Denon AVR-550SD User Manual

AV SURROUND RECEIVER

SPEAKER SYSTEM PACK SYS-550SD

AV SURROUND RECEIVER AVR-550SD

SPEAKER SYSTEM PACK

AVR-550SD

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG MODE D’EMPLOI ISTRUZIONI PER L’USO

SYS-550SD

INSTRUCCIONES DE OPERACION GEBRUIKSAANWIJZING BRUKSANVISNING

FOR ENGLISH READERS PAGE 002 ~ PAGE 046 FÜR DEUTSCHE LESER SEITE 047 ~ SEITE 090 POUR LES LECTEURS FRANCAIS PAGE 091 ~ PAGE 134 PER IL LETTORE ITALIANO PAGINA 135 ~ PAGINA 178 PARA LECTORES DE ESPAÑOL PAGINA 179 ~ PAGINA 222 VOOR NEDERLANDSTALIGE LEZERS PAGINA 223 ~ PAGINA 266 FOR SVENSKA LÄSARE SIDA 267 ~ SIDA 310

ENGLISH DEUTSCH FRANCAIS ITALIANO ESPAÑOL NEDERLANDS SVENSKA

NOTE ON USE / HINWEISE ZUM GEBRAUCH /

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

OBSERVATIONS RELATIVES A L’UTILISATION / NOTE SULL’USO NOTAS SOBRE EL USO / ALVORENS TE GEBRUIKEN / OBSERVERA

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO

NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, 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 a risk of electric shock to persons.

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 the appliance.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

• DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We declare under our sole responsibility that this product, to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the following standards: EN60065, EN55013, EN55020, EN61000-3-2 and EN610003-3. Following the provisions of 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC and 93/68/EEC Directive.

• ÜBEREINSTIMMUNGSERKLÄRUNG

Wir erklären unter unserer Verantwortung, daß dieses Produkt, auf das sich diese Erklärung bezieht, den folgenden Standards entspricht: EN60065, EN55013, EN55020, EN61000-3-2 und EN610003-3. Entspricht den Verordnungen der Direktive 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC und 93/68/EEC.

• DECLARATION DE CONFORMITE

Nous déclarons sous notre seule responsabilité que l’appareil, auquel se réfère cette déclaration, est conforme aux standards suivants: EN60065, EN55013, EN55020, EN61000-3-2 et EN610003-3. D’après les dispositions de la Directive 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC et 93/68/EEC.

• DICHIARAZIONE DI CONFORMITÀ

Dichiariamo con piena responsabilità che questo prodotto, al quale la nostra dichiarazione si riferisce, è conforme alle seguenti normative: EN60065, EN55013, EN55020, EN61000-3-2 e EN610003-3. In conformità con le condizioni delle direttive 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC e 93/68/EEC. QUESTO PRODOTTO E’ CONFORME AL D.M. 28/08/95 N. 548

• DECLARACIÓN DE CONFORMIDAD

Declaramos bajo nuestra exclusiva responsabilidad que este producto al que hace referencia esta declaración, está conforme con los siguientes estándares: EN60065, EN55013, EN55020, EN61000-3-2 y EN610003-3. Siguiendo las provisiones de las Directivas 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC y 93/68/EEC.

• EENVORMIGHEIDSVERKLARING

Wij verklaren uitsluitend op onze verantwoordelijkheid dat dit produkt, waarop deze verklaring betrekking heeft, in overeenstemming is met de volgende normen: EN60065, EN55013, EN55020, EN61000-3-2 en EN610003-3. Volgens de bepalingen van de Richtlijnen 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC en 93/68/EEC.

• ÖVERENSSTÄMMELSESINTYG

Härmed intygas helt på eget ansvar att denna produkt, vilken detta intyg avser, uppfyller följande standarder: EN60065, EN55013, EN55020, EN61000-3-2 och EN610003-3. Enligt stadgarna i direktiv 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC och 93/68/EEC.

• Avoid high temperatures. Allow for sufficient heat dispersion when installed on a rack.

• Vermeiden Sie hohe Temperaturen. Beachten Sie, daß eine ausreichend Luftzirkulation gewährleistet wird, wenn das Gerät auf ein Regal gestellt wird.

• Eviter des températures élevées Tenir compte d’une dispersion de chaleur suffisante lors de l’installation sur une étagère.

• Evitate di esporre l’unità a temperature alte. Assicuratevi che ci sia un’adeguata dispersione del calore quando installate l’unità in un mobile per componenti audio.

• Evite altas temperaturas Permite la suficiente dispersión del calor cuando está instalado en la consola.

• Vermijd hoge temperaturen. Zorg voor een degelijk hitteafvoer indien het apparaat op een rek wordt geplaatst.

• Undvik höga temperaturer. Se till att det finns möjlighet till god värmeavledning vid montering i ett rack.

• Handle the power cord carefully. Hold the plug when unplugging the cord.

• Gehen Sie vorsichtig mit dem Netzkabel um. Halten Sie das Kabel am Stecker, wenn Sie den Stecker herausziehen.

• Manipuler le cordon d’alimentation avec précaution. Tenir la prise lors du débranchement du cordon.

• Manneggiate il filo di alimentazione con cura. Agite per la spina quando scollegate il cavo dalla presa.

• Maneje el cordón de energía con cuidado. Sostenga el enchufe cuando desconecte el cordón de energía.

• Hanteer het netsnoer voorzichtig. Houd het snoer bij de stekker vast wanneer deze moet worden aan- of losgekoppeld.

• Hantera nätkabeln varsamt. Håll i kabeln när den kopplas från el-uttaget.

CAUTION

• The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, table-cloths, curtains, etc.

• No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

• Keep the set free from moisture, water, and dust.

• Halten Sie das Gerät von Feuchtigkeit, Wasser und Staub fern.

• Protéger l’appareil contre l’humidité, l’eau et lapoussière.

• Tenete l’unità lontana dall’umidità, dall’acqua e dalla polvere.

• Mantenga el equipo libre de humedad, agua y polvo.

• Laat geen vochtigheid, water of stof in het apparaat binnendringen.

• Utsätt inte apparaten för fukt, vatten och damm.

• Unplug the power cord when not using the set for long periods of time.

• Wenn das Gerät eine längere Zeit nicht verwendet werden soll, trennen Sie das Netzkabel vom Netzstecker.

• Débrancher le cordon d’alimentation lorsque l’appareil n’est pas utilisé pendant de longues périodes.

• Disinnestate il filo di alimentazione quando avete l’intenzione di non usare il filo di alimentazione per un lungo periodo di tempo.

• Desconecte el cordón de energía cuando no utilice el equipo por mucho tiempo.

• Neem altijd het netsnoer uit het stopkontakt wanneer het apparaat gedurende een lange periode niet wordt gebruikt.

• Koppla ur nätkabeln om apparaten inte kommer att användas i lång tid.

* (For sets with ventilation holes)

• Do not obstruct the ventilation holes.

• Die Belüftungsöffnungen dürfen nicht verdeckt werden.

• Ne pas obstruer les trous d’aération.

• Non coprite i fori di ventilazione.

• No obstruya los orificios de ventilación.

• De ventilatieopeningen mogen niet worden beblokkeerd.

• Täpp inte till ventilationsöppningarna.

• Please be care the environmental aspects of battery disposal.

• The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing for use.

• No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

• Do not let foreign objects in the set.

• Keine fremden Gegenstände in das Gerät kommen lassen.

• Ne pas laisser des objets étrangers dans l’appareil.

• E’ importante che nessun oggetto è inserito all’interno dell’unità.

• No deje objetos extraños dentro del equipo.

• Laat geen vreemde voorwerpen in dit apparaat vallen.

• Se till att främmande föremål inte tränger in i apparaten.

• Do not let insecticides, benzene, and thinner come in contact with the set.

• Lassen Sie das Gerät nicht mit Insektiziden, Benzin oder Verdünnungsmitteln in Berührung kommen.

• Ne pas mettre en contact des insecticides, du benzène et un diluant avec l’appareil.

• Assicuratevvi che l’unità non venga in contatto con insetticidi, benzolo o solventi.

• No permita el contacto de insecticidas, gasolina y diluyentes con el equipo.

• Laat geen insektenverdelgende middelen, benzine of verfverdunner met dit apparaat in kontakt komen.

• Se till att inte insektsmedel på spraybruk, bensen och thinner kommer i kontakt med apparatens hölje.

• Never disassemble or modify the set in any way.

• Versuchen Sie niemals das Gerät auseinander zu nehmen oder auf jegliche Art zu verändern.

• Ne jamais démonter ou modifier l’appareil d’une manière ou d’une autre.

• Non smontate mai, nè modificate l’unità in nessun modo.

• Nunca desarme o modifique el equipo de ninguna manera.

• Nooit dit apparaat demonteren of op andere wijze modifiëren.

• Ta inte isär apparaten och försök inte bygga om den.

ENGLISH

2 We greatly appreciate your purchase of the AVR-550SD. 2 To be sure you take maximum advantage of all the features the AVR-550SD has to offer, read these

instructions carefully and use the set properly. Be sure to keep this manual for future reference, should any questions or problems arise.

“SERIAL NO. PLEASE RECORD UNIT SERIAL NUMBER ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE CABINET FOR FUTURE REFERENCE”

2 INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the DENON AVR-550SD Digital Surround A/V receiver. This remarkable component has been engineered to provide superb surround sound listening with AV theater sources such as DVD, as well as providing outstanding high fidelity reproduction of your favorite music sources. As this product is provided with an immense array of features, we recommend that before you begin hookup and operation that you review the contents of this manual before proceeding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Before Using........................................................3

Cautions on Installation........................................3

Cautions on Handling...........................................3

Features...............................................................4

Part Names and Functions ..............................4, 5

Read this First......................................................5

Setting up the Speaker Systems.........................5

Connections ................................................6 ~ 10

Using the Remote Control Unit .........................10

Setting up the System ..............................11 ~ 16

⁄0

Remote Control Unit .................................16 ~ 18

⁄1

CONTENTS

Check that the following parts are included in addition to the main unit: AVR-550SD

q MAIN UNIT ..............................1 w Operating instructions ........1 e Service station list ........1

r Remote control unit (RC-964) ..1 t R6P/AA batteries................2 y AM loop antenna..........1

u FM indoor antenna....................1

rt y u

Operation...................................................19 ~ 22

⁄2

Surround....................................................22 ~ 28

⁄3

DSP Surround Simulation..........................28 ~ 31

⁄4

Listening to the Radio ...............................32 ~ 35

⁄5

Using the sleep timer ........................................35

⁄6

Last Function Memory.......................................36

⁄7

Initialization of the Microprocessor....................36

⁄8

Using the SYS-550SD (DHT-550SD only)..

⁄9

Additional Information ...............................40 ~ 44

¤0

Troubleshooting .................................................45

¤1

Specifications.....................................................46

¤2

List of Preset Codes ....................................311 ~ 313

36 ~ 39

BEFORE USING

Pay attention to the following before using this unit:

• Moving the set

To prevent short circuits or damaged wires in the connection cords, always unplug the power cord and disconnect the connection cords between all other audio components when moving the set.

• Before turning the power switch on

Check once again that all connections are proper and that there are not problems with the connection cords. Always set the power switch to the standby position before connecting and disconnecting connection cords.

CAUTIONS ON INSTALLATION

Noise or disturbance of the picture may be generated if this unit or any other electronic equipment using microprocessors is used near a tuner or TV. If this happens, take the following steps:

• Install this unit as far as possible from the tuner or TV.

• Set the antenna wires from the tuner or TV away from this unit’s power cord and input/output connection cords.

• Noise or disturbance tends to occur particularly when using indoor antennas or 300 Ω/ohms feeder wires. We

recommend using outdoor antennas and 75 Ω/ohms coaxial cables.

For heat dispersal, leave at least 10 cm of space between the top, back and sides of this unit and the wall or other components.

STANDBY

AUTO

SIGNAL DETECT

OUTPUT

INPUT MODE

SURROUND BACK

DVD

PCM DTS

DIG

AUTO

DIGITAL

wall

• Store this instructions in a safe place.

After reading, store this instructions along with the warranty in a safe place.

• Note that the illustrations in this instructions

may differ from the actual set for explanation purposes.

10 cm or more

wall

SYS-550SD

q Satellite speaker system (SC-A3L)...................4 w Center speaker system (SC-C3L) ..................1

e Active subwoofer (DSW-3L).............................1 r Cord A (10 m) ................................................2

t Cord B (3 m).....................................................3 y Cord C (3 m, RCA PIN) ..................................1

u Anti-slip pad (4 pcs. / 1 sheet)..........................5

rty

CAUTIONS ON HANDLING

• Switching the input function when input jacks are not connected

A clicking noise may be produced if the input function is switched when nothing is connected to the input jacks. If this happens, either turn down the MASTER VOLUME control or connect components to the input jacks.

• Muting of PRE OUT jacks, HEADPHONE jack and

SPEAKER terminals

The PRE OUT jacks, HEADPHONE jack and SPEAKER terminals include a muting circuit. Because of this, the output signals are greatly reduced for several

seconds after the power switch is turned on or input function, surround mode or any other-set-up is changed. If the volume is turned up during this time, the output will be very high after the muting circuit stops functioning. Always wait until the muting circuit turns off before adjusting the volume.

• Whenever the power switch is in the STANDBY

state, the apparatus is still connected on AC line voltage. Please be sure to unplug the cord when you leave home for, say, a vacation.

ENGLISH

FEATURES

1. Dolby Virtual Speaker compatibility

The AVR-550SD is equipped with power amplifiers that make it compatible with new Dolby Virtual Speaker technology for recreating a 5.1-channel environment virtually using a 2-channel configuration. (Dolby Virtual Speaker is an proprietary technology of Dolby Laboratories.) A high performance digital signal processor enables playback of Dolby Digital and DTS multi-channel surround signals in the Dolby Virtual Speaker mode. Surround sound can be achieved with the Dolby Virtual Speaker mode for CDs and other 2-channel sources in combination with the Dolby Pro Logic decoder.

2. Dolby Digital EX decoder system

Dolby Digital EX is a 6.1-channel surround format proposed by Dolby Laboratories that allows users to enjoy in their homes the “DOLBY DIGITAL SURROUND EX” audio format jointly developed by Dolby Laboratories and Lucas Films and first used for the movie “Star Wars Episode 1 – Phantom Menace”. The 6.1 channels of sound, including surround back channels, provide improved sound positioning and expression of space.

3. Dolby Pro Logic II x compatibility

Dolby Pro Logic IIx furthers the matrix decording technology of Dolby Pro Logic II to decode audio signals recorded on two channels into up to 7.1 playback channels, including the surround back channel. Dolby Pro Logic IIx also allows 5.1-channel sources to be played in up to 7.1 channels. The mode can be selected according to the source. The Music mode is best suited for playing music,the Cinema mode for playing movies, and the Game mode for playing games. The Game mode can only be used with 2-channel audio sources.

4. Dolby Pro Logic II Game mode compatibility

In addition to the previously offered Music and Cinema modes, the AVR-550SD also offers a Game mode optimum for games.

5. DTS-ES Extended Surround and DTS Neo:6

The AVR-550SD is compatible with DTS-ES Extended Surround, a new multi-channel format developed by Digital Theater Systems Inc. The AVR-550SD is also compatible with DTS Neo:6, a surround mode allowing 6.1-channel playback of regular stereo sources.

6. DTS 96/24 compatibility

The AVR-550SD can be decoded with sources recorded in DTS 96/24, a new multi-channel digital signal format developed by Digital Theater Systems Inc. DTS 96/24 sources can be played in the multichannel mode on the AVR-550SD with high sound quality of 96 kHz/24 bits or 88.2 kHz/24 bits.

7. On Screen Diaplay

Troublesome operations such as adjusting the delay time and other parameters according to the listening environment are greatly simplified. The

various parameters can be set simply by selecting the graphic displayed on the monitor screen according to the listening room’s system environment.

8. Video Conversion Function

The AVR-550SD is equipped with a function for converting the signals input to the video input connector and S-Video input connector. With this function, the AVR-550SD’s monitor out connector and the monitor (TV) can be connected with video pin-plug cords or an S-Video connection cord.

9. Dolby Digital

Using advanced digital processing algorithms, Dolby Digital provides up to 5.1 channels of widerange, high fidelity surround sound. Dolby Digital is the default digital audio delivery system for North American DVD and DTV.

.DTS (Digital Theater Systems)

DTS provides up to 5.1 channels of wide-range, high fidelity surround sound, from sources such as laser disc, DVD and specially-encoded music discs.

.Component Video Switching

In addition to composite video and “S” video switching, the AVR-550SD provides 2 sets of component video (Y, P assignable, and one set of component video outputs to the television, for superior picture quality.

.Auto Surround Mode

This function stores the surround mode last used for an input signal in the memory and automatically sets that surround mode the next time that signal is input.

B/CB, PR/CR) inputs

PART NAMES AND FUNCTIONS

Front Panel

• For details on the functions of these parts, refer to the pages given in parentheses ( ).

Power operation switch .................................(19)

Headphones jack (PHONES) ....................(21, 31)

SURROUND BACK indicator ..........................(23)

INPUT MODE indicator ..................................(19)

STANDBY indicator

Display

FUNCTION/SELECT knob ........................(19, 20)

MASTER VOLUME control ............................(20)

TUNING UP/DOWN buttons ..........................(32)

BAND button..................................................(32)

TONE CONTROL button ................................(21)

STATUS button ...............................................(22)

SURROUND MODE button............................(29)

DOLBY/DTS SURROUND button ..........(23 ~ 26)

DIRECT/STEREO button.................................(21)

5CH/6CH STEREO button ..............................(28)

Power operation indicator ..............................(19)

Remote control sensor

(REMOTE SENSOR).......................................(10)

ENGLISH

Remote control unit

• For details on the functions of these parts, refer to the pages given in parentheses ( ).

LED (indicator) .......................(17, 18)

SURROUND

buttons ............................(20, 23~29)

Input source selector buttons

.........................................(17~19, 23)

System buttons .....................(16~18)

SYSTEM SETUP/

SETUP button ........................(11, 16)

Cursor buttons...........(11, 17, 22, 34)

ON SCREEN/

DISPLAY button.....................(17, 22)

TEST TONE button ......................(22)

Remote control signal

transmitter ...................................(10)

Power buttons.......................(17~19)

Tuner system/System

buttons...................................(16, 32)

Mode select

switches ..........................(11, 16~19)

Master volume control

buttons.........................................(20)

MUTING button ...........................(21)

SURROUND PARAMETER

button.....................................(17, 24)

CH SELECT (channel select)/

ENTER button..................(11, 17, 23)

SURROUND BACK/

RETURN button .....................(17, 23)

READ THIS FIRST

This AV Surround Receiver must be setup before use. Following these steps.

Step 1 (page 5 to 10)

Choose the best location to setup the speakers and connecting the components.

Step 2 (page 10)

Next, insert the batteries into the remote control unit.

Step 3 (page 11 to 16)

Finally, setting up the system.

SETTING UP THE SPEAKER SYSTEMS

2 Speaker system layout

Basic system layout

• The following is an example of the basic layout for a system consisting of 7 speaker systems and a television monitor.

• For the layout when using two surround back speakers, see “Speaker Setting examples” ( See page 41).

Subwoofer Center speaker system

Surround back speaker system

VIDEO SELECT button.................(22)

INPUT MODE selector

buttons...................................(19, 20)

DIMMER button...........................(22)

Front speaker systems Set these at the sides of the TV or screen with their front surfaces as flush with the front of the screen as possible.

Surround speaker systems

ENGLISH

DIGITAL AUDIO

CONNECTIONS

Connecting the audio components

• When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components. The power to these outlets is turned on and off when the power is switched between on and standby from the remote control unit or power switch.

• Do not plug in the AC cord until all connections have been completed.

• Be sure to connect the left and right channels properly (left with left, right with right).

• Insert the plugs securely. Incomplete connections will result in the generation of noise.

• Note that binding pin plug cords together with AC cords or placing them near a power transformer will result in generating hum or other noise.

• Noise or humming may be generated if a connected audio equipment is used independently without turning the power of this unit on. If this happens, turn on the power of the this unit.

Connect the internal amplifier’s subwoofer to the subwoofer terminal. (Refer to page 10.)

Subwoofer jack

MD recorder, CD recorder or other component equipped with digital input/output jack

OUTPUT

OPTICAL

INPUT

RLR

CD recorder or Tape deck

LRL

INPUTOUTPUT

Power supply cord

AC 230V, 50Hz

Connecting a tape deck

DIGITAL AUDIO

CD player or other component equipped with digital output jacks

Connecting the DIGITAL jacks

Use these for connections to audio (video) equipment with digital output. Refer to page 14 for instructions on setting this terminal.

NOTES:

• Use 75 Ω/ohms cable pin cords for coaxial connections.

• Use optical cables for optical connections, removing the cap before connecting.

• The main unit’s power must be turned on when recording the AVR-550SD.

Connections for recording:

COAXIAL

Connect the tape deck’s recording input jacks (LINE IN or REC) to this unit’s tape

OUTPUT

recording (CDR/TAPE OUT) jacks using pin plug cords.

Connections for playback:

Connect the tape deck’s playback output jacks (LINE OUT or PB) to this unit’s tape playback (CDR/TAPE IN) jacks using pin plug cords.

NOTE:

If humming noise is generated by a tape deck, etc., move the tape deck away.

ENGLISH

OUT

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

AUDIO

Connecting video components

• To connect the video signal, connect using a 75 Ω/ohms video signal cable cord. Using an improper cable can result in a drop in video quality.

• When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components.

• The AVR-550SD is equipped with a function for up-converting video signals.

• The signal connected to the video signal terminal is output to the S-Video monitor out terminals.

• The REC OUT terminals have no conversion function, so when recording only connect the video terminals.

OPTICAL

AUDIO

OUT

R OUT

TV or DBS tuner

VIDEO

OPTICAL

AUDIO

OUT

R OUT

VIDEO

Connecting a TV/DBS tuner

TV/DBS

• Connect the TV’s or DBS tuner’s video output jack (VIDEO OUTPUT) to the

VIDEO

(yellow) TV/DBS IN jack using a 75 Ω/ohms video coaxial pin plug cord.

• Connect the TV’s or DBS tuner’s audio output jacks (AUDIO OUTPUT) to the

AUDIO

TV/DBS IN jacks using pin plug cords

DVD player or video disc player (VDP), etc.

Connecting a DVD player or a video disc player (VDP)

DVD

• Connect the video disc player’s video output jack (VIDEO OUTPUT) to the (yellow) DVD/VDP IN jack using a 75 Ω/ohms video coaxial pin plug cord.

• Connect the video disc player’s analog audio output jacks (ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT) to the

AUDIO

DVD/VDP IN jacks using pin plug cords.

Monitor TV

VIDEO

Connecting a monitor TV

MONITOR OUT

• Connect the TV’s video input jack (VIDEO INPUT) to the MONITOR OUT jack using a 75 Ω/ohms video coaxial pin plug cord.

VIDEO

Connecting a video component equipped with S-Video jacks

• When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components.

• A note on the S input jacks

The input selectors for the S inputs and pin jack inputs work in conjunction with each other.

• The AVR-550SD is equipped with a function for converting video signals.

• The signal connected to the S-Video signal terminal is output to the composite video monitor out terminals.

• The REC OUT terminals have no conversion function, so when recording only connect the S-Video terminals.

Connecting a TV/DBS tuner

DVD player or video disc player (VDP)

-VIDE

Connecting a DVD player or a video disc player (VDP)

DVD

• Connect the DVD/VDP player’s S-Video output jack to the S-VIDEO DVD/VDP IN jack using an S-Video connection cord.

-VIDE

Connect the components’ audio inputs and outputs as described on page 6.

• Connect the TV’s or DBS tuner’s S video output jack (SVIDEO OUTPUT) to the TV/DBS IN jack using an S jack connection cord.

-VIDE

Connecting a monitor TV

MONITOR OUT

• Connect the TV’s S video input (S-VIDEO INPUT) to the

S-VIDEO

cord.

Connecting the video decks

• Connect the video deck’s S output jack (S-OUT) to the

S-VIDEO

to the VCR OUT jack using S jack connection cords.

S-VIDEO

TV or satellite broadcast tuner

Monitor TV

MONITOR OUT jack using a S jack connection

Video deck

VCR IN jack and the video deck’s S input jack (S-IN)

Note on connecting the digital input jacks

• Only audio signals are input to the digital input jacks. For details, see pages 6, 14.

• When connecting the AVR-550SD with a monitor TV or DVD player equipped with an SCART connector, use a converter cable (sold separately) as shown in the diagram.

The AVR-550SD does not support input/output of RGB video

Video deck

RLR

R OUT IN

LRL

OUT IN

VIDEO

AUDIO

Connecting a video decks

• There are two sets of video deck (VCR) jacks, so two video decks can be connected for simultaneous recording or video copying.

Video input/output connections:

• Connect the video deck’s video output jack (VIDEO OUT) to the (yellow) VCR IN jack, and the video deck’s video input jack (VIDEO IN) to the (yellow) VCR OUT jack using 75 Ω/ohms video coaxial pin plug cords.

Connecting the audio output jacks

• Connect the video deck’s audio output jacks (AUDIO OUT) to the VCR IN jacks, and the video deck’s audio input jacks (AUDIO IN) to the VCR OUT jacks using pin plug cords.

VIDEO

AUDIO

VIDEO

AUDIO

signals.

21-pin SCART terminal

ENGLISH

OUT

COMPONENT

VIDEO IN Y

CRCB

COMPONENT

Connecting a Video Component Equipped with Color Difference (Component Y, P

R/CR, PB/CB) Video Jacks (DVD Player)

• When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components.

• The signals input to the color difference (component) video jacks are not output from the VIDEO output jack

(yellow) or the S-Video output jack. In addition, the video signals input to the VIDEO input (yellow) and S-Video input jacks are not output to the color difference (component) video jacks.

• Some video sources with component video outputs are labeled Y, C terms all refer to component video color difference output.

• At SYSTEM SETUP, the component video input terminal can be assigned for the input sources to which you want to connect AV devices. (For details, see page 15.)

Connecting a DVD player

DVD IN jacks

• Connect the DVD player’s color difference (component) video output jacks (COMPONENT VIDEO OUTPUT) to the COMPONENT DVD IN jack using 75 Ω/ohms coaxial video pin-plug cords.

• In the same way, another video source with component video outputs such as a TV/DBS tuner, etc., can be connected to the TV/DBS color difference (component) video jacks.

Connecting a monitor TV

MONITOR OUT jack

• Connect the TV’s color difference (component) video input jacks (COMPONENT VIDEO INPUT) to the COMPONENT MONITOR OUT jack using 75 Ω/ohms coaxial video pin-plug cords.

• The color difference input jacks may be indicated differently on some TVs, monitors or video components (“C B-Y and Y”, “Pr, Pb and Y”, etc.). For details, carefully read the operating instructions included with the TV or other component.

VIDEO

DVD player

Monitor TV

• Video Conversion signals

Monitor Output jacks

Signal input to the AVR-550SD

Video signal output to VIDEO MONITOR OUT jack (yellow)

Video signal output to S-Video MONITOR OUT jack

B, CR, or Y, Pb, Pr, or Y, R-Y, B-Y. These

R, CB and Y”, “R-Y,

Video signal output to color difference (component) Video MONITOR OUT jack

Connecting the antenna terminals

DIRECTION OF BROADCASTING STATION

75 Ω/ohms COAXIAL CABLE

FM ANTENNA ADAPTER

FM INDOOR ANTENNA (An accessory)

AM loop antenna assembly

Remove the vinyl tie and take out the connection line.

a. With the

antenna on top any stable surface.

b. With the antenna

attached to a wall.

Installation hole Mount on wall, etc.

Mount

FM ANTENNA

FEEDER CABLE

Connect to the AM antenna terminals.

Bend in the reverse direction.

AM LOOP ANTENNA (An Accessory)

AM OUTDOOR ANTENNA

GROUND

Connection of AM antennas

1. Push the lever. 2. Insert the conductor.

3. Return the lever.

NOTES:

• Do not connect two FM antennas simultaneously.

• Even if an external AM antenna is used, do not

disconnect the AM loop antenna.

• Make sure AM loop antenna lead terminals do not touch metal parts of the panel.

Video signal input jack

S-Video signal input jack

Color difference (component)

Video signal input jack

(Down-conversion)

EEC

(Up-conversion)

(C : Video signal output, E : Video signal not output)

ENGLISH

Connecting the external input (EXT. IN) jacks

• These jacks are for inputting multi-channel audio signals from an outboard decoder, or a component with a different type of multi-channel decoder, such as a DVD Audio player, or a multi-channel SACD player, or other future multi-channel sound format decoder.

• When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components.

Front

Surround

Subwoofer

Decoder with 6channel analog output

For instructions on playback using the external input (EXT. IN) jacks, see page 20.

Center

Speaker system connections

• Connect the speaker terminals with the speakers making sure that like polarities are matched ( ≈ with ≈ , √ with √ ). Mismatching of polarities will result in weak central sound, unclear orientation of the various instruments, and the sense of direction of the stereo being impaired.

• When making connections, take care that none of the individual conductors of the speaker cord come in contact with adjacent terminals, with other speaker cord conductors, or with the rear panel.

NOTE: NEVER touch the speaker terminals when the power is on. Doing so could result in electric shocks.

Connecting the speaker cords

1. Loosen by turning counterclockwise.

2. Insert the cord. 3. Tighten by turning

Speaker Impedance

• Speakers with an impedance of 6 to 16 Ω/ohms can be connected for use as speakers.

• The protector circuit may be activated if the set is played for long periods of time at high volumes when speakers with an impedance lower than the specified impedance are connected.

clockwise.

Protector circuit

• This unit is equipped with a high-speed protection circuit. The purpose of this circuit is to protect the speakers under circumstances such as when the output of the power amplifier is inadvertently shortcircuited and a large current flows, when the temperature surrounding the unit becomes unusually high, or when the unit is used at high output over a long period which results in an extreme temperature rise. When the protection circuit is activated, the speaker output is cut off and the STANDBY indicator LED flashes. Should this occur, please follow these steps: be sure to switch off the power of this unit, check whether there are any faults with the wiring of the speaker cables or input cables, and wait for the unit to cool down if it is very hot. Improve the ventilation condition around the unit and switch the power back on. If the protection circuit is activated again even though there are no problems with the wiring or the ventilation around the unit, switch off the power and contact a DENON service center.

Note on speaker impedance

• The protector circuit may be activated if the set is played for long periods of time at high volumes when speakers with an impedance lower than the specified impedance (for example speakers with an impedance of lower than 4 Ω/ohms) are connected. If the protector circuit is activated, the speaker output is cut off. Turn off the set’s power, wait for the set to cool down, improve the ventilation around the set, then turn the power back on.

ENGLISH

Connections

• When making connections, also refer to the operating instructions of the other components.

Connection jack for subwoofer with built-in amplifier (super woofer), etc.

DSW-3L (DHT-550SD only) or commercially available speaker.

Surround back preout connectors

Use these to connect one or two surround back speakers when using a commercially available pre-main (power) amplifier. When using one surround back speaker, connect it to the left channel.

OUTPUT

power Amplifier

SURROUND BACK SPEAKER

SYSTEM

USING THE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

Following the procedure outlined below, insert the batteries before using the remote control unit.

Range of operation of the remote control unit

Point the remote control unit at the remote control sensor as shown on the diagram at the left.

ME OLU V R

ASTE M

G N I N U T

AND B

L O

R T N O C

E N O T

U T A T S

E D

O M D N U

O R R U S

U L O O R D R U S S T D /

T C E

O R I E D R E T S /

ch 6 / h O c E 5 ER T S

NOTES:

• The remote control unit can be used from a straight distance of approximately 7 meters, but this distance will shorten or operation will become difficult if there are obstacles between the remote control unit and the remote control sensor, if the remote control sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or other strong light, or if operated from an angle.

• Neon signs or other devices emitting pulse-type

Approx. 7 m

30°

noise nearby may result in malfunction, so keep the set as far away from such devices as possible.

Inserting the batteries

q Press as shown by the arrow

and slide off.

w Insert the R6P/AA batteries properly,

as shown on the diagram.

e Close the lid.

FRONT SPEAKER

SYSTEMS

SC-A3L (DHT-550SD only) or commercially available speaker.

CENTER SPEAKER

SYSTEM

SC-C3L (DHT-550SD only) or commercially available speaker.

SURROUND SPEAKER

SYSTEMS

SC-A3L (DHT-550SD only) or commercially available speaker.

• Precautions when connecting speakers

If a speaker is placed near a TV or video monitor, the colors on the screen may be disturbed by the speaker’s magnetism. If this should happen, move the speaker away to a position where it does not have this effect.

NOTES:

• Use only R6P/AA batteries for replacement.

• Be sure the polarities are correct. (See the illustration inside the battery compartment.)

• Remove the batteries if the remote control transmitter will not be used for an extended period of time.

• If batteries leak, dispose of them immediately. Avoid touching the leaked material or letting it come in contact

with clothing, etc. Clean the battery compartment thoroughly before installing new batteries.

• Have replacement batteries on hand so that the old batteries can be replaced as quickly as possible when the time comes.

• Even if less than a year has passed, replace the batteries with new ones if the set does not operate even when the remote control unit is operated nearby the set. (The included battery is only for verifying operation. Replace it with a new battery as soon as possible.)

ENGLISH

SETTING UP THE SYSTEM

• Once all connections with other AV components have been completed as described in “CONNECTIONS” (see pages 6 to 10), make the various settings described below on the display. These settings are required to set up the listening room’s AV system centered around the this unit.

• Use the following buttons to set up the system:

Set the slide switch to “AUDIO”.

Use the following buttons to set up the system:

SYSTEM SETUP button

Press this to display the system setup on the display.

CURSOR buttons (•, ª, 0, 1)

Press this change what appears on the display.

ENTER button

Press this to switch the display. Also use this button to complete the setting.

• System setup items and default values (set upon shipment from the factory)

System setup Default settings

Speaker Configuration

Subwoofer mode

Crossover Frequency

Delay Time

Channel Level

Digital In Assignment

Video In Assignment

Input the combination of speakers in your system and their corresponding sizes (SMALL for regular speakers, LARGE for full-size, fullrange) to automatically set the composition of the signals output from the speakers and the frequency response.

This selects the subwoofer speaker for playing deep bass signals.

Set the frequency (Hz) below which the bass sound of the various speakers is to be output from the subwoofer.

This parameter is for optimizing the timing with which the audio signals are produced from the speakers and subwoofer according to the listening position.

This adjusts the volume of the signals output from the speakers and subwoofer for the different channels in order to obtain optimum effects.

Input

This assigns the digital input jacks for the different input sources.

This assigns the component video input jacks for the different video input sources.

source

Digital Inputs

Input

source

Compone

nt Inputs

Front Sp.

Small

Front

3.6 m

Front

0 dB 0 dB

COAXIAL

DVD/VDP

VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2

Center

Sp.

Small Small None

Front

Center

3.6 m

Front

Center

0 dB

VCR DVD/VDP

TV/DBS

Surround

Sp.

LFE (Normal)

150 Hz

Subwoofer

3.6 m

Subwoofer

0 dB

TV/DBS

Surround Back Sp.

Surround

3.0 m

Surround

0 dB

Surround

3.0 m

Surround

0 dB

--OPTICAL 2OPTICAL 1

Subwoofer

Ye s

Surround

Back

None

Surround

Back

None

Auto Surround Mode

Ext. In SW Level

On Screen Display

System setup Default settings

Auto surround mode function setting. Auto Surround Mode = ON

Set the Ext. In Subwoofer channel playback level. Ext. In SW Level = +15 dB

This sets whether or not to display the onscreen display that appears on the monitor screen when the controls on the remote control unit or main unit are operated.

NOTES:

• The AVR-550SD’s on-screen display function is designed for use with high resolution monitor TVs, so it may be difficult to read small characters on TVs with small screens or low resolutions.

• The setup menu is not displayed when headphones are being used.

Before setting up the system

(Main unit)

NOTE:

• Press the SYSTEM SETUP button again to finish system set up. System set up can be finished at any time. The changes to the settings made up to that point are entered.

Check that all the components are correct, then press the POWER operation switch on the main unit to turn on the power.

Press the SYSTEM SETUP button to enter the setting.

SYSTEM SETUP

NOTE: Please make sure the “AUDIO” position of

the slide switch on the remote control unit.

Press the (down) and ENTER button to switch to the SPEAKER CONFIGURATION SET UP.

ENGLISH

Setting the type of speakers

• Set up in function of your speaker systems. Performing this setup optimizes the system.

• The composition of the signals output to the different channels and the frequency response are adjusted

automatically according to the combination of speakers actually being used.

• Parameters

Large…… Select this when using speakers that can fully reproduce low sounds of below 80 Hz. Small…… Select this when using speakers that cannot reproduce low sounds of below 80 Hz with sufficient

volume. When this setting is selected, low frequencies of below 80 Hz are assigned to the

subwoofer. (Example: SC-A3L, SC-C3L) None…… Select this when no speakers are installed. Yes/No…. Select “Ye s” when a subwoofer is installed, “No” when it’s not installed.

• About the surround back speaker

When “S.Back. Sp.” is selected, the speaker systems change as described below.

When “NONE” is selected ..................................................................5.1ch speaker system

When “Large” or “Small” is selected and “1Speaker” is selected ....6.1ch speaker system

The surround back audio signals are output from both the speaker terminals and the PRE OUT connector’s left channel. Connect one of these. A separate, commercially available pre-main (power) amplifier is needed to connect the PRE OUT connector.

When “2 speaker” is selected ............................................................7.1ch speaker system

The surround back audio signals are only output from the PRE OUT connector. Connect a commercially available pre-main (power) amplifier to output the audio signals. No sound is output from the “Surr. Back” speaker terminals.

NOTE:

Select “Large” or “Small” not according to the physical size of the speaker, but according to the bass reproduction capacity at 80 Hz. If you cannot determine the best setting, try comparing the sound when set to “Small” and when set to “Large”, at a level that will not damage the speakers.

Caution:

In case the subwoofer is not used, be sure to set “Subwoofer = No”, or the bass sound of front channel is divided to subwoofer channel and not reproduced in some mode.

If the subwoofer has sufficient low frequency playback capacity, good sound can be achieved even when “Small” is set for the front, center and surround speakers. For the majority of speaker system configurations, using the Small setting for all five main speakers and Subwooofer On with a connected subwoofer will yield the best results.

Set whether or not speakers are connected and, if so, their size parameters.

• To select the speaker

Center Sp. Front Sp.Front Sp.

Subwoofer

Surround Sp.

• To select the parameter

1 FRNT Small

Press the (down) button to enter the settings and switch to the SUBWOOFER MODE setting.

Listening position

Surround Sp.

Surround back Sp.

Setting the Subwoofer mode and Crossover Frequency

This screen is not displayed when not using a subwoofer.

• Set the crossover frequency and subwoofer mode according to the speaker system being used.

• When using in combination with the SYS-550SD, we recommend turning the DSW-3L’s LF DIRECT switch on

and setting the AVR-550SD’s crossover frequency to 150 Hz. (See page 37.)

Select the “Subwoofer

Mode”.

Select the “Crossover

Frequency” mode.

Press the ENTER button to enter the setting and switch to the DELAY TIME setting.

Select the setting.

Select the frequency.

6 MODE NORM

7 CR . O V ER 15 0

ENGLISH

NOTES: — Assignment of low frequency signal range —

• The signals produced from the subwoofer channel are LFE signals (during playback of Dolby Digital or DTS signals) and the low frequency signal range of channels set to “SMALL” in the setup. The low frequency signal range of channels set to “LARGE” are produced from those channels.

— Crossover Frequency —

• When “Subwoofer” is set to “Ye s ” at the “Speaker Configuration Setting”, set the frequency (Hz) below which the bass sound of the various speakers is to be output from the subwoofer (the crossover frequency).

• For speakers set to “Small”, sound with a frequency below the crossover frequency is cut, and the cut bass sound is output from the subwoofer instead. NOTE: For ordinary speaker systems, we recommend setting the crossover frequency to 80 Hz. When

using small speakers, however, setting the crossover frequency to a high frequency may improve frequency response for frequencies near the crossover frequency.

— Subwoofer mode —

• The subwoofer mode setting is only valid when “Large” is set for the front speakers and “YES” is set for the subwoofer in the “Speaker Configuration” settings (see page 12).

• When the “LFE+MAIN” playback mode is selected, the low frequency signal range of channels set to “Large” are produced simultaneously from those channels and the subwoofer channel.

In this playback mode, the low frequency range expand more uniformly through the room, but depending on the size and shape of the room, interference may result in a decrease of the actual volume of the low frequency range.

• Selection of the “LFE ” play mode will play the low frequency signal range of the channel selected with “Large” from that channel only. Therefore, the low frequency signal range that are played from the

subwoofer channel are only the low frequency signal range of LFE (only during Dolby Digital or DTS signal playback) and the channel specified as “Small” in the setup menu.

• Select the play mode that provides bass reproduction with quantity.

• When the subwoofer is set to “Ye s”, bass sound is output from the subwoofer regardless of the subwoofer

mode setting in surround modes other than Dolby/DTS.

• In surround modes other than Dolby Digital and DTS, if the subwoofer is set to “YES”, the low frequency portion is always output to the subwoofer channel. For details, refer to “Surround Modes and Parameters” on page 30.

