Creative Labs 550 User Manual

f e

MWorks THX 550 front_cle.book Page 1 Friday, September 26, 2003 12:14 PM

User’s Gui

MegaWorks THX 5.1 5

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology Ltd. No part o this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpos without the written permission of Creative Technology Ltd.

September 2002 Cambridge SoundWorks is a registered trademark of Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc., Andover, MA, USA. THX is a trademark or registered trademark of

THX Ltd. All other logos, brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Actual contents may differ slightly from those pictured.

AVISQUE

T n

h. r

D e p

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Safety Warnings

The lightning flash arrowhead within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated, “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock to persons.

WARNING

DO NOT OPEN

TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE SPEAKER

COVERS (OR BACKS). NO USER-

SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE

PERSONNEL.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying this product.

POUR EVITER TOUT RISQUE DE

CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS

DEMONTER LE COUVERCLE DU

HAUT PARLEUR. A UCUN ENTRETIEN

DES PIECES INTERIEURES N EST

REQUIS. TOUT SERVICE D

ENTRETIEN NE DOIT ETRE EFFECTUE

QUE PAR DU PERSONNEL D

ENTRETIEN QUALIFIE.

AUTION:

his symbol indicates that the marked item may be Hot and should ot be touched without proper care.

❒

To minimize the risk of burns and other injuries to children, position the device such that hot surfaces are out of their reac

❒

To minimize the risk of fire, keep flammable materials like pape and cloth (for example, curtains) away from the hot surface.

READ AND HEED IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING ON REAR OF

SPEAKER ENCLOSURE

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT. INSERT CAREFULLY.

ATTENTION:

POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU AU FOND.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE SERIAL NUMBER FOR THE SPEAKER IS LOCATED

ON THE SUBWOOFER. PLEASE WRITE THIS NUMBER DOWN AND KEEP IT IN A SECURE AREA. THIS IS FOR YOUR SECURITY.

ARNING:

o not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing fluids, and nsure that no objects filled with liquids — such as vases — are laced on the apparatus.

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Safety & Regulatory Information

The following sections contain notices for various countries:

Notice for the USA

FCC Part 15: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, this notice is not a guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try one or more of the following measures:

❒

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

❒

Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.

❒

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

❒

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician.

CAUTION: To comply with the limits for the Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules, this device must be installed with computer equipment certified to comply with the Class B limits.

All cables used to connect the computer and peripherals must be shielded and grounded. Operation with non-certified computers or non-shielded cables may result in interference to radio or television reception.

Modifications

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the user’s authority to operate the device.

WARNING: Handling the cord(s) on this product may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after

handling.

This apparatus complies with the Class B limits for radio interference as specified in the Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations.

Cet appareil est conforme aux normes de CLASSE “B” d’interference radio tel que spe’cifie’ par le Ministère Canadien des Communications dans les règlements d’interfèrence radio.

The serial number for the MegaW orks THX 5.1 550 is located on the subwoofer. Please write this number down and keep it in a secure area. This is for your security.

Take care to prevent accidental operation of your new loudspeaker system at excessive sound pressure levels!

In a typical personal computer installation, the MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 satellite speakers are less than a meter from the listener.

If you do not hear sound from your new speaker, keep the MegaWorks THX 5.1 550's volume control at a low level (two Level Indicators lit on the wired remote control) while trying to restore sound to your system. This will prevent accidental operation at uncomfortably loud levels.

This product conforms to the following Council Directive: Directive 89/ 336/ EEC, 92/ 31/ EEC (EMC), 73/ 23/ EEC (LVD)

Notice for Canada

Important Notice

CAUTION

Compliance

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer /Importer’s Name: Creative Labs, Inc.

Manufacturer /Importer’s Address: 1901 McCarthy Boulevard

declares under its sole responsibility that the product Trade Name: Creative Labs Model Numbers: MMS4650 has been tested according to the CISPR13 requirement and

found compliant with the following standards: EMI/EMC: CISPR 13 : 1990

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received,

Ce matériel est conforme à la section 15 des régles FCC. Son Fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes:

1. Le matériel ne peut étre source D’interférences et

2. Doit accepter toutes les interférences reques, Y compris

Compliance Manager Creative Labs, Inc. November 27, 2002

Milpitas, CA. 95035

United States Tel: (408) 428-6600

including interference that may cause undesirable operation.

celles pouvant provoquer un fonctionnement indésirable.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ INSTRUCTIONS - All safety and

operating instructions should be read before the MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 amplified subwoofer/satellite system is operated.

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS - The safety and

operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

HEED WARNINGS - All warnings on the

subwoofer and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS - All operating

and usage instructions should be followed.

CLEANING - Unplug the subwoofer from the wall

outlet or other power source before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

ATTACHMEN TS - Do not use attachments not

recommended by Cambridge SoundW orks and Creative Technology as they may cause hazards.

WATER AND MOISTURE - Do not use the

subwoofer near water—for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.

ACCESSORIES - Do not place the MegaWorks

THX 5.1 550 system on an unstable cart, stand,

tripod, bracket, or table. The subwoofer or satellites may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by Cambridge SoundWorks and Creative Technology, or sold with the product. Any mounting of the satellites or subwoofer should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by Cambridge SoundWorks and Creative Technology.

VENTILATION - Slots and openings in the

cabinet are provided for ventilation, to ensure reliable operation of the subwoofer and to prevent it from overheating; and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. The subwoofer should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or Cambridge SoundWorks’ and Creative Technology’s instructions have been adhered to.

HEAT - The subwoofer should be situated away

from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, and other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

POWER SOURCES - The subwoofer should be

operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery power or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

POLARIZATION - The subwoofer may be

equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

POWER-CORD PROTECTION - Power-

supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular

attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the subwoofer.

LIGHTNING - For added protection for the

MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 system during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the subwoofer due to lightning and powerline surges.

OVERLOADING - Do not overload wall outlets,

extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY - Never push

objects of any kind into the subwoofer through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the subwoofer.

SERVICING - Do not attempt to service the

subwoofer yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE - Unplug

the subwoofer from the wall outlet or other power source and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a) When the power-supply cord or plug is

damaged.

b) If liquid has been spilled, or object have fallen

into the subwoofer.

c) If the subwoofer has been exposed to rain or

water.

d) If the subwoofer does not operate normally by

following the operating instructions; or exhibits a distinct change in performance.

e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in

any way.

REPLACEMENT PARTS - When replacement

parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by Cambridge SoundWorks and Creative Technology, or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

SAFETY CHECK - Upon completion of any

service or repairs to the MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 system, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 system is in proper operating condition.

WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING - The

MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 satellites should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by Cambridge SoundW orks and Creative Technology.

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Contents

Introduction.......................... 1

Using the Wired Remote

Control.................................. 2

Connecting an Additional

Device.................................... 3

Controlling Noise and

Distortion............................. 4

Specifications........................ 4

Limited Hardware

Warranty............................... 5

Technical Support............... 5

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 by Creative Technology.

This high-quality 5.1 amplified multimedia speaker system features the finest drivers, precision internal crossover and amplifier circuitry in an elegant enclosure design.

MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 supports the very latest in audio technology today. This includes: EAX™, DirectSound gaming. This makes MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 the ideal companion for the latest Sound Blaster and Audigy™ series audio cards that support 5.1-channel output.

3D, and multi-channel

Live!

To experience the full potential of MegaWorks THX 5.1 550, we recommend that you take a few minutes to read through this User’s Guide.

For instructions on how to set up your speakers, refer to the Quick Start Guide provided in the MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 package. Remember to ensure that all plugs are securely fastened to their respective sockets before operating your speaker system.

With its five compact satellite speakers and separate subwoofer with 6-channel amplification, the MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 is an excellent speaker system for use with Creative Labs’ EAX™-enabled products. Combine it with the powerful Sound Blaster Live! family or the innovative Sound Blaster Audigy series audio cards, and experience a thrilling, high-quality 5.1 PC home theater audio experience that meets the prestigious

THX

multimedia certification standard. For more information on EAX, be sure to visit EAX.creative.com.

THX Certification

Certified products must meet an ex clusive set of performance standards established by THX. These THX performance standards were originally developed in response to George Lucas' personal desire to insure that the original Star W ars™ soundtrac ks, hear d in the cinema, matched those created on the sound stage. Later, these standards were extended to encompass Home Theater systems and recently adapted to the specialized needs of multi-channel surround reproduction from movies and games, on DVD, played back on a PCbased multimedia system. All multimedia products seeking THX Certification must meet these rigorous performance requirements and quality standards before they can carry the THX logo whic h is your guarantee that this THX certified Multimedia product will give you performance and reliability, second-tonone, for years to come. These performance standards cover all aspects of the product including power handling, frequency response, dispersion characteristics, etc.

L I

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Using the Wired Remote Control

Turning the speaker system On/Off

❒

Ensure that the subwoofer’s main power switch is turned on.

❒

To turn on the speaker system or switch to power-on mode, press the STANDBY/ POWER button once. The red indicator abov e the button shuts off, and the MASTER volume mode indicator lights up.

❒

T o turn of f the speak er system or switch to standby mode, press the STANDBY/ POWER button

evel

ndicators

Headphones Output

again. The red indicator above the button lights up.

Notes

• On first power-on, the speaker system uses

• On the subsequent power-on, the system

• V olume, subw oofer and treble settings will

volume, subwoofer and treble

default settings.

reinstates the last-used volume, subwoofer and treble settings.

revert to the default if you tu rn off the main power switch, disconnect the AC power cord or remote control, or if there is a power interruption.

Adjusting the volume

❒

To adjust the volume of all speakers, press the SELECT button until the MASTER volume mode indicator is lit.

❒

To adjust the volume of the center speaker, press the

SELECT button until the CENTER mode indicator is lit.

❒

To adjust the volume of the rear speakers, press the SELECT button until the REAR mode indicator is lit.

❒

Press or to adjust the respective volume levels. Holding down either button will increase or reduce the volume levels continuously.

Notes

•The lowest two

the default volume settings.

• The remote control will revert to

MASTER

some time.

• For your own safety, reduce the volume

level in switching the system to standby mode.

Level Indicators

volume mode if left idle for

MASTER

volume mode before

are lit in

Adjusting subwoofer or treble levels

❒

T o adjust subwoofer lev els, press the SELECT button until the SUBWOOFER mode indicator is lit.

❒

To adjust treble levels, press the

SELECT button until the TREBLE mode indicator is lit.

❒

Press or to adjust the respective levels. Holding down either button will increase or reduce the levels continuously.

Notes

• The lowest three (flat response) in the default subwoofer and treble settings.

• Pressing boosts the levels, and causes

Level Indicators

reduces the levels, and causes fewer

Level Indicators

to be lit. Pressing

to be lit.

are lit

Figure 1: Remote Control

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Using headphones

❒

For private listening, you can connect headphones to the Headphones Output of the remote control. This will mute all speakers.

❒

Select MASTER volume mode to adjust the volume of your headphones.

❒

Select TREBLE mode to adjust the treble levels of your headphones.

❒

Select SUBWOOFER mode to adjust the bass levels of your headphones.

Notes

• When you disconnect your headphones

•

Headphones Output

from the speaker system will revert to the default

MASTER Indicators

headphones volume levels from being applied to the speaker system.

REAR

disabled when you are using headphones.

volume setting (two

lit), so as to prevent high

mode and

CENTER

, the

Level

mode are

Muting the volume

❒

To temporarily mute speakers or headphones, press the MUTE button once. All lit Level Indicators will blink during mute mode.

❒

To return to normal listening, press the MUTE button again. Alternatively, you can disable

mute mode by pressing either or .

Connecting an Additional Device

You can connect a second audio program source, such as a Creative digital audio player, to the Auxiliary Analog Stereo Input.

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Controlling Noise and Distortion

MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 has moderately high input sensitivity, so it may amplify the hum and hiss inherent in some audio program sources. Any noise is not due to a fault in the speaker system.

You can minimize background noise as follows:

❒

Use the MegaWorks THX 5.1 550 remote control as your master volume control.

❒

If your speaker system is connected to a computer, adjust the settings of your computer’s sound control software. (If you are using Creative Sound Blaster software, this would be the Surround Mixer application). Turn off any input controls that you do not need, such as Microphone, and set the

remaining input controls to about 70% of their maximum volume.

❒

Adjust the master output volume of your sound control software, such that your speaker system reaches a comfortably loud volume in its default volume settings.

Specifications

General Specifications

Total System Burst power: 500 W

Frequency Response: 25 Hz ~ 20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 99 dB

Input Voltage

For Europe/Asia: 230Vac 50/60 Hz 2.5A

For USA: 120Vac 60 Hz 5A

Magnetic Shielding

All satellite speakers are shielded to allow placement close to display devices that are sensitive to magnetic fields.

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Limited Hardwar e Warranty

Creative Technology Ltd (“Creative”) warrants the product enclosed herein to be free of defects for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of purchase. In the event of a defect in material or workmanship during the warranty period, Creative, at its sole discretion, will either repair or replace the defectiv e product when the defective product is returned to Creativ e by the o wner as further outlined herein. The remedy for this breach in warranty is limited to servicing or replacement only and shall not cover any other damages, whatsoever. CREATIVE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND FITNESS FOR A P ARTICULAR PURPOSE. WITH RESPECT TO THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT , IN NO EVENT SHALL CREATIVE BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFIT OR ANY COMMERCIAL D AMA GE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER D AMA GES. Some states/countries do not allow the exclusion of limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in which case the above limitation may not apply to you. Creative makes final determination whether such product is defecti v e. You must deliver the product with a return material authorization (RMA) number and a dated proof of purchase. T o recei ve an RMA number , contact Creati v e’s Technical Support. If Creati v e’s Technical Support verifies the product is defective, the Return Material Authorization Department will issue an RMA number to note on the outer package of the product being returned. Creative cannot accept any product that does not include an RMA number on the package. You must use the original container (or the equivalent), pay any shipping charges, and assume the risk of damages or loss in transit. Creative may use new or reconditioned parts, and any replaced parts, or product become the property of Creative. Creative warrants the repaired or replaced product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the remainder of the initial warranty period.

Technical Support

Inside USA, Canada and Latin America

T o reach Technical Support via the Internet, visit our website at:

http://www.americas.creative.com/support/

For comments or questions regarding our Technical Support, you can also contact us at the following address:

Creative Labs Inc. Technical Support 1523 Cimarron Plaza Stillwater, OK 74075

If after consulting our online help, you still have an installation question on a Creative product, you may contact us by the following numbers (please ha v e your system hardware and operating system configuration information and Creative product model and serial numbers av ailable for the call): Phone (405) 742-6622.

Inside Asia

T o reach Technical Support via the Internet, visit our website at:

http://www.creative-asia.com/support/

For comments or questions regarding our Technical Support, you can also contact us at the following address:

Creative Technology Ltd. Technical Support 31 International Business Park, Creative Resource Singapore 609921

Creative Labs 550 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual