Ayre DX-5 Owner's Manual

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Ayre DX-5

Owner’s Manual

Universal A/V Engine

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Table of

Contents

Welcome to Ayre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Overview and Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Connections and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Setup and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Controls and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Optimization and Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

About Aspect Ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Advanced Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

On-Screen Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

On-Screen Menu Settings Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Numbers and Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Statement of Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

A Technical Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

A Place for Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

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Welcome to

Ayre

Your Ayre DX-5 offers a significant advance in both video and audio performance from all digital formats. The excitement and dimensionality of your favorite films are apparent from the first viewing. Music is reproduced with the warmth and immediacy of a live performance. The combination of superb resolution and a natural, relaxed quality will draw you back to your home theater and music system, time and time again.

This degree of performance has been implemented using the highest level of workmanship and materials. You can be assured that the Ayre DX-5 will provide you a lifetime of enjoyment.

To our North American customers, please be sure to mail your warranty registration card and photocopy of your original sales receipt within 30 days in order to extend the warranty to five years.

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Overview and

Introduction

The Ayre DX-5 is a unique universal audio/video engine that serves as the central source component for all of your digital media. It plays all currently available video optical disc formats (including Blu-ray and DVD-Video), providing reference-level picture quality for your home theater. The DX-5 also plays all currently available audio optical disc formats (including CD, SACD, and DVD-Audio) with unsurpassed audio quality.

To provide the highest level of performance, the video and audio sections are totally separate. A bank of opto-isolators provides electrical isolation between the two sections of the player.

In addition, the DX-5 also connects to your personal computer (using either Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux) via the ubiquitous USB port to create a true high-performance music server. As digital downloads continue to grow in popularity, this feature will become more valuable as time goes on.

The DX-5 generates a fixed-frequency master audio clock and requests the data from the computer at the correct time for jitter-free playback of your

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music. The DX-5 also utilizes opto-isolators to provide total electrical isolation for the connections between your computer and music system. This minimizes the introduction of unwanted radio-frequency interference (RFI), generated by all computers.

Avoiding the use of wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi), by employing wired connections instead, will reduce RFI levels in your home and results in improved sound quality for any music system.

The Ayre DX-5 A/V Engine serves as the central source component for most systems. It plays back virtually all digital formats, both video and audio, and it also provides a connection to provide the full advantages of computer-based audio playback. Thanks to its advanced technological features the DX-5 will extract the full measure of performance from all digital video and audio formats, maximizing your enjoyment both now and into the future.

Quick Start

The Ayre DX-5 is extremely flexible and versatile. However, many of the features are primarily of interest to the advanced user.

The information required to get started is contained in the first three chapters of this manual.

The remaining chapters cover additional information that may be read at your leisure.

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Connections and

Installation

The Ayre DX-5 is a universal audio/video engine. It may be connected to any video display with an HDMI input, any audio system either with HDMI or analog inputs, and any personal computer with a USB output. It is easy to hook up and use. The following guidelines will ensure that the installation goes smoothly.

Location

The infrared beam of the

remote control will also travel

through glass.

A good location for your DX-5 is at an easily accessible height in an open-backed cabinet or on a shelf. The receiver for the infrared remote control is mounted behind the small lens to the left of the display. A direct line of sight from the listening position will ensure the maximum range.

Video Outputs

Your Ayre DX-5 is equipped with an HDMI A/V Output that supplies both high-resolution video and multi-channel audio on the same cable.

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While the HDMI A/V Output also includes the audio, the best performance for both video and audio is achieved by using separate connections for both the video and audio signals.

Video switchers and/or scalers

may compromise the signal

integrity unless executed at the

absolute highest standards.

It is recommended to connect the HDMI A/V Output directly to your display device and connect one (or both) of the dedicated audio outputs to your audio system (multi-channel HDMI Audio Output or two-channel Analog Audio Output).

There is also an analog Composite Video Output for troubleshooting purposes. It is not recommended to use the Composite Video Output as the normal connection, because it only provides a standard definition video signal.

Audio Outputs

The DX-5 has multiple audio outputs to allow connection with a wide variety of music systems. However, one of two main outputs should be used whenever possible:

•

Analog Audio Output – for two-channel playback.

•

HDMI Audio Output – for multi-channel playback.

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Isolation of Audio and Video

Any audio/video system will

achieve the best performance

when the video system is

electrically isolated from the

audio system.

The entire audio section of the DX-5 is completely isolated from the video section via opto-isolators that provide total galvanic isolation. This is unusual and will require some extra effort to maintain this isolation when also using other video sources.

For the best performance, all other video sources should link to the audio system with an electrically isolated connection to maintain isolation between the video and audio systems. One simple and effective method is to use the optical digital output of other video sources. Coaxial digital outputs can provide isolation if a transformer is in the signal path. If you are unsure if your equipment has built-in digital audio transformers, external transformers are available. To isolate an analog audio connection, the best solution is to use high-quality transformers. Jensen Transformers offers both digital and analog isolation transformers.

Two-Channel Systems

For over 50 years, the vast majority of music has been recorded in two-channel stereo, thus the DX-5 includes two ultra-high quality audio digital-to-analog converters. The stereo Analog Audio Outputs will play all sources at their absolute highest quality, including all two-channel optical discs as well as the USB input for computer audio.

In addition, the stereo Analog Audio Outputs will play a two-channel mixdown of multi-channel sources, including both movie soundtracks and musical discs. This allows the Analog Audio

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Outputs to provide a rich and fulfilling sonic experience for movies as well as music. If you have a two-channel audio system, simply connect the Analog Audio Outputs to your preamplifier and you can enjoy all of your sources, both music and movies.

Multi-channel SACDs may not be downmixed. However, they nearly always contain a separate two-channel playback area.

The Ayre DX-5 offers both balanced and single-ended outputs. Balanced connections are made via three-pin XLR connectors, while single-ended connections are made via RCA connectors.

When you have a choice, a balanced connection will offer slightly higher sound quality than a single-ended connection.

Multi-Channel Systems

The HDMI Audio Output

must also supply a video

signal for proper operation. It

simply sends a gray screen at

720p for full compatibility.

Multi-channel audio is provided at full resolution via the HDMI connection. Please note that there are two HDMI connectors on the DX-5. One is labeled

“HDMI Audio Output” and provides higher quality

audio than the HDMI A/V Output that also supplies the video signal.

The HDMI Audio Output transmits LPCM (or optionally, DSD in the case of SACDs). All compressed formats from Dolby and DTS are decompressed by the player before transmission.

Simply connect the HDMI Audio Output to your surround-sound processor to enjoy multi-channel

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movie soundtracks and music sources. The Analog Audio Outputs may also be connected to your system at the same time as the HDMI Audio Output, either directly to the surround-sound processor or through a stereo preamplifier with a pass-through function.

Note that both the Analog Audio Outputs and the Digital Audio Output are disabled and the status LED glows orange when the HDMI Audio Output is connected to a selected (active) HDMI input on your surround-sound processor (SSP). The disabled outputs will be re-activated when the SSP input connected to the HDMI Audio Output is de-selected (de-activated).

The Ayre DX-5 also supports “Audio Rate Control” (ARC), which allows the master audio clock in your surround-sound processor to be the main clock in your audio system for the lowest jitter possible in a multi-channel system. (The Analog Audio Outputs provide the lowest possible jitter in a two-channel system.) The DX-5 will lock onto this clock and adjust the rate of its playback to ensure perfect synchronization, and the status LED glows violet.

An adapter is available from

your Ayre dealer should you

need to connect the Digital

Audio Output to an S/PDIF

input that uses an RCA

connector.

AES/EBU Digital Audio Output

The Ayre DX-5 also features a balanced AES/EBU (S/PDIF) digital audio output. This connection is limited to lower-quality compressed formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS. However, it can provide multi-channel audio to older equipment that lacks an HDMI input for audio. The HDMI Audio Output should be used whenever possible for multi-channel audio.

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USB Input

The USB input allows the DX-5 to be connected to a personal computer for use as a state-of-the-art music server. The input uses the squarish USB “B” type connector designed for computer peripheral devices. The rectangular “A” type connector at the other end of the cable is designed to plug directly into the computer itself.

Music input at the USB Audio Input will not be output by either HDMI connector. Only the Analog Audio Outputs will deliver music sent to the USB Audio Input.

The USB 2.0 standard specifies a maximum cable length of 16 feet (5 meters). It is not recommended to use extenders or hubs with the QB-9. Fiber optic USB cables can be longer, but are relatively expensive.

AyreLink Ports

The AyreLink communication system provides a convenient way to control your audio system. There are two AyreLink ports on the rear panel of the DX-5. Each port has four contacts and contains both an input and an output. Both ports function identically and may be used interchangeably.

AyreLink connections are made with commonly available two-line telephone line cords using modular (RJ-11) connectors. (These are the cords that connect the telephone set to the wall in many

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countries.) They are readily available in different lengths and various colors at most electronics stores.

Be sure to use two-line telephone cords to make AyreLink connections. These can be identified by the four gold contacts on each connector. Single-line cords with only two gold contacts will not function in this application.

The linked components may be

joined in any convenient

order.

The linked components should be connected in daisy-chain fashion, connecting each component to another until all of the linked components have been connected.

When connecting the linked components to form a chain, be careful not to connect the two ends of the chain. Closing the chain to form a loop will cause the AyreLink system not to function.

Ethernet LAN Connection

On the rear panel of the DX-5 is an RJ-45 jack for an optional connection to the internet. This connection will allow for two functions:

•

BD Live – Some newer Blu-ray titles include a feature called “BD Live”. This allows an internet-connected player to access additional content such as commentaries and games.

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Firmware update – Periodically Ayre may offer

•

updates to the firmware of the DX-5 that will offer additional features. While there are several methods for updating the firmware, perhaps the easiest is to use an internet connection.

AC Power

The DX-5 may be plugged directly into an unswitched wall outlet. Although proprietary RFI (radio-frequency interference) filtering is built into the universal A/V engine, in some situations an AC power-line filter (such as those offered by Ayre) may provide additional sonic benefits.

As virtually all computers use switch-mode power supplies that introduce unwanted RFI on the AC power line, it may be beneficial to use an AC power line filter for the computer and its accessories (e.g., display monitor), many of which also utilize switch-mode power supplies.

Playing the unit for 100 to

500 hours will ensure full

break-in.

Break-In

Due to the manufacturing processes used for the printed circuit boards, wires, and capacitors, a break-in period is necessary for the player to reach its full performance potential.

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Setup and

Configuration

Once you have connected the Ayre DX-5 to your home theater system, you will need to configure it to ensure compatibility with your display. There is an extensive set of options as detailed in the chapter

“On-Screen Setup Menu”. To simplify the setup

process, nearly all of the options have been pre-selected at the factory. However, a few settings may need to be changed to match your system.

Video Setup

With the DX-5 connected to your video display and powered on, press the “Setup” button on the remote control handset (just above the “Red” button). This will access the On-Screen Setup Menu. Use the

“Up/Down” arrow buttons to navigate to the

Video Setup menu item. Press the “Enter” button to select the menu items and then once again use the

“Up/Down” arrow buttons to select the desired

option.

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16:9 Display

4:3 Display

TV Aspect Ratio

The Ayre DX-5 comes from the factory pre-configured for proper operation with a

“widescreen” (16:9). This will work for the vast

majority of systems. However if you have an older

“standard” (4:3) display, you will need to change the

menu item TV Aspect Ratio.

Use the “Up/Down” arrow buttons to select the proper menu item and the press “Enter”. Use the

“Up/Down” arrow buttons to select 4:3 Letterbox

and then press “Enter”. If you have inadvertently changed the setting, the correct selection for a

“widescreen” display is 16:9 Wide/Auto.

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TV System

Around the world, there are two main video standards in use, NTSC (North America and Japan) and PAL (Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa). The Ayre DX-5 can work perfectly well with either system. From the factory the unit is set up to play both types of discs (NTSC and PAL) in their native format.

If your display accommodates both standards, you need not change this setting. Similarly, if you only play discs purchased from the same area as your display, this setting will work well.

However, if you have purchased discs from other parts of the world and your display only supports one video standard, then you will need to change the TV System setting to match your display.

Scroll down to the menu item TV System and press

“Enter”. Select the video standard (PAL/NTSC) to

match your display. The options are:

•

Multi-system (default) – No system conversion is

performed. The output video system is the same as that encoded on the disc. Requires a TV that supports both NTSC and PAL systems.

•

NTSC – When playing NTSC-encoded discs, no

system conversion is performed. PAL-encoded content is converted to NTSC output.

•

PAL – When playing PAL-encoded discs, no

system conversion is performed. NTSC encoded content is converted to PAL output.

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Output Resolution

Not only does the Ayre DX-5 Digital A/V Engine play high-definition Blu-ray discs, but it also has a world-class scaling engine that up-converts standard definition video stored on DVD discs. The sophisticated video processor ensures that the video will have the best possible color, detail and motion.

The player offers several video output resolutions. To achieve the best visual result, it is important to select the output resolution that best matches your display device. The rule of thumb when selecting an output resolution is to match the “native resolution” of your display.

The default setting from the factory is Auto. This selection allows the display to communicate with the player in order to establish the best resolution. If there is difficulty with this setting, or if you wish to select the resolution manually, use the “Up/Down” arrow buttons to select Output Resolution and then press “Enter”.

For the latest generation of 1080p, “Full HD” or

“True HD” displays, the best output resolution will

be 1080p. (A few early model 1080p displays do not accept 1080p signal. For these displays the best output resolution to use is 1080i.) For all other digital televisions this will likely be 720p. For CRT tube or rear projection televisions this will likely be 1080i. These are general recommendations that work for most users, but there can be exceptions. Consult the owner’s manual for your display.

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The DX-5 also supports a special “Source Direct” output resolution. This resolution is only recommended for use with high-performance external video processors. In “Source Direct” mode, the player works as a “transport”. It decodes video from the discs and then sends the raw video signal in its native resolution and format, without extra processing, to the external video processor.

Beyond the Initial Setup

If your system requires a special setup configuration, additional advanced details are given in various chapters, including “On-Screen Setup Menu” and

“Optimization and Customization”. The Ayre DX-5

offers many specific features that may increase the ease of operation in your audio/video system.

Configuring the Computer

You will also need to set up your personal computer to act as a music server, using the USB Audio Input on the DX-5. There are a variety of software music players that are well suited for the job.

No matter what operating system (OS) your computer uses — Apple, Windows, or Linux — you’ll need to set up your computer to perform several different tasks:

•

Transferring music to your computer’s hard drive, either by converting the files from your CD collection, commonly called “ripping”, or

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by purchasing files that are downloaded via the internet.

Labeling the files you have transferred with the

•

names of the song, artist, album, et cetera, commonly called “tagging”. (Downloaded files will normally already have the “tags” included.)

Using a music player program to organize your

•

music collection and play it back.

Optionally record music selections back onto

•

CDs for playback in your car or other places, commonly called “burning”.

Optionally transfer part of your music collection

•

to a portable music player.

A few programs can perform all of these functions, for example iTunes (Apple and Windows), J.River Media Center (Windows), and Windows Media Player (Windows). Some users will prefer to use a combination of other specialized programs to perform these functions.

An introductory guide to setting up your computer is available at the Ayre website at:

www.ayre.com/usb.htm

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Controls and

Operation

The Ayre DX-5 may be controlled using either the front panel buttons or the remote control handset. Basic functions are available at both locations. Additional functions are available only at the remote control handset.

This chapter is divided into three sections:

•

Basic Functions

•

USB Computer Audio

•

Media File Playback

There also many other sophisticated functions available for the advanced user. These are described in a separate chapter, “Advanced Features” (page

39).

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Status LED

There is a status LED on the front panel to the lower-left of the control ring. It changes color to indicate various states of the DX-5 as follows:

•

Blue = Display Off (see page 54)

•

Green = Pure Audio (see page 46)

•

Red = LFE Mixdown (see page 47)

•

Orange = HDMI Audio Active (see page 9)

•

Violet = HDMI Audio with ARC (see page 9)

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Basic Functions

While the remote control handset has a multitude of functions, only a few of them are commonly used. These basic functions apply to all optical discs, including Blu-ray discs (BDs), DVDs, DVD-Audios, SACDs, and CDs. Details on the remaining functions may be found in a separate chapter, “Advanced Features” (page 39).

Standby/Operate

The “Standby/Operate” button toggles the unit between normal operation and standby mode. When in standby mode, the LED in the front-panel

“Standby” button is green and all critical circuitry

remains powered. This ensures optimal performance with a minimum of warm-up time.

Please note that the “Power” button on the remote control corresponds to the

“Standby/Operate” function on the DX-5.

Open/Close

The “Open/Close” button opens and closes the disc tray. An open tray may also be closed by pressing gently on the front edge of the tray. When the tray is closed, most video discs will automatically begin playing. The behavior of CDs and SACDs when closing the tray is determined by the On-Screen Setup Menu (page 61).

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Play

Pressing the “Play” button initiates playback of the disc. If the drawer is open, pressing “Play” will also close the drawer.

Pause

Pressing the “Pause” button will pause the disc playback. Playback may be resumed either by pressing the “Pause” button again or the “Play” button.

Stop

Pressing the “Stop” button will stop disc playback. However the position is memorized and the video display shows “Press PLAY to continue.” Press “Play” to start from the memorized position, or press “Stop” a second time to clear the memorized position.

For more information on the “Memory Resume” feature, please refer to page 50.

Pressing the “Previous” button will back up to the start of the current chapter or track. Additional presses will move to previous chapters or tracks.

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Pressing the “Next” button will move to the start of the next chapter or track. Additional presses will move to subsequent chapters or tracks.

Reverse Scan

The “Reverse Scan” mode scans backward through the disc. Each button press increases the scan speed until it returns to the normal playing speed as shown at the diagram. Pressing “Play” will also restore normal playback speed.

Forward Scan

The “Forward Scan” mode scans forward through the disc. Each button press increases the scan speed until it returns to the normal playing speed as shown at the diagram. Pressing “Play” will also restore normal playback speed.

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Cursor Buttons

Nearly all video discs feature on-screen menus to access the various features found on the disc. These menus use a highlighted cursor that is controlled by using the “Cursor” buttons on the remote control handset. When the desired selection is highlighted, press the “Enter” button.

The cursor buttons are also used to navigate the

“On-Screen Setup Menu”. For additional

information, please refer to page 58.

Please note that the front panel control rings may

also be used to navigate on-screen menus. The “Previous” and “Next” buttons correspond to “Left” and “Right”. The “Pause” button

corresponds to “Up”, while the “Stop” button

corresponds to”Down”. Finally, the “Play” button

corresponds to the “Enter” function.

Menu Buttons

The on-screen menus found on nearly all video discs will normally automatically display upon loading the disc.

Blu-ray discs usually contain a Top Menu and a Pop-Up Menu. The Top Menu normally appears at the beginning of the playback, after the previews and copyright messages. The Pop-Up Menu can be accessed during the movie without interrupting playback. Some menus make use of the “Color” buttons. You can select menu functions by pressing the corresponding “Color” button on the remote control.

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Most DVD discs use a chapter menu for navigation. Press the “Pop-Up Menu” button to display the chapter menu. Some DVD discs may contain a title menu, usually in addition to the chapter menu. During playback, press the “Top Menu” button to return to the disc title menu.

Number Buttons

During the playback of a disc, you can use the

“Number” buttons on the remote control to directly

jump to a specified chapter or track number.

To enter a number greater than “9”, simply press

the desired number buttons in order. For

example, to enter “23”, first press “2”, then “3”.

Audio

Most video discs and some audio discs have multiple soundtracks. These usually these offer choices of different languages, although some discs will have a choice of different encoding schemes (e.g., Dolby Digital or PCM). You can select a preferred language that will automatically play using the On-Screen Setup Menus (page 56), or you can scroll through the available soundtrack choices using the

“Audio” button on the remote control.

Subtitle

Many video discs offer a choice of subtitles. You can select a preferred language that will automatically display using the On-Screen Setup Menus (page 56),

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or you can scroll through the available subtitle choices, or turn the subtitles off completely, using the “Subtitle” button on the remote control.

Pressing the “Subtitle” button once displays the current setting. Additional presses will scroll through the available choices.

Repeat

To repeat a certain chapter, title, track or disc, press the “Repeat” button on the remote control. Each press of the “Repeat” button switches the repeat mode in the following sequence:

DVD and DVD-Audio

•

Blu-ray

•

CD and SACD

Selecting a Repeat mode cancels any Shuffle or

Random mode you may be using.

Shuffle and Random

When playing a CD or SACD, press the “Blue” button on the remote control to activate the Shuffle and Random modes. Each press of the “Blue” button switches the playback mode in the following sequence:

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In normal playback mode, each track is played back in sequential order. The Random playback mode randomly selects a track to play. The Shuffle mode also plays back the tracks in random order, but it ensures that each track is played only once.

Selecting the Shuffle or Random mode cancels any

Repeat mode you may be using.

DVD Quick-Start

When watching a DVD, the “Yellow” button allows you to skip any previews or other material before the beginning of the film. Simply load the disc in the open tray and press the “Yellow” button to begin play.

Light

When any button is pressed on the remote control, the backlight will illuminate the buttons with a soft amber glow for a few seconds. Conveniently placed in the lower right corner, the “Light” button allows you to turn the backlight on without activating any functions on the DX-5.

If the front-panel display is off, pressing the “Light” button will momentarily turn the display

on.

Bass on Multi-Channel Discs

If you are playing a multi-channel disc using the HDMI Audio Output and the sound quality has

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poor bass response, be sure that the “Speaker Configuration” settings are correct as explained on page 86.

If a multi-channel disc played through the two-channel Analog Audio Outputs has poor bass response, first check the “Speaker Configuration” settings and then try the “LFE Downmix ” mode as explained on page 47. This will correct for improperly authored multi-channel discs.

USB Computer Audio

The DX-5 can be connected to any modern personal computer to create a powerful, flexible state-of-the-art music server. Connect and configure your computer as explained in the previous chapters.

When the DX-5 receives an active signal at the USB Audio Input, all of the disc playing functions will shut down, including both HDMI outputs. The audio will be routed to the analog audio outputs.

Simply play your favorite songs on your computer using your favorite software music player. The audio will be routed through the DX-5 to your stereo system.

When receiving a USB signal, the front panel

display will read “USB” along with the sample

rate in kHz.

When the DX-5 Universal A/V Engine stops receiving a valid USB audio signal, it will simply switch “Off” completely.

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Media File Playback

In addition to playing standard disc-based formats such as Blu-ray disc, DVD, CD, and SACD, the Ayre DX-5 Universal A/V Engine can play media files. You can enjoy digital music, movies and photos stored on an optical disc (recordable CD or DVD) or a USB drive. Due to the variation of media, encoding software and techniques used, compatibility cannot be guaranteed for all user-created or downloaded contents. Support for such content is on a best-effort basis.

Playback from a USB Drive

The Ayre DX-5 is equipped with two USB host ports, one on the front panel and the other on the back. You may use either to plug in a USB drive stored with digital music, movie and photo files.

The USB host ports are rated to

provide a maximum of 5V, 500mA

power to the USB drive. This is

sufficient for all USB thumb drives

and flash memory card readers, but

may not be sufficient for USB hard

disks. It is recommended that you use

a USB hard disk with an external

power supply to avoid damage to the

USB host ports.

This unit supports “USB Mass Storage Class

Bulk-Only Transport” devices only. Most USB

thumbs drives, portable hard disk drives and card

readers conform to this device class. Other USB

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devices such as MP3 players, digital cameras, and

mobile phones may not be compatible.

Supported USB drives must be formatted with

the FAT (File Allocation Table) or FAT32 file

system. Drives formatted with the NTFS or HFS

Plus file systems are not supported.

In some cases, an incompatible USB device may

cause the player to stop responding. If this occurs

simply turn off the power, remove the USB

device, and turn the player back on.

The player accesses the USB drive in read-only

mode. In order to minimize the risk of data

corruption, it is recommended that you only

unplug the USB device when playback is

completely stopped.

The Home Menu

When a USB drive or an optical disc with media files is inserted, the player presents a “Home Menu” to assist you in navigating and playing the files. You can also bring up the “Home Menu” with the

“Home” button on the remote control. The “Home

Menu” is the starting point for accessing media files.

There are four selections in the “Home Menu”. Depending on what type of media files that you intend to play, you can choose among the “Music,”

“Movie”, and “Photo” categories. The “Setup Menu”

selection will bring you to the player’s Setup Menu just like pressing the “Setup” button on the remote control.

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Playing Music Files

To play digital music files stored on an optical disc or USB drive, select “Music” from the “Home Menu”. A file browser will appear to assist you in navigating the files and folders. The first step is to select the “Data Disc” or USB device that contains the music files. The player will read the disc and list the folders and music files. In the music browser, you can perform the following operations:

Press the “Up/Down” arrow or “Page

•

Up/Down” buttons to move the cursor.

When a music file is highlighted by the cursor,

•

press the “Enter” or “Play” button to start playback.

• Press the “Green” button to add the currently

highlighted music file to the Playlist. A green check mark will appear in front of the file name, and the Playlist count in the lower left corner of the screen will increase by one.

•

Press the “Left” arrow button to move the cursor to the Selection Menu in the lower left corner of the screen. This menu contains the following choices:

•

All Music – List all music files in a flat view without

any directory structure.

•

Playlist – List only music files added to the Playlist.

•

Browser – List folders and music files according to

the directory structure on the disc or USB drive.

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Now Playing – Show the status of the currently

• playing music file.

Press the “Right” arrow button to move the

• cursor back to the file listing.

If a music file starts playing and there is no

•

other user operation, the “Now Playing” screen will appear after a few seconds. You can also get to this screen using the “Now Playing” menu. This screen can show the following information:

Playback status: “Play”, “Stop”, “Pause”.

•

Playback mode: “Shuffle”, “Random”,

•

“Repeat One”, “Repeat All”.

• Playback progress: “Track” and “Time”.

• Other embedded information: If the music file contains supported album art image and tags, those will be displayed.

•

The following operations are available while the

“Now Playing” screen is shown:

•

Normal playback control: “Play”, “Stop”,

“Pause”, “Prev/Next”, “Rev”, and “Fwd”

buttons.

•

Special playback modes: “Repeat” button and

“Shuffle/Random” button (”Blue” button)

•

Return to the Browser without stopping the music: “Return” button.

•

Stop playback and return to the Browser: Press the “Stop” button twice.

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Playing Movie Files

To play movie files stored on an optical disc or USB drive, select “Movie” from the “Home Menu”. A file browser will appear to assist you in navigating the files and folders.

The first step is to select the “Data Disc” or USB device that contains the movie files. The player will take a moment to read the disc and list the folders and movie files. In the movie browser, you can perform the following operations:

Press the “Up/Down” arrow or “Page

•

Up/Down” buttons to move the cursor and select movie files.

• When a movie file is highlighted by the cursor,

press the “Enter” or “Play” button to start playback.

Once a movie file starts playing, the normal playback control functions are available. To stop the movie and return to the file browser, press the

“Stop” button twice. You can also press the “Home”

button at any time to get back to the “Home Menu”.

Viewing Photo Files

To view digital photo files stored on an optical disc or USB drive, select “Photo” from the “Home Menu”. A file browser will appear to assist you in navigate the files and folders.

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The first step is to select the “Data Disc” or USB device that contains the photo files. The player will take a moment to read the disc and list the folders and photo files. In the photo browser, you can perform the following operations:

Press the “Up/Down” arrow or “Page

•

Up/Down” buttons to move the cursor and select photo files.

When a photo file is highlighted by the cursor,

•

press the “Enter” or “Play” button to start playback in a full screen slideshow fashion.

If you choose to start a photo slideshow (automatic viewing of all photos in a folder), the following operations are available:

•

Show the help screen: “Display” button.

•

Normal playback control: “Play”, “Stop”,

“Pause”, “Prev/Next” buttons.

•

Adjust slideshow speed: “Rev” and “Fwd” buttons.

•

Zoom: “Zoom” button. Once in “Zoom” mode the arrow buttons can be used to pan the photo.

•

Reflect (flip the photo along its horizontal axis to make it upside-down): “Up” arrow.

•

Mirror (flip the photo along its vertical axis to make it a mirror image): “Down” arrow.

•

Rotate left (counterclockwise): “Left” arrow.

•

Rotate right (clockwise): “Right” arrow.

•

Repeat: “Repeat” button.

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Show photos in “Digest” mode: “Red” button.

•

The “Digest” mode shows nine photo thumbnails in a screen to make visual navigation easy.

Show EXIF information: “Green” button.

•

Play in random sequence: “Blue” button.

•

Change slideshow transition effect: “Yellow”

•

button.

Adding Background Music

You can add background music to the photo slideshow. To do so, you will need to prepare some digital music files. The music files can be stored on the same disk as the photos, or on a different USB drive. Start music playback first by selecting

“Music” from the home menu. Once the music is

playing, press the “Home” button to get back to the home menu, and start the photo slideshow by selecting “Photo” in the usual manner.

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Optimization and

Customization

The Ayre DX-5 offers many advanced features. It is configured at the factory to provide the best performance for a typical installation. In certain situations you may wish to change the default configuration for optimal performance in your system, using small toggle switches on the rear of the unit.

The default configuration settings (all switches in the “up” position) will work best for the vast majority of users.

Digital Audio Output

An adapter is available from

Ayre should you need to connect the digital output to a device with an S/PDIF input

that uses an RCA connector.

The Ayre DX-5 features a balanced AES/EBU Digital Audio Output on the rear of the unit. This may be used when connecting to an older surround-sound processor that lacks an HDMI input.

The Digital Audio Output is only active with PCM or compressed PCM (Dolby Digital or DTS) based discs. It is inactive when playing SACDs.

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A switch on the rear panel allows the Digital Audio Output to be turned off if its use is not required.

Turning the Digital Audio Output “off” when not using it will result in slightly higher sound quality through the analog outputs.

Digital Filter

The digital filter of the Ayre DX-5 features two user-selectable algorithms. A selector switch is located on the rear panel. One algorithm produces greater accuracy in the time domain and is labeled

“Listen”. The other algorithm produces greater

accuracy in the frequency domain and is labeled

“Measure”.

Normally the selector switch is set to the “Listen” position when listening to music. However some listeners may prefer the additional high-frequency energy provided by the “Measure” position.

This switch only affects the Analog Audio Outputs, and not the Digital Audio Output or either of the HDMI outputs.

USB Audio Input Speed

For USB Audio, there are two speeds at which the connection to the computer may operate. The first is known as “Class 1 Audio” and is supported by all operating systems (e.g., Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, et cetera). Class 1 Audio uses the “Full Speed” mode of USB and is capable of transporting all sample rates up to 96 kHz. Select Class 1 Audio

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by setting the switch to “Rsrv A”.

Setting the switch to “Rsrv B” selects “Class 2 Audio”, which uses the USB “High Speed” mode to transport data at higher rates. Beginning with version 10.6 (Snow Leopard), Mac OS X supported Class 2 Audio. The current version is only qualified at audio speeds up to 96 kHz, so there is no advantage over Class 1 Audio at the present time. However, future versions of Mac OS X will support sample rates up to 192 kHz.

When those improved operating systems are installed on your computer, set the switch to

“Rsrv B” to enable Class 2 Audio. At that time you

will be able to enjoy music at all sampling rates.

Remote Code

The remote control supports three remote codes. The default is “Code 1”. Some other products may inadvertently respond to the DX-5 remote control. In this case you can select a different remote code to avoid conflicts.

To select a new remote code, open the battery compartment cover of the remote control, and then use a ball point pen to flip the switch to one of the positions marked as “1”, “2”, or “3”. Close the battery compartment cover. Make sure that the DX-5 is turned on and the disc tray is ejected. Aim the remote control at the player. Press and hold the

“Enter” button for 5 seconds. The player will start

using the new remote code.

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About

4:3 Display

Aspect Ratios

The term “aspect ratio” simply refers to the ratio of the picture’s width to its height. Nonetheless there is some room for confusion, as the original film, the the picture transferred to the disc, and the display itself each have their own aspect ratio. Most viewers prefer to see the film in its original aspect ratio, which preserves the director’s intention for the visual composition of the film and is made easy with the Ayre DX-5 Digital A/V Engine.

Aspect Ratios of Video Displays

Originally video displays were created with a 4:3 aspect ratio, mimicking the original aspect ratio used in films. These types of displays are less commonly available today, and are often referred to as “standard” displays.

16:9 Display

Most modern displays now use a 16:9 aspect ratio and are referred to as “widescreen” displays. Widescreen displays are highly preferred for displaying the wide aspect ratio movies that have been commonly made for the last 40 years.

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The aspect ratios of video displays are usually given as a ratio of integers. However as noted below, the aspect ratios of films are usually normalized to one. To make comparisons between video displays and films easier, the ratios for displays can also be normalized to one. Hence 16:9 becomes 1.78:1 and 4:3 becomes 1.33:1.

Aspect Ratios of Films

Nearly all films made from the 1920s through the early 1950s used an aspect ratio of 1.37:1. To compete against the threat of television, movie studios began adding features such as color and a wider (larger) picture.

Now nearly all films are made in a widescreen format. The most commonly used aspect ratios today are 1.85:1 and 2.35:1. This wider picture allows for more dramatic and creative visual compositions.

Matching Film to Display

When the aspect ratio of the film closely matches the aspect ratio of the display, the film can easily be viewed as the director intended. This happens when watching a 1.37:1 film on a 1.33:1 standard video display or when watching a 1.85:1 film on a 1.78:1 widescreen video display, as there is only a negligible mismatch. But when there is a significant mismatch, some action must be taken to allow the film to be viewed without distortion.

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Widescreen Displays

Let’s start with a widescreen movie shot in 1.85:1 and viewed on a 1.78:1 widescreen video display. In this case virtually the entire image can be seen with no adjustments required. The film is presented in the same way as in a movie theater.

If we want to now watch a standard movie shot in

1.37:1, With the DX-5 TV Aspect Ratio menu set to 16:9 Wide we run into a problem. The narrower picture automatically fills up the screen, stretching and distorting the image.

This is clearly unacceptable, so instead select 16:9 Wide/Auto in the TV Aspect Ratio On-Screen Setup Menu. The DX-5 adds black vertical bars on each side of the picture. These correspond to the movable curtains used to block part of the screen in a movie theater and restores the correct geometry.

Standard Displays

When watching a standard (1.37:1) film on a standard (1.33:1) display, we can see virtually the full image without adjustments. Again, the film is presented in the same way as it would be in a movie theater.

However if we watch a widescreen (1.85:1) film, we have a new problem. The picture will be distorted as the wide image is squeezed to fit the standard display.

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Again, this distorted image is unacceptable. A few high-quality standard video displays will allow for the vertical size of the picture to be decreased, restoring the proper image geometry. But since nearly all standard displays lack any type of aspect ratio control, this capability is instead built into all video disc players.

By selecting 4:3 Letterbox for the TV Aspect Ratio setting in the On-Screen Setup Menu (see page 68), when a widescreen disc is played the player will automatically squeeze the image vertically to restore the correct geometry while adding black bars at the top and bottom.

Additional Factors

So far everything has been relatively straightforward. However, there are a few more cases to consider that introduce some complexity to the situation.

Very Wide Films

Many films are made with aspect ratios even wider than 1.85:1, such as 2.35:1. Even on a widescreen (1.78:1) video display these films would be distorted if they were simply allowed to fill the screen. Instead thin black bars are added to the top and bottom of the image on the disc itself when the transfer from film to video is made.

On a widescreen display these thin black bars are perfectly normal and there is no distortion of the

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image. On a standard display, additional black bars will be added by the video disc player (or much less commonly by the display itself). The end result will be thick black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. Again this is perfectly normal.

Pan and Scan Discs

Sometimes when a widescreen film is transferred to video disc, only the center portion is scanned. This process is called “pan and scan” and changes the aspect ratio to 1.33:1, allowing for viewing on standard displays without the use of black bars. However this not only changes the film director’s original visual composition, but can even lead to critical elements being left out of the picture entirely.

These discs are often euphemistically called

“fullscreen”. Most film enthusiasts prefer to watch

the film’s original aspect ratio and therefore avoid these discs. As far as compatibility with either widescreen or standard displays, pan and scan discs will work in the same way as standard 1.37:1 films.

Letterboxed Discs

Since all DVD players can convert a widescreen disc to display properly on a standard video display, there is no technical reason to make a “letterboxed” disc. However in the very early days of DVD, movie studios were selling to a much smaller audience of DVD player owners. Instead of making a new transfer to DVD in widescreen format, to save

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money they would use an existing transfer that had been made for the laser disc format. Since laser disc had no provision for widescreen films, these transfers were done in “letterboxed” format, where the black bars at the top and bottom of the image were added to the disc itself during the transfer process.

These letterboxed discs will display properly on a standard display. However, on a widescreen display you will not only see black bars at the top and bottom of the image from the letterboxing process on the disc itself, but the display will add additional black bars at the sides of the image to maintain the correct picture geometry. The final result is a very small picture centered on your screen.

Most widescreen displays and the Ayre DX-5 have a

“zoom” mode (see page 55) that will expand the

image in all four directions to fill the screen. However, the picture resolution suffers as many of the available pixels on the disc have been discarded. Fortunately as the market for video discs have grown, these types of discs are now rarely seen.

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Advanced

Features

The remote handset for the Ayre DX-5 Digital A/V Engine includes many features that may be used only occasionally or even rarely. The buttons and their actions are described in this chapter.

Pure Audio

You can achieve higher quality audio by turning off the video processing and output. The Pure Audio mode reduces any potential interference between the video and audio signals.

Since the main HDMI output

carries audio together with

video, the HDMI video signal

cannot be completely turned

off. A black screen is

transmitted instead.

Press the “Pure Audio” button on the remote control to turn off video and enter Pure Audio mode. In addition the front-panel display will be turned off. The status LED will glow green to indicate that the unit is in Pure Audio mode. Press the “Pure Audio” button again to cancel Pure Audio mode.

Pure Audio mode is automatically canceled when the unit is switched off or when playback is stopped.

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Mute

Press the “Mute” button on the remote control during playback to turn off audio output. The TV screen displays a mute icon. The front panel MUTE indicator will also light up. Press the “Mute” button again to resume audio output.

Volume

The volume control function on the remote control sends commands via the AyreLink to a linked preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

LFE Mixdown

“LFE” is short for “Low-Frequency Effects”. It is a

separate channel on a multi-channel disc, dedicated for sound effects such as explosions in movies. In a surround-sound system this channel is typically directed to a dedicated sub-woofer.

When playing a multi-channel disc the two-channel Analog Audio Outputs contains a downmix of all channels except for the LFE channel. This is because the LFE channel uses a different reference level and cannot be readily mixed in with the other channels. Normally this doesn’t pose a problem, as the only thing missing is an occasional sound effect. Unfortunately a handful of discs have been authored incorrectly, and all low-frequency information from all of the channels has been routed to the LFE channel. Since the LFE channel is not part of the downmix, the sound will be “thin” or “lean”.

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To address this problem, the Ayre DX-5 offers a mode whereby the LFE channel is mixed in with the main channels for playback through the Analog Audio Outputs. Simply press the “Setup” button on the remote control handset, and then the numbers

“7 - 1 - 2 - 0” (for 7.1 channels to 2.0 channels).

The LED indicator on the front panel will glow red to show the “LFE Mixdown” mode is active. To exit the “LFE Mixdown” mode, press the “Setup” button followed by “0 - 0 - 0 - 0”.

To achieve the mixing of digital signals of different levels, the output level is reduced by 6 dB. This requires an increase of the system’s volume. Do not forget to reduce the volume before exiting the “LFE Mixdown” mode.

The “LFE Mixdown” mode is only for those multi-channel discs that have been improperly authored. Do not use it for two channel discs.

Viewing DVD-A Pictures

Some DVD-Audio discs contain static pictures, such as photos of the band or song lyrics. When a DVD-Audio track is playing, you may use the “Page Up” button to select the previous picture or the

“Page Down” button to select the next picture.

Display

During the playback of a DVD or Blu-ray disc, press the “Display” button on the remote control to show

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status information. For CD and SACD, the status information is shown automatically.

While the status information is shown, press the

“Page Up/Down” buttons to scroll through several

display formats. The playback time information displayed on the front panel changes together with the on-screen display.

Press the “Display” button again to hide the on-screen display. The playback time information display on the front panel will remain in the selected format. The following display formats are available:

DVD and Blu-ray

Title elapsed time

- Title remaining time

CD and SACD

Track elapsed time

- Track remaining time

In addition to the playback time, the on-screen display may also contain the following information:

•

Playback status: an icon indicating play, pause, and fast forward/reverse status.

•

Bit rate meter: an indication of the bit rate of the audio and video stream.

•

Current and total title numbers. (video discs)

- Chapter remaining time

- Disc remaining time

Chapter elapsed time

Disc elapsed time

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Current and total title chapters. (video discs)

•

Current and total tracks. (CD and SACD)

•

Audio information: current and available

•

number of audio tracks including language, format, and channels.

Subtitle information: current and available

•

number of subtitle tracks and language.

Video format information: encoding type, frame

•

rate and original aspect ratio.

Memory Resume

The player automatically remembers the current position when playback is interrupted. Operations such as “Open” or turning “Power” off will cause the player to save the current playing position. The position is memorized even after changing the disc.

When the next time the disc with a memorized playing position is played back, the player will recognize the saved playing position. Playback will automatically resume from this saved position. However if you wish to cancel the automatic resume and start playback from the beginning, you may press the “Stop” button when prompted.

The player can remember playback position for up to five discs. When the sixth disc is memorized, the oldest one is replaced.

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Return Function

When you are using on-screen menus with a DVD, the “Return” function allows you to go back one menu level. The “Return” function also performs the same function when you are in a deeper level of the On-Screen Setup Menu.

A-B Replay

To repeatedly play a specified section, please follow these steps:

During normal playback, press the “AB Replay”

•

button at the desired beginning point (Point A) for the repeat play. The TV screen displays “A-”.

•

When playback reaches the desired ending point (Point B) for the repeat play, press the

“AB Replay” button again. The player now

repeatedly plays back the specified section (A-B). The TV screen displays “A-B”.

•

Press the “AB Replay” button for the third time to resume normal playback.

Go-To

You may quickly find a specific location on the disc by using the “Go-To” function. The first press brings up the on-screen display, shown here for video discs:

Pressing the “Go-To” button on the remote control

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scrolls through the choices of searching by time, chapter (track for audio discs), title (video discs only), or display.

Select the desired location using the Number Buttons or Cursor (Arrow) Buttons, and then press

“Enter”.

For video discs, when the cursor is positioned on the Time Counter, you can use the “Page Up” and “Page Down” buttons to toggle between Title Time or Chapter Time. The icon to the left of the Time Counter will change from “T” for Title Time to “C” for Chapter Time.

Frame-by-Frame

While a DVD or Blu-ray disc is paused, press the

“Prev” or “Next” button to reverse or advance the

video frame-by-frame. Press the “Play” button to resume normal playback.

Slow Playback

While a DVD or Blu-ray disc is paused, press the

“Rev” or “Fwd” button to play the video in slow

motion.

Each press of the “Rev” button switches the playback speed in the following sequence:

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Each press of the “Fwd” button switches the playback speed in the following sequence:

Press the “Play” button to resume normal playback.

Angle

When playing a DVD or Blu-ray disc, an angle mark will be displayed on the screen when the player detects scenes recorded with multiple angles:

The angle mark is also illuminated on the front panel display.

Press the “Angle” button on the remote control to select the desired playing angle. To resume normal playback, repeat pressing the “Angle” button until the default angle is displayed.

With the exception of adult entertainment titles and a few music videos, almost no video discs use multiple angles.

Secondary Audio and Video

Certain Blu-ray discs contain secondary video (Picture-in-Picture, or PIP) and secondary audio. This feature is often called BonusView. When such a disc is played, a Picture-in-Picture mark (PIP mark) and a Secondary Audio Program mark (SAP mark) may be displayed on the screen to signify the availability of the secondary audio/video content.

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The PIP and SAP marks can be turned off using the On-Screen Setup Menu of the player.

The disc menu usually features interactive controls to turn on/off the Picture-in-Picture video and Secondary Audio Program. Please use those controls to select the desired secondary audio/video content.

There is a “PIP” button on the remote control. If the disc menu does not offer interactive Picture-in-Picture controls, please use this button to turn on/off Picture-in-Picture or select from multiple secondary video programs.

There is also an “SAP” button on the remote control. If the disc menu does not offer interactive secondary audio controls, please use this button to turn on/off Secondary Audio Program or select from multiple secondary audio tracks. Secondary Audio Programs are generally only available when Picture-in-Picture is shown.

Discs may not respond to the “PIP” and “SAP” buttons. Certain discs can override the remote control commands.

Dimmer

The front panel display of the DX-5 has two brightness settings, plus an “Off” position. Pressing the “Dimmer” button will scroll through the three choices. The status LED near the display glows blue when the display is turned off.

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When the display is off, pressing any button will illuminate the display for a few seconds. If the disc is playing when the display is off, pressing “Play” will illuminate the display without affecting playback.

Power

In addition to the red “Power” button that toggles the power state of the DX-5, there are also discrete power buttons. These will not be used in normal use, as the user can see the state of the unit at a glance. However, they may be useful with an aftermarket programmable remote control that can create sequences of commands.

P/N

The “P/N” button provides a shortcut for changing the “TV System” from PAL to NTSC to Multi-system. Normally this setting only needs to be changed if the display is replaced. To prevent accidental activation, the button must be held for five seconds with no disc playing. For more information, please refer to “TV System” on page

69.

Resolution

The “Resolution” button provides a shortcut for changing the “Output Resolution”. Normally this setting only needs to be changed when the display is replaced. For more information, please refer to

“Output Resolution” on page 70.

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Zoom

The “Zoom” button zooms in or out of the displayed frame and also changes the aspect ratio (image width vs. Height). To change the zoom level, press the “Zoom” button on the remote control. Each press of the “Zoom” button will switch the zoom level in the following sequence:

1:1 (No zooming.)

•

The zoom level is reset to 1:1 when the disc is ejected, or when the player is turned off.

Stretch – This zoom mode stretches and distorts

•

the image. It is not recommended except in one specific situation.

When playing a widescreen (16:9) disc and the player is set to 16:9 Wide/Auto, the image is vertically stretched by 1.33 times. For movies with 2.35:1 aspect ratio, this zoom level cuts off the black borders at the top and bottom of the image. This mode is only for users of projectors with an anamorphic lens.

•

Full Screen – This zoom mode stretches the image in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions, thereby cutting off part of the original picture. It is not recommended except in one specific situation.

Some early DVD titles (released from 1997 until early 2000’s) use a 4:3 non-anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio (“letterbox” format). When the player is set to 16:9 Wide/Auto, the content is shown in a small window with black

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borders on all four sides. The top and bottom borders are encoded into the video. The left and right borders are added by the player to maintain the correct aspect ratio. For this type of discs the “Full Screen” zoom mode can be used to eliminate the borders.

Under Scan – The “Under Scan” zoom level

•

shrinks the image by 5%. This zoom level may be used to compensate for displays that over scan (typically direct-view CRTs and CRT rear projectors), so the viewer can see the entire image area with no cropping.

1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 2.0, ½ – These zoom levels are

•

indicated by their respective zoom ratio. There is little practical use for these zoom levels.

Return to 1:1

•

Source

The “Source” button duplicates the function of the

“Home” button and brings up the “Home Menu”

for playback of media files. For more information, please refer to “Media File Playback” on page 29.

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On-Screen

Setup Menu

The Ayre DX-5 has an On-Screen Setup Menu that allow you to adjust a variety of system settings to ensure compatibility with your system. The basic menu items have normally already been set up with the Video Setup (see page 13). Following is information regarding the more detailed items for advanced users.

To access the On-Screen Setup Menu, press the

“Setup” button located above the “Red” button on

the remote control.

Use the cursor buttons on the remote control to navigate the On-Screen Setup Menu. Once you have made the desired changes, press the “Setup” button again to exit the On-Screen Setup Menu.

If a disc is playing, some of the On-Screen Setup Menu choices will be unavailable and greyed-out. In this case, stop the disc before entering the

“Setup” mode.

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Navigating the On-Screen Setup Menu

After entering the On-Screen Setup Menu, you will see that there are six main categories at the left, along with the “Exit” choice. As you use the “Up” and “Down” arrow buttons to navigate these Setup Menu choices, you will see various Menu Items appear for each choice.

If there are more Menu Items than will fit on the screen, triangular arrow “Scroll” icons will be displayed at the top or bottom of the Setup Menu screen, indicating that additional choices exist.

Use the arrows buttons to select a Menu Item, and you will then see the options available for that choice. The currently active choice has a colored dot next to it, while the possible choice will be highlighted with the cursor. To change the option, highlight the desired choice and press the “Enter” button.

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Press the “Setup” button again to exit the On-Screen Setup Menu or select “Exit” from the Setup Menu options. The settings are permanently changed when the player is turned off.

Playback Setup

The “Playback Setup” section is designed to configure playback preferences for various content.

SACD Priority

Select which audio area to play for SACD. Virtually all multi-channel SACDs also have a stereo area. Many, but not all, SACDs also have a second layer with standard CD data. The options are:

•

Multi-Channel – Play the multi-channel audio layer. Select this option if you have a surround-sound system connected via the HDMI link.

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Stereo (default) – Play the two-channel audio

•

layer. Select this option if you have a two-channel audio system (normally connected via the analog audio outputs).

CD Mode – Play the CD layer of a hybrid

•

SACD disc. The only reason to select this option is if you have a two-channel audio system and you are playing one of a handful of discs that doesn’t have a stereo SACD layer.

The “Audio” button on the remote control provides a shortcut that can toggle between the multi-channel and stereo areas of an SACD, but it cannot toggle between the SACD and CD layers of a hybrid disc.

DVD-Audio Mode

Select which portion of a DVD-Audio disc to play. The options are:

•

DVD-Audio (default) – Play the DVD-Audio portion of the disc with high-resolution audio. Select this option if you are using either the analog audio outputs or the HDMI output connected to a surround-sound processor with capability to accept high-resolution digital audio data streams.

•

DVD-Video – Play the DVD-Video portion of the disc with Dolby Digital or DTS audio. Select this option if you have an older surround-sound processor that won’t accept high sample rates.

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Auto Play Mode

Select whether the player shall start playing an audio CD or SACD automatically.

On – These discs will start playing upon

•

insertion into the player. This allows audio discs to mimic the behavior of video discs.

Off (default) – The player will wait for the user

•

to start playback by pressing the “Play” button. This allows audio discs to behave as they normally would in an audio-only player.

PBC

Enable/disable Play Back Control. PBC is a disc menu used on VCDs (Video CDs). Few users will ever make use of this option. The selections are:

•

On (default) – If the disc contains Play Back Control, show the menu.

•

Off – Play back the content by sequence.

Parental Control

Parental control ratings prevent minors from watching inappropriate content. This function depends on the disc being properly encoded.

To adjust the parental control settings, you must enter the current parental control password. If you have not set a parental control password yet, the default password is “0000”.

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BD Ratings - Press the “Up” and “Down”

•

buttons to select the rating. “Off” means all discs are allowed. Numbers 1 to 21 correspond to the age limit. Any rating above the selected age will be blocked.

DVD Ratings - Press the “Up” and “Down”

•

buttons to select the rating. The available ratings are Kid, G, PG, PG-13, PGR, R, NC17, Adult, and Off. The selected rating and below are allowed. “Off” means all discs are allowed.

Area Code – Some Blu-ray discs have different

•

parental control ratings for different geographical areas. At this time the player only supports the ratings used in the United States.

Change Password – To change the parental

•

control password, enter a 4-digit number as the new password. Enter it again to confirm.

Language

Allows you to configure language preferences.:

•

Player Language – To choose the language for the On-Screen Setup Menu and on-screen display. At this time only English is available.

•

Disc Menu Language – To choose the preferred language for video disc menus. If a disc menu of the selected language is available, that menu will be shown instead of the default disc menu.

•

Audio Language – To choose the preferred audio language for video discs. If the selected language is available, it will be played back.

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Subtitle Language – To choose the preferred

•

subtitle language for DVD. If a subtitle of the selected language is available, it will be displayed. When “Auto” is selected, the subtitle display is decided by the disc.

The most common language choices (English, French, Spanish, Chinese) are available directly from the on-screen menu. Many other language choices are also available by selecting “Other” and entering the four-digit language code. A list of available languages can be found at the end of this chapter.

Video Setup

The “Video Setup” section of the On-Screen Setup Menu system allows you to configure the video output options.

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Picture Adjustment

The DX-5 contains a powerful video processing engine. Its output parameters can be adjusted by accessing the “Picture Adjustment” menu. However, in general these adjustments should be avoided. Any processing runs the risk of reducing the signal quality.

Brightness: Adjusts the brightness (black level)

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of the video output.

Contrast: Adjusts the contrast (white level) of

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the video output.

Brightness and contrast must be properly adjusted to achieve the best picture from your display. However the adjustments should be made from the display, preferably with the aid of a video setup (test) disc. Only adjust the brightness and contrast of your source components if they are miscalibrated, which is not possible with the purely digital signal path used in the Ayre DX-5.

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Hue: Adjusts the hue (tint) of the analog video output only.

As this control applies only to the composite output used for troubleshooting measures, it is safe to ignore this control altogether.

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Saturation: Adjusts the saturation (color intensity level) of the video output.