discs, the 596 can play audio CDs, VCD, C[...]

Introduction 5 Specification and accessories Specification THD Less than -93dBFS. Noise Less than -93dBFS. Mechanism Dual-lens pickup with red laser. Formats DVD-Video, CD Audio (CD-DA), CD-R, Video CD (VCD), CVCD, and MP3. Processing DSP software provides error correction and on-board decoding for Dolby Digital and MPEG Audio. Conversion 24-bit De[...]

6 Introduction Available accessories The following accessories are available from your dealer: ❍ Power cord Europe. ❍ Power cord Canada and USA. If you have problems purchasing these items, you can order them direct from Meridian Audio Limited, who can also supply a range of cables suitable for connecting the 596 DVD Player to other equipment.[...]

Using the DVD player T his chapter provides a summary of the functions of the DVD player in order to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. It also describes the basic aspects of using the DVD player to play DVD video discs and audio CDs. Unless otherwise specified, each function is available from the front panel or the Meridian S[...]

Using the DVD player 8 Fr ont panel 1O p e n Opens and closes the disc tray. 2 > (Play) Plays a selected chapter/ track. 3 * (Stop) Stops the disc. 4 = (Pause) Pauses the disc. 5 Display Selects the information displayed. 6 [ (Previous) Selects the previous chapter/track. 7 ] (Next) Selects the next chapter/ track. 8 Off Switches to standby. Ope[...]

Using the DVD player 9 Meridian System Remote Subtitle Off Enter Return Function 0 T op Menu # Record Slow/Page ] OSD [ Page Angle Audio A-B Phase Setup Band 789 456 123 Menu V olume Display Mute DSP Clear Store Repeat CD RADIO LP TV TAPE 1 TAPE 2 CDR CABLE DVD VCR 1 VCR 2 LD 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 1 9 10 2345 6 78 11 12 13 14 15 1 ¯ (Fast reverse) [...]

Using the DVD player 10 Playing a disc During normal use the DVD player should be left in the standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the DVD player operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start playing a disc. If you are not going to use the DVD player for a period of several days y[...]

Using the DVD player 11 To play the disc ● Press > (front panel or remote). The on-screen display shows and the front-panel display shows the title and chapter, or track number: For example, on chapter 1 of title 2: 2-01 To move to the next or previous chapter or track ● Press ] or [ (front panel or remote). The on-screen display shows or . [...]

Using the DVD player 12 Normally, DVD video discs are divided into one or more titles, and the titles are subdivided into chapters. Audio CDs are divided into tracks. The DVD player allows you to play an entire disc, or start playing from any chapter or track number. While a disc is playing you can go back to the start of the chapter or track or sk[...]

Using the DVD player 13 To locate a title by number ● Press # ( Function Top Menu on the remote). The on-screen display prompts you to enter the title number: ● Enter the title number using the number keys (remote). ● Press > or Enter (remote) to play from the title number you have specified. To play from a specified timecode ● Press # ([...]

Using the DVD player 14 To step forward frame by frame If you are playing a DVD video disc you can step forward, frame by frame, while it is paused: ● Press = (front panel or remote). The on-screen display shows . To continue after pausing ● Press > (front panel or remote). To return to the start of the disc ● Press * (front panel or remot[...]

Using the DVD player 15 You can display information about a disc on the front panel or on-screen display. To change the front panel display ● Press Display (front panel, or remote if the 596 is controller *). The display will step between the following options: Display Example Title and chapter numbers (DVD video disc) or track number (audio CD).[...]

Using the DVD player 16 To display information about DVD video disc features ● Press OSD (remote) twice while a DVD disc is playing. This shows the following information about DVD features: Subtitle language Audio track Audio format Repeat mode Play mode To turn off the on-screen display ● Press OSD (remote) again.[...]

Advanced featur es T his chapter describes the more advanced features of the 596 DVD Player. These features are not essential if you simply want to enjoy DVD video discs or audio CDs, but they allow you to take full advantage of the range of options available with the DVD format. Note: Many of the advanced features depend on the content of the part[...]

18 Advanced features Many DVD video discs provide additional sections of video or special options, which you can select from an on-screen menu. Some DVD video discs which contain several titles also provide a title menu, from which you can select one of the titles. To select an option from the disc menu ● Press Menu to display the disc menu on th[...]

