Lexicon DC-1 User Manual

Owner's Manual

DC-1

Digital Controller

Base, THX® and

Dolby Digital

Versions

Important Safety Instructions

Save these instructions for later use. Follow all instructions and warnings marked on the unit. Always use with the correct line voltage. Refer to the manufacturer's operating instructions for power requirements. Be advised that different operating voltages

may require the use of a different line cord and/or attachment plug. Do not install the unit in an unventilated rack, or directly above heat producing equipment such as power amplifiers. Observe the maximum ambient operating

temperature listed in the product specification. Slots and opening on the case are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation and prevent it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or

covered. Never push objects of any kind through any of the ventilation slots. Never spill a liquid of any kind on the unit. Never attach audio power amplifier outputs directly to any of the unit's connectors. To prevent shock or fire hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture, or operate it where it will be exposed to water. Do not attempt to operate the unit if it has been dropped, damaged, exposed to liquids, or if it exhibits a distinct change in performance indicating the need for

service. This unit should only be opened by qualified service personnel. Removing covers will expose you to hazardous voltages.

This triangle, which appears on your component, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated, dangerous voltage inside the enclosure... voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

Adhere to all warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions. Take precautions not to defeat the grounding or polarization of the unit's power cord. Do not overload wall outlet, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock. Route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs,

conveneince receptacles, and the point at which they exit from the unit. The unit should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

This triangle, which appears on your component, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in this accompanying literature.

Communications Notice

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designated to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment OFF and ON, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient the receiving antenna Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver Move the computer away from the receiver Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: "How to identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems." This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la class B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Outdoor Antenna Grounding

If an outside antenna is connected to the receiver, be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna-discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See figure below.

Power Lines An outside antenna should be located away from power lines.

Acknowledgements

The DC-1 is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. "Dolby", "AC-3", "Pro Logic", and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

The DC-1 is manufactured under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. U.S. patent numbers 5,043,970; 5,189,703; and 5,222,059. Foreign patents pending. Lucasfilm and THX are trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd.

"Logic 7", "Auto-Azimuth" and the A-Z logo are trademarks of Lexicon, Inc.

Lexicon, Inc.• 3 Oak Park • Bedford MA • 01730-1441 USA • Tel: 781-280-0300 • Fax: 781- 280-0490

Lexicon Part #070-11787 Rev 1

AUTO AZIMUTH

www.lexicon.com

Printed in the United States of America

Dansk

Vigtig information om sikkerhed

Gem denne vejledning til senere brug. Følg alle anvisninger og advarsler på apparatet. Apparatet skal altid tilsluttes den korrekte spænding. Der henvises til

brugsanvisningen, der indeholder specifikationer for strømforsyning. Der gøres opmærksom på, at ved varierende driftsspændinger kan det blive nødvendigt at bruge andre lednings- og/eller stiktyper.

Apparatet må ikke monteres i et kabinet uden ventilation eller lige over andet udstyr, der udvikler varme, f.eks. forstærkere. Den maksimale omgivelsestemperatur ved drift, der står opført i specifikationerne, skal overholdes.

Der er ventilationsåbninger i kabinettet. For at sikre apparatets drift og hindre overophedning må disse åbninger ikke blokeres eller tildækkes. Stik aldrig noget ind igennem ventilationsåbningerne, og pas på aldrig at spilde nogen form for væske på apparatet.

Udgangsstik fra audioforstærkere må aldrig sættes direkte i apparatet. Apparatet må ikke udsættes for regn eller fugt og må ikke bruges i

nærheden af vand for at undgå risiko for elektrisk stød og brand. Apparatet må aldrig bruges, hvis det er blevet stødt, beskadiget eller vådt,

eller hvis ændringer i ydelsen tyder på, at det trænger til eftersyn. Dette apparat må kun åbnes af fagfolk. Hvis dækslet tages af, udsættes

man for livsfarlig højspænding.

Denne mærkat på komponenten advarer om uisoleret, farlig spænding i apparatet ... høj nok til at give elektrisk stød.

Denne mærkat på komponenten advarer om vigtig drifts- og vedligeholdsinformation i den tilhørende litteratur.

Suomi

Tärkeitä turvallisuusohjeita

Säilytä nämä ohjeet tulevaa käyttöä varten. Seuraa kaikkia yksikköön merkittyjä ohjeita ja varoituksia. Käytä aina oikeaa verkkojännitettä. Tehovaatimukset selviävät valmistajan

käyttöohjeista. Huomaa, että eri käyttöjännitteet saattavat vaatia toisenlaisen verkkojohdon ja/tai -pistokkeen käytön.

Älä asenna yksikköä telineeseen jossa ei ole tuuletusta, tai välittömästi lämpöä tuottavien laitteiden, esim. tehovahvistimien, yläpuolelle. Ympäristön lämpötila käytössä ei saa ylittää tuotespesifikaation maksimilämpötilaa.

Kotelo on varustettu tuuletusreiillä ja -aukoilla. Luotettavan toiminnan varmistamiseksi ja ylilämpenemisen välttämiseksi näitä aukkoja ei saa sulkea tai peittää. Mitään esineitä ei saa työntää tuuletusaukkoihin. Mitään nesteitä ei saa kaataa yksikköön.

Älä kytke audiotehovahvistimen lähtöjä suoraan mihinkään yksikön liittimeen.

Sähköiskun ja palovaaran välttämiseksi yksikkö ei saa olla sateessa tai kosteassa, eikä sitä saa käyttää märässä ympäristössä.

Älä käytä yksikköä jos se on pudonnut, vaurioitunut, kostunut, tai jos sen suorituskyky on huomattavasti muuttunut, mikä vaatii huoltoa.

Yksikön saa avata vain laitteeseen perehtynyt huoltohenkilö. Kansien poisto altistaa sinut vaarallisille jännitteille.

Tämä kolmio, joka esiintyy komponentissasi, varoittaa sinua eristämättömän vaarallisen jännitteen esiintymisestä yksikön sisällä. Tämä jännite saattaa olla riittävän korkea aiheuttamaan sähköiskuvaaran.

Tämä kolmio, joka esiintyy komponentissasi, kertoo sinulle, että tässä tuotedokumentoinnissa esiintyy tärkeitä käyttö- ja ylläpitoohjeita.

Norsk

Viktig informasjon om sikkerhet

Ta vare på denne veiledningen for senere bruk. Følg alle anvisningene og advarslene som er angitt på apparatet. Apparatet skal alltid anvendes med korrekt spenning. Produktbeskrivelsen

inneholder spesifikasjoner for strømkrav. Vær oppmerksom på at det ved ulike driftsspenninger kan være nødvendig å bruke en annen ledning- og/ eller støpseltype.

Apparatet skal ikke monteres i skap uten ventilasjon, eller direkte over varmeproduserende utstyr, som for eksempel kraftforsterkere. Den maksimale romtemperaturen som står oppgitt i produktbeskrivelsen, skal overholdes.

Apparatet er utstyrt med ventilasjonsåpninger. For at apparatet skal være pålitelig i bruk og ikke overopphetes, må disse åpningene ikke blokkeres eller tildekkes. Stikk aldri noe inn i ventilasjonsåpningene, og pass på at det aldri søles noen form for væske på apparatet.

Utgangsplugger fra audioforsterkere skal aldri koples direkte til apparatet. Unngå brannfare og elektrisk støt ved å sørge for at apparatet ikke utsettes

for regn eller fuktighet og ikke anvendes i nærheten av vann. Apparatet skal ikke brukes hvis det har blitt utsatt for støt, er skadet eller blitt

vått, eller hvis endringer i ytelsen tyder på at det trenger service. Dette apparatet skal kun åpnes av fagfolk. Hvis dekselet fjernes, utsettes

man for livsfarlig høyspenning.

Komponenten er merket med denne trekanten, som er en advarsel om at det finnes uisolert, farlig spenning inne i kabinettet ... høy nok til å utgjøre en fare for elektrisk støt.

Svenska

Viktiga säkerhetsföreskrifter

Spara dessa föreskrifter för framtida bruk. Följ alla anvisningar och varningar som anges på enheten. Använd alltid rätt nätspänning. Se tillverkarens bruksanvisningar för infor-

mation om effektkrav. Märkväl, att andra matningsspänningar eventuellt kräver att en annan typs nätsladd och/eller kontakt används.

Installera inte enheten i ett oventilerat stativ, eller direkt ovanför utrustningar som avger värme, t ex effektförstärkare. Se till att omgivningens temperatur vid drift inte överskrider det angivna värdet i produktspecifikationen.

Behållaren är försedd med hål och öppningar för ventilering. För att garantera tillförlitlig funktion och förhindra överhettning får dessa öppningar inte blockeras eller täckas. Inga föremål får skuffas in genom ventilationshålen. Inga vätskor får spillas på enheten.

Anslut aldrig audioeffektförstärkarutgångar direkt till någon av enhetens kontakter.

För att undvika elstöt eller brandfara får enheten inte utsättas för regn eller fukt, eller användas på ställen där den blir våt.

Använd inte enheten om den har fallit i golvet, skadats, blivit våt, eller om dess prestanda förändrats märkbart, vilket kräver service.

Enheten får öppnas endast av behörig servicepersonal. Farliga spänningar blir tillgängliga när locken tas bort.

Denna triangel, som visas på din komponent, varnar dig om en oisolerad farlig spänning inne i enheten. Denna spänning är eventuellt så hög att fara för elstöt föreligger.

Komponenten er merket med denne trekanten, som betyr at den tilhørende litteraturen inneholder viktige opplysninger om drift og vedlikehold.

Denna triangel, som visas på din komponent, anger att viktiga bruksanvisningar och serviceanvisningar ingår i dokumentationen i fråga.

Wichtige Sicherheitsanweisungen

Deutsch

Heben Sie sich diese Sicherheitsanweisungen auch für später auf. Befolgen Sie alle auf der Vorrichtung stehenden Anweisungen und Warnungen. Immer nur mit der richtigen Spannung verwenden! Die Gebrauchsanweisungen

des Herstellers informieren Sie über die elektrischen Anforderungen. Vergessen Sie nicht daß bei verschiedenen Betriebsspannungen ggf. auch verschiedene Leitungskabel und/oder Verbindungsstecker zu verwenden sind.

Stellen Sie die Vorrichtung nicht in ein unbelüftetes Gestell oder unmittelbar über wärmeerzeugende Geräte wie z.B. Tonverstärker. Halten Sie die in den Produktspezifikationen angegebene maximale Umgebungstemperatur bei Betrieb ein.

Schlitze und Öffnungen im Gehäuse dienen der Belüfung; um verläßlichen Betrieb sicherzustellen und Überheizen zu vermeiden dürfen diese Öffnungen nich verstopft oder abgedeckt werden. Stecken Sie nie irgend einen Gegenstand durch die Belüftungsschlitze. Vergießen Sie keine Flüssigkeiten auf den Apparat.

Schließen Sie nie Tonverstärker unmittelbar an einen Anschluß des Apparates an.

Um elektrischen Schlag oder Feuer zu vermeiden, setzen Sie den Apparat weder Regen noch Feuchtigkeit aus und betreiben Sie ihn nicht dort wo Wasser eindringen könnte.

Versuchen Sie nicht den Apparat zu betreiben falls er fallen gelassen, beschädigt, oder Flüssigkeiten ausgesetzt wurde, oder falls sich seine Arbeitsweise derart ändert daß daraus ein Bedarf nach Raparatur zu schließen ist.

Dieser Apparat sollte nur von qualifizierten Fachleuten geöffnet werden. Das Abnehmen von Abdeckungen setzt Sie gefährlichen Spannungen aus.

Español

Instrucciones importantes de seguridad

Guarde esta instrucciones para uso posterior. Utilice siempre el voltaje correcto. Diríjase a las instrucciones de operación

del fabricante para obtener las especificaciones de potencia. Esté al tanto de que voltajes de operación distintos requieren el uso de cables y/o enchufes distintos.

No instale esta unidad en un estante sin ventilación, ni tampoco directamente encima de equipos que generen calor tales como amplificadores de potencia. Fíjese en las temperaturas ambientales máximas de operación que se mencionan en las especificaciones del producto.

Las aperturas y ranuras del chasis sirven para proveer la ventilación necesaria para operar la unidad con seguridad y para prevenir sobrecalentamiento, y por lo tanto no pueden ser obstruidas o cubiertas. No introduzca objetos de ningún tipo a través de las ranuras de ventilación, y nunca deje caer ningún líquido sobre la unidad.

Nunca conecte ningún tipo de salida de amplificadores de sonido directamente a los conectores de la unidad.

Para prevenir descargas eléctricas o incendios, mantenga la unidad alejada de la lluvia, humedad o cualquier lugar en el que pueda entrar en contacto con agua.

No trate de hacer funcionar la unidad si se ha caído, está dañada, ha entrado en contacto con líquidos, o si nota cualquier cambio brusco en su funcionamiento que indique la necesidad de hacerle un servicio de mantenimiento.

Esta unidad deberá ser abierta únicamente por personal calificado. Si usted quita las coberturas se expondrá a voltajes peligrosos.

Dieses Dreieck auf Ihrem Apparat warnt Sie vor nicht-isolierter, gefährlicher Spannung im Gehäuse ... stark genug um eine Berührungsgefahr darzustellen.

Dieses Dreieck auf Ihrem Apparat bedeutet daß wichtige Betriebsund Wartungsanweisungen in der mitgelieferten Dokumentation zu finden sind.

Français

Instructions de Sûreté Importantes

Gardez ces instructions pour réference future. Observez toutes les instructions et tous les avertissements marqués sur

l’appareil. Branchez uniquements sur un réseau de tension indiquée. Consultez le

manuel d’instruction du fabriquant pour les spécifications de courant. N’oubliez pas que différentes tensions peuvent nécessiter l’utilisation de cables et/ou de fiches de connexion différents.

N’installez pas l’appareil en un compartiment non-aéré ou directement audessus d’équipements générateurs de chaleur, tels qu’amplificateurs de courants, etc. Ne dépassez pas la température ambiante maximale de fonctionnement indiquée dans les spécifications du produit.

Des fentes et ouvertures sont prévues dans le boîtier pour l’aération; Pour assurer le bon fonctionnement et pour prévenir l’échauffement, ces ouvertures ne doivent pas être couvertes ou bloquées. N’insérez pas d’objets dans les fentes d’aération. Empêchez tout liquide de se répandre sur l’appareil.

Ne connectez jamais d’amplificateurs audio directement aux connecteurs de l’appareil.

Pour empêcher les chocs électriques et le danger d’incendie, évitez d’exposer l’appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité, et ne le mettez pas en marche en un endroit où il serait exposé aux éclaboussures d’eau.

N’essayez pas de faire fonctionner l’appareil s’il est tombé à terre, a été endommangé, exposé à un liquide, ou si vous observez des différences nettes dans son fonctionnement, indiquant la nécessité de réparations.

Cet appareil ne doit être ouvert que par un personnel de service qualifié. En enlevant les couvercles vous vous exposez à des tensions électriques dangereuses.

Este triángulo que aparece en su componente le advierte sobre la existencia dentro del chasis de voltajes peligrosos sin aislantes ... voltajes que son lo suficientemente grandes como para causar electrocución.

Este triángulo que aparece en su componente lo alerta sobre las instrucciones de operación y mantenimiento importantes que están en los materiales de lectura que se incluyen.

Italiano

Importanti norme di sicurezza

Conservare le presenti norme per l’utilizzo futuro. Osservare tutte le istruzioni e le avvertenze apposte sull’unità. Utilizzare esclusivamente con la tensione di rete corretta. Consultare le

istruzioni operative fornite dal fabbricante per i dati riguardanti la tensione e l’assorbimento di corrente. Potrebbe essere necessario l’uso di cavi di rete e/o di spine diverse a seconda della tensione utilizzata.

Non installare l’unità in uno scaffale privo di ventilazione oppure direttamente sopra una fonte di calore, come, ad esempio, un amplificatore. Non superare la temperatura ambientale massima di funzionamento riportata nei dati tecnici del prodotto.

Le fessure e le altre aperture nella scatola servono alla ventilazione. Per un funzionamento affidabile, e per evitare un eventuale surriscaldamento, queste aperture non vanno ostruite o coperte in nessun modo. Evitare in tutti i casi di inserire oggetti di qualsiasi genere attraverso le fessure di ventilazione. Non versare mai del liquido di nessun tipo sull’unità.

Evitare sempre di collegare le uscite dell’amplificatore audio direttamente ai connettori dell’unità.

Per prevenire il pericolo di folgorazione e di incendio non esporre l’unità alla pioggia o ad un’umidità eccessiva; evitare di adoperare l’unità dove potrebbe entrare in contatto con acqua.

Evitare di adoperare l’unità se la stessa è stata urtata violentemente, se ha subito un danno, se è stata esposta ad un liquido o in caso di un evidente cambiamento delle prestazioni che indichi la necessità di un intervento di assistenza tecnica.

Ogni intervento sull’unità va eseguito esclusivamente da personale qualificato. La rimozione della copertura comporta l’esposizione al pericolo di folgorazione.

Ce triangle, sur votre appareil vous avertit de la présence de tension dangereuse, non-isolée à l’intérieur du boîtier...une tension suffisante pour représenter un danger d’électrocution.

Ce triangle sur sur votre appareil vous invite de suivre d’importantes instructions d’utilisation et d’entretien dans la documentation livrée avec le produit.

Il presente triangolo impresso sul componente avverte della presenza di tensioni pericolose non isolate all’interno della copertura... tali tensioni rappresentano un pericolo di folgorazione

Il presente triangolo impresso sul componente avverte l’utente della presenza nella documentazione allegata di importanti istruzioni relative al funzionamento ed alla manutenzione.

Owner's Manual

DC-1

Digital Controller

Base, THX® and

Dolby Digital

Versions

DC-1 Digital Controller

1 Introduction to the DC-1 .............................................1

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

Unpacking and Inspection .............................................5

Using the Documentation ..............................................5

System Overview .......................................................... 6

Glossary of Terms .....................................................6

DC-1 Block Diagram..................................................7

2 Installation and Calibration ........................................9

Controls and Indicators ................................................. 9

The Front Panel.........................................................9

The Rear Panel .......................................................10

The Remote Control ................................................11

Connection ..................................................................13

Location Considerations..........................................13

AC Connections ...................................................... 13

Wiring Considerations .............................................14

Audio/Video Connections ........................................14

Connecting the DC-1 as a preamp..........................15

Video Connections ..................................................16

Digital Audio Connections .......................................16

Recording a Digital Source Using the DC-1

D/A Converter........................................................17

Digital Input Status Detection ..................................17

RECORD/ZONE 2 Operation ...................................... 18

Zone 2 Remote Control • Exclusive Zone 2 Control

System Configuration .................................................. 21

Display Adjustment..................................................21

The Video On-Screen Display.................................22

System Setup ..........................................................23

Setting the Speaker Configuration .......................... 27

Setting Output Levels ..............................................29

Contents

Remote Control ACCY Functions

Audio/Video Cables • Speaker Connections

"AC-3 Ready" Laser Disc and LD/DVD Players

Input Configuration • Input Gain • Input Level Meters • Input Name • Restore Input Name • Input Effect Assignment • Digital Audio Input Assignment • Video Input Assignment • Record/Zone 2 Output Blocking • Remote Trigger Assignment

Front L/R • Center • Sides • Rears Subwoofer Output

Subwoofer Peak Limiter (Dolby Digital version) • Mute Level • Power On Volume Zone 2 Volume

Lexicon

Contents, cont'd.

Setting Listener Position..........................................32

Surround Delay • Time Alignment (Dolby Digital version) • Center Delay (Base and THX versions) • A/V Sync Delay (Dolby

Digital version) • Calibrate Panorama

Customization..............................................................36

Locking Settings .......................................................... 36

Assign Custom Name..............................................36

Audio Bit Setting (Dobly Digital Version) .................36

Equalization (THX and Dolby Digital versions)............ 37

Bass and Trebel Level • Tilt (Dolby Digital

version) • Loudness

3 DC-1 Effects ............................................................... 39

Customizing Effects.....................................................39

Comparing a modified Effect to the factory

preset version • Restoring the original

parameter values of an Effect • Naming your

custom Effect • Restoring the original Effect

Name • Listening to only the DC-1 Effect

Music Surround (THX and Dolby Digital versions) ...... 41

Pro Logic ....................................................................42

THX Cinema (THX and Dolby Digital versions)........... 43

Logic 7 (THX and Dolby Digital versions).................... 44

TV Matrix ....................................................................46

Mono Logic..................................................................48

Panorama....................................................................49

Nightclub .................................................................... 51

Concert Hall.................................................................52

Church ....................................................................53

Cathedral ....................................................................54

Music Logic ................................................................. 55

Party ....................................................................57

Two Channel ...............................................................57

AC-3 Status Display (Dolby Digital version) ................ 58

5.1 Music (Dolby Digital version).................................59

Dolby Digital (Dolby Digital version) ............................ 60

THX 5.1 (Dolby Digital version) ................................... 61

5.1 Logic 7 (Dolby Digital version)...............................62

5.1 Two Channel (Dolby Digital version) ..................... 64

4 Troubleshooting ........................................................ 65

5 Specifications ............................................................ 69

Installation Documentation

DC-1 Digital Controller

Introduction

to the DC-1

More than just a surround processor, the DC-1 is a digital control center with state-of-the-art performance and flexibility. A superb line level preamp, the DC-1 provides 8 audio, 5 video (3 S-VHS), and 4 digital (2 coaxial, 2 optical) inputs. The video and digital inputs can be assigned to any of the audio inputs for custom configuration. The digital inputs are processed through true 20-bit D/A converters, providing a level of performance not found in most stand-alone converters. Built-in digital crossovers make it possible to tailor the output to match any speakers in a system. There is also a second set of pre-outs with independent volume and source selection to accommodate music in a separate zone.

A great deal of effort went into designing an instrument which would be flexible enough to satisfy the most critical listeners and yet be simple to operate. Essentially, the DC-1 is a signal processing computer that can be custom-programmed for any specific system. Once installed, it can be operated easily via a remote, providing effects tailored for your specific listening environment, and complete control of every aspect of operation.

The Lexicon DC-1 Digital Controller has a single goal: to draw you, the listener, more deeply into a musical performance or film. For music the DC-1 uses 5 or 7 channel digital processing to recreate the original recording space, or true stereo synthesis to create a new one of your choosing. For films, it offers Dolby Digital and Lexicon’s proprietary Logic 7™ enhancements to Pro Logic® surround decoding, along with the enhancements of the Lucasfilm® Home THX Cinema system. The increase in impact of a musical performance or film heard with the DC-1 is incredible.

To recreate the experience of being at a live musical performance, the DC-1 draws on ongoing studies of concert hall acoustics, and applies this research to home listening rooms. Our auditory sense is quite adept at interpreting clues about our physical environment. Even with your eyes closed, it is possible to get a good mental picture of the room or hall you are in by listening to the ambience, or reflected sound energy, in the room. We are not aware of our auditory perception of space in everyday life because it confirms what our eyes readily see. When we listen to recorded music, however, there are no visual clues and we rely completely on our sense of hearing.

More than thirty years ago, the introduction of two-speaker stereo systems brought dramatic improvement to high fidelity music reproduction. With a carefully designed system, and good recording, it became possible to produce a sonic picture of the original event. But, like a photograph hanging on a wall, conventional stereo is a two dimensional snapshot of the original event. We can appreciate the likeness, but the picture stays in front of us while we stay in our listening room. The DC-1 is designed to overcome this fundamental limitation of two-speaker reproduction and bring us closer to the ultimate goal of transporting ourselves to the original musical event.

Introduction

to the DC-1

Introduction to the DC-1

Lexicon

The key to our perception of the acoustic space we inhabit lies in the lateral sound field – the sound which moves from side to side in the room. The two front speakers used in conventional two channel stereo do not adequately excite these lateral fields in a playback room. The speakers are too far forward, and the ambient information in the recording is often masked by the music itself. The DC-1 extracts or synthesizes the ambient information, and uses additional speakers along the sides and rear of the room to create a lateral field which closely emulates the original. If the system does not have side or rear loudspeakers the DC-1 can use panorama technology to simulate them.

The object is to generate signals for the sides and rear speakers which recreate the lateral sound missing in conventional stereo. The most basic approach to this is to analyze the incoming material and extract from it the information which should be reproduced from the sides and the rear. As this is also the object of any standard matrix film decoder, one might think the technology for doing this was well understood, but it is not so easy. Matrix film decoders evolved from early Quad decoders and are limited to four decoded channels: front left, front center, front right, and rear. When the single rear channel is reproduced from multiple speakers in a small playback room, the sound from the different speakers interferes with itself, creating a non-enveloping soundfield with an unpleasant timbre. Although there have been decoders in the past with the ability to separate directionally encoded effects into more than four directions, they have all suffered from reduced separation of the rear channels during playback of music. The DC-1 solves this basic problem with a new idea: a 5 or 7 channel decoder which is completely compatible with a standard decoder for any directionally encoded effect, but which maintains the maximum difference between the left and right side/rear channels at all times.

This new technology is available in the THX and Dolby Digital versions of the DC-1 in several effects. The basic effect for films is Logic 7, and the basic effect for music is Music Surround. All the new 5 and 7 channel effects extract the spatial content hidden in two channel recordings and spread it convincingly around the listener. All DC-1 matrix decoding algorithms also include Lexicon’s patented correction circuits for balance and azimuth errors in the original source material, which make our decoders the most accurate in the industry. The difference between the new 5 or 7 channel technology and the older 4 channel technology (also present in the DC-1 as the Pro-Logic effect and the standard THX Cinema effect) is easily heard through the increase in envelopment with music or the environmental sound of any film, and through the increased listener area and spaciousness on a music CD.

Logic 7 technology also lets us reproduce directionally encoded effects with left/right separation in the rear. Thus even with a conventional 4-2-4 matrix-encoded soundtrack (Dolby Surround, Ultra*Stereo, etc.) a sound effect which pans from left to rear will decode in the DC-1 first from the left front speaker, then from the left side speaker, and finally from both rear speakers. The results on a film with a good soundtrack are spectacular.

DC-1 Digital Controller

The DC-1 also has the ability to create an acoustic environment which is not present on the original recording. Using the Nightclub, Concert Hall, Church and Cathedral effects, you can select the acoustics the digital processor will simulate. Each of these effects has many adjustments to allow you to generate just the right sound for a particular piece of music in your room. In addition, the DC-1 includes the Panorama effect, which cancels the crosstalk between the listener’s ears, and spreads the sound from just two loudspeakers into a wide arc. A listener in the right spot is completely enveloped by the original sound field of the recording.

The Dolby Digital version of the DC-1 opens a whole new world of lateral sound. With AC-3 encoded source material the DC-1 plays 5 discrete channels plus a low frequency effects (LFE) channel as the original sound producer intended – from speakers all around the listener. When 7 speakers are available, the 5.1 Logic 7 effect uses Lexicon matrix technology and delay to differentiate between the side speakers and the rear speakers. The improvement in envelopment over standard 5.1 channel decoding is not subtle. Like Logic 7 for two channel matrix encoded film, we find the 5.1 Logic 7 effect gives the highest standard of 5.1 channel reproduction currently available. Enhancements to Dolby Digital AC-3 are available in the THX 5.1 effect, and some of these are included as parameters in 5.1 Logic

7. The Dolby Digital version of the DC-1 also includes effects for optimally reproducing 5.1 channel encoded music, as well as the original Dolby Digital 5.1 channel effect. The 5.1 Two Channel effect allows material encoded in AC-3 with 5.1 channels to be downmixed to two channels while preserving the encoded surround information. This version can then be played back through a surround effect such as Pro Logic or Logic 7. The DC-1 also provides effects for expanding monaural sources (Mono Logic), general TV viewing (TV Matrix), background music (Party) and, of course, Two Channel stereo playback.

Introduction

to the DC-1

Designed with an eye toward the future, the DC-1’s open architecture allows upgrades via simple modifications which can be performed by any Lexicon dealer. With its blend of performance and flexibility, the DC-1 will deliver the full potential of music and movies for years to come.

About Dolby Digital AC-3 encoding

Because multichannel recordings are made up of so much information, new ways of storing and transmitting it have had to be created. To this end, Dolby Laboratories developed AC-3, a digital audio coding technique on which the Dolby Digital surround format is based.

On a typical compact disc, 16-bit samples are taken 44,100 times per second for each channel, which allows as much as 74 minutes of 2 channel audio on a single CD. However, if a digital recording consists of 6 channels up to two hours in length, storage or transmission becomes impractical due to the immense amount of data. Because of this, new forms of digital audio coding (sometimes referred to as “perceptual coding") have been developed to allow the use of lower data rates with a minimum of perceived degradation of sound quality.

Introduction to the DC-1

Lexicon

Designed specifically to handle multichannel audio, AC-3 takes advantage of a psychoacoustic phenomenon known as auditory masking. It divides the audio spectrum of each channel into narrow frequency bands of different sizes optimized with respect to the frequency selectivity of human hearing. This makes it possible to sharply filter coding noise so that it is forced to stay very close in frequency to the frequency components of the audio signal being coded. By reducing or eliminating coding noise wherever there are no audio signals to mask it, the sound quality of the original signal can be subjectively preserved. The result is multichannel sound that is subjectively equal to 2 channel digital recordings, yet can be stored and transmitted efficiently.

AC-3 can process at least 20-bit dynamic range digital audio signals over a frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz. The bass effects channel covers 20 to 120Hz. Data rates range from 32kb for a single mono channel to as high as 640 kb.

Dolby Digital source material has been released to date on many laser discs. These discs, while able to deliver two channels of PCM digital audio, are not capable of storing an additional six channels of digital audio information. The AC-3 bitstream is, therefore, converted into a frequency modulated signal (referred to as the AC-3 RF signal) and stored on the right channel analog track of AC-3 encoded laser discs. This signal must be demodulated, or turned back into a digital signal, before it can be decoded by the DC-1.

Several manufacturers provide equipment which will perform the necessary demodulation. Lexicon’s LDD-1 is designed specifically to provide external AC-3 RF demodulation and auto switching with minimal degradation of performance due to RF interference.

Other AC-3 formats, such as DVD, output AC-3 code as a digital signal, and do not require demodulation.

DC-1 Digital Controller

Introduction

to the DC-1

After unpacking the DC-1 , save all packing materials in case you ever need to ship the unit. Thoroughly inspect the DC-1 and packing materials for signs of damage. Remove the adhesive protective film from the DC-1 frontpanel lens and remote control. Report any shipment damage to the carrier at once; report equipment malfunction to your dealer.

Because the DC-1 is designed to be customized for your system and your listening space, the information required for installation is extensive.

This manual describes the DC-1 base system, the THX version and the Dolby Digital version, which incorporates all of the THX enhancements in addition to the Dolby Digital features. Features which are available only in certain versions are noted wherever appropriate. To upgrade a base or THX system, contact your dealer, or Lexicon. In most cases, upgrading can be accomplished very easily and rapidly.

The Owner's Manual is designed to assist you in installing, calibrating and operating the DC-1. It should be used in conjunction with the remote control when configuring the system to perform optimally in your environment. This manual was written with the underlying assumption that the installer is familiar with audio/video system installation.

Unpacking and Inspection

Using the Documentation

An Installation Worksheet is provided at the end of this manual for documentation of the settings arrived at during the calibration procedure.

Introduction to the DC-1

Lexicon

System Overview

Glossary of Terms

Although the DC-1 performs very complex signal processing, a great deal of effort has gone into making the technology behind the effects as transparent as possible to the user. To understand the overall organization of the unit, it is helpful to define those few terms which are unique to the DC-1.

Effect An effect is a configuration that determines how the DC-1 will process an input signal. The base unit contains 11 effects: Pro Logic, TV

Matrix, Mono Logic, Panorama, Nightclub, Concert Hall, Church, Cathedral, Music Logic, Party and Two Channel. The THX version of the DC-1 contains

these effects as well as Music Surround, THX Cinema and Logic 7. The Dolby Digital version contains all of the above effects as well as 5.1 Music, Dolby Digital, THX 5.1, 5.1 Logic 7 and 5.1 Two Channel.

Parameter Each Effect has a set of parameters (controls) that uniquely characterize it. The settings of the parameters can be changed to customize each Effect.

Effect Parameter values are stored/recalled with each Effect. Some examples are: Rolloff, Subwoofer Level, etc.

System parameter values are not associated with a particular Effect and their values do not change when a new Effect is loaded. Examples are: display contrast, volume, etc.

Presets The DC-1 contains a set of Effects with factory-set parameters. You can use these Effects as is, or make changes to the parameters to suit your own needs. The factory parameter settings are permanently stored in memory where they can be accessed for comparison with your own versions, or restored.

Essentially, the DC-1 can be thought of as a line level preamp D/A converter with three audio-only, five audio/video, and four digital inputs. It behaves as the master processor for your system, controlling system volume, balance, source selections, output selections for audio and video, and acoustical environments specifically designed for music and movies.

The remote control provided with the DC-1 is designed for simple daily use, as well as for use in configuring the DC-1 to work optimally with your system. The remote gives you access to setup controls and parameter menus for all of the DC-1 Effects.

In many systems, a learning remote such as the Lexicon 500T may take the place of the DC-1 remote. If you are using one of these, we strongly suggest that the types of operating controls we have provided be adapted into the universal remote. We have found these controls enhance the listening/ viewing experience while keeping the technology transparent.

DC-1 Digital Controller

Introduction

to the DC-1

DC-1 Block Diagram

DC-1 Digital Controller

Controls and Indicators

The Front Panel

1. ON/OFF

ON/OFF alternately puts the DC-1 into and out of standby mode. Turning the DC-1 off with this button (or with the remote) deactivates the unit while leaving power to the signal processing circuitry to keep it at optimum operating temperature. Turning the DC-1 on with this button (or the remote) will restore the previous operating state.

2. Input Selection

Pressing any of these buttons (VCR1, VCR2, V DISC, TV, AUX, CD, TUNER, TAPE) selects the input at the corresponding rear panel connector as the current input selection and lights a green LED.

3. REC/ZONE 2

Selects and deselects the current input source for the RECORD and ZONE 2 outputs. When the REC/ZONE 2 function is engaged, the red LEDs are lit on the REC/ ZONE 2 button and on the selected source input button. To change the REC/ZONE 2 source, press and hold down REC/ZONE 2 while pressing another input selector.

Some specific record sources are disallowed because of the potential for feedback loops. By default these are TAPE and VCR1. If a prohibited source is selected, an error message is displayed. The prohibited REC/ZONE 2 source choices can be changed in the Setup menu.

4. EFFECT

Displays the current effect, then steps through all available effects.

5. BYPASS

Toggles the selected effect on and off. The stereo analog or digital inputs are fed unprocessed to the front left, front right and subwoofer outputs while all other amplifier outputs are muted. A front panel LED will light yellow and screen messages indicate bypass is engaged.

6. MUTE

Attenuates all audio outputs except for RECORD or ZONE 2, lights a red LED, and displays a screen message to indicate mute is engaged. The attenuation level can be set in the Setup menu.

7. IR Receiver and LED

The IR receiver has an associated activity LED that lights green when valid IR signals are received, and an LED that lights red to indicate an overload condition at the inputs or within the DSP path. An IR input jack is available on the rear panel for a remote mounted IR receiver. The green activity LED remains illuminated when the unit is placed in Standby.

8. Display

A 2x20 backlit amber LCD displays the result of user action and the current status.

9. VOLUME

A position independent rotary encoder provides volume adjustment of all outputs, except for RECORD or ZONE2. Screen displays show a volume bar and level in dB.

Installation and

Calibration

Installation and

Calibration

Installation and Calibration

The Rear Panel

Lexicon

CAUTION: Never make or break any connections to the DC-1 with the rear-panel power ON. Make sure any associated amplifiers have been turned off for at least one minute before turning this master power switch on or off.

1. AUDIO INPUTS

Eight stereo analog audio inputs are switched with corresponding video inputs and fed to the Monitor outputs. Inputs are nominally labeled as originating from an audio tape player, tuner, CD player, an unspecified auxiliary source, a TV tuner, a Laser or Video Disc player, a secondary, and a primary VCR.

2. ZONE2 and RECORD

Each pair of stereo audio outputs supplies the same signal according to the record input selection. ZONE2 signal levels can be controlled independently for use with a second set of amplifiers and speakers in another room. ZONE2 can also be used as a second record output. When the output for ZONE2 is set to 0dB (unity gain), it has the same output level as RECORD. RECORD can be expanded to two outputs using standard Y-connectors. Both outputs are muted in standby.

3. MAIN OUTPUTS

Three stereo amplifier outputs are provided for front, side and rear speakers. Single monaural outputs are provided for the center speaker and the subwoofer. The audio outputs are muted in standby.

The Power Control port is a 5-Pin DIN connector. Pins 1 and 2 are ground, pin 3 is high when unit is on, low in standby or Off. High is indicated by either +12VDC or +5VDC, selectable via an internal jumper. (Factory configuration is +12V.) Pin 5 can be enabled (high) or disabled

4. S/PDIF INPUTS

Two coaxial RCA connectors and two optical connectors

(low) for specific input selections in the Setup menu. See

pinout diagram above. are provided for digital audio in S/PDIF format at a 44.1kHz +1000 ppm sample rate. The Dolby Digital version also accepts 48kHz signals.

6. VIDEO INPUTS

Five video input sources are

provided. VCR1, VCR2 and

V DISC, have both compos-

ite and S-video capabilities.

5. REMOTES: IR IN, PWR CTL

The IR input is a miniature phone jack connector for input of modulated IR receiver data from an externally mounted IR LED receiver. Data is retransmitted by an IR LED mounted near the front panel IR receiver.

To prevent a feedback loop with the Record/Zone 2 outputs, VCR1 and TAPE are normally blocked from assignment as REC/ZONE 2 outputs. TAPE, TUNER, and CD default to VCR1 as a video input. Any input label and its default status can be changed in the Setup menu.

(S-video is selected in pref-

erence to the composite sig-

nal.) AUX and TV accept

composite only. Video inputs

are selected with their corre-

sponding audio inputs and

fed to the selected monitor

output jack. Record output

jacks can be selected inde-

pendently.

1 = Ground 2 = Ground 3 = Power On 4 = Unused 5 = Trigger (programmable)

7. VIDEO OUTPUTS

RCA (composite) and S-video connectors are provided for monitor and record. If an Svideo input is used, both Svideo and composite are available at each output. If the video input is composite, only composite is available at each output. The monitor output incorporates the onscreen video overlay. Unless RECORD is enabled, the record output follows the monitor output selection without the on-screen display feature. Both outputs are blanked in standby.

8. Power On/Off

Master power switch disconnects the AC Mains. This switch is intended to be left On during regular use. Whenever cables are connected or disconnected, or when the unit is not going to be used for an extended period of time, this switch should be set to Off.

9. POWER

AC power connector: 3-wire, 10 Amp, IEC 320.

DC-1 Digital Controller

1. OFF and ON*

Separate OFF and ON buttons are provided for learning remotes, so that an automated key sequence does not require information regarding the current on/off status of the unit. OFF puts the unit into standby with audio muted, video blanked, the LCD and all LEDs, except for IR activity, turned off. The IR LED remains illuminated and the IR receiver remains active. The selected input, record status, current effect, volume and balance settings, and bypass state are saved.

2. EFFECT Up* and Down*

Display the current effect, then step through all available effects.

3. BYPASS*

Puts the front left/right and subwoofer outputs into stereo bypass. The stereo analog or digital inputs are fed unprocessed to the front left/ right and subwoofer amplifier outputs while all other amplifier outputs are muted. A front panel LED will light yellow and screen messages indicate bypass is engaged.

4. MUTE*

Attenuates all audio outputs except for RECORD/ZONE 2, lights a red front panel LED, and displays a screen message. Attenuation level can be set in the Setup menu.

5. VOLUME Up* and Down* Display the current volume setting, then adjust all outputs, except RECORD and ZONE 2. Screen displays show a volume bar and level in dB.

*In standby, pressing turns the unit on.

6. BALANCE Front*/Rear* and Left*/Right*

Display, then adjust the Front/ Rear and Left/Right level balances. Front and Rear controls change the level balance between the front (Left, Center, Right) and rear (L&R Side, L&R Rear) outputs. Left and Right controls change the level balance between the left and right Front, Side and Rear outputs.

The Remote Control

7. Input Selection*

Individual buttons select from 8 inputs and activate a corresponding green LED on the front panel. Depending on the Setup configuration, selection may also load a new effect.

Installation and

Calibration

8. RECORD/ZONE 2

Selects and deselects the current input source for RECORD and ZONE 2 outputs. When the REC/ZONE 2 function is engaged, red LEDs are lit at the front panel REC/ ZONE 2 button and at the selected source input button. To modify the ZONE 2 output without affecting other output levels, press and hold RECORD/ZONE 2, then adjust VOLUME.

Press MUTE while holding down RECORD/ZONE 2 to fully attenuate the ZONE 2 outputs. The ZONE 2 mute status will be indicated by a screen message. The attenuation level of the ZONE 2 output mute is not user adjustable. Repeat to cancel MUTE.

9. MENU* SELECT, ▲ , ▼ and DONE

Allow access to and adjustment of all displayed menu items. (Volume, Bypass, Balance and Mute functions remain active in menu mode.) MENU ▲ and ▼ step a display cursor through listed menu items. SELECT displays submenus, or chooses a menu item for adjustment. The ▲ and ▼ buttons alter the settings of selected parameters. DONE saves the current changes.

Press one of the EFFECT buttons, any Input Selector, RECORD/ZONE 2, or any BALANCE button to exit. Press OFF to exit the menu and enter standby.

10. ACCY

Provides accessory functions when pressed in conjunction with other remote buttons. (See following page.)

Installation and Calibration

Lexicon

Remote Control

ACCY Functions

Press and hold ACCY, then press DONE to activate a "You Are Here" mode which:

• Disables mute

• Sets volume to -30dB; sets Zone 2 volume to -20dB

• Centers Balance controls

• Loads the Pro Logic Effect

• Selects the VCR1 input; does not affect the Rec/Zone 2 input

• Activates On-Screen display with 2 second timeout

• Sets Remote Trigger ON

• Sets all tone controls to 0dB or OFF

To assign an effect to the input buttons, the original assignment must be cleared with the following procedure. Press and hold ACCY, then press BYPASS. Press the input button. The display should show EFFECT ASSIGNMENT CLEARED.

Assign the effect to the input button by scrolling to the desired effect, pressing and holding ACCY, then pressing the input button.

DC-1 Digital Controller

Installation and

Calibration

Connection

The DC-1 is a highly specialized signal processing computer and requires special care during installation to ensure optimum performance.

The DC-1 may be installed on a shelf or in a standard 19" equipment rack, using optional rack-mounting hardware available from Lexicon. Observe the following precautions:

• Select a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.

• Do not stack the DC-1 directly above heat-producing equipment such as power amplifiers.

• Avoid placing the DC-1 near unshielded TV or FM antennas, cable TV decoders, or other receivers. The DC-1 may interfere with some FM tuners if it is placed immediately above or below them. Some products, particularly power amplifiers, may cause hum in the DC-1 if they are in close proximity.

• Make sure the DC-1 front panel IR receiver window is unobstructed. The remote control must be in line-of-sight to this receiver for proper operation. If line-of-sight is impractical, an infrared remote repeater can be used with the rear panel IR connector. The DC-1 may be placed in a glass-doored cabinet but smoked glass will make the front panel Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) difficult to read and will reduce the sensitivity of the IR receiver.

Location Considerations

The DC-1 is designed to be connected to an uninterrupted AC power line in the same manner as a VCR or a television. We recommend the use of an AC line filter to protect against line surges, or the installation of a line conditioner to protect against under voltage (brownouts) as well as overvoltage conditions.

The DC-1 has a master power switch on the rear panel above the IEC standard AC power receptacle. This switch may be left ON continuously when the unit is in regular use. When the DC-1 will not be used for an extended period of time, or whenever you are connecting or disconnecting any cables to the unit, this switch should be turned OFF.

Connect the power cable to the DC-1, then plug the power cord into a wall outlet or into an unswitched outlet on a surge protector. Be sure that the power cord is firmly seated in the connector on the rear panel of the DC-1.

AC Connections

Installation and Calibration

Wiring Considerations

Lexicon

Audio/Video Cables

Speaker Connections

There is controversy over the audible effects of different types of interconnects. Good engineering practices have minimized the effect that cables might have on the inputs and outputs of the DC-1 — but feel free to evaluate different interconnects in your system. If you want to do some tweaking, be conscious of the mechanical stress from repeated insertion and overly tight connectors, and the possibly corrosive nature of some contact-enhancing fluids.

Note that the use of standard audio cables for video or digital audio applications may cause signal degradation, and is not recommended. For these connections, please use only cables that are designed for the application — these have different impedance characteristics than cables approved for analog audio applications.

Both audio and video cables should be kept as short as possible.

In general, speaker cables should be kept short, and low-impedance wire should be used throughout to assure efficient power transmission and avoid audible distortion. Recommended wire lengths are given in the table below. Although these examples can be used as a general guide, your system manuals should provide detailed information specific to your components.

Audio/Video

Connections

Wire Lengths

Length AWG Size

up to 12 feet 16 gauge up to 18 feet 14 gauge up to 29 feet 12 gauge up to 51 feet 10 gauge

Before making any connections, turn off ALL audio and video components, including individual power amplifiers. (Unplug any preamps and power amps that don’t have power switches.)

The DC-1 is designed to function as the control center of the system, selecting inputs and controlling the volume of all speakers in the system. There are several ways to integrate the DC-1 into the system, but they basically fall into two categories: those where the DC-1 is connected directly to all of the amplifiers in the room, and those where the DC-1 is connected into a tape or signal processor loop of a preamp or receiver.

You may choose to connect the DC-1 in the tape monitor, or external processor loop of a preamp, allowing you to completely bypass the DC-1. This, however, will make the system somewhat more complicated to operate, and adds a gain stage (the preamp) that is not necessary.

DC-1 Digital Controller

Installation and

Calibration

Connecting the DC-1 as a preamp

Input sources can each be connected directly to the DC-1 inputs. A typical system might use the TV, VCR1, V-DISC and CD and TUNER (output through a preamp). Since TAPE, TUNER and CD are audio only, the video output will default to the video signal fromVCR 1. This feature allows TV or other video source viewing while different audio is playing, but can be defeated in the Setup menu.

Connect your main stereo amplifier to the DC-1 FRONT outputs. Connect any additional amplifier/speaker combinations to the remaining outputs on the DC-1: side amplifiers to the SIDE outputs, rear amplifiers to the REAR outputs, center-channel amplifier to the CENTER output and the subwoofer amp to the SUBWOOFER output. If you are using THX-type dipolar surround speakers, the amplifier driving them should be connected to the DC-1 SIDE outputs.

Installation and Calibration

Lexicon

Whenever possible, connect both analog and digital outputs of digital sources. This enables use of a digital input for the main zone, and the corresponding analog input for the Record/Zone 2 outputs.

Note the use of Y-connectors to feed the DC-1 Record output to both the VCR and the tape deck. In this example, Y-connectors are also used to direct the VCR audio output to both the TV and VCR inputs on the DC-1, so that the VCR can also be used as a TV tuner.

Video Connections

Digital Audio Connections

The DC-1 has five composite video inputs, three of which also support SVideo. Connection to an S-Video input will override the composite signal connected via the RCA-type connector. Note that an S-Video input will be output on both the composite and S-Video outputs. The reverse is not true — composite input signals will not be output as S-Video.

You can assign any video source to any (or all) of the eight DC-1 inputs via the Input Configuration submenu of the Setup menu. This can be very useful in systems which use a VCR as the tuner for TV viewing, as the video feed from the VCR can be assigned to both the VCR and TV inputs. The VCR's audio signals can be fed to both inputs with Y-connectors. (Do not use Y-connectors on video signals.) This allows the audio and video signals from the VCR to be used for both TV and VCR viewing.

You can also assign any video source to audio-only sources such as an AM/ FM tuner, to enjoy music from another source while viewing a video source.

It is important to remember that the impedance characteristics of composite video and digital audio are different from analog audio. You should only use cables specifically designed for video and digital audio. Consult your dealer for recommendations.

The digital inputs can be set up to be selected with any (or all) of the eight inputs via the Setup menu. Two coaxial (RCA) and two optical (TOSLINK™) inputs are provided. Using the digital inputs will always provide better performance.

The Base and THX versions of the DC-1 will accept digital signals sampled at 44.1kHz. The Dolby Digital version of the DC-1 accepts sample rates of either 44.1 or 48kHz.

DC-1 Digital Controller

When using a 48kHz digital connection from a source (DSS, DAT), the following effects are available:

THX Cinema Two Channel Logic 7 Music Logic Pro Logic TV Matrix Music Surround

Installation and

Calibration

Note that current "AC-3 ready" laser disc and LD/DVD players do not output a single digital audio bitstream that incorporates the Dolby Digital (AC-3) data. Instead, the AC-3 data from laser discs is output on a separate RCA jack in Radio Frequency (RF) form. To maintain the exceptional performance of the DC-1, an outboard demodulator is required to turn this RF signal back into a digital bitstream. By performing the necessary demodulation outside the DC-1, the potential for RF interference is eliminated. The Lexicon LDD-1 is an excellent example of one such device. An outboard demodulator is not required for DVD players.

For recording purposes, it is advisable to connect both the analog and digital outputs of your digital sources, as the record outputs do not have dedicated D/A converters. It is possible, however, to use the internal D/A converters in the DC-1 for recording. Select the input you want to record, then press the REC/ZONE 2 button until red LEDs above the REC/ZONE 2 and the corresponding input button light.

If a digital audio input is selected without a valid signal, or if a digital error which affects audio performance is detected, all audio outputs are muted and an error message is displayed. The associated input on the front panel will display a blinking red LED while the error condition persists. When valid data is restored, the error message is cleared and the unit returns to normal operation. The display indicates the sample rate and AC-3 (if appropriate) when a valid digital signal is being received. Whenever Emphasis is detected within the incoming digital audio channel status bits, de-emphasis is automatically applied.

"AC-3 Ready" Laser Disc and LD/DVD Players

Recording a Digital Source Using the DC-1 D/A Converter

NOTE: Effect Bypass is engaged when DIGITAL is selected for REC/ ZONE 2 in the Input Configuration menu.

Digital Input Status Detection

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