Meridian 568.2 User's Guide

Meridian 568.2 Digital Surround Processoruser guide

Introduction3source you can then specify seven different presets to handlethe alternative types of audio stream. Three of these presets arefor traditi

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer93● Specify the number of bass units in each speaker (woofers),the size of each unit, and t

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer94This section describes how to use the Meridian Configurationprogram to configure the sour

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer95Disabling this options prevents the source from appearing whenyou press the Source key, o

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer96Presets● In the Presets section specify the DSP preset you want to usefor each of the fiv

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer97● If the source is connected to another Meridian unit, setComms type to 1C for a Meridian

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer98Configuring presetsTo modify a built-in preset● Select the preset in the list of presets.

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer99Note: That the treble and bass settings will not be available ifyour system includes DSP

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer100To delete a user-defined preset● Select the preset in the list of presets.● Click the De

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer101Changing the setup optionsThe options are described in the following table:Option What i

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer102Option What it meansMeridian DVD present If selected, the <, >, V, A, Store,and Cl

4Introductionprotection environment, and allow the secure transfer of audiostreams within a Meridian-only system for playback only.500 Series communic

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer103Once you have edited the settings to suit the configuration ofyour system, the next step

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer104When the download is complete the 568.2 will automaticallyreset itself to use the new se

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer105Once you have fetched the calibrated settings from the digitalsurround processor, the fi

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer106To create additional User TypesIf you wish you can create several User Types, and store

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer107To copy settings between User Types● Highlight the User Type you want to copy the settin

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer108Completing the configurationThe final stage in creating a settings file is to save it, a

Troubleshooting109TroubleshootingThis chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that mayoccur when setting up the digital surround proc

110TroubleshootingStandby point not litCheck the following:❍ There is AC power connected to the socket on the rear of the568.2.❍ The power switch on t

Troubleshooting111Audio problems❍ Ensure that the receiver uses well-screened antenna cable.❍ Relocate the receiver with respect to the 568.2.❍ Connec

112TroubleshootingThe 568.2 has a 24-bit capability on its internal analogue-to-digital converter, which is used for analogue sources. When thevolume

Introduction5Meridian Compact Theatre™The Meridian 568.2 Digital Surround Processor is ideal for usewith the M33 Active Analogue Loudspeaker and M1500

Troubleshooting113There is a hiss when starting DTSLaserDiscsThe DTS audio stream is indistinguishable from a PCM audiostream; the 568.2 takes 30ms to

114TroubleshootingVideo problemsPoor picture qualityPicture quality may suffer if you do not attend to the following:❍ Are you using suitable quality

Troubleshooting115Preset options do not appear or arenot availableThe options available when you are editing the DSP presetparameters depend on the sp

116TroubleshootingServiceThe Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefullydesigned to give years of untroubled service. There are no use

117GlossaryGlossaryAbsolute phaseA control which changes the phase of thesignals to all the speakers.AC-3An alternative name for the Dolby Digitalform

Glossary118DVDDigital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc,a versatile CD-sized disc with nearly 30times the storage capacity of CD. It iscapable of s

119GlossaryMHRMeridian High Resolution is a proprietarysecure encoding format using encryptionand anti-copy methods that allows securetransfer of audi

Glossary120Smart LinkA six-channel digital audio stream that canconnect the 568.2 Digital SurroundProcessor to a multi-channel source, suchas the Meri

121IndexIndexaudio outputs 58BBalance (DSPparameter) 25, 26, 28balanced outputs 58Bass (DSP parameter) 26, 27bass, changing 27built-in presets, changi

Index122DSP parameters (continued)Academy 12, 41Balance 25, 26, 28Bass 26, 27Centre 26, 30, 43changing 25Compress 48Depth 25, 26, 30Dimension 45HS Out

6Introduction598DSP5000C504DSP33 sideDSP33 side568.2DSP33 rear DSP33 rearDSP6000 DSP6000Meridian Digital Theatre™The 568.2 Digital Surround Processor

123IndexDTS Music DSP preset 10, 46DTS THX DSP preset 47DTS THX encoding 10DVD player, connecting 64dynamic range control 48F5 Channels (DSP paramete

Index124Meridian EZ DSP preset 10, 47Meridian High Resolution(MHR) 3, 102Meridian M1500 or M2500,connecting 62Meridian M33s, connecting 61Meridian Sys

125IndexPresets icon 82, 98Pro Logic DSP preset 11, 39Pro Logic II DSP preset 10, 38RR Delay (DSP parameter) 26, 45R Filter (DSP parameter) 43, 44rack

Index126subwoofers, setting crossoverfrequency 78, 79Super Stereo DSP preset 12, 44Super Stereo encoding 12Surr. Rear (DSP parameter) 43, 48sweep rate

Introduction7SpecificationDigital inputs 4 x cable, 75Ω, IEC958 and datacompatible, up to 24 bits.1 x optical, Toslink (EIAJ), IEC958 anddata compatib

8IntroductionDimensions 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 a

Introduction9The digital surround processor provides an extremelycomprehensive range of digital signal processing options fordecoding both analogue an

10IntroductionDTSDTS uses an audio compression technique to encode fivechannels of audio onto a digital signal. The DTS format is usedto encode multi-

Introduction11Surround. It re-creates 5.1 channel movie surround from thetwo-channel source, using improved decoding techniques thatpreserve the direc

12IntroductionMusicMusic uses a special technique developed by Meridian to dividethe sound between the left, right, and centre speakers and givea wide

iPrefaceMeridian 568.2 DigitalSurround ProcessorUser Guide

Using the digital surround processor13Using the digitalsurround processorThis chapter provides a summary of the functions of the digital surroundproce

Using the digital surround processor14Front panel1 SourceSelects the source.2 StoreChanges the DSP presetassigned to a source.3 PresetChanges the pres

Using the digital surround processor151 Source keysSelect a source.2 Control keysControl the source functions.3 OffSwitches to standby.4 FunctionAcces

Using the digital surround processor16Quick guide to operating the 568.2 with the remoteAction 568.2 as controller DSP speaker as controllerSource sel

Using the digital surround processor17When not playing, the digital surround processor should be leftin the standby state. This uses a negligible amou

Using the digital surround processor18To switch to standby● Press Off on the front panel or the remote.The display will show: .If you have othe

Using the digital surround processor19To mute the sound● Press Mute.The display will show:MuteTo restore the sound● Press Mute again.Alternatively, th

Using the digital surround processor20Each source has a set of DSP presets associated with it, one foreach of the alternative audio formats: two-chann

Using the digital surround processor21Audio format PresetsDTS DTS, DTS THX, DTS Music (DTS Mus)MPEG MPEG, MPEG THX,MPEG Music (MPEG Mus)In each case t

Using the digital surround processor22Changing the displayThe digital surround processor displays information about thecurrent settings on the 12-char

PrefaceiiSales and service in the UKMeridian Audio LtdStonehillStukeley MeadowsCambsPE29 6EXEnglandTel (01480) 445678Fax (01480) 445686World Wide Webh

Defining your own presets23Defining your ownpresetsIn addition to being able to change the source, volume, and DSP preset,the digital surround process

Defining your own presets24Locking and unlocking the menusTo simplify the normal operation of the digital surroundprocessor, and to protect the settin

Defining your own presets25Changing the DSP parametersEach DSP preset provides a series of parameters that you canvary to customise its behaviour to y

Defining your own presets26Parameter Range Default What it changesTreble * † -10dB to +10dB +0dB The slope of the frequency response.Bass * † -5dB to

Defining your own presets27The digital surround processor provides sophisticated treble andbass controls, to allow you to adjust the broad balance of

Defining your own presets28To move the listening position to theleft or right● Press > or < (remote) until the display shows the currentbalance.

Defining your own presets29To change the relative level of the rearor side loudspeakers● Press > or < (remote) until the display shows the speak

Defining your own presets30Changing the integration of the centreTo change the relative delay of thecentre speaker● Press > or < (remote) until

Defining your own presets31Changing the spaciousness of the soundIf you have side speakers an additional S Delay option allowsyou to adjust the delay

Defining your own presets32To adjust the lip syncThe LipSync parameter is a unique feature of the digitalsurround processor which allows you to adjust

iiiPrefaceContentsIntroduces the digital surround processor,and gives guidelines and suggestedlayouts to help you plan your surroundsystem.Provides st

Defining your own presets33Each source has an appropriate DSP preset associated with itfor each music format. For example, for a standard stereo (PCM)

Defining your own presets34The 568.2 Digital Surround Processor allows you to modify oneof the built-in presets, and save it for future use.You can ei

Defining your own presets35The settings have been stored in the new or existing preset youselected.If you are defining a user preset you can now edit

Defining your own presets36To clear a user-defined preset● Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus,page 24.● Press Preset (front pan

DSP presets37DSP presetsThis chapter gives technical information about each of the DSP presetsbuilt in to the digital surround processor.It explains t

DSP presets38Logic DSP presetsThe digital surround processor provides six DSP presetsspecifically designed for reproducing stereo film soundtracks.PLI

DSP presets39❍ The time synchronisation between loudspeakers is adjusted tocompensate for the fact that the speakers in a home systemtend to be a lot

DSP presets40THX CinemaThe THX Cinema preset provides Pro Logic decoding, followedby the THX refinements, as for PLII THX; see PLII THX, page 38.Pro L

DSP presets41MonoIn the Mono DSP preset you can choose to listen to:❍ Only one of two input channels, for use when differentlanguages or material are

DSP presets42The digital surround processor provides eight alternative musicDSP presets designed for the reproduction of well-recordedmaterial, origin

PrefaceivDescribes how to perform a basicconfiguration of the digital surroundprocessor without requiring a computer.Describes how to unpack and insta

DSP presets43Music and Trifield DSP presetparametersParameter Options What it changesHS Out? * Y or N High-rate audio.Centre Flat, EQ1 to 3 The timbre

DSP presets44recording space whether you are at the exact central seat or welloff to one side.Of all the signal-processing options, Ambisonics is the

DSP presets45PLII Music preset parametersParameter Options What it changesSteered All Steered Rear, Which of the four surroundSteered Side, channels a

DSP presets46DTS MusicDTS Music is a special version of the DTS preset designed witha lower LFE level of -10dB to match the bass levels applied toDTS

DSP presets47The discrete digital formats can encode up to eight separatechannels, which can be decoded to provide separate signals tothe eight speake

DSP presets48THX Surround EX and Meridian EZ can also be used with non-encoded material, and often give a good effect depending onthe soundtrack.5.1 M

DSP presets49Dialog normalisation displayDolby Digital audio streams include Dialog Normalisation andMix levels, to specify the recommended listening

DSP presets50THX Surround EXTHX Surround EX allows 5.1-channel film soundtracks to beencoded with an extra surround channel during the mixingprocess.

DSP presets51With the optional multi-channel input card the 568.2 DigitalSurround Processor can process sources consisting of up to sixdiscrete multi-

DSP presets52AmbisonicsThe Ambisonics preset allows you to decode multi-channelsources which have been encoded in Ambisonics B format.Ambisonics B for

vPrefaceDescribes how to configure the digitalsurround processor using the MeridianConfiguration program.Provides suggested solutions to typicalproble

Setting up the digital surround processor53Setting up the digitalsurround processorThis chapter explains how to install the digital surround processor

54Setting up the digital surround processorUnpackingThe digital surround processor comes in a box containing thefollowing components:❍ Meridian 568.2

Setting up the digital surround processor55Safety warnings❍ Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing.❍ Do not place any object filled with liqu

56Setting up the digital surround processorUse this connection To connect to thisCOMPOSITE/S IN The video output from the 581Video Controller, or a vi

Setting up the digital surround processor57Digital audio inputsThe following table gives details of the digital audio inputs:Use this input To connect

58Setting up the digital surround processorAudio outputsThe following table gives details of the analogue and digitaloutputs:Use this output To connec

Setting up the digital surround processor59On-screen displayVideo lead568.2 Digital Surround ProcessorVIDEO OUTVIDEOINVideo source(eg 562V, 581, or DV

60Setting up the digital surround processorTo connect to Meridian DSPloudspeakersDSP5000CCentre (master)DIGITAL OUTPUTSCOMMSCOMMSOUTPUT INPUTDIGITALOU

Setting up the digital surround processor61To connect to active loudspeakers(eg Meridian M33s)568.2 Digital Surround ProcessorM33 ActiveLoudspeakerAud

62Setting up the digital surround processorTo connect an active subwoofer(eg Meridian M1500 or M2500)SUB568.2 Digital Surround Processor SubwooferAudi

Prefacevi

Setting up the digital surround processor63To connect to a digital source(eg Meridian 588 24-Bit CD Player)DIGITAL INPUTCD/D1DIGITALOUTPUT588 24-Bit C

64Setting up the digital surround processorTo connect to a DVD-Audio player(eg Meridian 598 DVD Player)S-video lead568.2 Digital Surround ProcessorVID

Setting up the digital surround processor65To connect to a 562 or 562VMultimedia Controller562V Multimedia ControllerDigital lead568.2 Digital Surroun

66Setting up the digital surround processorTo connect to other Meridian 500Series equipment● Connect one of the COMMS sockets on the back panel of the

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer67Configuring the digitalsurround processorwithout a computerThe 568.2 Digital Surround P

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer68Choosing a standard settingThe digital surround processor provides several alternatives

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer69To select a Type● Put the digital surround processor into standby by pressingOff (front

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer70The digital surround processor provides 12 sourcescorresponding to the 12 source select

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer71Calibrating the systemTo help you to set up your installation to give the best possible

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer72To choose the distance unitsYou can choose to display and enter distances in either fee

Introduction1IntroductionThe Meridian 568.2 Digital Surround Processor combines a completelydigital surround-sound processor with a high-performance d

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer73To move between the calibration tests● Press > (remote) or Source (front panel) to m

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer74LevelsThese tests allow you to adjust the output level to each speakerindividually, and

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer75DistanceThese tests allow you to adjust the delay of each of the speakersin the layout

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer76Fine tuningThese tests allow you to fine-tune the phase and delay of eachspeaker when u

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer77Pay particular attention to the centre channel, as this can have adramatic effect on th

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer78This section explains how to use Sine/Sub mode to adjust thesubwoofer crossover frequen

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer79To use the sinewave sweep testSine/Sub mode includes a sinewave signal test, to help yo

Configuring the digital surround processor without a computer80To change the volume● Use the volume keys in the usual way.Warning: Very loud low-frequ

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer81Configuring the digitalsurround processorusing a computerThe 568.2 Digital Surround Proce

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer82The Meridian Configuration programThe Meridian Configuration program is a stand-alone Win

2IntroductionThe 568.2 Digital Surround ProcessorThis allows the 568.2 to upsample the audio stream if possibleand process the signals at a higher rat

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer83RequirementsTo use the Meridian Configuration program you need:❍ A computer running Windo

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer84To run the Meridian Configurationprogram● Click Start, point at Programs, then click Meri

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer85To connect the serial cableThe serial cable is symmetrical, and can be connected eitherwa

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer86The section explains how to create a new settings file, using theMeridian Configuration p

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer87To display the settings● Double-click the Surround processor icon, to open it anddisplay

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer88The options on the Advanced tab are for use by dealers insetting up multi-room systems, a

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer89This section describes how to use the Meridian Configurationprogram to configure the 568.

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer90If you select a combination of options that is not supported, theother options will be ad

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer91CentreUse the Centre drop-down menus to specify which presets usethe centre speaker, and

Configuring the digital surround processor using a computer92The Advanced checkbox is for dealer use only, and it isrecommended that you leave this un