ATI Technologies ATP 8500 User Manual
ATP 8500
DIGITAL PREAMPLIFIER-PROCESSOR
OWNER’S GUIDE
ATI
Amplifier Technologies
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This product is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
“Dolby”, the Double-D symbol, “Dolby Digital” and “Pro Logic”
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
DTS is a trademark of Digital Theatre Systems, Inc.
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Functional Description ........................ Page 4
Software Version ................................. Page 4
Unpacking .......................................... Page 4
Safety Instructions .............................. Page 5
Rack Mounting ................................... Page 5
QUICK SET-UP GUIDE
Connections ....................................... Page 6
Input Assignment ............................... Page 7
Digital Audio ...................................... Page 7
Component Video ................................ Page 7
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS
POWER CONNECTIONS
Power Inlet ......................................... Page 8
Power Switch ..................................... Page 8
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
Analog Inputs ..................................... Page 8
Tape Input/Output .............................. Page 9
Record Outputs ................................... Page 9
Zone Audio Output .............................. Page 9
7.1 Channel Inputs & Outputs ............... Page 9
VIDEO CONNECTIONS
Composite Video Inputs ...................... Page 10
Composite Video Outputs ................... Page 10
Composite Video Zone Outputs ........... Page 10
S-Video Inputs & Outputs ................... Page 10
Component Video Inputs/Outputs ....... Page 10
DIGITAL AUDIO CONNECTIONS
Coaxial Digital Audio Inputs................ Page 11
Optical Digital Audio Inputs ................ Page 11
Optical Digital Audio Outputs .............. Page 11
OTHER CONNECTIONS
Balanced Audio Inputs ....................... Page 11
RS 232 Control Interface ..................... Page 11
IR Input/Output ................................ Page 11
Remote Trigger Outputs ..................... Page 11
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
Power Standby Switch ....................... Page 12
Preview On/Off ................................. Page 12
Source Select ▲ and ▼..................... Page 13
Display ............................................. Page 13
Exit/Enter ......................................... Page 13
Menu ............................................... Page 13
Volume Control ................................. Page 13
Headphone Volume and Input ............ Page 14
Source Select Buttons ........................ Page 14
Input Search ..................................... Page 14
Audio Monitor 1 ................................ Page 14
Zone 2 .............................................. Page 14
7.1 Channel Input ............................. Page 14
Mute ................................................ Page 14
REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET OPERATIONS
Power .................................................. Page 16
Volume ▲ and ▼................................ Page 16
Channel ▲ and ▼............................... Page 16
Mute ................................................... Page 16
Guide .................................................. Page 16
Menu .................................................. Page 16
Exit ..................................................... Page 16
Select/Play............................................ Page 16
▲,▼, ▲,▼ Up, Down, Right, Left Keys ... Page 17
Direct Access Keys ................................. Page 17
Tape Monitor ....................................... Page 17
7.1 CH ................................................. Page 17
B-Bass (Bass Mix) ................................. Page 17
Compress ............................................. Page 17
Noise ................................................... Page 18
Mode + and –........................................ Page 18
Subwoofer + and – ................................ Page 18
Center + and – ...................................... Page 18
Surround + and – ................................. Page 18
Brightness............................................ Page 18
Lock .................................................... Page 18
Zone ................................................... Page 18
Light ................................................... Page 18
REMOTE CONTROL LEARNING OPERATIONS
Learning a New Command .................... Page 19
Erase a Learned Command .................... Page 19
Erase All Learned Commands ................ Page 20
Volume Punch Through ........................ Page 20
Programming the Macro Buttons ........... Page 21
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY AND FRONT PANEL
DISPLAY SETUP MENUS
Accessing the Setup Menus .................... Page 22
Main Menu .......................................... Page 22
Tone Controls Menu ............................. Page 23
Level Setup Menu.................................. Page 23
Delay Setup Menu ................................. Page 24
Speaker Setup Menu ............................. Page 25
Source Setup Menu ............................... Page 26
Display Setup Menu .............................. Page 27
Trigger Setup Menu .............................. Page 27
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Frequently Asked Questions ................... Page 28
Trouble Shooting Guide ........................ Page 30
Specifications ....................................... Page 31
General Maintenance and Service .......... Page 32
Warranty ............................................. Page 33
Obligation To Make Changes .................. Page 33
Save For Your Reference ........................ Page 35
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Introduction
Functional Description
Thank you for selecting ATI’s ATP 8500 Digital Preamplifier-Processor for your audio and video home theater.
The ATP 8500 is the center of a high-end cinema and audio system. The ATP 8500 decodes Dolby Digital, DTS and
Dolby Pro Logic. Naturally, the ATP 8500 can also function as a High-End stereo preamplifier, and the digital signal
processing and conversion can be bypassed. The 7.1 channel input is provided with comprehensive volume control
facilities. This ensures that ATP 8500 will remain compatible with new multi-channel formats to appear in the future.
For audio, the ATP 8500 accepts up to six digital input sources, ten line level input sources, a tape loop and two
additional record outputs. For video, it has six S-Video and composite inputs, S-Video and composite monitor outputs,
S-Video and composite video record outputs and an S-Video monitor output without OSD (On Screen Display).
For Component Video, the ATP 8500 offers 3 sets of inputs and one set of outputs. If you are using all three types of
video (composite, S-VHS, and component), you need to connect each output from the ATP 8500 to the appropriate
connectors on the rear of your TV or monitor. You then switch between video formats with your TV’s remote (or a
“smart system” remote control).
The ATP 8500 has two main modes of function: In the normal function mode, the ATP 8500 automatically senses the
type of the incoming signal and selects the mode that gives optimal reproduction quality. The user can switch off the
automatic selection and select different post-processing modes for the incoming signals. These modes are stereo, Dolby
Pro-Logic, mono down-mixing and four Music Modes: Natural, Concert, Club and Party. If desired, the user can bypass
the digital section of ATP 8500 and connect, for example, a stereo source to the Left and Right channels of the balanced
XLR inputs.
System integration options are provided by the three 12VDC trigger outputs and one trigger input to control external
equipment and by communication with a PC or home automation system via the RS 232 serial interface (DB-9 connector).
Software Version
In order to verify which version software you have installed in the ATP 8500, push and hold the front panel power
button for a few seconds and the software version number will appear under the “ATI” name on the LCD.
Unpacking
The ATP 8500 has been carefully inspected, tested and packed before leaving the factory. Immediately upon receiving
your preamplifier-processor, inspect the carton for evidence of mishandling during shipment. Then, carefully unpack
the preamplifier-processor and inspect it for damage. Please save the shipping carton and all inner packing materials
in the event that the preamplifier-processor needs to be shipped for service or moved to a new location. Should you
discover that the preamplifier-processor has been damaged during shipping, please contact your dealer or ATI
immediately and request the name of the carrier so a written claim can be made.
THE RIGHT TO A CLAIM AGAINST A PUBLIC CARRIER CAN BE FORFEITED IF THE CARRIER IS NOT NOTIFIED
PROMPTLY IN WRITING AND IF THE SHIPPING CARTON AND PACKING MATERIALS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
FOR INSPECTION BY THE CARRIER. SAVE ALL PACKING MATERIALS UNTIL THE CLAIM HAS BEEN SETTLED.
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Safety Instructions
NOTE FOR INSTALLATION: The ATP 8500 generates a certain amount of heat and requires ventilation. Do not place it
on a soft surface such as a rug into which it could sink. You should also avoid a built-in installation place such as a
bookcase or a rack unless you can provide proper ventilation for ATP 8500. Do not use this unit near water: for
example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool. The unit
should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other devices (including
power amplifiers) that produce heat.
WARNING: MOISTURE IS DANGEROUS FOR THIS DEVICE AND FORMS A HAZARD OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK. IF LIQUID IS ACCIDENTALLY SPILLED ON IT,
IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF ITS POWER AT THE WALL
OUTLET BY UNPLUGGING THE AC POWER CORD
. ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR COMPLETE EVAPORATION
BEFORE USING THE PREAMPLIFIER AGAIN. IF THE LIQUID IS ANY OTHER THAN WATER AND/OR
ALCOHOL, DO NOT USE THE DEVICE BEFORE A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN HAS EXAMINED IT.
DANGER: Do not open the cover, or try to modify or repair the preamplifier yourself. All servicing must be done by a
qualified technician.
IMPORTANT: USE A DAMP CLOTH TO CLEAN THE MONITOR. NEVER USE ABRASIVES OR SOLVENTS ON
THE MONITOR. NEVER SPRAY LIQUIDS DIRECTLY ON THE MONITOR.
Read all the safety and operating instructions before connecting or using this unit. All warnings on the unit and in this
operating manual should be adhered to. All operating and use instructions should be followed.
The unit should be connected to a power-supply outlet only of the voltage and frequency marked on its rear panel.
The power-supply cord should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched, especially near the plug,
convenience receptacles, or where the cord exits from the unit.
The power-supply cord of the unit should be unplugged
from the wall outlet when it is to be unused for a long period of time.
To prevent electric shock, do not use the polarized
plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
The unit should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled, into the unit; or
C. The unit has been exposed to rain, or liquids of any kind; or
D. The unit does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The device has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Rack Mounting
Your preamplifier-processor may be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack by using the optional Rack Mount Panel.
CAUTION: THE RACK MOUNT PANEL CANNOT SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF YOUR PREAMPLIFIERPROCESSOR. BE SURE TO MOUNT THE UNIT ON A STRONG, WELL-SUPPORTED SHELF.
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Quick Set-Up Guide
PLEASE NOTE: WHEN USING THE REMOTE TO CONTROL THE ATP 8500 PREAMPLIFIER-PROCESSOR,
YOU MUST FIRST PRESS THE “AVC” BUTTON IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE REMOTE CONTROL .
If you just can’t wait and want to get the ATP 8500 up and running as quickly as possible, here’s the quickest way:
Connections
1. Connect your power amp to the outputs (gold plated RCA connectors on upper right side) of the ATP 8500.
The RR & LR outputs are for the additional 7.1 mode. Normally, you’ll just use the first 6 outputs for 5.1 operation.
FYI, the RCA outputs and the XLR outputs can be used at the same time because they have separate driver electronics.
Pin 2 is hot on the XLRs.
2. Connect the composite video output
of your VCR (normally the yellow
colored jack) to the composite video
input #1 (top row, left side).
3. Connect the stereo audio outputs
(red & white) of the VCR to the
analog audio inputs #1
(bottom row, left side).
4. Connect the composite video output
of the ATP 8500 (top row, just to the
right of the 6 video input jacks) to
the composite video input of your TV.
You have two choices: use the output
labeled “Mon OSD” (On Screen
Display) if you want to the see the
menu and status display on your TV.
Use the output jack labeled MON if
you don’t want to see the menu.
Make certain your TV is set to
monitor composite video input.
5. Turn on the rear panel power
switch of the ATP 8500.
6. Turn on the power amp.
7. Press the front panel power switch
of the ATP 8500.
8. Press “play” on the VCR.
9. Press the “Input Search” button
on the front panel of the ATP 8500.
This searches for any incoming signals, and will automatically find the source.
If your VCR or DVD is not in play mode, the input search function will not see
it because there is no incoming program signal.
10.TURN UP THE VOLUME!
5-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
ATP 8500
VCR
TELEVISION
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Input Assignment
Want to get a little more sophisticated? Then add these steps to assign your VCR to a front panel input button:
1. Go to Menu, go to Source setup, select input title VCR 1.
2. Go to video, select composite video 1.
3. Go to audio, select audio 1.
4. Back out of the Menu by scrolling to EXIT (do not press the Exit button on the front panel or the remote control),
and press enter.
You’ve now assigned the VCR input to front panel button VCR 1.
Digital Audio
The next step up in complexity is to connect a DVD player with
digital audio output so you can get 5.1 sound:
1. Connect the composite video output of your DVD player (normally
the yellow colored jack) to the composite video input #1 (top row,
left side) of the ATP 8500, as you did with the VCR in at left.
2. Connect the Toslink optical output of your DVD player to the
Optical Input #1 on the rear of the ATP 8500 (top row, slightly
right of mid-way). If you only have an SP/DIF digital audio
connection (RCA type jack), use Digital Audio input #1.
Warning: some DVD players have a switch on the rear panel
to select the analog or digital audio outputs; make certain this
is set to digital.
Follow steps 4-10 in the first example.
Component Video
Want to use the component video output of your DVD player instead?
1. Connect the 3 component video cables from your DVD player to
the rear of the ATP 8500 marked Component Video Input #1.
Make certain you follow the color coding of the cables or the labels
Pb, Pr, and Y. Sometimes these are called Cb, Cr and Y instead.
2. Connect the Component Video outputs of the ATP 8500 to the TV.
Once again make certain you have the cables connected to the
correct jacks.
3. On your TV, select the component video input.
4. Play a DVD with a Dolby Digital or DTS soundtrack.
5. Press Input Search. If the component video in is not detected, you
may need to go to the Menu system and tell the ATP 8500 to turn
“on” these inputs. Go to Menu, go to Source Setup, select component video “on”. Now press Input Search again.
Want to set the DVD to a front panel input? Follow the same steps as you did for the VCR assignment, except use the
front panel button “DVD” and select the video source (composite/component/S-VHS) and the digital audio source.
Remember to “back out” of the Menu by scrolling to the Exit selection.
Now you’ve really got to read the manual to get any further. We suggest using an experienced installer to work with
things like the trigger inputs and default settings.
DVD PLAYER
ATP 8500
TELEVISION
Rear Panel Connections
Power Connections
(1) POWER INLET
Before making any connections, check that the mains (AC) voltage or range of voltages printed on the rear panel is the
same as your local mains supply voltage. Plug the female (socket) end of the power cord into the power inlet on the
rear of the preamplifier. Plug the male (plug) end of the cord into a wall socket or an extension power cord.
NOTE: CONNECT THE ATP 8500 ONLY TO A GROUNDED WALL SOCKET.
(2) POWER SWITCH (REAR PANEL)
Press the rocker switch to the “I” position to turn the preamplifier ON and the “O” position to turn it OFF. In the OFF
position, all power is disconnected from the preamplifier. In the OFF position, the ATP 8500 cannot be powered up from
the front panel or the remote control. In the ON position (provided the device receives power from the wall outlet) the
ATP 8500 will power up in standby mode (see FRONT PANEL CONTROLS, STANDBY). If you are not going to be using
the ATP 8500 for an extended period of time, you should turn the rear panel "POWER" switch OFF.
NOTE: ALWAYS SWITCH THE ATP 5800 TO “STANDBY”
MODE (FRONT PANEL SWITCH OFF) BEFORE SWITCHING
THE REAR PANEL POWER SWITCH OFF.
Audio Connections
(3) ANALOG INPUTS 1 THROUGH 10
Connect the output cables of the analog audio devices to these sockets. Always connect these inputs, even when you are
going to listen only via digital inputs (such sources as DVD or CD players). This ensures that there is always a signal at
the record outputs.
The signal coming from the ANALOG audio inputs goes through an A/D converter that turns the analog signal into
digital form (A/D=Analog to Digital. The signal is now ready for Dolby Pro Logic decoding or post-processing with
Music Modes. Then the signal is fed to D/A converters and to 7.1 Channel outputs (D/A=Digital to Analog). The signal
you have selected is also fed to the three ANALOG outputs. Note: the balanced stereo input (XLR connectors) can be
routed via the menu system to bypass the A to D conversion and operate completely in the analog domain.
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(4) TAPE INPUT/OUTPUT
These connectors are for all types of tape recorders, including 3-head types, which allow you to monitor the signal from
the tape at the same time it is being recorded. Connect a stereo cable pair from the TAPE REC output sockets of the preamp
to the LINE IN or RECORD IN sockets of your tape recorder. Connect a second pair of stereo cables from the TAPE PLAY
input sockets to the LINE OUT or PLAY OUT sockets of your tape recorder.Using the TAPE loop you can monitor the
level and quality of the recording at the same time as the recording takes place. You can also use it for connecting
external devices (such as an equalizer) to the signal path. Note: do not use an equalizer across the Tape Loop. Any ANALOG
stereo source you have selected on the ATP 8500 will be automatically fed to the TAPE REC output sockets for recording.
You cannot make a recording from a source that is connected ONLY to the digital inputs or the 7.1 channel inputs.
(5) RECORD OUTPUTS 1 & 2
The REC outputs carry the signal from the currently selected ANALOG stereo source device (except the source connected
to the TAPE PLAY input or the 7.1 CHANNEL INPUT). You can connect these outputs to the inputs of any recording
device. The signal can also be used in a multi-room set-up to feed power amplifiers in other rooms.
(6) ZONE AUDIO OUTPUT
This is an additional stereo output that is routed separately from the primary signal. In other words, you can watch
one video/audio program in the living room, and send a different video/audio signal to the bedroom. Zone 2 sends a
different source from the ATP 8500 to a power amplifier and a pair of loudspeakers that are located in another room.
Note: the video signal follows this Zone 2 audio.
(7) 7.1 CHANNEL INPUTS (LEFT FRONT, CENTER, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT SURROUND, RIGHT SURROUND,
LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR AND SUBWOOFER)
Connect the audio inline outputs from any multi-channel analog source such as a Super Audio CD (SACD) player or a
DVD-Audio player to these inputs by using up to eight interconnect cables (or four stereo cable pairs). The 7.1 CHANNEL
inputs may be used with stereo, mono, 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel sources.
You can also use these inputs as an “Analog Direct” input if you want to bypass the digital section of ATP 8500.
Note: In this case you cannot use the record outputs.
(8) 7.1 CHANNEL OUTPUTS (LEFT FRONT, CENTER, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT SURROUND, RIGHT SURROUND,
LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR AND SUBWOOFER)
Connect these outputs to the line inputs of your power amplifiers. The SUB output is normally fed to the low-level Line
Input of an active subwoofer. Alternatively it may feed a passive subwoofer with a separate power amplifier. These 7.1
outputs are available at two different types of connectors:
The deluxe RCA style phono jacks on the upper right of the rear panel.
The balanced XLR connectors running across the center of the rear panel.
Both connectors can be used at the same time because they have two completely separate drive amplifier sections.
In fact, the balanced audio output circuitry of the ATP 8500 is superior to products costing 2-3 times more than the
ATP 8500. As per professional audio standards, pin 2 of the output connector is “hot”. This is also true of the balanced
XLR input connectors.
The LEFT REAR (LR) and RIGHT REAR (RR) outputs are reserved for future surround formats. These outputs carry the
analog signal that is fed to the LEFT REAR and RIGHT REAR 7.1 CHANNEL INPUTS<None> so that ATP 8500 can be
used with an external 7.1 channel analog source connected to the 7.1 channel inputs. In the future it will be possible to
fit the ATP 8500 with hardware/software capable of decoding 7.1 channel digital sources.
Video Connections
(9) COMPOSITE VIDEO INPUTS 1 THROUGH 6
These are the default video inputs. Connect the composite video output cables coming from your video sources to these
inputs. Note: Take care to use inputs with the same name for the composite video, S-Video and analog audio cables
from a single source. E.g. cables from a VCR (VideoCassette Recorder) should go to the VCR-VIDEO, VCR COMPOSITE
VIDEO and VCR ANALOG inputs. The composite video signal is selected from these signals, and the signal is fed out
from the COMPOSITE VIDEO record (REC) and monitor (MON) outputs. On Screen Display information is added to the
MON output.
