Lexicon RV-8 User Manual

RV-8 Receiver

User Guide

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radia­tors, heat registers, stoves, or another apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produces heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding­type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are pro­vided for your safety. If the provided plug does not
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as when a power-supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the appara­tus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.

• Refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions
for power requirements. Be advised that different
operating voltages may require the use of 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.

• Never attach audio power amplifier outputs directly
to any of the unit’s connectors.

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

• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment
and the receiver.

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

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/televi­sion technician for help.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this apparatus to
rain or moisture. Do not place objects
containing liquid, such as vases, on this
apparatus.

Lexicon Inc.
3 Oak Park
Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.harmanspecialtygroup.com

Customer Service
Telephone: [phone]
Sales Fax: [phone]
Service Fax: [phone]

Part No. 070-15838 | Rev 1 | 01/06

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby,” “Pro Logic,” “Surround EX,” and the double-D symbol are
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc. U.S. Pat. No’s 5,451,942; 5,956,674; 5,974,380; 5,978,762;
6,226,616; 6,487,535 and other U.S. and world-wide patents issued and pending. DTS, DTS-ES, Neo:6, and DTS 96/24 are
trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Copyright 1996, 2003 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Manufactured under license from THX Ltd. U.S. patent numbers 5,043,970; 5,189,703 and/or 5,222,05 9. Euro pe an p atent numbe r

0323830. Other U.S. and foreign patents pending. Ultra2 and THX are trademarks or registered trademarks of THX Ltd. Surround EX
is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories. Used under authorization.

SACD is a trademark of Sony Electronics, Inc.
SHARC is a Trademark of Analog Devices, Inc.
Hammerhead is a trademark of Analog Devices, Inc.
Lexicon, Logic 7 and the L7 logo are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc. U.S. Patent Nos. D454,553;

D454,860; 5,796,844; 5,870,480 and other worldwide patents issued and pending. Lexicon LIVE is a trademark of Harman Interna­tional Industries, Inc.

© 2006 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of Harman Specialty Group. The information it contains is

subject to change without notice. Harman Specialty Group assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear within this
document.

Introduction Lexicon

DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS

This document contains general safety, installation and operation instructions for the RV-8 Receiver . It is important to read this user guide before
attempting to use the product. Pay particular attention to safety instructions.

The following symbols are used in the document:

WARNING

CAUTION!

Note:

Appears on the component to indicate the pres­ence of uninsulated, dangerous voltage inside
the enclosu
constitute a risk of shock.

Appears on the component to indicate impor­tant operating and maintenance instructions in
the accompanying literature.

Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condi­tion or the like that, if not correctly performed
or adhered to, could result in injury or death.

Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condi­tion or the like that, if not correctly performed
or adhered to, could result in damage or
destruction to part or all of the product.

Calls attention to information that is essential to
highlight.

re – voltage that may be sufficient to

INPUTSSETUP

Represents a menu path. The menu items in gray boxes must be
selected with the remote control Menu  arrow to access the
menu or menu item in the black box. For example, the SETUP,
INPUTS, and DVD1 menu items must be selected to open the
DVD1 INPUT SETUP menu.

The DVD1 INPUT SETUP menu is used here as an example and will
continue to be used as an example throughout this document.
Whenever it appears, any other INPUT SETUP menu may be substi­tuted. Likewise, whenever the DVD1 input appears as a step in a
menu path, any other input may be substituted.

DVD1

NAME

EDIT INPUT NAME

This document uses the term DTS(-ES) to indicate that DTS-ES encoding may or may not be present in the input source.

ii

RV-8 Introduction

Table of Contents

Documentation Conventions........................................................ ii

Getting Started

About the RV-8..........................................................................1-2

Highlights ............................................................................. 1-4

Product Registration..................................................................1-5

Installation Considerations.........................................................1-5

Remote Control Battery Installation...........................................1-6

Basic Operation

Front-Panel Overview................................................................2-2

Rear-Panel Overview..................................................................2-6

Tuner Overview.......................................................................2-10

Selecting a Station .............................................................. 2-10

Direct Station Access ...........................................................2-10

Tune/Seek Access ................................................................2-10

Scan Mode ..........................................................................2-11

Loading Presets ................................................................... 2-11

Saving Presets .....................................................................2-11

Naming Presets ...................................................................2-11

Editing Presets .....................................................................2-12

Autoload ............................................................................. 2-12

Amplifier Overview..................................................................2-13

Amplifier Channel Status ..................................................... 2-13

Making Connections With the Amplifier Output .................. 2-13

Headphone Overview..............................................................2-14

Remote Control Overview.......................................................2-14

Operation Considerations ....................................................2-14

MAIN Menu ........................................................................2-15

Menu Navigation ................................................................ 2-15

Menu Item Selection ........................................................... 2-15

Remote Control Buttons ...................................................... 2-17

Command Matrix ............................................................... 2-18

Understanding the Zones........................................................2-28

Two-Line Status.......................................................................2-28

STATUS Menus........................................................................2-29

STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions ................................ 2-34

STATUS Menu Level Meters.....................................................2-35

Setup

Setup........................................................................................3-2

Input Setup...............................................................................3-4

Changing Input Names .........................................................3-5

Assigning Audio and Video Input Connectors ........................ 3-7

Selecting Preferred Listening Modes .................................... 3-12

Configuring Advanced Input Settings .................................. 3-17

INPUT SELECT Parameter Settings ....................................... 3-19

ZONE2 in Parameter Settings ..............................................3-22

Speaker Setup.........................................................................3-25

Setting Crossover Points ...................................................... 3-25

Speaker Setup Parameters ................................................... 3-29

Automatic Calibration ......................................................... 3-36

Manual Calibration ............................................................. 3-53

I/O Config...............................................................................3-60

Display Setup..........................................................................3-63

On-Screen Display Setup ..................................................... 3-64

Front-panel Display Setup ...................................................3-66

Volume Control Setup.............................................................3-68

Trigger Setup..........................................................................3-70

Tuner Setup ............................................................................3-72

Tuner Region Band Limit And Increments ...........................3-73

Lock Options ...........................................................................3-79

LIVE! CALIBRATION.................................................................3-80

iii

Introduction Lexicon

Audio Controls

Audio Controls ..........................................................................4-2

Tuner Presets

Tuner Presets.............................................................................5-2

Mode Adjust

Mode Adjust ..............................................................................6-2

Listening Mode Activation.........................................................6-2

Preferred Listening Mode Selection ........................................6-3

MODE  and  BUTTONS ...................................................6-3

Listening MODE SELECTION BUTTONS .................................6-3

Listening Mode Descriptions......................................................6-4

Listening Mode Menu Option and Parameter Descriptions......6-39

Mode – Parameter Relationships..............................................6-47

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Troubleshooting........................................................................7-2

Routine Maintenance.................................................................7-4

Restoring Factory-Default Settings.............................................7-4

Appendix A

Specifications ............................................................................ A-2

Declaration of Conformity.........................................................A-4

Appendix B

Menu Tree.................................................................................B-2

Appendix C

Remote Control Programming.................................................. C-2

Device Activation ...................................................................C-2

Macro Operations .................................................................C-3

Remote Programming Overview ............................................C-4

Programming Macro Buttons ..............................................C-10

Three-digit Preprogrammed Codes......................................... C-18

Appendix D

Installation Worksheet ..............................................................D-2

iv

1

Getting Started

About the RV-8........................................................................... 1-2

Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Product Registration...................................................................1-5

Installation Considerations.......................................................... 1-5

Remote Control Battery Installation............................................ 1-6

Getting Started Lexicon

ABOUT THE RV-8

Thank you for purchasing the RV-8 Receiver, an 8-channel audio
and video control center with independent zone monitoring that
provides control of audio and video source selection in th ree zones
at the same time. The RV -8 includes ei ght configurable in puts, each
of which can be assigned to its built-in tuner, eight digital audio,
eight analog audio, phono, five composite video, five S-Video or
three component video input connectors. The analog connectors
can be configured for up to two 5.1-channel sources.

The RV-8 features an integrated 7-channel power amplifier that is
designed to achieve high levels of power and performance.
Equipped with a toroidal power transformer, the amplifier also
provides thermal and DC protection.

The RV-8 AM/FM stereo radio tuner features four tuning regions,
allows for the automatic or manual storing of up to 40 preset
stations, can receive elements of the Radio Data System (RDS)
broadcasts, and is fully configurable for ease of operation. The RV-8
also includes a phono input.

Inside and out, the RV-8 is designed for possible future develop­ments. The rear panel houses one RS-232 connector capable of
performing configuration downloads and flash memory software
upgrades, and another capable of supporting future developments.
The rear panel also includes one removable access panel to accom­modate connectors for emerging technologies.

More than just an audio and video control center, the RV-8 features
the latest version of Lexicon’s critically acclaimed Logic 7

decoding, which creates 7.1-channel output from stereo, and

5.1-and 6.1-channel sources. Unlike other decoders, Logic 7 is
compatible with all input sources and requires no special encoding.
Because the improvement it provides is clearly audible, Logic 7

decoding is widely regarded as the finest available. A Logic
7-encoded downmix of multichannel source material is available
when using the Headphone listening mode. If a stereo source is
present, the HEADPHONE L7 listening mode processes it using
LOGIC7, then uses Head Related Transfer Functions to create a
headphone output that introduces a subtle sense of surround
sound, while preserving the original stereo image.

In addition to Logic 7, the RV-8 offers Dolby Digital Surround EX,
Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS 96/24, DTS neo:6,
DTS-ES, THX Ultra2 and THX Surround EX decoding. THX Ultra2

certification guarantees that the RV-8 meets the highest THX
specifications.

The RV-8 also offers LIVE! (Lexicon Intelligent Variable
Environment), designed to transform t he way your listening room
sounds with the live sound that is created within the room by the
occupants of the room. LIVE! does not (nor is it meant to) work with
prerecorded material. LIVE! provides a realistic illusion of a larger,
more reverberant listening space–ideal for musicians wishing to
practice or perform with the sound of a larger venue.

LIVE! is a unique, sophisticated reverberation system that uses a
combination of microphones and digital signal processing (DSP) to
enhance a room’s acoustics and create the illusion of a much larger
space. When you engage in normal conversation, it seems as if you
are in a large room. When you practice or perform with a musical

®

instrument, it seems as if you are in a concert hall. Choose from one
of three customizable presets to create an ambience to liven up a
party or amaze your friends.

With two floating-point Hammerhead™ digital signal processing
(DSP) engines, the RV-8 boasts enormous processing power. These

®

1-2

RV-8 Getting Started

powerful processors perform custom Lexicon processing such as
Logic 7 decoding, bass enhancement, dialogue enhancement, auto
azimuth, five-speaker enhancement, bass management, high­precision digital crossovers and audio controls. These features are
available at sample rates of up to 96kHz, with 24-bit resolution to
retain top performance from all sources. In addition, a third DSP
engine is dedicated to decoding multichannel compressed audio
sources.

The RV-8 is one of the most advanced audio and video control
centers available. High-precision 24-bit/96kHz A/D converters can
be used to convert stereo analog audio input signals to digital
signals, allowing the RV-8 to provide the benefits of precise digital
signal processing without sacrificing signal integrity. 24-bit/192kHZ
D/A converters are available for all output channels. Alternatively,

5.1-channel and stereo analog signals can bypass A/D conversion
and internal processing, following a pure signal path directly to the
output connectors.

Digital audio input signals are processed through a two-stage phase
lock loop for extremely low intrinsic jitter and high rejection.
Lexicon’s proprietary auto azimuth technology corrects timing and

level imbalances in stereo sources, ensuring exceptionally accurate
playback of surround-encoded sources. A digital audio pass­through output is available for recording digital signals with a CD
recorder or a similar component.

Complementing its audio performance, the RV-8 features broadcast­quality video switchers. An ultrawide-bandwidth component video
switcher accepts analog component or RGB video signals, while a
composite and S-Video switcher accepts high-quality NTSC, PAL or
SECAM video signals. Composite and S-Video sources can be
converted to 480i NTSC (576i PAL) component video. The component
video switcher can pass high-definition TV (HDTV) signals and
standard-definition (SD) TV signals. Both switchers are designed to
pass video signals without alteration or degradation.

Built to professional standards, the RV-8 is designed to serve as the
control center in any high-quality home theater. Even the most
demanding enthusiast will be impressed with its unique combination
of power, performance, flexibility and technological sophistication.
With extensive expansion capabilities, the RV-8 represents a solid
investment that will retain its value in the face of rapidly emerging
technologies.

1-3

Getting Started Lexicon

HIGHLIGHTS

• Eight channels

• Eight configurable inputs

• Three independent zones

• Integrated 7-channel amplifier with

thermal and DC protection and toroidal
power transformer

•Compatible with 2

impedances

• AM/FM stereo radio tuner

•RDS

• Phono input with 2-channel analog

bypass path

• Up to two 5.1-channel analog audio input

connectors

• Analog bypass option for 5.1 analog

stereo audio input connectors

• Auto switching between digital and

analog audio input connectors

• Headphone output with LOGIC7

processing

• Two 32-bit DSP engines for custom

processing

• Separate DSP engine for decoding

compressed audio sources

Ω speaker

• Four S/PDIF coaxial and four S/PDIF
optical (Toslink) digital audio input
connectors

• One S/PDIF coaxial and one S/PDIF
optical (Toslink) digital audio output
connectors

• 24-Bit/192kHz D/A converters for all
audio channels

• Two sets of analog A/V Zone 2 outputs;
one fixed, one variable

• One set of analog Zone 3 outputs,
variable level

• Broadcast-quality video switching

• Video up conversion from S-video/
composite to component video

• Automatic and manual calibration of
speaker distances and output levels

• Three component video input
connectors with full HDTV compatibility

• Five composite video input connect ors

•Five S-Video input connectors

• One component video output

• Logic 7 decoding

• Two 32-bit DSP engines

• LIVE! (Lexicon Intelligent Variable
Environment)

• Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro
Logic IIx, and Dolby Pro Logic decoding

• DTS 96/24, DTS NEO:6, and DTS-ES
(discrete and matrix) decoding

• THX Ultra2 and THX Surround EX
decoding

• THX Ultra2 certification

• RS-232 control

• Two trigger output connectors

• Rear-panel IR input connector

• Two microphone input connectors

• Two internal expansion slots

• Removable access panel

• Flash memory software upgrade
capabilities

• Optional 19-inch rack-mount kit

• IR preprogrammed/learning remote
control with LCD display

• Maximum volume level

1-4

RV-8 Getting Started

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Please register the RV-8 Receiver within 15 days of purchase.
Register online at www.lexicon.com or complete and return th e
product registration card attached to the back cover of this use r
guide. Retain the sales receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

The RV-8 requires special care during installation to ensure optimal
performance. Pay particular attention to instructions below and to
other precautions that appear throughout this user guide.

DO install the RV-8 on a solid, flat, level surface such as a table or

shelf. The RV-8 can also be installed in a standard 19-inch
equipment rack using an optional rack-mount kit available from an
authorized Lexicon dealer.

DO select a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.
DO NOT expose the RV-8 to high temperatures, humidity, steam,

smoke, dampness or excessive dust. Avoid installing the RV-8 near
radiators or stacking the RV-8 over other heat-producing
equipment such as a power amplifier.

DO NOT place the RV-8 on a window sill or any location exposed to

direct sunlight.

DO NOT obstruct the front-panel IR receiver window. The remote

control must be in line of sight with the IR receiver for proper
operation.

DO NOT install the RV-8 on a surface that is unstable or unable to

support all four feet.

CAUTION!

Before moving the RV-8, power the unit off using the rear­panel power switch and unplug the power cord from the
wall outlet.

DO NOT install the RV-8 near unshielded TV or FM antennas, cable

TV decoders, or other RF-emitting devices that might cause
interference.

DO NOT place the RV-8 on a thick rug or carpet, or cover the RV-8

with a cloth, as this might prevent proper cooling.

1-5

Getting Started Lexicon

REMOTE CONTROL BATTERY INSTALLATION

The remote control requires four AAA batter ies. The batteries should be repl aced as needed. Alkaline batterie s, which last long er without
leaking, are recommended. When battery power is low, the remote control enters a low-voltage condition, preventing it fro m oper ating the
RV-8. When this occurs, replace the batteries. Normal operation will resume when new batteries are installed.

To replace the remote control batteries:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the back o f the remote control. Press the tab (1) and lift the cover (2) away from the remote control.

2. Remove old batteries (if applicable).

3. Observing the proper polarity, insert four AAA batteries (3).

4. Align the cover over the battery compartment and gently press down until it snaps back into place (4).

5. Dispose of the old batteries (if applicable).

1-6

4

2

1

3

2

Basic Operation

Front-Panel Overview .................................................................2-2

Rear-Panel Overview...................................................................2-6

Tuner Overview........................................................................2-10

Selecting a Station...................................................................................2-10

Direct Station Access ...............................................................................2-10

Tune/Seek Access ....................................................................................2-10

Scan Mode..............................................................................................2-11

Loading Presets .......................................................................................2-11

Saving Presets..........................................................................................2-11

Editing Presets.........................................................................................2-12

Autoload .................................................................................................2-12

Amplifier Overview...................................................................2-12

Amplifier Channel Status .........................................................................2-13

Making Connections With the Amplifier Output......................................2-13

Headphone Overview...............................................................2-13

Remote Control Overview.........................................................2-14

Operation Considerations........................................................................2-14

MAIN Menu ............................................................................................2-14

Menu Navigation ....................................................................................2-14

Menu Item Selection ...............................................................................2-15

Remote Control Buttons..........................................................................2-17

Command Matrix....................................................................................2-18

Understanding the Zones .........................................................2-28

Two-Line Status........................................................................2-28

STATUS Menus.........................................................................2-29

STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions.....................................................2-34

STATUS Menu Level Meters......................................................2-35

Basic Operation Lexicon

FRONT-PANEL OVERVIEW

The RV-8 is shown below. The numbers in the front-panel illustrations correspond with the numbered items in the text.

1

8

9

2

10

3

11

4

12

5

13 14

6

7

15

16

2-2

RV-8 Basic Operation

1 FRONT-PANEL DISPLAY

Use the front-panel display to view the current input, listening
mode, input source and volume level. If the built-in tuner is active,
the display will show the frequency, band, listening mode and
volume level. The 2 x 20 character display also functions as a display
for messages and menus, one line at a time.

Note:

Power is still supplied to the RV-8 when standby mode is activated.

2 IR RECEIVER

The IR receiver receives infrared commands from the RV-8 remote
control. There are three associated LEDs.

• The amber LED blinks when a remote control command is
received.

• The red LED lights when the A/D converters are overloading.

• The blue LED lights when the RV-8 is powered on and activated
– even if the FRONT PANEL DISPLA Y menu STATUS parameter is
set to ALWAYS OFF.

Red LED

Blue LED

Amber LED

3 VOLUME KNOB

Use the volume knob to adjust volume level in all Zones.

To adjust the Main Zone volume level:

Rotate the volume knob clockwise to increase
or counterclockwise to decrease volume level
in 1dB increments. A horizontal bar graph
indicating the current Main Zone volume level is displayed in the
on-screen and front-panel displays. The Main Zone volume range is
–80 to +12dB.

T o adjust the Zone 2 or Zone 3 volume level:

1. Press and hold the front-panel Zone 2 or Zone 3 input selection
button that corresponds with the current input source. For
instance, if the current input source is using the DVD1 input, press
and hold the DVD1 input selection button in the desired zone.

2. While holding the desired zone input
selection button, rotate the volume knob
clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to
decrease volume level in 1dB increments.
The corresponding horizontal graph
appears in the on-screen and front-panel
displays, and indicates the position at which the current Zone 2 or
Zone 3 volume level falls within the –80 to +12dB volume range.

3. Release the selected Zone 2 inp ut selection button when Zone 2
or Zone 3 volume level has been set.

VOLUME -34db

ZONE 2 VOLUME -34db

ZONE 3 VOLUME -34db

Note:

When RV -8 output levels have been properly calibrated, the +0dB volume
level setting corresponds to THX reference levels (75dB).

2-3

Basic Operation Lexicon

FRONT-PANEL OVERVIEW (continued)

4 MAIN ZONE INPUT SELECTION BUTTONS

Selects the corresponding input in the Main Zone. When an input is
selected, a blue LED lights on the corresponding input selection
button. When the Main Zone is deactivated, pressing a Main Zone
input selection button activates the corresponding input in the
Main Zone. Zone 2 and Zone 3 remain deactivated until a Zone 2
or Zone 3 input is selected.

5 ZONE 2 INPUT SELECTION BUTTONS

Selects the corresponding input in Zone 2. When an input is
selected, an amber LED lights on the corresponding input selection
button. When Zone 2 is deactivated, pressing a Zone 2 input
selection button activates the corresponding input in Zone 2. The
Main Zone and Zone 3 remain deactivated until a Main Zone or
Zone 3 input is selected.

6 ZONE 3 INPUT SELECTION BUTTONS

Selects the corresponding input in Zone 3. When an input is
selected, a red LED lights on the corresponding input selection
button. When Zone 3 is deactivated, pressing a Zone 3 input
selection button activates the corresponding input in Zone 3. The
Main Zone and Zone 2 remain deactivated until a Main Zone or
Zone 2 input is selected.

presets. See “Tuner Overview” on page 2-10 for additional
information.