Advanced features 19 You can play back DVD video discs faster than normal, at between twice and eight times normal speed, or in slow motion, at between one-half and one-sixteenth of normal speed. You can also play back audio CDs faster than normal. Note : The sound is muted when playing back DVD video discs faster or slower than normal. To play DVD[...]

20 Advanced features The on-screen display shows A – B : The DVD player automatically returns to the start of the section and plays it back repeatedly. To cancel the repeat press A-B a third time. Playing r epeatedly You can play back a specified title, chapter, track, or section of a disc repeatedly. To repeat a title, chapter, or track ● Sele[...]

Advanced features 21 Selecting a playback audio setting To select the audio setting ● Press Audio ( Function > ). Each time you press Audio the next available soundtrack is selected. You can select one of the audio soundtracks from those included on a DVD video disc during playback. To display the current audio setting ● Press OSD ( Function[...]

22 Advanced features Many DVD video discs include subtitles in up to 32 different languages. While you are playing a disc you can turn the subtitles on or off, and select the subtitle language from those provided on the DVD video disc. To display the current subtitle setting ● Press OSD ( Function ] ) twice to display the second on-screen display[...]

Advanced features 23 Selecting the camera angle Some DVD video discs include scenes recorded from up to nine different camera angles, and you can select the camera angle while you are playing the disc. To display the camera angle ● Press OSD ( Function ] ) to display the first on-screen display bar. The camera angle icon shows the current camera [...]

24 Advanced features Setting the par ental lock Some DVD video discs are provided with a parental lock function to allow you to lock out playback of scenes whose content exceeds a specified rating. To set the parental lock ● Press Setup ( Function Menu ) while the disc is stopped. The Setup menu is displayed on the on-screen display: ● Press En[...]

Advanced features 25 Initially the password is set to 7890, but you can change it to any password you choose as described in To change the password, opposite . The following screen then allows you to set the rating level: ● Press A or V to highlight the rating level you want to set, or highlight Off to turn the parental lock off, and press Enter [...]

26 Advanced features[...]

Setting default options T he DVD format allows disc manufacturers to provide a wide range of options on DVD video discs, and the 596 DVD Player allows you to choose between these options. Which of these features is available depends on the DVD video disc you are playing. For information about changing these options refer to the chapter Advanced fea[...]

28 Setting default options The default options are divided into the following five menus of settings: Menu Description Playback options The audio, subtitle, and menu languages. Video setup The display settings. Audio setup The sound format. Meridian setup Product configuration options. Information The region code and engineering information. You ch[...]

Setting default options 29 To select an option from a menu ● Press A or V to highlight the option you want: ● Press Enter to select the option. To return to the previous menu ● Press Return . To exit from the setup menus ● Press Setup .[...]

30 Setting default options The Playback options menu lets you change the default language for the audio soundtrack, subtitles, and on-screen menus, and the parental rating: To select the default soundtrack language Most DVD video discs include a selection of soundtrack languages. English is usually the default soundtrack language, but you can use t[...]

Setting default options 31 ● Highlight Subtitles in the Playback options menu, and press Enter . The Subtitle language menu is displayed: ● Press < , > , A , or V to highlight the language you want to use, and press Enter . Alternatively, select Auto to automatically display subtitles in the specified audio language if no soundtrack is av[...]

32 Setting default options The Video setup menu lets you change the video and operational settings of the 596 DVD Player: Note: The SCART switch option only appears with the SCART version of the 596. To set the default picture format Some DVD video discs allow you to choose between the 4:3 (normal television) or 16:9 (widescreen) picture formats. I[...]

Setting default options 33 ● Highlight Video output in the Video setup menu, and press Enter . The Video output menu is displayed. The options depend on which version of the 596 you have; see below. ● Press V or A to highlight the appropriate option, and press Enter . Note : The option you select will not affect the composite output, which is a[...]

34 Setting default options To select the black level ● Highlight Black level in the Video output menu, and press Enter . The Black level menu is displayed: ● Press V or A to highlight the appropriate option, and press Enter . If you are using the Composite or S-video outputs of the DVD player select the 7.5 IRE option. If you are using the Y, R[...]

Setting default options 35 To select the TV standard DVD movies are produced in both PAL and NTSC television formats. The 596 DVD Player is capable of converting between formats, to allow you to view DVD movies in either format even if your television is not capable of displaying that format. However the conversion process introduces some picture d[...]

36 Setting default options To select the screensaver timeouts ● Highlight Stop timeout or Pause timeout in the Video setup menu, and press Enter . The appropriate menu is displayed: ● Press V or A to select the timeout delay, and press Enter . The pause timeout automatically switches the 596 from pause into stop mode if no key is pressed for th[...]

Setting default options 37 When playing activates the output when the 596 plays a video disc or is put into setup, and it remains active until the 596 is put into standby. By Source activates the output for sources which have the SCART switch option set to On in the Source configuration menu. This allows you to set up a separate CD source which doe[...]

38 Setting default options The Audio setup menu lets you select the 596 audio settings: To select the digital audio format ● Highlight Digital format in the Audio setup menu, and press Enter . The Digital audio format menu is displayed: ● Press V or A to highlight the format you want, and press Enter . Choose Bitstream if you are connecting the[...]

Setting default options 39 To select the audio output rate ● Highlight 96kHz enable in the Audio setup menu, and press Enter . The following menu is displayed: ● Press V or A to highlight the option you want, and press Enter . Only choose Yes if your digital surround processor is capable of decoding a 96kHz input. To select Meridian High Resolu[...]

40 Setting default options[...]

Setting up the DVD player T his chapter explains how to install the DVD player. It describes what you should find when you unpack the DVD player, how you should connect it to your other audio equipment, and the siting constraints. You should not make any connections to the DVD player or to any other component in your system whilst the AC power supp[...]

Setting up the DVD player 42 Unpacking The 596 DVD Player comes in a box containing the following components: ❍ Meridian 596 DVD Player. ❍ Meridian System Remote. ❍ Meridian comms lead. ❍ Power cord. ❍ This manual. If any of these items are missing please contact your dealer. We suggest that you retain the packing in case you need to tran[...]

Setting up the DVD player 43 Positioning the DVD player Safety warnings ❍ Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing. ❍ Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase, on the unit. ❍ Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the unit. To avoid overheating Do not position the DVD player: ❍ In direct sunli[...]

Setting up the DVD player 44 Back panel Component version MERIDIAN COMMS RS232 Y/G S COMPOSITE LEFT RIGHT COMPONENT VIDEO OUT VIDEO OUT Pr/R Pb/B ANALOGUE OUT DIGIT AL OUT OFF ON RS232 connection Component video outputs Composite video outputs Digital output Analogue output Power Comms SCART version MERIDIAN COMMS RS232 S COMPOSITE LEFT RIGHT SCART[...]

Setting up the DVD player 45 Use this output To connect to this COMPONENT Component version only: A monitor or projection television with component video inputs. SCART SCART version only: Component, S-video, or composite video inputs, depending on the option selected in the Video output menu. S-VIDEO OUT A monitor or television with an S-video inpu[...]

Setting up the DVD player 46 Audio connections The following table gives details of the two alternative audio outputs: Use this output To connect to this DIGITAL OUT A surround processor such as the Meridian 561 Digital Surround Processor, a digital preamplifier such as the Meridian 562V, or Meridian DSP loudspeakers. ANALOGUE OUT A television, ana[...]

Setting up the DVD player 47 Connecting using component video Video lead 596 DVD Player COMPONENT VIDEO COMPONENT VIDEO IN T elevision If your television, monitor, or projection system includes component video inputs, these will give the highest possible quality from DVD videos. ● Connect the appropriate component outputs from the 596 DVD Player [...]

Setting up the DVD player 48 To connect to a Meridian 561 Digital Surround Processor 561 Digital Surround Pr ocessor DIGIT AL OUT 596 DVD Player Digital lead DIGIT AL IN ● Connect the DIGITAL OUT on the 596 to the DIGITAL IN on the 561. ● Set the Digital format menu option to Bitstream ; see To select the digital audio format , page 38. To conn[...]

Setting up the DVD player 49 To connect to Meridian DSP loudspeakers DIGIT AL OUT COMMS OUTPUT INPUT DIGIT AL OUTPUT DIGIT AL INPUTS 21 COMMS OUTPUT INPUT DIGIT AL OUTPUT DIGIT AL INPUTS 21 M5 lead S5 lead DSP5000 – Main R (slave) DSP5000 – Main L (master) 596 DVD Player COMMS ● Connect the DIGITAL OUT from the 596 DVD Player to DIGITAL INPUT[...]

Setting up the DVD player 50 To connect to other Meridian 500 Series equipment ● Connect one of the COMMS sockets on the back panel of the DVD player to one of the COMMS sockets on another 500 Series unit, using the 500 comms lead provided with the 596 DVD Player. The sequence in which you connect the units is not important. 596 DVD Player 500 Se[...]

Configuring the DVD player M any advanced aspects of the 596 DVD Player can be configured to alter the way it operates with the other Meridian equipment in your system. These settings are initially set to standard values, which are suitable for most situations, and this chapter describes how to restore the standard settings. It then gives details o[...]

Configuring the DVD player 52 Choosing standar d settings The DVD player provides three standard settings, called Types, which configure the 596 into the most commonly needed configurations. Choosing one of the three Types overrides any other configuration you may have performed, and so can be used to reset the configuration of the unit. The types [...]

Configuring the DVD player 53 Configuring the 596 DVD Player To configure specific options ● Highlight Meridian setup in the Setup menu, and press Enter . The Meridian setup menu will be displayed: To set configuration options The configuration options are generally set to an appropriate value when you reset the 596 to the standard settings, and [...]

Configuring the DVD player 54 To configure the sources If you are using the 596 DVD Player as the controller in your Meridian system, you can use the Source config option on the Meridian Setup menu to configure each of the sources in your system. ● Highlight Source config in the Meridian Setup menu, and press Enter . The Source configuration menu[...]

Troubleshooting 55 T roubleshooting T his chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may occur when setting up or using the DVD player. If you are still not able to resolve a difficulty with the help of this guide and the suggestions in the following pages, please contact your Meridian dealer or Meridian Audio Ltd.[...]

Troubleshooting 56 T roubleshooting No lights are displayed when switching on ❍ Check that your AC power supply is connected correctly. ❍ Check that the ON/OFF switch on the back panel is in the ON position. There is no sound when playing a disc ❍ Check that your preamplifier is switched on, and the volume is at an appropriate level. ❍ Chec[...]

Troubleshooting 57 The video picture is bright blue or pink If you are using the Component outputs, check that the Y option is selected in the Video output menu; see To select the video output format , page 32. Otherwise, check your video cabling. Picture whites appear green ❍ Check that RGB is selected in the Video output menu; see To select the[...]

Troubleshooting 58 A question-mark symbol is displayed on the on-screen display This indicates that the function you have selected is not available on the disc you are playing. The pause timeout automatically switches the 596 from pause into stop mode if no key has been pressed for the specified time. The stop timeout automatically fades the screen[...]

Troubleshooting 59 used. Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and reconnect the plugs at least once a year. A proprietary contact cleaner can be used to some advantage. The electrical digital output should be treated in a similar way. To change the mains fuse Fuse Spare ● Remove the mains connector, and pull out the drawer next to the pow[...]

Troubleshooting 60 Service The Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefully designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user- serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form of maintenance. In the unlikely event that your DVD player fails to function correctly, it should be returned, in its origina[...]

61 Index Index A A-B (remote) 20 accessories 6 advanced features 17 ANALOGUE OUT 46 audio CDs 12 on-screen display 15 audio connections 46, 48 Audio language menu 30 audio output rate, selecting 39 audio settings 21 Audio setup menu 38 automatic setup 50 B back panel 44 Bitstream option 38 Black level menu 34 C camera angle, selecting 23 changing t[...]

Index 62 L language screen displays 31 subtitles 30 letterbox format 32 locating a specific title, chapter, or track 12 M maintenance 59 Menu language menu 31 menu, on-screen 18 Meridian 500 Series 2 562V Multimedia Controller 4 communications 2 Meridian 500 Series operation, setting 50 Meridian 565 Digital Surround Processor, connecting 48 Meridia[...]

63 Index soundtracks (continued) selecting 21 specification 5 standard settings 52 choosing 52 standby 10 switching on from 10 switching to 11 stepping forward frame by frame 14 stopping play 14 Subtitle language menu 31 subtitles closed caption 34 default language 30 displaying 22 turning on or off 22 switching on from standby 10 switching to stan[...]

Index 64[...]