Meridian Audio 568 manual

Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor user guide[...]

i Preface Meridian 568 Digital Surr ound Pr ocessor User Guide[...]

Preface ii Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Cambs PE18 6ED England Tel␣ ␣ (01480) 52144 Fax␣ ␣ (01480) 459934 World Wide Web http://www.meridian-audio.com Part no: 568 Sales and service in the USA Meridian America Inc 3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Suite 122 Atlanta GA 30331 Tel␣ ␣ (404) 3[...]

iii Preface Contents Introduction 1 Introduces the digital surround processor, and gives guidelines and suggested layouts to help you plan your surround system. The 568 Digital Surround Processor ...... 2 Sample configurations ........................... 4 Specification and accessories ............... 6 DSP presets .................................[...]

Preface iv Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 63 Describes how to perform a basic configuration of the digital surround processor without requiring a computer. Choosing a standard setting .................. 64 Standard source settings ....................... 66 Calibrating the system ........................... 67 Calibra[...]

v Preface Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 77 Describes how to configure the digital surround processor using the Meridian Configuration program. The Meridian Configuration program ..... 78 Installing the Meridian Configuration program ................................................. 79 Creating a new settings file .....[...]

Preface vi[...]

Introduction 1 Intr oduction T he Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor combines a completely digital surround-sound processor with a high-performance digital preamplifier in a single integrated unit. It takes advantage of the latest techniques in high- precision analogue electronics and digital signal processing, and the result is an impressivel[...]

2 Introduction The 568 Digital Surround Processor incorporates the result of several years of research and development into several innovative technologies. Digital Signal Processing Digital Signal Processing, or DSP, is a technique pioneered by Meridian in hi-fi products for achieving extremely accurate reproduction of audio signals using high-pre[...]

Introduction 3 Meridian High Resolution (MHR) The 568 Digital Surround Processor supports Meridian High Resolution (MHR), to allow you to connect to other MHR- compliant Meridian products to take advantage of high-rate audio sources, and provide the additional benefits of lower jitter and improved sound quality on all sources. MHR is a proprietary [...]

4 Introduction Meridian Compact Theatre™ The Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor is ideal for use with the M33 Active Analogue Loudspeaker and M1500 Active Subwoofer. The M33 provides an unusually good response for such a compact case, and can be mounted either horizontally or vertically for total flexibility. The 568 Digital Surround Process[...]

Introduction 5 Meridian DVD Player DSP5000C 504 D33 side D33 side 568 D33 rear D33 rear DSP6000 DSP6000 Meridian Digital Theatre™ The 568 Digital Surround Processor can be used with two Meridian DSP6000 Digital Loudspeakers, and a DSP5000C Digital Centre Loudspeaker, to provide audiophile-quality sound. A further two or four D33 Active Digital Lo[...]

6 Introduction Specification Digital inputs 4 x cable, 75 Ω , IEC958 and data compatible, up to 24 bits. 1 x optical, Toslink (EIAJ), IEC958 and data compatible, up to 24 bits. Analogue inputs 2 x unbalanced, 20k Ω input impedance. 1 x stereo 24-bit Delta-Sigma ADC. Processing 2 x Motorola 56002 running at 66MHz. 1 x Motorola 56303 running at 7[...]

Introduction 7 Control 2 x Meridian Comms. 9-pin D connector for RS232 PC setup and control. Dimensions 321mm x 88mm x 332mm (12.7" x 3.5" x 13.1") (W x H x D). Weight 5kg (10lb). Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product specifications at any time. Available accessories The following accessories are available from your deal[...]

8 Introduction Fan kit A Fan kit is available for the 568 to provide additional ventilation if the unit is installed in an enclosed space. The fan can be programmed using the Meridian Configuration program so that it either runs when the 568 is out of standby, or when the temperature rises above the recommended level. Rack mount kit The Meridian 50[...]

Introduction 9 The digital surround processor provides an extremely comprehensive range of digital signal processing options for decoding both analogue and digital audio signals and processing them for multi-channel reproduction. These are referred to as DSP presets, and are designed to provide the best results with a range of different types of mu[...]

10 Introduction In addition, a high data-rate version of DTS can be used to compress five channels of CD-quality audio into the same space as two channels of unencoded sound, allowing a DTS music CD to provide over an hour of five-channel music, at a quality indistinguishable from conventional CD. MPEG Surround MPEG Surround is the preferred audio [...]

Introduction 11 TV Logic TV Logic provides user-adjustable steering, and is recommended for use with TV broadcasts that are not surround encoded, where Pro Logic may give reduced intelligibility. THX Cinema THX Cinema enhances Pro Logic to replicate the sound of a dubbing stage or theatre, whether or not the other equipment in your system is THX ap[...]

12 Introduction Trifield Trifield uses a different processing technique to give a stable, three-dimensional image, with the ability to adjust the width of the image. Because of its precision we recommend this option for solo, chamber, or vocal music. Super Stereo Super Stereo provides a form of Ambisonic decoding suitable for material that is not s[...]

Using the digital surround processor 13 Using the digital surr ound pr ocessor T his chapter provides a summary of the functions of the digital surround processor to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the digital surround processor, using either the front panel or the Me[...]

Using the digital surround processor 14 Fr ont panel 1 Source Selects the source. 2 Store Changes the DSP preset assigned to a source. 3 Preset Changes the preset. 4 Mute 5 Display Changes the information displayed on the front panel. 6 V Decrease Decreases the volume. 7 A Increase Increases the volume. 8 Off Switches to standby. Store Source V Pre[...]

Using the digital surround processor 15 1 Source keys Select a source. 2 Control keys Control the source functions. 3 Off Switches to standby. 4 Function Acesses additional functions. 5 Number keys For entering track numbers and radio presets. 6 Title/Chapter For controlling a DVD Player. 7 Menu keys For customising the 568. 8 Preset Changes the DS[...]

Using the digital surround processor 16 Quick guide to operating the 568 with the r emote Action 568 as controller DSP speaker as controller Source selection CD, RADIO etc. CD, RADIO etc. Go to standby Off Off Volume Volume A V Volume A V Mute Mute Mute Change display Display Not available Change DSP preset Preset Preset Move to next or previous me[...]

Using the digital surround processor 17 When not playing, the digital surround processor should be left in the standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the digital surround processor operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start. If you are not going to use the digital surround proces[...]

Using the digital surround processor 18 To switch to standby ● Press Off on the front panel or the remote. The display will show: . If you have other Meridian 500 Series equipment or Meridian DSP loudspeakers connected to the digital surround processor these units will also switch to standby.[...]

Using the digital surround processor 19 To mute the sound ● Press Mute . The display will show: Mute To restore the sound ● Press Mute again. Alternatively, the sound will be restored if you adjust the volume. The digital surround processor adjusts the volume in precise steps of 1dB, where 9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness. The current[...]

Using the digital surround processor 20 Each source has a set of DSP presets associated with it, one for each of the alternative audio formats: two-channel (PCM), Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG, and MLP. When you choose a source an appropriate DSP preset is selected for the incoming audio format. For example, if you have selected the CD source and are pl[...]

Using the digital surround processor 21 Changing the display The digital surround processor displays information about the current settings on the 12-character front panel display. In addition, it can display the same information superimposed on a video image. For more information about setting up the on-screen display refer to Connecting video , p[...]

Using the digital surround processor 22[...]

Defining your own presets 23 Defining your own pr esets I n addition to being able to change the source, volume, and DSP preset, the digital surround processor provides a sophisticated range of more advanced adjustments for each DSP preset, to allow you to change the characteristics of the sound to the settings you want. This chapter explains how t[...]

Defining your own presets 24 Locking and unlocking the menus To simplify the normal operation of the digital surround processor, and to protect the settings from accidental changes, you can lock the menus so that the parameters cannot be accessed. To display or change the DSP presets, or to define your own presets, you first need to unlock the digi[...]

Defining your own presets 25 Changing the DSP parameters Each DSP preset provides a series of parameters that you can vary to customise its behaviour to your specific requirements. For example, most presets provide Balance and Depth parameters which alter the characteristics of the sound. For each of the built-in DSP presets these parameters are se[...]

Defining your own presets 26 Parameter Range Default What it changes Treble * † -10dB to +10dB +0dB The slope of the frequency response. Bass * † -5dB to +5dB +0dB The bass response. Phase * † + or - + The phase of all loudspeakers. Balance <10 to 10> <0> The L-R balance. Centre -3.0dB to +3.0dB +0.0dB The level of the centre. Dep[...]

Defining your own presets 27 The digital surround processor provides sophisticated treble and bass controls, to allow you to adjust the broad balance of the system to correct for the acoustics of your listening room, or for a misbalanced recording. The controls are more subtle than conventional tone controls, and take advantage of digital signal pr[...]

Defining your own presets 28 To move the listening position to the left or right ● Press > or < (remote) until the display shows the current balance. For example: Balance <0> ● Press A or V (remote) to move the listening position. The display shows the direction and position of the listening position. For example: Balance <8 The [...]

Defining your own presets 29 To change the relative level of the rear or side loudspeakers ● Press > or < (remote) until the display shows the speaker(s) you want to adjust. For example: Rear +0 ● Press A or V (remote) to change the relative level of the speakers, in dB. You can change the relative loudness of the rear loudspeakers from -[...]

Defining your own presets 30 Changing the integration of the centr e To change the relative delay of the centre speaker ● Press > or < (remote) until the display shows the current centre depth. For example: Depth +0.0 ● Press A or V (remote) to change the relative depth of the centre speaker. You can change the depth between -2.5ms, which[...]

Defining your own presets 31 Changing the spaciousness of the sound If you have side speakers an additional S Delay option allows you to adjust the delay on the side speakers between 15ms and 30ms. Note that for best results you should never set the S Delay to be less than the R Delay. You can adjust the spaciousness of the sound by altering the de[...]

Defining your own presets 32 To adjust the lip sync The LipSync parameter is a unique feature of the digital surround processor which allows you to adjust the delay between the sound and the video image by up to one video frame. Most movies are mixed for a viewing distance of 30 feet, and when viewed from 12 feet or less the sound arrives too early[...]

Defining your own presets 33 Each source has an appropriate DSP preset associated with it for each music format. For example, for a standard stereo (PCM) signal the CD source uses Trifield and the TV source uses TV Logic . This section explains how to change the DSP preset associated with any source. To change the DSP preset for a source ● Make s[...]

Defining your own presets 34 The 568 Digital Surround Processor allows you to modify one of the built-in presets, and save it for future use. You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you can create up to 12 presets of your own, with names of your choice, so you can use them alongside the built-in presets. To save the preset settin[...]

Defining your own presets 35 If you are defining a user preset you can now edit the name of the preset if you wish. A flashing cursor shows the letter you are editing: Sto.•ser 1 If you have an on-screen display it shows: ● Use Source (front panel) or > and < (remote) to select the character position you want to edit. ● Press A or V (fr[...]

Defining your own presets 36 To clear a user-defined preset ● Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus , page 24. ● Press Preset (front panel or remote) to select the DSP preset you want to clear. For example: User 2 ● Press and hold down Clear (remote) for several seconds. The display shows: Preset Clear If you clear a prese[...]

DSP presets 37 DSP pr esets T his chapter gives technical information about each of the DSP presets built in to the digital surround processor. It explains the processing performed by each DSP preset, and gives details of the types of material you should use with each preset. It also gives details of the special DSP parameters available for each pr[...]

DSP presets 38 Logic DSP pr esets The digital surround processor provides four DSP presets specifically designed for reproducing stereo film soundtracks. Three of these presets, Pro Logic , THX Cinema , and TV Logic , are designed for Dolby Surround encoded material. Most films, and many TV programmes and series, are encoded using Dolby Surround, a[...]

DSP presets 39 THX Cinema The THX Cinema DSP preset provides Pro Logic decoding, followed by additional signal processing refinements developed by Lucasfilm Ltd. The THX extensions to Pro Logic decoding are designed to provide a better match between the sound of the movie theatre and a home cinema in the following ways: ❍ The front channels are r[...]

DSP presets 40 TV Logic DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Roll Off, Low, Med, High The degree of left–right steering. Yaw Off, Low, Med, High The degree of front–rear steering. Mono Rear Steered Rear, Steered Which of the surround Side, Steered All, channels are Mono All, Mono generated by steering. Rear, Mono Side Mono In[...]

DSP presets 41 Music DSP pr esets Music The Music DSP preset extracts the mono and surround components of the original recording. These components provide an alternative representation of the original sound, and this representation is sometimes used for recording systems or in broadcasts such as FM radio. The mono element is equalised using a propr[...]

DSP presets 42 This gives a significant improvement over traditional stereo, which converts the differences between the microphone signals into amplitude differences in the speaker signals. This version of the Trifield algorithm is virtually impossible to implement without digital signal processing. Trifield is recommended for well-made recordings [...]

DSP presets 43 Ambisonic The Ambisonic DSP preset is designed for replaying material encoded in UHJ format, the two-channel stereo-compatible encoding found on Ambisonically recorded discs and broadcasts. This material is specifically encoded for surround reproduction and can give breathtakingly realistic sound when replayed using the digital surro[...]

DSP presets 44 Ambisonic and Super Stereo DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Width * 0 to 1 The width of the image. Position † A, C, E, G, I, K, M The seating position; the letters are like rows in a hall. 5 Channels 7, 6, 5, 4 The number of speakers. R Filter Off, 3kHz, 7kHz, The cutoff of high 9kHz frequencies from the rear[...]

DSP presets 45 Stereo and Direct The Stereo preset passes the left and right input signals directly to the left and right main speakers. Any mono or front left and right subwoofers continue to be used. With the Direct preset only the left and right main speakers are used. Stereo and Direct DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes HS [...]

DSP presets 46 The discrete digital formats can encode up to eight separate channels, which can be decoded to provide separate signals to the eight speakers in a surround configuration. Dolby Digital Dolby Digital is a totally digital format capable of encoding five full frequency-range channels, together with one restricted frequency-range channel[...]

DSP presets 47 5.1 Movie DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Surr. Rear Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Switches the surround Surr. All signal between the side and rear speakers. LFE 0 to -30dB The relative level of the LFE bass channel. Max SPL * 105 to 120dB SPL The peak-level limit for an LFE subwoofer. Limit * -15 to -5dBFS The peak[...]

DSP presets 48 Using peak-level limiting The Max SPL or Limit parameters allow you to set up peak-level limiting for bass signals, and the setting applies to all the discrete digital DSP presets. If your loudspeaker layout includes one or more subwoofers the parameter is named Max SPL , and it sets the peak-level limit for the LFE channel. If your [...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 49 Setting up the digital surr ound pr ocessor T his chapter explains how to install the digital surround processor. It describes what you should find when you unpack the unit, how you should connect it to your other audio equipment and speakers, and the siting constraints. Before you begin installation you[...]

50 Setting up the digital surround processor Unpacking The digital surround processor comes in a box containing the following components: ❍ Meridian 568 Digital Surround Processor. ❍ Meridian System Remote. ❍ Power cord. ❍ 500 Series communications lead. ❍ RS232 computer serial lead. ❍ This manual. If any of these items are missing plea[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 51 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 digital surround processor: ❍ In direct [...]

52 Setting up the digital surround processor Use this connection To connect to this COMPOSITE/S IN The video output from the 581 Video Controller, or a video recorder, TV tuner, or cable television. COMPOSITE/S OUT The video input of a television or monitor. Video connections To take advantage of the on-screen display you should loop either composi[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 53 Digital audio inputs The following table gives details of the digital audio inputs: Use this input To connect to this CD/D1, DVD/D2, A digital source, such as a CD player, CDR/D3, TAPE2/D4 DVD player, digital tape recorder, or digital television tuner. LD/01 A digital-optical source, such as a LaserDisc [...]

54 Setting up the digital surround processor Audio outputs The following table gives details of the analogue and digital outputs: Use this output To connect to this MAIN 1-2 Main left and right speakers. CENTRE/SUB 3-4 Centre speaker and centre or mono subwoofer. SIDES/SUB 5-6 Left and right subwoofers, or side left and side right surround speakers[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 55 On-screen display Video lead 568 Digital Surround Pr ocessor VIDEO OUT VIDEO IN Video Sour ce (eg 562V , 581, or DVD Player) MONITOR IN T elevision/Monitor OUT If your surround system includes video the 568 can add a text overlay to the video signal, to provide additional information about its operation [...]

56 Setting up the digital surround processor To connect to Meridian DSP loudspeakers DSP5000C Centre (master) DIGIT AL OUTPUTS COMMS COMMS OUTPUT INPUT DIGIT AL OUTPUT DIGIT AL INPUTS 21 COMMS OUTPUT INPUT DIGIT AL OUTPUT DIGIT AL INPUTS 21 COMMS OUTPUT INPUT DIGIT AL OUTPUT DIGIT AL INPUTS 1 2 S5 lead S5 lead M5 lead S5 lead (digital unused) DSP50[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 57 To connect to active loudspeakers (eg Meridian M33s) 568 Digital Surround Pr ocessor M33 Active Loudspeaker Audio leads INPUT INPUT M33 Active Loudspeaker 2 1 MAIN–L MAIN–R ● Connect the appropriate analogue output socket from the digital surround processor to the speaker inputs, using screened aud[...]

58 Setting up the digital surround processor To connect an active subwoofer (eg Meridian M1500 or M2500) SUB 568 Digital Surround Pr ocessor Subwoofer Audio lead DIRECT INPUT CROSSOVER INPUT 4 ● Connect the SUB analogue output socket from the 568 Digital Surround Processor to the subwoofer’s line level input. The digital surround processor prov[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 59 To connect to a digital source (eg Meridian 508.24 24-Bit CD Player) 508.24 24-Bit CD Player Digital lead DIGIT AL INPUT CD/D1 568 Digital Surround Pr ocessor DIGIT AL OUTPUT You can connect up to five digital sources to the 568 Digital Surround Processor. ● Connect the digital source to one of the dig[...]

60 Setting up the digital surround processor To connect to a DVD player (eg Meridian DVD Player) S-video lead 568 Digital Surround Pr ocessor VIDEO IN S Meridian DVD Player DIGIT AL INPUT DVD/D2 DIGIT AL OUT S-video output Digital lead ● Connect the S-video output from the DVD player to the S VIDEO IN socket of the 568, using an S-video lead. ●[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 61 To connect to a 562 or 562V Multimedia Controller 562V Multimedia Controller Digital lead 568 Digital Surround Pr ocessor DIGIT AL OUTPUT MAIN DIGIT AL INPUT CD/D1 ANALOGUE INPUT TV/A1 MAIN ANALOGUE Audio lead ● Connect the MAIN digital output of the 562 or 562V to the CD/ D1 digital input socket of th[...]

62 Setting up the digital surround processor To connect to other Meridian 500 Series equipment ● Connect one of the COMMS sockets on the back panel of the 568 Digital Surround Processor to one of the COMMS sockets on another 500 Series unit, using the 500 comms lead provided with the digital surround processor. The sequence in which you connect t[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 63 Configuring the digital surr ound pr ocessor without a computer T he 568 Digital Surround Processor can be set up for most standard configurations of loudspeakers and sources using just the front-panel controls and Meridian System Remote. This chapter explains how to configure the dig[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 64 Choosing a standar d setting The digital surround processor provides several alternative standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 568 into the most commonly needed configurations. In addition, any User Types you create using the Meridian Configuration progra[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 65 To select a Type ● Put the digital surround processor into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote). ● Hold down the A key on the front panel until the display shows: Type in... 3 ● Hold down the A key for three more seconds until the display shows: Type,wait... It will t[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 66 The digital surround processor provides 12 sources corresponding to the 12 source selection keys on the Meridian System Remote. When the digital surround processor is reset to one of the standard Types the sources are set up with the labels, inputs, and presets shown in the table belo[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 67 Calibrating the system To help you to set up your installation to give the best possible sound with any particular combination of associated equipment, the 568 Digital Surround Processor includes a built-in calibration procedure. This calibration procedure uses test signals to present[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 68 To choose the distance units You can choose to display and enter distances in either feet and inches, or metres. To change the distance units: ● Put the digital surround processor into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote). ● Press and hold the V key on the front panel f[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 69 To move between the calibration tests ● Press > (remote) or Source (front panel) to move to the next test. ● Press < (remote) to move back to an earlier test. ● Press Store (front panel or remote) to jump to the next set of tests. The calibration tests are described in the[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 70 Levels These tests allow you to adjust the output level to each speaker individually, and it follows the general guidelines from Dolby Laboratories and Lucasfilm. A Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter can be useful at this stage; ask your dealer for more information. In each test the dis[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 71 Distance These tests allow you to adjust the delay of each of the speakers in the layout to time-align the system so that sounds are coincident when they arrive at the listening position. Before setting up the speaker outputs you need to measure the distance to each speaker from the l[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 72 Fine tuning These tests allow you to fine-tune the phase and delay of each speaker when used in conjunction with other speakers on the layout. ● Use the > and < keys to move between each of the speakers in the layout. The first display allows you to adjust the phase. For examp[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 73 Pay particular attention to the centre channel, as this can have a dramatic effect on the overall sound. As you increase the delay the speaker will appear to move away from you. You have now completed the calibration of your system. ● Press Off (front panel or remote) to exit from t[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 74 This section explains how to use Sine/Sub mode to adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency to suit the subwoofers in your system, and use a sinewave test signal to check for room resonances. To turn on Sine/Sub mode ● Put the digital surround processor into standby by pressing Off ([...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 75 To use the sinewave sweep test Sine/Sub mode includes a sinewave signal test, to help you set the subwoofer crossover frequencies, or check for room resonances. ● Turn on Sine/Sub mode, as described above. ● Press < or > (remote) until the display shows: Sine Off ● Press A[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer 76 To change the volume ● Use the volume keys in the usual way. Warning: Very loud low-frequency signals may damage speakers. To select the channel ● Press < or > (remote) until the display shows the current channels. For example: All Channels ● Press A or V to select a speci[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 77 Configuring the digital surr ound pr ocessor using a computer T he 568 Digital Surround Processor provides a flexible range of customisation options which you can change to suit your own preferences and the other equipment in your system. To configure the 568 you use the Meridian Config[...]

78 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer The Meridian Configuration program is a stand-alone Windows- based application that lets you design your own configuration of the 568 Digital Surround Processor to suit your own personal preferences and the particular configuration of equipment in your system. The Meridian Configuration[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 79 Requirements To use the Meridian Configuration program you need: ❍ A computer running Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.00. ❍ A 100MHz or faster Pentium-class processor. ❍ At least 16 Mbytes of RAM. ❍ 5 Mbytes of free disk space. ❍ A vacant 9-pin serial port assigned to one of COM1 t[...]

80 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer Button Option Function New Creates a new settings file. Open Opens an existing settings file. Save Saves the current settings file to disk. Fetch Fetches the current configuration of the attached product(s). Store Stores the current settings and User Types to attached products. Disconne[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 81 To connect the serial cable The serial cable is symmetrical, and can be connected either way round. ● Connect one end to the RS232 connector on the back panel of the 568 Digital Surround Processor. ● Connect the other end to one of the serial ports on the PC or PC notebook computer.[...]

82 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer Creating a new settings file A new settings file will be created for you, with the initial name MSF1 , and the Meridian window will show a Surround processor icon to identify the product you are configuring. ● Choose Save As from the File menu, enter an appropriate name for the file, [...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 83 To enter your personal details ● Click the Owner icon in the left-hand panel. ● Enter any text you like in the Dealer , Owner , and Description fields. You can enter up to 12 characters in each field, the size of the 568 front-panel display. The Owner text will be displayed when you[...]

84 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer The options on the Advanced tab are for use by dealers in setting up multi-room systems, and to upload a new version of the software to the product, and it is recommended that you do not change these settings. To display or edit the settings ● Double-click the Settings icon. The Merid[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 85 This section describes how to use the Meridian Configuration program to configure the 568 Digital Surround Processor for the configuration of loudspeakers in your system, and specify information about the type of each speaker, for optimum performance. The first stage in setting up the s[...]

86 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer As you change the options the layout illustration will change to show the resulting layout. If you select a combination of options that is not supported, the other options will be adjusted accordingly to ensure that the whole configuration is valid. For example, if you specify Two rears[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 87 Centre Use the Centre drop-down menus to specify which presets use the centre speaker, and its size and type. ● From the first drop-down menu choose one of the following options: Option Description None If you do not have a centre speaker. Movies only If you want to use the centre spe[...]

88 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer Speaker protection Because of the high bass levels that 5.1 materials are capable of reproducing, the digital surround processor allows you to set up automatic protection of each full-range speaker or subwoofer. A setting of Max corresponds to no protection, and 0 corresponds to full pr[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 89 Peak-level limiting The Max SPL or Bass limit parameter allows you to set up peak-level limiting for bass signals, and the setting applies to all the discrete digital DSP presets. If your loudspeaker layout includes one or more subwoofers the parameter is named Max SPL , and it sets the[...]

90 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer To configure the source options ● Select the source in the list of sources. ● Click the Options tab. ● Select Source exists if you want to use this source. This section describes how to use the Meridian Configuration program to configure the sources provided by the digital surroun[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 91 Disabling this options prevents the source from appearing when you press the Source key, or the corresponding source key on the Meridian System Remote. ● If you want, you can change the name displayed when the source is selected by editing the Name field. The name can consist of up to[...]

92 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer ● If you have two Meridian source units of the same type you can configure them to have different Comms addresses. You can then select the appropriate source by specifying its Comms address in the Comms address field. The following additional options are available. You should only cha[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 93 Configuring pr esets The 568 Digital Surround Processor provides 20 built-in presets and the Meridian Configuration program lets you configure the DSP parameters of any of the built-in presets to suit your own preferences. You can also create up to 12 additional user-defined presets. Ea[...]

94 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer The new preset is created in the first available space after the built-in presets. ● Select the new preset you have created. ● Edit the preset name to identify the preset. Initially the name is set to be the same as the built-in DSP preset it was based on, but you can chose any name[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 95 To delete a user-defined preset ● Select the preset in the list of presets. ● Click the Delete this preset button. To copy a preset to a specific position in the list of user-defined presets ● Highlight the preset you want to copy. ● Choose Copy from the Edit menu, or click the [...]

96 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer The final stage in editing the settings is to configure the general Setup options. To change the setup options ● Click the Setup icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. The Setup options will be displayed: The options are described in the following table: Option What it me[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 97 Option What it means Meridian 800 present If selected, the menu keys on the Meridian System Remote operate the DVD/CD Player menus rather than the Digital Surround Controller menus. Meridian High Specifies whether the digital output Resolution uses Meridian High Resolution for all sourc[...]

98 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer Once you have edited the settings to suit the configuration of your system, the next step is to store the settings to the 568 and use the calibration listening tests built into the 568 to calibrate it for correct performance. To save the settings First save the settings to your PC hard [...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 99 When the download is complete the 568 will automatically reset itself to use the new settings, and show the owner name you defined: For example: Zachary Ford To calibrate the loudspeakers Now proceed through the calibration procedure to set the correct relative level, delay, and phase f[...]

100 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer Once you have fetched the calibrated settings from the digital surround processor, the final step is to store them permanently to the 568 as a User Type, so that you can reset the unit to them whenever you need to. When you store one or more User Types to the 568 they become available [...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 101 To create additional User Types If you wish you can create several User Types, and store them all to the digital surround processor. You can then reset the digital surround processor to any of the User Types by selecting the appropriate Type name. To create a new User Type: ● Select [...]

102 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer To copy settings between User Types ● Highlight the User Type you want to copy the settings from. ● Choose Copy from the Edit menu, or click the Copy button in the toolbar: ● Highlight the User Type you want to copy the settings to. ● Choose Paste from the Edit menu, or click t[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer 103 Completing the configuration The final stage in creating a settings file is to save it, and then store it to the digital surround processor. To save the current settings ● Choose Save from the File menu or click the Save toolbar button, to save the changes you have made to the settin[...]

104 Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer[...]

Troubleshooting 105 T r oubleshooting T his chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may occur when setting up the digital surround processor. 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.[...]

106 Troubleshooting Standby point not lit Check the following: ❍ There is AC power connected to the socket on the rear of the 568. ❍ The power switch on the rear panel of the 568 is turned on. If the 568 will still not illuminate, check any fuses in your power supply and the fuse in the inlet of the 568. If these are all intact, contact your de[...]

Troubleshooting 107 When playing a Dolby Digital DVD, the 568 selects the Pro Logic preset DVDs include a two-channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, which will use the default two-channel preset. ❍ Select a six-channel soundtrack, if it is available. Unit is overheating If there is not adequate ventilation around the unit, or you are operating it in a[...]

108 Troubleshooting Hum on analogue input There is no reason for the 568 to produce hum on the analogue input. ❍ Check the source equipment. Disconnect each source in turn. ❍ If the hum originates from a ground loop, an antenna or cable supply may be the cause. In this case an antenna-lead isolator should be fitted. ❍ If the 568 seems to be t[...]

Troubleshooting 109 Audible hiss at high volume settings The input dynamic range of most current recordings is at maximum 16 bit. The reason for this is that currently CD, DVD, and LaserDisc use a 16-bit standard although DVD can support up to 24-bits. The analogue sources you have cannot achieve this kind of range. For comparison, analogue sources[...]

110 Troubleshooting Sound not clear ❍ If speech sounds muffled in a system with a centre speaker, check that sound is coming from the centre as there may be a connection problem. In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre you may have set it up to be right instead of left so that it is playing a subwoofer signal. ❍ If speech sounds muffled in [...]

Troubleshooting 111 Poor picture quality Picture quality may suffer if you do not attend to the following: ❍ Are you using suitable quality cables with good connectors? ❍ Is there a ground loop created between any of the components connected to the 568? Remember that reception of broadcast or cable signals can be significantly deteriorated by c[...]

112 Troubleshooting Meridian Configuration program pr oblems Preset options do not appear or are not available The options available when you are editing the DSP preset parameters depend on the speaker layout you have defined in Speakers . ❍ If you have any DSP speakers in the layout, treble and bass are not available. ❍ The Speakers options fo[...]

Troubleshooting 113 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 568 fails to function correctly, it should be returned, in its original pack[...]

114 Troubleshooting[...]

115 Glossary Glossary Absolute phase A control which changes the phase of the signals to all the speakers. AC-3 An alternative name for the Dolby Digital format. Ambisonic A music encoding and decoding system designed to recreate the original soundfield using an array of loudspeakers. Aspect ratio The overall shape of the speaker layout. Compress A[...]

Glossary 116 DVD Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc, a CD-sized disc with nearly 30 times the storage capacity of CD. It is capable of storing digital video, high-quality multi- channel audio, or computer data. Layout Refers to a particular arrangement of speakers and subwoofers. You can select different layouts for the cinema, music, and[...]

117 Glossary Mono surrounds Surrounds which have a common signal steered to them. This may then be decorrelated by the THX process to give more spaciousness. MPEG MPEG Surround is a digital encoding system developed by the Motion Picture Expert Group. Like Dolby Digital it provides five full-frequency range channels and an additional Low Frequency [...]

Glossary 118 Surround A sound reproducing system with more than two loudspeakers, and usually with speakers behind or to the side of the listener. THX Additional processing that follows Dolby Pro Logic Surround decoding to give a more faithful reproduction of cinema sound in the home. Trifield A music decoding system designed to extract centre and [...]

119 Index Index Audio stream display 21 Automatic setup 62 B Balance (DSP parameter) 25, 26, 28 Balanced outputs 54 Bass (DSP parameter) 26, 27 Bass, changing 27 built-in presets, changing 34 C Calibrating the system 67 Calibration procedure exiting from 69 starting 68 Calibration tests 70 Distance 71 Fine tuning 72 Levels 70 moving between 69 Cent[...]

Index 120 Distance calibration test 71 Distance units, changing 68 Dolby Digital DSP preset 9, 46 dynamic range control 47 Dolby Digital encoding 9 Dolby Digital THX DSP preset 10, 46 Dolby Surround encoding 10 DSP loudspeakers. See Meridian DSP loudspeakers DSP parameters Academy 12, 40 Balance 25, 26, 28 Bass 26, 27 Centre 26, 30, 42 changing 25 [...]

121 Index DTS THX DSP preset 10, 46 DVD player, connecting 60 Dynamic range control 47 F Fan kit 8, 51 Fetching calibrated settings 99 Fine tuning calibration test 72 5.1 Movie DSP presets 46 Front panel controls 14 display symbols 21 G Glossary 115 H Hiss at high volume settings 109 starting DTS LaserDiscs 110 HS Out? (DSP parameter) 42, 45 Hum on[...]

Index 122 Meridian DSP loudspeakers connecting 54, 56 using with remote control 16, 25, 35 Meridian DVD Player, connecting 60 Meridian High Resolution (MHR) 3, 97 Meridian Lossless Packing (MLP) 10, 45 Meridian M1500 or M2500, connecting 58 Meridian M33s, connecting 57 Meridian System Remote front panel controls 15 quick guide 16 MLP DSP preset 10,[...]

123 Index Save As (File menu) 82 Selecting a source 17 Serial cable, connecting 81 Serial port, specifying 81 Settings file, creating 82 Settings icon 83, 84 Setup icon 78, 96 Setup options, using a PC 96 Side loudspeakers changing the relative delay 31 changing the relative level 29 Sides (DSP parameter) 26, 29 Sine/Sub mode 74 Sinewave sweep test[...]

Index 124 U UHJ format 43 Unlocking the menus 24 Unpacking 50 User Types copying settings between 102 creating 100 naming 100 User-defined presets clearing 36 creating 94 deleting 95 editing name 35 V Ventilation 51 Video connecting 55 connections 52 problems 111 Volume adjusting 19 muting 19 W Width (DSP parameter) 42, 44 Y Yaw (DSP parameter) 40,[...]