Meridian America 598 manual

Meridian 598 DVD Audio Player user guide[...]

i Preface Meridian 598 DVD Audio Player User Guide[...]

Preface ii Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Cambs PE29 6EX England Tel (01480) 445678 Fax (01480) 445686 World Wide Web http://www.meridian-audio.com Part no: 598 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) 34[...]

iii Preface Contents Introduces the 598 DVD Audio Player, and gives examples of two suggested configurations using it in conjunction with other Meridian products. Provides step-by-step instructions on operating the DVD player, using either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote. Describes the more advanced features of the DVD player. Introdu[...]

Preface iv Explains how to configure the DVD player to suit the other equipment in your system. Explains how to set up the default options using the DVD player ’ s Setup menu. Describes how to unpack and install the DVD player. Configuring disc options 33 Setting default options ........................... 34 Selecting the default languages .....[...]

v Preface Provides suggested solutions to typical problems. Troubleshooting 65 General operating problems .................. 66 Audio problems ...................................... 68 Video problems ...................................... 69 Maintenance .......................................... 70 Service and guarantee ........................... [...]

Preface vi[...]

Intr oduction T he 598 DVD Audio 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-Video, DVD-Audio and CD. This chapter gives an overview of the 598 DVD Audio[...]

2 Introduction The design philosophy of the Meridian 598 DVD Audio Player is simply to deliver the highest possible quality audio and video signals from every format of DVD and CD. It combines Meridian ’ s extensive experience in producing audiophile compact disc players with their experience in applying state-of- the-art digital processing techn[...]

Introduction 3 DVD-Video The multi-channel soundtracks on DVD-Video discs are encoded and compressed, using the Dolby Digital, MPEG, or DTS encoding systems. The 598 DVD Audio Player uses mathematically precise digital signal processing (DSP) to decode the soundtrack into discrete channels. The video is processed using broadcast-quality video circu[...]

4 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 advanced as you need, perfectly suited to you[...]

Introduction 5 Sample configurations 598 DSP5500HC 568.2 DSP6000 DSP6000 DSP6000 DSP6000 The Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor can connect to the 598 using the Meridian Smart Link, giving full multi-channel reproduction from DVD-Audio discs. Meridian Digital Theatre ™ The Meridian 598 DVD Audio Player is ideal for use with a Meridian 568 Di[...]

6 Introduction By careful design Meridian have achieved a sound quality with audio CDs which approaches that of their dedicated CD players. 598 DSP5000 DSP5000 The 598 DVD Audio Player can be connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers, as these include DSP volume and tone controls. In addition to playing DVD-Audio and DVD-Video discs, the 598 [...]

Introduction 7 Specification and accessories Specification Audio outputs 1 x digital coax SPDIF/IEC1937/MHR (digital version) for two-channel up to 96kHz, 24-bit Dolby Digital (AC-3), or DTS bitstreams. 3 x digital coax for multi-channel. 1 x Meridian Smart Link SVGA connector providing six-channel PCM. Audio outputs 1 x digital coax SPDIF/IEC1937/[...]

8 Introduction Mechanism Dual-lens pickup with red laser and 5- axis motor. Power Universal supply 100-240V, 50-60Hz, 25W. Normally off automatic low-noise fan cooling. Finish Black textured enamel and glass. Dimensions 321mm x 88mm x 332mm (12.64" x 3.46" x 13.07") (W x H x D). Weight 6.4kg (14lbs). Available accessories The followi[...]

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, DVD-Audio, and audio CDs. Unless otherwise specified, each function is available from the front panel or the Mer[...]

Using the DVD player 10 Fr ont panel 1 Open 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. Open[...]

Using the DVD player 11 Meridian System Remote Subtitle Off Enter Return Function 0T 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 T APE 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 12 Switching on and of f When not playing, the DVD player should be left in the standby state. This uses a minimal amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the DVD player operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start. After switching on the 598 runs an initialising cycle which takes a few seconds. Do [...]

Using the DVD player 13 Playing a disc Most DVDs start playing automatically when you close the tray. Some DVDs are double-sided, and need to be turned over during play. DVD-Audio discs usually behave differently depending on whether you start them by closing the tray, or pressing > . Depending on how the disc is authored the typical behaviour i[...]

Using the DVD player 14 To move to the next or previous chapter or track ● Press ] or [ (front panel or remote). The on-screen display shows or . Note: These functions are normally disabled while the disc ’ s copyright notice is being displayed. To move to the next or previous album (MP3 discs only) ● Press V or A (remote). The on-screen disp[...]

Using the DVD player 15 The Meridian 598 DVD Audio Player allows you to take full advantage of all the benefits provided by DVD-Audio discs, including one or more of the following features: ❍ Higher-quality audio up to 24 bit, 192kHz. ❍ Longer playing times. ❍ Multi-channel surround sound. ❍ Additional materials, such as photographs, lyrics[...]

Using the DVD player 16 DVD-Video compatibility To allow them to be played on DVD-Video players with no DVD- Audio capability, some DVD-Audio discs provide one or more groups with the content recorded in DVD-Video format; typically AC-3 or DTS. Selecting one of these with the Meridian 598 DVD Audio Player will generally give poorer quality audio th[...]

Using the DVD player 17 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 18 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 19 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 20 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 598 is controller). The display will step between the following options: Display Example Title and chapter numbers (DVD-Video disc) or track number (audio CD). 1[...]

Using the DVD player 21 Audio CD Track number Elapsed disc time Repeat mode Play mode DVD-Audio 1 Group number Track number Elapsed group time Play mode DVD-Audio 2 Number of channels Soundtrack number Coding format Play mode Repeat mode MP3 audio CD Album number Track number Elapsed track time Repeat mode Play mode The album number is not displaye[...]

Using the DVD player 22[...]

Advanced featur es T his chapter describes the more advanced features of the 598 DVD Audio Player. These features are not essential if you simply want to enjoy DVDs 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 particula[...]

24 Advanced features DVDs generally provide a Top Menu, which provides access to the content on the disc. Many DVD-Video discs also provide a disc menu, which allows you to select additional sections or special options. To select a title or group using the Top Menu ● Press Top Menu to display the Top Menu on the screen. ● Press A , V , < , o[...]

Advanced features 25 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[...]

26 Advanced features ● Press A-B again at the end of the section. 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. [...]

Advanced features 27 Selecting an audio soundtrack To select the audio setting ● Press Audio ( Function > ). Each time you press Audio the next available soundtrack is selected. To switch between stereo and multi- channel (DVD-Audio) Some DVD-Audio discs allow you to switch between stereo and multi-channel. If this feature is available: ● Pr[...]

28 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 29 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 [...]

30 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 until a password is entered. To set the parental lock ● Press Setup ( Function Menu ) while the disc is stopped. The Setup menu is displayed on the on-[...]

Advanced features 31 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 [...]

32 Advanced features[...]

Configuring disc options DVD-Video discs are capable of providing a wide range of options and special features. This chapter explains how to use the options on the Setup menu to configure the operation of the 598 DVD Audio Player. The options described in this chapter are only available using the Meridian System Remote.[...]

34 Configuring disc options The default options are divided into the following five menus of settings: Menu Description Playback options The audio, subtitle, and menu languages, and the parental rating. Video setup The display settings. Audio setup The audio settings. Meridian setup Product configuration options. Information The region code and eng[...]

Configuring disc options 35 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 .[...]

36 Configuring disc 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 [...]

Configuring disc options 37 ● 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 a[...]

38 Configuring disc options The Video setup menu lets you change the video and operational settings of the 598 DVD Audio Player: If your 598 has the progressive output or SCART options, additional menu options will be displayed to allow you to configure these outputs; see To set the progressive output options , page 43, or To set up SCART switching[...]

Configuring disc options 39 To select the video output format This option should be set according to which of the S-video or COMPONENT video outputs you are using. ● 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 598 you have; see below. ● Press V [...]

40 Configuring disc options Choose CVBS or S to provide a composite video or S-video signal to the SCART socket. S-video is also available on the S-VIDEO OUT socket. Choose RGB , Y , or EURO to provide the corresponding component video, and composite video on the SCART socket. S-video is not available with these options. Note : The composite output[...]

Configuring disc options 41 If you are using the 598 DVD Audio Player to play both NTSC and PAL material the recommended setting is O IRE . To select closed caption subtitles Some DVD-Videos include closed caption subtitles, which provide a description of sound effects for the hard of hearing; for example “ door creaks ” . ● Highlight Closed [...]

42 Configuring disc options ● Press V or A to highlight the option you want, and press Enter . Choose Auto if your television can display both PAL and NTSC video, or choose NTSC or PAL to match the format supported by your television. If your television is capable of displaying both formats the recommended setting is Auto , which supplies the unc[...]