Setting the delay time

• Input the distance between the listening position and the different speakers to set the delay time for the surround mode.

Preparations:

Measure the distances between the listening position and the speakers (L1 to L5 on the diagram at the right).

L1: Distance between center speaker and listening position L2: Distance between front speakers and listening position L3: Distance between surround speakers and listening position L4: Distance between surround back speaker and listening position L5: Distance between subwoofer and listening position

CAUTION:

Please note that the difference for every speaker should be 6 m or less.

NOTE:

• No setting when “None” has been selected for the Speaker Configuration setting.

Select the speaker to be set.

Subwoofer

8 FL 3. m6

Center FRFL

Listening position

7.1ch Speaker System6.1ch Speaker System

Set the distance between the speaker and listening position. The distance changes in units of 0.1 meters each time the button is pressed. Select the value closest to the measured distance.

Press the ENTER button to enter the setting and switch the CHANNEL LEVEL setting.

ENGLISH

FL C FR SR SB SL SW

Setting the channel level

• Use this setting to adjust to that the playback level between the different channel is equal.

• From the listening position, listen to the test tones produced from the speakers to adjust the level.

• The level can also be adjusted directly from the remote control unit. (For details, see page 23.)

• When connecting a commercially available pre-main amplifier to the surround backup pre-out connectors and

using a surround backup speaker, the level changes when the pre-main amplifier’s volume control is adjusted, so adjust the volume with the pre-main amplifier’s volume control in function of this setting.

Set the mode. Select “Auto” or “Manual”.

T.TONE

• Auto: Adjust the level while listening to the test tones produced automatically from the different speakers.

• Manual: Select the speaker from which you want to produce the test tone to adjust the level.

Press the (down) button and select “Ye s ” to start Test Tone.

T.TONE ST<Y SE

T 1

NOTES:

• When you adjust the channel levels while in the TEST TONE mode, the channel level adjustments made will affect all surround modes. Consider this mode a Master Channel Level adjustment mode.

• You can adjust the channel levels for each of the following surround modes: DIRECT, STEREO, DOLBY/DTS SURROUND, 5/6 CH STEREO, MONO MOVIE, ROCK ARENA, JAZZ CLUB, VIDEO GAME, MATRIX and DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER.

Press the ENTER button to enter the setting and switch the DIGITAL INPUT setting.

Setting the Digital In Assignment

• This setting assigns the digital input jacks of the AVR-550SD for the different input sources.

Select the digital input jack to be assigned to the input source.

• To select the digital input jack

17 COAX VC

a. If the “Auto” mode is selected:

Test tones are automatically emitted from the different speakers. The test tones are emitted from the different speakers in the following order, at 4-second intervals the first time and second time around, 2-second intervals the third time around and on:

Use the CURSOR left and right buttons to adjust all the speakers to the same volume. The volume can be adjusted between –12 dB and +12 dB in units of 1 dB.

b. When the “Manual” mode is selected

Use the CURSOR up and down to select the speaker for which you want to output test tones, then use the CURSOR left and right to adjust so that the volume of the test tones from the various speakers is the same.

Example: When the volume is set to –12 dB while the Front Lch speaker is selected

NOTE:

• TUNER cannot be selected.

• To select the input source

Select “OFF” if nothing is connected.

Press the ENTER button to enter the setting and switch the COMPONENT VIDEO INPUT setting.

ENGLISH

Setting the Video In Assignment

• This setting assigns the color difference (component) video input jacks of the AVR-550SD for the different input sources.

Setting the Auto Surround Mode

For the three kinds of input signals as shown below, the surround mode played the last is stored in the memory. At next time it the same signal inputs, the memorized surround mode is automatically selected and the signal is played. Note that the surround mode setting is also stored separately for the different input function.

SIGNAL Default Auto Surround Mode

q Analog and PCM 2-channel signals STEREO w 2-channel signals of Dolby Digital, DTS or other multichannel format Dolby PL e Multichannel signals of Dolby Digital, DTS or other multichannel format Dolby or DTS Surround

Select the component (Y, P input terminal to be assigned to the input source.

• Component video terminal selection

20 VIN1 D DV

• Input source selection Select “OFF” if nothing is connected.

Press the ENTER button to enter the setting and switch the AUTO SURROUND MODE setting.

B/CB and PR/CR) video

II Cinema

Setting the Ext. In SW Level

• Set the playback level of the analog input signal connected to the Ext. In terminal.

Setting the On Screen Display (OSD)

• Use this to turn the on-screen display (messages other than the menu screens) on or off.

Select desired setting.

• Select according to the specifications of the player being used. Also refer to the player’s operating instructions.

• +15dB (default) recommended. (0, +5, 10 and +15 can be selected.)

23 EXIN SW+ 51

Press the ENTER button to switch the ON SCREEN DISPLAY setting.

Select “ON” or “OFF”.

24 OSD O N

Press the ENTER button to switch the AUTO PRESET MEMORY setting.

Select “ON” if you want to use the auto surround mode, “OFF” if you do not want to use it.

22 ATSURR.O N

Press the ENTER button to switch the EXT. IN SW LEVEL setting.

ENGLISH

Auto Tuner Presets

• Use this to automatically search for FM broadcasts and store up to 40 stations at preset channels A1 to 8, B1 to 8, C1 to 8, D1 to 8 and E1 to 8.

NOTE:

• If an FM station cannot be preset automatically due to poor reception, use the “Manual tuning” operation to tune in the station, then preset it using the manual “Preset memory” operation.

Use the CURSOR button to select “Ye s”. “Search” flashes on the screen and searching

begins. “Completed” appears once searching is completed. The display automatically switches to screen.

25 PRESET<Y SE

See page 35 for instructions on setting the sleep timer.

After setting up the system

Press the SYSTEM SETUP button to finish system set up.

REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

Operating DENON audio components

• Turn on the power of the different components before operating them.

Set mode switch 1 to “AUDIO”.

Set mode switch 2 to the position for the

component to be operated. (CD, CDR/MD or Tape deck)

Operate the audio component.

• For details, refer to the component’s operating instructions. While this remote control is compatible with a wide range of infrared controlled components, some models of components may not be operated with this remote control.

1. CD player (CD) and CD recorder and MD recorder (CDR/MD) system buttons

2. Tape deck (TAPE) system buttons

This completes the system setup operations. Once the system is set up, there is no need to make the settings again unless other components or speakers are connected to or the speaker layout is changed.

• On-screen display signals

Signals input to the AVR-550SD

VIDEO signal input jack

(yellow)

(C: Signal E: No signal) (C: On-screen signals output E: On-screen signals not output)

S-video signal input jack

VIDEO MONITOR OUT jack

On-screen display signal output

Video signal output to

(yellow)

Video signal output to S-

Video MONITOR OUT jack

6, 7 : Manual search

1 :Play

8, 9 : Auto search (cue)

DISC SKIP + : Switch discs

3. Tuner system buttons

NOTE:

• TUNER can be operated when the switch is at “AUDIO” position.

(forward and reverse)

2 : Stop

3 : Pause

(for CD changers only)

6 : Rewind 7 : Fast-forward

2 : Stop 1 : Forward play 0 : Reverse play

A/B : Switch between decks A and B

SHIFT : Switch preset channel range

CHANNEL +, – : Preset channel up/down

TUNING +, – : Frequency up/down

BAND : Switch between the AM and FM

bands

MODE : Switch between auto and mono

MEMORY : Preset memory

ENGLISH

456

789

Preset memory

DENON and other makes of components can be operated by setting the preset memory. This remote control unit can be used to operate components of other manufacturers without using the learning function by registering the manufacturer of the component as shown on the List of Preset Codes (pages 311~313). Operation is not possible for some models.

NOTES:

• The signals for the pressed buttons are emitted while setting the preset memory. To avoid accidental operation, cover the remote control unit’s transmitting window while setting the preset memory.

• Depending on the model and year of manufacture, this function cannot be used for some models, even if they are of makes listed on the included list of preset codes.

• Some manufacturers use more than one type of remote control code. Refer to the included list of preset codes to change the number and check.

• The preset memory can be set for one component only among the following: CDR/MD, DVD/VDP and DBS/CABLE.

The preset codes are as follows upon shipment from the factory and after resetting:

TV, VCR......................................................................HITACHI

CD, TAPE...................................................................DENON

CDR/MD ....................................................................DENON (CDR)

DVD/VDP ...................................................................DENON (DVD)

DBS/CABLE...............................................................ABC (CABLE)

Set mode switch 1 to “AUDIO” or “VIDEO”.

Set the AUDIO side for the CD, Tape deck or CDR/MD position, to the VIDEO side for the DVD/VDP, DBS/CABLE, VCR or TV position.

Set mode switch 2 to the component to be registered.

Press the ON/SOURCE button and the OFF button at the same time.

• Indicator flash.

Referring to the included List of Preset Codes, use the number buttons to input the preset code (a 3-digit number) for the manufacturer of the component whose signals you want to store in the memory.

To store the codes of another component in the memory, repeat steps 1 to 4.

Operating component stored in the preset memory

Set mode switch 1 to “AUDIO” or “VIDEO”.

Set the AUDIO side for the CD, tape deck or CDR/MD position, to the VIDEO side for the DVD/VDP, DBS/CABLE, VCR or TV position.

Set mode switch 2 to the component you want

to operate.

Operate the component.

• For details, refer to the component’s operating instructions. Some models cannot be operated with this remote control unit.

1. Digital video disc player (DVD) system buttons

POWER : Power on/standby

(ON/SOURCE)

OFF : DENON DVD Power

off

6, 7 : Manual search

(forward and reverse)

2 : Stop 1 :Play

8, 9 : Auto search

(to beginning of track)

3 : Pause

0~9, +10 : 10 key

DISC SKIP : Disc skip

+ (for DVD changer only)

DISPLAY : Switch display

MENU : Menu

RETURN : Return

SETUP : Setup

D, H, F, G : Cursor up, down, left

and right

ENTER : Enter setting

NOTE:

• Some manufacturers use different names for the DVD remote control buttons, so also refer to the instructions on remote control for that component.

2. Video disc player (VDP) system buttons

POWER : Power on/standby

(ON/SOURCE)

6, 7 : Manual search

2 : Stop 1 :Play

8, 9 : Auto search (cue)

3 : Pause

0~9, +10 : 10 key

(forward and reverse)

ENGLISH

456

789

3. Video deck (VCR) system buttons

POWER : Power on/standby

(ON/SOURCE)

6, 7 : Manual search

Channel : Channels

5. Monitor TV (TV) system buttons

POWER : Power on/standby

(ON/SOURCE)

MENU : Menu

RETURN : Return

D, H, F, G : Cursor up, down, left

ENTER : Enter

CHANNEL : Switch channels

0~9, +10 : Channels DISPLAY : Switch display

TV/VCR : Switch between TV

TV VOL : Volume up/down

(forward and reverse)

2 : Stop

1 :Play

3 : Pause

+, –

and right

+, –

and video player

+, –

4. Digital broadcast satellite (DBS) tuner and cable (CABLE) system buttons

POWER : Power on/standby

(ON/SOURCE)

MENU : Menu

RETURN : Return

D, H, F, G : Cursor up, down, left

and right

ENTER : Enter

CHANNEL : Switch channels

+, – 0~9, +10 : Channels DISPLAY : Switch display VOL +, – : Volume up/down

Punch Through

•“Punch Through” is a function allowing you to operate the PLAY, STOP, MANUAL SEARCH and AUTO SEARCH buttons on the CD, TAPE, CDR/MD, DVD/VDP or VCR components when in the DBS/CABLE or TV mode. By default, nothing is set.

Set mode switch 1 to “VIDEO”.

Set mode switch 2 to the component to be

registered (DBS/CABLE or TV).

Press the DVD/VDP POWER button and the TV

POWER button at the same time.

• Indicator flash.

Table 1

CD TAPE CDR/MD DVD/VDP VCR No setting

Input the number of the component you want to set. (See Table 1)

No.

1 2 3 4 5 0

NOTES:

• For this CD, CDR, MD and TAPE components, buttons can be operated in the same way as for Denon audio components (page 16).

• The TV can be operated when the switch is at DVD/VDP, VCR, TV position.

ENGLISH

AUTO PCM DTS

OPERATION

Before operating

Refer to “CONNECTIONS” (pages 6 to 10) and

check that all connections are correct.

Set the remote control unit’s slide switch to the

AUDIO position. (only when operating with the remote control unit)

(Main unit)

Turn on the power.

Press the power operation switch (button).

Power operation indicator

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

When pressed, the power turns on and the display lights. The sound is muted for several seconds, after which the unit operates normally. When pressed again, the power turns off, the standby mode is set and the display turns off. Whenever the ON/STANDBY button is in the STANDBY state, the apparatus is still connected on AC line voltage. Please be sure to unplug the cord when you leave home for, say, a vacation.

Light

Playing the input source

Select the input source to be played.

Example: DVD

FUNCTION / SELECT

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

Select the input mode.

• Selecting the analog mode Press the ANALOG button to switch to the analog input.

(Remote control unit)

• Selecting the external input (EXT. IN) mode Press the EXT. IN to switch the external input.

(Remote control unit)

• Selecting the AUTO, PCM and DTS modes The mode switches as shown below each time the INPUT MODE button is pressed.

(Remote control unit)

1,3

Input mode selection function

Different input modes can be selected for the different input sources. The selected input modes for the separate input sources are stored in the memory.

q AUTO (auto mode)

In this mode, the types of signals being input to the digital and analog input jacks for the selected input source are detected and the program in the AVR550SD’s surround decoder is selected automatically upon playback. This mode can be selected for all input sources other than TUNER. The presence or absence of digital signals is detected, the signals input to the digital input jacks are identified and decoding and playback are performed automatically in DTS, Dolby Digital or PCM (2 channel stereo) format. If no digital signal is being input, the analog input jacks are selected. Use this mode to play Dolby Digital signals.

w PCM (exclusive PCM signal playback mode)

Decoding and playback are only performed when PCM signals are being input. Note that noise may be generated when using this mode to play signals other than PCM signals.

e DTS (exclusive DTS signal playback mode)

Decoding and playback are only performed when DTS signals are being input.

r ANALOG (exclusive analog audio signal playback

mode) The signals input to the analog input jacks are decoded and played.

t EXT. IN (external decoder input jack selection mode)

The signals being input to the external decoder input jacks are played without passing through the surround circuitry.

ENGLISH

NOTE:

• Note that noise will be output when CDs or LDs recorded in DTS format are played in the “PCM” (exclusive PCM signal playback) or “ANALOG” (exclusive PCM signal playback) mode. Select the AUTO or DTS mode when playing signals recorded in DTS.

Notes on playing a source encoded with DTS

• Noise may be generated at the beginning of playback and while searching during DTS playback in the AUTO mode. If so, play in the DTS mode.

In some rare cases the noise may be generated

•

when you preform the operation to stop playback of a DTS-CD or DTS-LD.

Select the play mode.

Press the SURROUND MODE button, then turn the SELECT knob.

Example: Stereo

FUNCTION / SELECT

SURROUND MODE

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

To select the surround mode while adjusting the surround parameters, tone defeat or tone control, press the surround mode button then operate the selector.

Start playback on the selected component.

• For operating instructions, refer to the component’s manual.

SURROUND MODE

(Main unit)

Input mode when playing DTS sources

• Noise will be output if DTS-compatible CDs or LDs are played in the “ANALOG” or “PCM” mode. When playing DTS-compatible sources, be sure to connect the source component to the digital input jacks (OPTICAL/COAXIAL) and set the input mode to “DTS”.

Input mode display

• In the AUTO mode

• In the DIGITAL PCM mode

• In the DIGITAL DTS mode

• In the ANALOG mode

Input signal display

• DOLBY DIGITAL

• DTS

• PCM

One of these lights, depending on the input signal.

Playback using the external input (EXT. IN) jacks

Set the external input (EXT. IN) mode.

Press the EXT. IN to switch the external input.

(Remote control unit)

Once this is selected, the input signals connected to the FL (front left), FR (front right), C (center), SL (surround left), and SR (surround right) channels of the EXT. IN jacks are output directly to the front (left and right), center, surround (left and right) speaker systems without passing through the surround circuitry. In addition, the signal input to the SW (subwoofer) jack is output to the PRE OUT SUBWOOFER jack.

Cancelling the external input mode

To cancel the external input (EXT. IN) setting, press the INPUT MODE (AUTO, PCM, DTS) or ANALOG button to switch to the desired input mode. (See page 19.)

(Remote control unit)

• When the input mode is set to the external input (EXT. IN), the play mode (DIRECT, STEREO, DOLBY/DTS SURROUND, 5CH/6CH STEREO, VIRTUAL SURROUND (DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER) or DSP SIMULATION) cannot be selected.

NOTES:

• In play modes other than the external input

• The external input mode can be set for any input

mode, the signals connected to C, SL, SR and SW jacks cannot be played. In addition, signals cannot be output from channels not connected to the input jacks.

source. To watch video while listening to sound, select the input source to which the video signal is connected, then set this mode.

Adjust the volume.

The volume level is displayed on the master volume level display.

The volume can be adjusted within the range of –70 to 0 to 18 dB, in steps of 1 dB. However, when the channel level is set as described on page 23, if the volume for any channel is set at +1 dB or greater, the volume cannot be adjusted up to 18 dB. (In this case the maximum volume is adjusted to “18 dB — (Maximum value of channel level)”.)

MASTER VOLUME

(Main unit)

(Remote control unit)

The indicator lights when digital signals are

DIG

being input properly. If the indicator does not light, check whether the digital input component setup (page 14) and connections are correct and whether the component’s power is turned on.

NOTE:

• The indicator will light when playing CD-

DIG

ROMs containing data other than audio signals, but no sound will be heard.

DIG

ENGLISH

BASS TREBLEDEFEAT

PHONES

Playing audio sources

The AVR-550SD is equipped with two 2-channel playback modes exclusively for music. Select the mode to suit your tastes.

DIRECT mode

Use this mode to achieve good quality 2channel sound while watching images. In this mode, the audio signals bypass such circuits as the tone circuit and are transmitted directly, resulting in good quality sound.

DIRECT

/STEREO

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

STEREO mode

Use this mode to adjust the tone and achieve the desired sound while watching images.

DIRECT

/STEREO

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

1, 2

After starting playback

[1] Adjusting the sound quality (tone)

• The tone control function will not work in the direct mode.

The tone switches as follows each time the

TONE CONTROL button is pressed.

TONE CONTROL

(Main unit)

With the name of the volume to

be adjusted selected, turn the SELECT knob to adjust the level.

• To increase the bass or treble: Turn the control clockwise. (The bass or treble sound can be increased to up to +6 dB in steps of 1 dB.)

• To decrease the bass or treble: Turn the control counterclockwise. (The bass or treble sound can be decreased to up to –6 dB in steps of 1 dB.)

[2] Listening over headphones

Plug the headphones’ plug into

the jack.

Connect the headphones to the PHONES jack. The speaker output is automatically turned off when headphones are connected.

FUNCTION / SELECT

(Main unit)

NOTE:

To prevent hearing loss, do not raise the volume level excessively when using headphones.

1, 3

If you do not want the bass and treble to be adjusted, turn on the tone defeat mode.

The signals do not pass

TONE CONTROL

(Main unit)

through the bass and treble adjustment circuits, so it provides higher quality sound.

[3] Turning the sound off temporarily (MUTING)

Use this to turn off the audio

output temporarily. Press the MUTING button.

Cancelling MUTING mode.

• Press the MUTING button again.

• Muting will also be cancelled when MASTER VOL is adjusted up or down.

(Remote

control unit)

ENGLISH

BRIGHT MEDIUM

OFF

DIM

2, 4

[4]

Combining the currently playing sound with the desired image

Simulcast playback

Use this switch to monitor a video source other than the audio source. Press the VIDEO SELECT button repeatedly until the desired source appears on the display.

Cancelling simulcast playback.

• Select “SOURCE” using the VIDEO SELECT button.

• Switch the program source to the component connected to the video input jacks.

[5] Checking the currently playing program source, etc.

control unit)

(Remote

Display

IN=V SOURCE

SURROUND

Before playing with the surround function

• Before playing with the surround function, be sure to use the test tones to adjust the playback level from the different speakers. This adjustment can be performed with the system setup (see page 11) or from the remote control unit, as described below.

• Adjusting with the remote control unit using the test tones is only possible in the “Auto” mode and only effective in the DOLBY/DTS SURROUND modes. The adjusted levels for the different modes are automatically stored in the memory.

Set the DOLBY/DTS SURROUND (Dolby Pro

Logic

II or Dolby Digital or DTS) modes.

DOLBY/DTS SURROUND

On screen display

• Each time an operation is performed, a description of that operation appears on the display connected to the unit’s VIDEO MONITOR OUT jack. Also, the unit’s operating status can be checked during playback by pressing the remote control unit’s ON SCREEN/DISPLAY button. Such information as the position of the input selector and the surround parameter settings is output in sequence.

Status

• Also, the unit’s operating status can be checked during playback by pressing the main unit’s STATUS button. Such information as the position of the input selector and the surround parameter settings is output in sequence.

Using the dimmer function

• Use this to change the brightness of the display. The display brightness changes in four steps (bright, medium, dim and off) by pressing the main unit’s DIMMER button repeatedly.

(Remote

control unit)

STATUS

(Main unit)

(Remote

control unit)

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

Press the TEST TONE button.

(Remote control unit)

Test tones are output from

the different speakers. Use the channel volume adjust buttons to adjust so that the volume of the test tones is the same for all the speakers.

NOTE:

• Please make sure the “AUDIO” position of the slide switch on the remote control unit.

After completing the

adjustment, press the TEST TONE button again.

(Remote control unit)

ENGLISH

4, 7

6 3

• After adjusting using the test tones, adjust the channel levels either according to the playback sources or to suit your tastes, as (described) below.

Select the speaker whose

level you want to adjust.

(Remote control unit)

The channel switches as shown below each time the button is pressed.

FL C FR SR SB

SWFADER SL

NOTE:

• Please make sure the “AUDIO” position of the slide switch on the remote control unit.

• If the channel levels are adjusted separately after adjusting the fader, the fader adjustment values are cleared, so adjust the fader again.

Adjust the level of the

selected speaker.

(Remote control unit)

Default setting of channel level is 0 dB. The level of the selected speaker can be adjusted within the range of +12 to –12 dB using the cursor buttons. SW channel level can be turned off by decreasing one step from –12 dB.

OFF ´ –12 dB ´ 12 dB

Dolby Digital mode (only with digital input) and DTS Surround (only with digital input)

Select the input source.

Playback with a digital input

q Select an input source set to digital

(COAXIAL/OPTICAL) (see page 14).

Example: DVD

FUNCTION / SELECT

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

w Set the input mode to “AUTO”, “PCM” or

“DTS”.

(Remote control unit)

Select the Dolby/DTS Surround mode.

DOLBY/DTS SURROUND

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

When performing this operation from the main unit’s panel, press the SURROUND MODE button, then turn the SELECT knob and select Dolby Pro Logic

SURROUND MODE

II or DTS NEO:6.

FUNCTION / SELECT

(Main unit) (Main unit)

Play a program source with the , mark.

• The Dolby Digital indicator lights

Light

when playing Dolby Digital sources.

• The DTS indicator lights when

Light

playing DTS sources.

• The SIGNAL DETECT indicator lights

Light

when playing 6.1-channel surround sources containing the identification signal.

When the SIGNAL DETECT indicator is lit, we recommend turning the surround back channel using the SURROUND BACK button on the remote control unit during playback. To use DTS 96/24 sources with the optimum system, we recommend turning the surround back channel off.

Operate the SURROUND BACK button to switch Surround Back CH ON/OFF.

Light

(Remote control unit)

• Lights when the SURROUND BACK button is on.

ENGLISH

5, 7

4, 8

5, 7

(Remote control unit)

2 Dialogue Normalization

The dialogue normalization function is activated automatically when playing Dolby Digital program sources. Dialogue normalization is a basic function of Dolby Digital which automatically normalizes the dialog level (standard level) of the signals which are recorded at different levels for different program sources, such as DVD, DTV and other future formats that will use Dolby Digital. These contents can be verified with the ON SCREEN button.

Display

OFFSET - 4 Bd

The number indicates the normalization level when the currently playing program is normalized to the standard level.

Display the surround parameter menu.

Select the various parameters.

Adjust the parameter settings.

Press the SURROUND PARAMETER button to finish surround parameter mode.

Dolby Surround Pro Logic

Select the function to which the component

you want to play is connected.

Example: DVD

FUNCTION / SELECT

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

Select the Dolby Surround Pro Logic II (Pro

Logic

IIx) mode.

DOLBY/DTS SURROUND

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

• The Dolby Pro Logic II (Pro Logic IIx) indicator lights.

Light

Display

LBY

(Pro Logic

mode

IIx)

Select the surround parameter mode.

(Remote control unit)

Display

M ODE c i ne m a

The Dolby Surround Pro Logic

Cinema or Music

mode can be chosen directly by pressing the CINEMA or MUSIC button on the remote control unit during playback in the Dolby Surround Pro Logic

mode.

PL C D V D

Play a program source with the mark.

• For operating instructions, refer to the manuals of the respective components.

To perform this operation from the remote control unit, check that the mode selector switch is set to “AUDIO”.

ENGLISH

5, 7

4, 8

5, 7

DOLBY

SURROUND

DTS

SURROUND

MODE musicMODE cinema

Select the optimum mode for the source.

(Remote control unit)

MODE musicMODE cinema MODE game

Select the various parameters. (See “Surround

parameters q” for a description of the various parameters.)

(Remote control unit)

Set the various surround parameters.

(Remote control unit)

Press the SURROUND PARAMETER button to

finish surround parameter mode.

(Remote control unit)

DTS NEO:6 mode

Select the function to which the component

you want to play is connected.

Example: DVD

FUNCTION / SELECT

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

Select the DTS NEO:6 mode.

DOLBY/DTS SURROUND

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

• The mode switches as shown below each time the button is pressed.

The DTS NEO:6 Cinema or Music mode can be chosen directly by pressing the CINEMA or MUSIC button on the remote control unit

Select the optimum mode for the source.

during playback in the DTS NEO:6 mode.

Play a program source.

Select the surround parameter mode.

(Remote control unit)

To perform this operation from the remote control unit, check that the mode selector switch is set to “AUDIO”.

Display

M ODE c i ne m a

Select the various parameters.

(Remote control unit)

ENGLISH

Set the various surround parameters.

(Remote control unit)

Press the SURROUND PARAMETER button to

finish surround parameter mode.

(Remote control unit)

Surround parameters q Pro Logic

• The Cinema mode is for use with stereo television shows and all programs encoded Dolby Surround.

• The Music mode is recommended as the standard mode for autosound music systems (no video), and is

• The Pro Logic mode offers the same robust surround processing as original Pro Logic in case the source

DTS NEO:6 Mode:

• Cinema

• Music

CENTER IMAGE (0.0 to 0.5: default 0.2):

II (IIx) Mode:

optional for A/V systems.

contents is not of optimum quality. Select one of the modes (“cinema”, “music” or “game”).

Panorama Control:

This mode extends the front stereo image to include the surround speakers for an exciting “wraparound” effect with side wall imaging. Select “OFF” or “ON”.

Dimension Control:

This control gradually adjust the soundfield either towards the front or towards the rear. The control can be set in 7 steps from 0 to 6.

Center Width Control:

This control adjust the center image so it may be heard only from the center speaker; only from the left/right speakers as a phantom image; or from all three front speakers to varying degrees. The control can be set in 8 steps from 0 to 7.

This mode is optimum for playing movies. Decoding is performed with emphasis on separation performance to achieve the same atmosphere with 2-channel sources as with 6.1-channel sources. This mode is effective for playing sources recorded in conventional surround formats as well, because the in-phase component is assigned mainly to the center channel (C) and the reversed phase component to the surround (SL, SR and SB channels).

This mode is suited mainly for playing music. The front channel (FL and FR) signals bypass the decoder and are played directly so there is no loss of sound quality, and the effect of the surround signals output from the center (C) and surround (SL, SR and SB) channels add a natural sense of expansion to the sound field.

The center image parameter for adjusting the expansion of the center channel in the DTS NEO:6 MUSIC mode has been added.

Surround parameters w CINEMA EQ. (Cinema Equalizer):

The Cinema EQ function gently decreases the level of the extreme high frequencies, compensating for overly-bright sounding motion picture soundtracks. Select this function if the sound from the front speakers is too bright. This function only works in the Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Digital, DTS Surround, DTS NEO:6 and WIDE SCREEN modes. (The same contents are set for all operating modes.)

D.COMP. (Dynamic Range Compression):

Motion picture soundtracks have tremendous dynamic range (the contrast between very soft and very loud sounds). For listening late at night, or whenever the maximum sound level is lower than usual, the Dynamic Range Compression allows you to hear all of the sounds in the soundtrack (but with reduced dynamic range). (This only works when playing program sources recorded in Dolby Digital or DTS.) Select one of the four parameters (“OFF”, “LOW”, “MID” (middle) or “HI” (high)). Set to OFF for normal listening.

LFE (Low Frequency Effect):

This sets the level of the LFE (Low Frequency Effect) sounds included in the source when playing program sources recorded in Dolby Digital or DTS. If the sound produced from the subwoofer sounds distorted due to the LFE signals when playing Dolby Digital or DTS sources when the peak limiter is turned off with the subwoofer peak limit level setting (system setup menu), adjust the level as necessary. Program source and adjustment range:

1. Dolby Digital: –10 dB to 0 dB

2. DTS Surround: –10 dB to 0 dB

When DTS encoded movie software is played, it is recommended that the LFE LEVEL be set to 0 dB for correct DTS playback. When DTS encoded music software is played, it is recommended that the LFE LEVEL be set to –10 dB for correct DTS playback.

TONE:

This adjusts the tone control. This can be set individually for the separate shroud mode other than Pure direct and direct mode.

AFDM (Auto Flag Detect Mode):

ON .......This function only works with software on which a special identification signal is recorded. This

software is scheduled to go on sale in the future. This is a function for automatically playing in the 6.1-channel mode using the surround back speakers if the software is recorded in DTS-ES or in the normal 5.1-channel mode without using the surround back speakers when the software is not recorded in DTS-ES.

OFF......Set the “OFF” mode to perform 6.1-channel playback with conventional 5.1-channel sources or

SB CH OUT:

(1) (Multi channel source)

(2) (2ch source)

NOTE: This operation can be performed directly using the “SURROUND BACK” button on the main unit’s

sources on which the identification signal described below is not recorded.

“OFF”...........................Playback is conducted without using the surround back speaker.

“NON MTRX” ..............The same signals those of the surround channels are output from the surround

back channels.

“MTRX ON”.................Surround back channel is reproduced using digital matrix processing.

“ES MTRX”..................When playing DTS signals, the surround back signals undergo digital matrix

processing for playback.

“ES DSCRT” ................When a signal identifying the source as a discrete 6.1-channel source is included

in the DTS signals, the surround back signals included in the source are played.

“PL IIx Cinema”...........Processing is performed with the Cinema mode of the PL II x decoder and the

Surround Back channel is reproduced.