(10) COMPOSITE VIDEO RECORD AND MONITOR OUTPUTS
Connect the Composite Video input of your VCR to the COMPOSITE VIDEO REC output. Connect the Composite Video
input of your display device (TV) to the COMPOSITE VIDEO MON output. The On Screen Display (OSD) information is
present at this output. You can also use the COMPOSITE VIDEO MON output even if there is no composite video source
connected. The S-Video signal you have selected is down-mixed to this output and you can use it for monitoring. Even
on OSD video outputs, the OSD info can be turned off by going to the MENU function and selecting DISPLAY, then
selecting OFF.
(11) COMPOSITE VIDEO ZONE AND MONITOR OUTPUTS (MONITOR WITHOUT OSD)
This is an additional Composite Video and Monitor output. You can use it for example to give a different signal to a TV
located in another room called zone 2. On this Monitor output the On Screen Display (OSD) is not displayed.
(12) S-VIDEO INPUTS 1 THROUGH 6
Connect the S-Video output cables from your video sources to these inputs. Note: Take care to use inputs with the same
name for the Composite Video, S-Video and analog audio cables from a single source. S-Video signals are of higher
quality than Composite Video signals. So if you have a source device with S-Video outputs, we recommend you to use
them, together with the S-Video inputs on your display. S-Video inputs are also automatically down-mixed to feed the
Composite Video MON OSD output for displays that are without S-Video inputs.
(13) S-VIDEO MONITOR OUTPUT (WITHOUT OSD)
On this S-Video Monitor output, the On Screen Display (OSD) is not displayed.
(14) S-VIDEO MONITOR OUTPUT (WITH OSD)
On this S-Video Monitor output, the On Screen Display (OSD) is displayed, but you can switch it off by using the menu.
(15) S-VIDEO RECORD OUTPUT
Connect the S-Video input of your VCR to the S-VIDEO REC output. Connect the S-Video input of your display device
(TV) to one of the two S-VIDEO MONITOR outputs (see items 13 and 14).
(23) COMPONENT VIDEO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Connect the three component video cables from your DVD player, HDTV tuner or HD Satellite Receiver to any of the
three sets of Component Video Inputs. Make certain you follow the color coding of the jacks and cables or the labels
Pb, Pr, and Y. Sometimes these are called Cb, Cr and Y instead. Connect the Component Video outputs of the ATP 8500
to the Component Video inputs on your TV.
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Digital Audio Connections
(17) COAXIAL DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS 1 THROUGH 4
Connect the coaxial digital output cables from your source devices to these inputs. You can freely associate the digital
inputs to any source (see menu option for further reference).
(18) OPTICAL DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS 1 & 2
These connections require optical cables and connectors. You can freely associate the optical inputs to any audio source
(see menu option for further reference).
(16) OPTICAL DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT
Connect the optical input of your digital recorder to the DIGITAL output. The selected primary digital source is fed to
this output in optical format.
Other Connections
(19) BALANCED AUDIO INPUT
This connection requires an XLR cable and
connectors Pin 2 is “hot.”
(20) RS 232 CONTROL INTERFACE
Via this interface, you can connect the ATP 8500 to a home automation system. Contact your dealer for details.
(21) IR INPUT/OUTPUT
These connections are for an additional InfraRed remote controller.
(22) REMOTE TRIGGER OUTPUTS 1 THROUGH 3
You can connect the DC trigger inputs of any audio or other device to the TRIGGER outputs. The TRIGGER output may
be activated when the ATP 8500 is switched out of STANDBY and immediately turned off again when the ATP 8500 is
switched into STANDBY again. You can also program the TRIGGER outputs to be activated under other conditions (see
menu section). The TRIGGER outputs deliver 12 VDC at a maximum total current (for the three outputs) of 200 mA.
CAUTION: CONNECT OR DISCONNECT THE TRIGGERS ONLY WHEN THE POWER SWITCH IS OFF,
OR THE UNIT IS DISCONNECTED FROM MAINS POWER!
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