Configuring disc options 43 The Pause timeout automatically switches the 598 from pause into stop mode if no key is pressed for the specified time. ● Highlight Stop timeout or Pause timeout in the Screensaver options menu, and press Enter . The appropriate menu is displayed: ● Press V or A to select the timeout delay, and press Enter . You can [...]

44 Configuring disc options The Progressive output menu is displayed: ● Press A or V to highlight the option you want, and press Enter . The Gamma correction affects the display brightness, and can be set to 1.0, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.1. The Sharpness can be set to Off , Low , Medium , or High . The Output mode can be set to Interlaced or Progressive . [...]

Configuring disc options 45 SCART switch The SCART settings menu allows you to configure how the 598 controls the SCART switch output (pin 8), which usually switches a television or monitor to display the SCART output: When playing activates the output when the 598 plays a video disc or is put into setup, and it remains active until the 598 is put [...]

46 Configuring disc options The Audio setup menu lets you select the audio settings of the 598 DVD Audio Player: To select the digital audio format This option allows you to specify whether you want the 598 DVD Audio Player to decode bitstreams, such as Dolby Digital or DTS, to PCM on specified outputs. ● Highlight Digital format in the Audio set[...]

Configuring disc options 47 To specify the maximum sampling rate This option allows you to specify the maximum decoding rate that the equipment connected to each set of outputs can accept, ● Highlight Max rate in the Audio setup menu, and press Enter . The following menu is displayed: ● Press V or A to choose between 48kHz and 96kHz , and press[...]

48 Configuring disc options The following menu is displayed: ● Press V or A to highlight the option you want, and press Enter . If you are connecting either of the outputs to a Meridian product that is MHR compliant, such as the 568, select the option for the corresponding output to take advantage of the MHR. Select Neither if there are no MHR-co[...]

Configuring disc options 49 To specify Dolby Digital compression This option is useful for reducing the dynamic range of Dolby Digital soundtracks, such as when watching a film late at night. ● Highlight DD compression in the Audio setup menu, and press Enter . The following menu is displayed: ● Press V or A to select the option you want, and p[...]

50 Configuring disc options Region codes For commercial reasons many DVDs are encoded with one or more region codes to identify the countries in which they can be used. Every DVD player is assigned a region code to determine which discs it can play. The different parts of the world are divided into regions 1 to 6 as shown in the following diagram: [...]

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 52 Unpacking The 598 DVD Audio Player comes in a box containing the following components: ❍ Meridian 598 DVD Audio 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 [...]

Setting up the DVD player 53 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 54 Back panel Component version MERIDIAN COMMS RS232 Y/G S COMPOSITE VIDEO OUT Pr/R Pb/B OFF ON SURROUND L/R C/SUB AUX DIGIT AL OUT SMART LINK DIGIT AL OUT MERIDIAN CONNECTION PROGRESSIVE COMPONENT VIDEO OUT MHR Smart Link output Digital outputs Auxiliary output RS232 connection Component video outputs Composite video outp[...]

Setting up the DVD player 55 SCART version Use this output To connect to this SCART OUT RGB, S-video, or composite video inputs, depending on the option selected in the Video output menu. SA monitor or television with an S-video input, or a Meridian 562V.2 Multimedia Controller. COMPOSITE A television or monitor with a composite video input, or the[...]

Setting up the DVD player 56 Use this output To connect to this AUX 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. SMART LINK A surround processor such as the 568.2 DIGITAL OUT Digital Surround Processor with a MHR Smart Link input[...]

Setting up the DVD player 57 Connecting using component video Video lead 598 DVD Audio 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 598 DVD A[...]

Setting up the DVD player 58 To connect to a Meridian 568.2 or 861 Digital Surround Processor (digital version) 568.2 Digital Surround Pr ocessor 598 DVD Audio Player SVGA lead SMART LINK SMART LINK ● Connect the SMART LINK output on the 598 to the SMART LINK input on the 568.2, using the Smart Link cable supplied with the 568.2 ● In the Decode[...]

Setting up the DVD player 59 To connect to a processor with analogue multi-channel inputs (analogue version) Surround Pr ocessor 598 DVD Audio Player ANALOGUE OUTPUTS 6 x Phono leads ANALOGUE OUTPUTS DIGIT AL OUTPUT DIGIT AL INPUT Digital lead ● Connect the ANALOGUE OUT sockets from the 598 DVD Audio Player to the analogue multi-channel inputs on[...]

Setting up the DVD player 60 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 598 DVD Audio Player. The sequence in which you connect the units is not important. 598 DVD Player [...]

Configuring the DVD player M any advanced aspects of the 598 DVD Audio 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 det[...]

Configuring the DVD player 62 Choosing standar d settings The DVD player provides four standard settings, called Types, which configure the 598 into the most commonly needed configurations. Choosing one of the four Types overrides any other configuration you may have performed, and so can be used to reset the configuration of the unit. Types 1 and [...]

Configuring the DVD player 63 Configuring the 598 DVD Audio 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 598 to the standard settings[...]

Configuring the DVD player 64 To configure the sources If you are using the 598 DVD Audio 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 configuratio[...]

Troubleshooting 65 Tr oubleshooting 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 66 General operating pr oblems 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. A question-mark symbol is displayed on the on-screen display This indicates that the function you have selected is not currentl[...]

Troubleshooting 67 There is interference on the radio and/ or television when the DVD player is switched on Before following the steps below, ensure all units are switched off. If this equipment does cause or suffer from interference to/from radio or television reception then the following measures should be tried: ❍ Reorient the receiving aerial[...]

Troubleshooting 68 Audio problems Creating MP3 discs MP3 discs can be created from a computer using appropriate MP3 encoding software and a CD-ROM writer. Generate the MP3 files with a data rate of at least 128Kbits per second. Group the tracks into folders to create separate albums on the disc. Do not create folders within the folders. Tracks and [...]

Troubleshooting 69 The video picture is monochrome If you are using the S-Video output, make sure that S is selected in the Video output menu Otherwise, check your video cabling. 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 outp[...]

Troubleshooting 70 Cleaning When cleaning the DVD player bear in mind that the front of the DVD player is plastic, and the display panel and lid are glass. Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit. Note: Do not use abrasive cleaners on any part of the DVD player. To clean the case, display panel, and keypad ● Use a slightly damp cloth. [...]

Troubleshooting 71 Service and guarantee Guarantee The 598 DVD Audio Player is guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. The guarantee is void if the 598 DVD Audio Player has been subject to misuse, accident, or negligence, or has been tampered with or modified in any way without the written aut[...]

Troubleshooting 72[...]

Glossary 73 Glossary Dolby Digital A digital surround sound which provides five full-frequency range channels (left, centre, right, left surround, and right surround) and an additional Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel which is band limited to 120Hz. Dolby Surround The encoding system used for the majority of movies on video and many TV broadcast[...]

Glossary 74 DVD-Audio A DVD containing audio tracks in one or more of a number of alternative formats to provide higher quality or higher capacity than CD, multi-channel audio, together with the option of still images or video. A DVD-Audio disc may also include lower quality versions of the material in DVD-Video format for compatibility with player[...]

Glossary 75 OSD On-screen display, which the 598 can superimpose on the video image to give information about the disc. PCM Pulse Code Modulation, the method used to encode music digitally, as used on audios CDs. Source An input to the system, such as CD or TV. The Meridian 500 and 800 Series provide 12 named sources, corresponding to the names of [...]

Glossary 76[...]

77 Index Index A A-B (remote) 26 accessories 8 advanced features 23 ANALOGUE OUT 56 audio CDs 17 on-screen display 21 audio connections 55, 58 Audio language menu 36 audio settings selecting 27 Audio setup menu 34, 46 automatic setup 60 AUX DIGITAL OUT 56 B back panel 54 Black level menu 40 C camera angle, selecting 29 changing the display 20 chapt[...]

Index 78 L language screen displays 37 soundtracks 36 subtitles 36 letterbox format 38 M maintenance 70 maximum sampling rate, specifying 47 Menu key 24 Menu language menu 37 Meridian 500 Series 4 Meridian 500 Series operation, setting 60 Meridian 568.2 Digital Surround Processor, connecting 58 Meridian Digital Music System 6 Meridian Digital Theat[...]

79 Index SCART output 55 switching 44, 64 screensaver timeouts 42 service 71 Setup menu 34 slow-motion play 25 SMART LINK DIGITAL OUT 56 soundtracks default language 36 selecting 27 Source configuration menu 64 sources, configuring 64 specification 7 standard settings 62 standby 12 stepping forward frame by frame 19 stopping playback 19 Subtitle la[...]

Index 80[...]