“PL IIx Music” .............Processing is performed with the Music mode of the PL IIx decoder and the

Surround Back channel is reproduced.

“OFF” ......................Playback is conducted without using the surround back speaker.

“ON”........................Playback is conducted using the surround back speaker.

panel.

ENGLISH

4 5

Wide

Narrow

OFF LOW MID HI

Dynamic range

Dolby Virtual Speaker mode

• The Dolby Virtual Speaker mode is a mode using 3D sound technology from Dolby Laboratories to achieve multi-channel surround sound using only two speakers for the front channels.

• With two speakers for the front channels, one of two modes can be selected: Reference or Wide.

• The Dolby Virtual Speaker mode can be used not only with Dolby Digital and DTS multi-channel sources but

also with 2-channel sources. With 2-channel sources, one of two 2-channel modes can be selected: Virtual 1 (Dolby Pro Logic

• With a multi-channel speaker configuration (for example 5.1 channels), the Dolby Virtual Speaker mode provides different effects according to the speaker configuration.

[1] Playing Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound (with digital inputs only)

B Applicable sources

• Digital input Dolby Digital multi-channel sources DTS sources

Select the input source.

Playback with a digital input

q Select an input source set to digital

Example: DVD

II Cinema) and Virtual 2 (Dolby Pro Logic).

1, 2

(COAXIAL/OPTICAL) (see page 14).

FUNCTION / SELECT

w Set the input mode to “AUTO”, “PCM” or

“DTS”.

(Remote control unit)

Set the surround mode to “DOLBY VIRTUAL

SPEAKER”.

FUNCTION / SELECT

SURROUND MODE

(Main unit)

Display

Play a program source including the or

• The Dolby Digital indicator lights when playing Dolby Digital sources.

• The DTS indicator lights when playing DTS sources.

This switches automatically according to the format of the playback source.

Display the surround parameters for that

source.

(Main unit)

D OLB Y V S

mark.

(Remote control unit)

Light

Select and set the surround parameters.

If nothing is done for 6 seconds from when the parameter is displayed, the normal display reappears.

(Remote control unit)

B Setting the DOLBY VS mode

V S W id e

The selected mode flashes. The mode is not displayed if it cannot be selected.

B D.COMP. setting

D .CO M P . O F F

OFF LOW MID HI

B Setting the LFE level

LFE 0Bd

-10 -5 0

... ...

The LFE level can be adjusted in steps of 1 dB between -10 dB and 0 dB.

B DEFAULT setting

DEFAUL YE S <

YES

When “YES” is selected, the settings are restored to the factory defaults.

When the surround parameters are displayed, use the •and ª cursor buttons on the remote control unit to switch to previous or following items. Once the surround parameters have been set, stop operating the buttons. After several seconds, the normal display reappears and the settings are automatically entered.

Surround parameters e DOLBY VS (Dolby Virtual Speaker mode):

• REF (Reference mode) This is the standard mode.

• WIDE (Wide mode) This mode expands the front channel sound field.

D.COMP. (Dynamic range compression):

• This parameter adjusts the dynamic range of the Dolby Digital sound. When listening with the volume turned relatively low, at night for example, set this to the “HI” side to lower the peak of the sound and amplify the quieter sounds, narrowing the dynamic range and making the sound easier to listen to. Set to “OFF” to turn this function off.

LFE (Low Frequency Effect):

• Program source and adjustment range

1. Dolby Digital : –10 dB to 0 dB

2. DTS Surround : –10 dB to 0 dB

• When Dolby Digital encoded software is played, it is recommended that the LFE LEVEL be set to 0 dB for correct Dolby Digital playback.

• When DTS encoded movie software is played, it is recommended that the LFE LEVEL be set to 0 dB for correct DTS playback.

• When DTS encoded music software is played, it is recommended that the LFE LEVEL be set to –10 dB for correct DTS playback.

(Main unit) (Remote control unit)

(Remote control unit)

ENGLISH

2 3

VIRTUAL 1 VIRTUAL 2

[2] 2-channel mode settings

• When 2-channel signals are input, one of two playback modes can be selected and set according to the 2channel mode setting, Virtual 1 or Virtual 2. (The Virtual 1 mode is set by factory default.)

Virtual 1 : 2-channel sources are played in virtual surround using Dolby Pro Logic Virtual 1 : 2-channel sources are played in virtual surround using Dolby Pro Logic processing.

Set the surround mode to “DOLBY VIRTUAL

SPEAKER” (“DOLBY VS”).

• The normal display reappears after the

surround mode is displayed.

SURROUND MODE

(Main unit) (Main unit)

Press the SURROUND PARAMETER button and

select the 2-channel mode.

II Cinema processing.

FUNCTION / SELECT

(Remote control unit)

VS VIRTUAL1

This can be selected if there is no digital input signal, if the digital input is a PCM or Dolby Digital 2-channel signal and if the input is analog.

Turn the SURROUND/SELECT control on the

Surround parameters r VIRTUAL1 (Virtual 1 mode):

In this mode, 2-channel sources are played with Dolby Pro Logic is suited for playing movie sources recorded in Dolby Surround and regular stereo sources.

VIRTUAL2 (Virtual 2 mode):

In this mode, 2-channel sources are played with Dolby Pro Logic processing. This mode is compatible with regular Dolby Pro Logic playback. With it, the recorded playback image of sources recorded in Dolby Surround is recreated faithfully.

II Cinema processing. This mode

main unit or use the the remote control unit to select the desired 2channel mode.

(Remote control unit)

Press the SURROUND PARAMETER button to finish surround parameter mode.

NOTES:

• The 2-channel mode cannot be set when Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1-channel signals.

• The 2-channel mode is set and stored in the memory individually for the different functions.

1 cursor buttons on

and

DSP SURROUND SIMULATION

• This unit is equipped with a high performance DSP (Digital Signal Processor) which uses digital signal processing to synthetically recreate the sound field. One of 6 preset surround modes can be selected according to the program source and the parameters can be adjusted according to the conditions in the listening room to achieve a more realistic, powerful sound. These surround modes can also be used for program sources not recorded in Dolby Surround Pro Logic, Dolby Digital or DTS.

Surround modes and their features

In this mode, the signals of the front left channel are output from the left surround

5CH/6CH

STEREO

MONO MOVIE

(NOTE 1)

ROCK ARENA

JAZZ CLUB

VIDEO GAME

MATRIX

Depending on the program source being played, the effect may not be very noticeable. In this case, try other surround modes, without worrying about their names, to create a sound field suited to your tastes.

NOTE 1: When playing sources recorded in monaural, the sound will be one-sided if signals are only input to one

channel (left or right), so input signals to both channels. If you have a source component with only one audio output (monophonic camcorder, etc.) obtain a “Y” adapter cable to split the mono output to two outputs, and connect to the L and R inputs.

NOTE:

DIRECT, STEREO, DOLBY PRO LOGIC used when playing PCM signals with a sampling frequency of 96 kHz (such as from DVD-Video discs that contain 24 bit, 96 kHz audio). If such signals are input during playback in the other surround modes, the mode automatically switches to STEREO.

Personal Memory Plus

This set is equipped with a personal memorize function that automatically memorizes the surround modes and input modes selected for the input different sources. When the input source is switched, the modes set for that source last time it was used are automatically recalled.

The surround parameters, tone control settings and playback level balance for the different output channels are memorized for each surround mode.

channel, the signals of the front right channel are output from the right surround channel, and the same (in-phase) component of the left and right channels is output from the center channel. This mode provides all speaker surround sound, but without directional steering effects, and works with any stereo program source.

Select this when watching monaural movies for a greater sense of expansion.

Use this mode to achieve the feeling of a live concert in an arena with reflected sounds coming from all directions.

This mode creates the sound field of a live house with a low ceiling and hard walls. This mode gives jazz a very vivid realism.

Use this to enjoy video game sources.

Select this to emphasize the sense of expansion for music sources recorded in stereo. Signals consisting of the difference component of the input signals (the component that provides the sense of expansion) processed for delay are output from the surround channel.

II, DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER and DOLBY HEADPHONE mode can be

ENGLISH

MONO MOVIE ROCK ARENA

JAZZ CLUBVIDEO GAME

MATRIX

2, 5

DIRECT STEREO DOLBY PRO LOGIC II

5CH/6CH STEREO

DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER

JAZZ CLUB ROCK ARENA

MONO MOVIEVIDEO GAMEMATRIX

DTS NEO:6

DIRECT STEREO DOLBY PRO LOGIC II

5CH/6CH STEREO

DOLBY VIRTUAL SPEAKER

JAZZ CLUB ROCK ARENA

MONO MOVIEVIDEO GAMEMATRIX

DTS NEO:6

DSP surround simulation

• To operate the surround mode and surround parameters from the remote control unit.

Select the surround mode for the input channel.

(Remote control unit)

The surround mode switches in the following order each time the DSP SIMULATION button is pressed:

(Remote control unit)

To enter the surround parameter setting mode, press the SURROUND PARAMETER button.

• The surround parameter switches in the following order each time the SURROUND PARAMETER button is pressed for the different surround modes.

• Operating the surround mode from the main unit‘s panel.

To select the surround mode, press the

SURROUND MODE button then operate the selector. Turn the SELECT knob to select the surround mode.

FUNCTION / SELECT

SURROUND MODE

(Main unit)(Main unit)

• When turned clockwise

• When turned counterclockwise

NOTES:

• When playing PCM digital signals or analog signals in the 5CH/6CH STEREO, ROCK ARENA, JAZZ CLUB, VIDEO GAME, MONO MOVIE or MATRIX surround modes and the input signal switches to a digital signal encoded in Dolby Digital, the Dolby surround mode switches automatically. When the input signal switches to a DTS signal, the mode automatically switches to DTS surround.

• When the “5CH/6CH STEREO” mode is selected, the display differs according to the Surround Back CH ON/OFF.

Surround Back CH ON: 6CH STEREO Surround Back CH OFF: 5CH STEREO

(Remote control unit)

Select the various parameters.

Adjust the parameter settings.

Press the SURROUND PARAMETER button to finish surround parameter mode.

Surround parameters t ROOM SIZE:

This sets the size of the sound field. There are five settings: “small”, “med.s” (medium-small), “medium”, “med.l” (medium-large) and “large”. “small” recreates a small sound field, “large” a large sound field.

EFFECT LEVEL:

This sets the strength of the surround effect. The level can be set in 15 steps from 1 to 15.

DELAY TIME:

In the matrix mode only, the delay time can be set within the range of 0 to 300 ms.

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Denon AVR-550SD User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual