Acurus ACT-1 Owners manual

American Custom

Theatre

ACT!

surround sound processor

owner's

information

@ VCR 1 Video Input @ Video Record Output

Laserdisc C-Video 0 Video and S-Video

CD

or S-Video Input" Source Output

. Laserdisc Audio Inputs e Audio Source Outputs

. VCR 1 Audio Inputs 0 Audio Record Outputs

*ls and 1 cannot be

connected simultaneously.

CONNECTIONS

@ VCR 2 Video Input

. RPC-120lnput

. AC Input

e VCR 2 Audio Inputs e Center Channel Output

8 Subwoofer Output with Crossover

e Mono Subwoofer Outputs without Crossover

f) Rear Surround Channel Outputs

Power On.

Turn knob clockwise
until LED illuminates.

Power Off.

Turn clockwise again.

Source. To change
source turn knob
counter-clockwise
until contact is made.

Repeat to change

the source again
Volume. Turn knob

clockwise to increase
overall volume.

OPERATIONS

@ Power On/Off.

m Delay. Changes perceived ambience.*

Q] Record Select.*

m Source Select.*
rn Test. Tones for front/rear set up.*

[]] Center. Selects center channel mode.*

OJ Surround. Selects decoding mode.*

OJ Center Channel Volume.*

~ Rear Surround Volume.*

* Selections are displayed on

television screen.

O:[J Overall Volume.

[lO Record View. To view source recording.

[ill Input Balance. Auto input balance on/off.*
DLI Mute.*

ese read this manual. Upon completion you will understand the connections and operation of your ACT I processor.

CONNECTIONS

r~~~

VIDEO INPUTS VIDEO OUTPUTS AC POWER

I

I!

@ S-Video Input

Composite Video Inputs

G) Laserdisc
@ VCRl
@ VCR2

Connect video sources directly
as labeled.

~: The above labeling is for
purposes of convenience. Any
composite video source, such as
Satellite System, Laserdisc and
VCR can be connected to any
composite Video Input.

~: Connect either @ or CD

DO NOT USE BOTH.

AUDIO INPUTS

0 Laserdisc Audio Inputs

e VCR 1 Audio Inputs
e VCR 2 Audio Inputs

Connect audio sources directly as
labeled.
~: If an audio D/A convertor or
other non-standard AN source is
used, connect to LD Input only

@ S-Video Source Output

Composite Video Outputs

@ Video Source Output

Connect the Video Source Outputs
to the video inputs of your television
or monitor.
Note: Some televisions will not have
an S-Video Input.

@ Video Record Output

Connect the Video Record Output
to the Video Input of the VCR that
will be used for recording.
~: Video Record Output may
also be used to transmit the video
signal to an additional television.
This allows for viewing two different
sources at the same time.

AUDIO OUTPUTS

0 Audio Source Outputs

Connect to the inputs of the amplifier
channels powering left and right
front speakers. Be sure that left and
right channel outputs are connected

to their corresponding amp inputs.

0 Center Channel Output

Connect to the inputs of the amplifier
channel powering the center speaker.

f) Rear Surround Outputs

Connect to the inputs of the amplifier
channels powering the rear surround

speakers.

When connecting or disconnecting
the inputs and outputs of any
component be sure AC power is
turned off.

. RPC- 120 Input

Connect to RPC output. Remote
power On/Off capability for four
other components is available with
the optional RPC- 1.20 Filtered AC
Power Switcher.

. AC Power Connection

Connect to supplied power cord.

e Audio Record Outputs

Connect to the audio inputs of the
VCR that will be used for recording.
~: Audio Record Outputs may
also be used to transmit the audio
signal to an additional television.

. Subwoofer Output

(with Crossover)

If you are using non-powered sub­woofers without a built in crossover,
connect to the inputs of the amplifier
channel powering the subwoofer.

e Mono Subwoofer Outputs

(without Crossover)
If you are using subwoofers with a built
in crossover, connect to the inputs of
the amplifier channels powering the
subwoofers.
~: If only one subwoofer is used,
connect either output to the amplifier
powering the subwoofer.

I

~

OPERATIONS

On-Screen Display
The ACT I offers on-screen programming. This
feature will keep you informed of any commands
you may give the unit. An arrow will move on
screen to the source or mode you wish to select.
A graphic depiction of output level or delay setting

a1

I

will also appear on screen. The following is a list of
the commands for set up and operation.

m Center Channel

The function of the center channel is to create a
center reference for your home theatre. If you
have a center channel speaker you must set the
center channel mode to "Normal" or "Wide Band."
The best setting for your system will depend on your
front channel speakers. Consult your dealer for their
recommendation. The "Phantom" setting is for use
when no center channel speaker is available.

W Test

This function is for initial calibration and set up.
During this set up the "Surround" and "Center"
channel volume controls are used to insure that
all channels in your system have the same output
level. The test tone (pink noise) cycles through
each channel starting with the left front speaker,
then the center channel speaker and continues in
a clock-wise direction through all of the channels.
Please note that if the center channel mode is set
to Phantom or Off the test tone will skip this channel.

[IQ::J e Overall Volume

The overall volume control on your ACT I raises
and lowers the volume of your entire system. This

can be achieved from both the front panel of the

ACT 1 and the remote control.

W Center Channel Volume

Controls level of center channel speaker only.

m Rear Surround Volume

Controls level of rear speakers.

W 4D Source Select

Allows the selection of Laserdisc C, Laserdisc S,
VCR 1 or VCR 2 input for viewing on the television.

00 Input Balance

When Input Balance is on, all sources will have the
proper input level to ensure optimum surround
performance. You have the option of disabling

the Input Balance control when the application
does not require it. To disable the Input Balance
function go to the Surround Mode screen and
select Off.

m Delay

The "Delay" provides an adjustment for rooms of
various sizes and is designed so that in most rooms it
will sound normal at any setting. The effect may not
be very noticeable unless your room is exceptionally
large or small. The general rule is; large room small
delay, small room large delay.
~: Dolby specifies the Pro LogicTM delay settings
are limited to between 15-40 milliseconds.
To set the delay, start with the delay indicator on
screen in the center position. With the remote
control in your hand, press the "Delay" button one
time. The delay display on screen will move one
position to the right. To change the delay more
than one setting position hold the button down.
If you hear any echo, cycle through the settings
until the echo disappears. If you need more delay
for effect, move to the next position to the right.
The delay control may also be used to create
subtle "hall" type sound effects. It will make the
room sound larger than it really is.

~: There are no delay settings in Music Mode.

m Record Select

Allows the selection of Laserdisc C, VCR 1 or VCR 2
as the recording output. The ACT I is capable of
allowing you to view one source while recording
from a second to a third source. For example; you
want to record a movie from a Laserdisc to a VCR
but you want to watch the Indy 500. From the
Record selector on the remote control pick the

source that you wish to record from (be sure that
the Record output of the ACT I is connected to
the unit you wish to record with!) and start both

machines. Then from the Source control select the

input that you want to watch (the race) and your
ACT I will do the rest!

[IJ Surround Mode

There are three distinct modes of surround on the

ACT I; Dolby Pro Logic, Music Surround, and Mono­Enhance. Bypass mode is provided for non-surround
sound operation. For listening to material encoded
with Dolby Stereo (VHS or Beta hi-fi, Laserdiscs, CD-V,
MTS broadcast television or Satellite broadcasts)
select the Dolby Pro LogicTM mode. The Pro LogicTM
will provide active steering of the signal for more
accurate placement of sound in the listening area
and spectacular audio effects.

For monophonic programs, such as movies not

encoded in Dolby Stereo or standard television

broadcasts, select the Mono Enhance mode. This
mode provides synthesized stereo for the front and
synthesized surround for the rear.

Music Mode creates a form of surround sound for

stereo sources. In the Bypass mode your ACT I
functions as a stereo preamp.

OIJ Record View

If you need to check the quality of the recording
simply press the "Record View" button. This will

give you a view of the "Record" out signal. If
there is a problem just monitor the "Record"

output while you track it down and fix it. (Be sure
to refer to the VCR owner's manual for recording

problems.) Press the button again to return to the

"Source" screen.

~ Mute

The mute button silences the entire system.

@ Power On/Off

Turns ACT I on and off. With optional RPC-120

Filtered AC Power Switcher attached, this button
can also turn on and off the entire system.

Please follow Set Up instructions on next page.

~

SET UP

Please consult with your American Custom Theater
authorized dealer as to the amplification, speakers
and proper location of the recommended speakers
based upon your listening conditions. Your authorized

dealer can consult with us for recommendations.
With proper associated equipment and proper
installation, an American Custom Theatre System
can provide better sound than a movie theatre.
Upon completion of Connections please follow these

steps:

1 Lower the overall volume using the volume

control knob. .

2 Turn on the ACT I and your entire audio/video

system, including the television or monitor.

3 Seat yourself, with the ACT I remote, in what will

be your usual listening/viewing location.

4 Push Center Channel, rn on the remote, set it

to Phantom if you have no center channel speak­er and Normal if you do have a center channel
speaker. The setting of any mode is accomplished
by pushing the button, in this case [§], until the
arrow moves to the setting you wish to select.
Within a few seconds the screen will disappear
and your selected setting is operative.

5 Push Test Wand increase the Overall Volume

[IQ] to a comfortable listening level. You will
now hear test noise cycle through the speakers of
your system. As it is cycling, compare on-screen
indication with sound coming from speakers to
be sure each channel is properly located.

6 While the noise is cycling, push Center Channel

Volume m and adjust its volume until the

center channel speaker appears to have the
same output level as the left and right front
channel speakers.

7 While the noise is cycling, push Rear Surround

Volume m and adjust its volume until the rear
channel speakers appear to have the same output
level as those in the front. Push Test again to exit.

8 Load a Dolby SurroundTM movie into either your

VCR or Laser disc and use Source Select via.

or m to hear and view the source you have

just selected.

9 Push Surround Mode OJ and select Dolby Pro

~TM. While in this mode push Input Balance

L!.:?-.-J and select On.

10 Push Delay m and follow delay instructions

on the Operations page. You are now ready to
enjoy the American Custom Theatre experience.

* Note: the set up adjustments are not an absolute.

The on-screen display is helpful for recalling the
approximate set up level, From source to source
and movie to movie you may want to subtly adjust

the Rear Surround Volume for optimum listening,

* When listening to non DolbyIM encoded material

you should listen to your source through all the
modes available and determine which mode
you prefer for the current material, you may also
need to readjust rear channel level.

USING THE ACT I WITH A PREAMPLIFIER

When using the ACT I with a

preamplifier connect Preomp
Tape Inp~o Audio Source

Outputs V.

This allows you to easily switch

the processor in and out of your

system.
Connect audio/video sources

to the ACT I.
Connect audio only sources to

the preamplifier.
In the System

1 Set VOLUME control to

12 o'clock position.

2 Set LISTEN control to TAPE 1,

Out of the System

1 Set LISTEN control to any

source other than TAPE 1,

SPECIFICATIONS

The following specifications are measurements which
need not have anything to do with the sound, quality
and value of an audio component. The Act I
processor was developed with extensive listening.

To improve both the audio and video quality,
many engineering solutions were used which will not
necessarily be reflected in the specifications. Some
examples are as follows.

Separate circuit boards were used of the power
supply, video section and the audio section. By
isolating all three section on separate circuit boards
a higher quality signal is provided for both the audio

Separation

Front center to Surround:
65 dB referenced to 1 KHz
Consumer fest tape
Left to Right
45dB referenced to 1 KHz
Consumer tesllape

Frequency Response
Front Channels:

3 dB 18 to 20,000 Hz
Dolby Surround:
Dolby Pro LogicTM specifications
Music Surround:
3 dB 18 to 20,000 Hz

Output Noise, A Weighted

Front Channels:

-75 dB at lV RMS,

-80 dB from peak level

Dolby Surround:

-65 dB at 1 V RMS,

-70 dB from peak level
Music Surround:

-75 dB at lV RMS,

-80 dB from peak level

Subwoofer Crossover:

100Hz

Steering Separation:
35 dB

and video output. These circuit boards are made of
glass epoxy, the same material used for medical and

military equipment.

There is no amplification within the Act I to better

isolate and protect the low voltage source signals

from the noise of an amplifier's power supply.

The finest quality DolbyTM decoding integrated

circuit is used along with precision 1 % metal film

resistors. We believe the ACT I has the smoothness,
bass extension and accuracy of sound that can
make the home theatre experience enjoyable at
the highest possible level.

Input Balance Range:

Automatic, 6 dB ot correction

Audio Input Impedance:
47K Ohms

Power Requirements:
120 VAC/60Hz or 220 VAC/50Hz

Dimensions:
17" W x 10.5" D x 3.5" H

Weight:
15 lb.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Power on, sound off or low
Check all connecting cables. Make sure all

connections are correct, firm and free of defects.

Make sure the ACT I is receiving signal from your
source. Make sure your volume is up. Make sure
amplifiers and speakers are connected properly
and set correctly. Check input and output
selections. Check if muted.
Indicator light does not light, no sound

Check AC power at outlet- plug in a lamp or other
appliance and turn on. Make sure the ACT I is
turned on.

Dolby is a registered trade mark of Dolby Laboratories.

Noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories licensing Corporation.

Licensed under one or more of the following patents

US.: 3.632,886; 3.746,792; 3,959,590 CANADA: 1,004,603; 1,037,677

Stereo OK but no surround sound

Be sure you are playing a source that contains

surround effects. Be sure the source equipment is
playing in stereo. (Some Hi-Fi VCR's play non-Hi-Fi
tapes in mono.) Check audio and speaker cables.
Be sure that the volume is turned up.
Sound directionality seems wrong
Make sure that the mode is set correctly. Make
sure that the left and right channels are not
reversed anywhere in your system. Make sure that
all speakers are in phase. (red to red and black
to black.)

MONDIAL DESIGNS LIMITED

20 Livingstone Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 . [phone] . Fax [phone]