8 STANDBY BUTTON

Toggles the RV-8 between on and standby. When the RV-8 is
powered on, pressing this button places the RV-8 into standby and
lights the red LED on the button. Power is supplied to the RV-8
when in standby. When the RV-8 is in standby, pressing the button
turns the unit on and activates all zones that were active in the
previous operating session.

In the event of a power outage, the RV-8 will display a BROWN
OUT!! PRESS STANDBY message. To turn the unit on, use the
STANDBY button. For more information, see “POWER
MANAGEMENT” on page 3-3.

9 CHANNEL STATUS LEDs

Each amplifier channel has a blue LED on the front panel that is
illuminated when the unit is powered on. If there is a problem with
an amplifier channel, the corresponding LED will turn off. See
“Amplifier Overview” on page 2-13 for additional information.

10 MODE  and  BUTTONS

7 TUNER SELECTION BUTTONS

T uner selection buttons allow for direct entry of station frequencies,
selection of AM or FM broadcast bands and the saving/recalling of

2-4

Use the Mode buttons to scroll to the previous () or next ()
available listening mode. Scrolling occurs in the order shown in the
MODE ADJUST menu. Refer to “Listening Mode Act ivation” on
page 6-2 for more information.

RV-8 Basic Operation

11 MUTE BUTTON

Mutes or restores the RV-8 Main Zone volume to its orig inal level. Press
the Mute button to mute volume level; “MUTE ON” appears in the
on-screen and front-panel displays. Press the Mute button again to
restore the volume to its original level. The VOLUME CONTROL SETUP
and MUTE LEVEL parameter can be used to set mute levels.

Mute may be activated automatically or manually. For example, the
RV-8 briefly activates mute when changing input sources or
listening modes. The amber Mute button LED lights whenever
mute is activated.

12 MAIN ZONE OFF BUTTON

Deactivates the Main Zone.

13 ZONE 2 OFF BUTTON

Deactivates Zone 2.

14 ZONE 3 OFF BUTTON

Deactivates Zone 3.

15 TUNE/SEEK BUTTONS

Allow for manual or automatic tuning of the AM/FM stereo radio
tuner.

16 HEADPHONE OUTPUT

Features multiple listening modes including LOGIC7 headphone
processing. The headphone output follows the sign al selected in
the Main Zone. When headphones are plugged into the
headphone output, all Main Zone amplifier outputs are muted. If
amplifier outputs 3 and 7 are assigned to Zone 2 or Zone 3, they
remain unmuted. The Main Zone preamplifier outputs are also
muted when headphones are plugged in. Preamplifier outputs for
Zone 2 and Zone3 remain unmuted. See “Headphone Overview”
on page 2-14 for additional headphone information. Headphone
listening mode information starts on page 6-34.

.

2-5

Basic Operation Lexicon

REAR-PANEL OVERVIEW

The RV-8 is shown below. The numbers in the rear-panel illustrations correspond with the numbered items in the text.

1

2

9

3

_

_

+

+

108

12 14

11

4

13

15

5

16

6

17

7

18

19

1

20

CAUTION! Never make or break connections to the RV-8 unless the RV-8 and all associated components are powered off.

2-6

RV-8 Basic Operation

1 AMPLIFIER OUTPUTS

Provide audio outputs to the speakers. The Center channel output
and all Right channel outputs are located on the left-hand side of
the rear-panel. All Left channel outputs are located on the right­hand side of the rear-panel. This organizaion facilitates making
speaker connections. The amplifier binding posts accommodate the
following connectors:

• standard 0.75-inch banana plugs

• size 10-12 gauge spade connectors

• up to 10-gauge bare wire
See page 2-13 for additional amplifier information.

2 VIDEO INPUT CONNECTORS

Provide video input in the Main Zone, Zone 2 and Zone 3. Five
composite video connectors labeled Video 1 to 5, and five S-Video
connectors labeled S-Video 1 to 5 are available.

3 ANALOG AUDIO INPUT CONNECTORS

present in the Main Zone, only the Front (L) and (R) input signals are
sent to the Zone 2 and Zone 3 audio output connectors. If the
ZONE2 IN parameter is set to DMIX, a downmix of the 5.1 analog
source is sent to the Zone 2 audio output connectors. See “ZONE2 in
Parameter Settings” on page 3-22 for additional information.

Input Connector Output Connector

(L) Front L
(R) Front R
(C) Center
(SUB) Subwoofer
(LS) Side L and Rear L
(RS) Side R and Rear R

4 COMPONENT VIDEO INPUT CONNECTORS

Three component video input connectors labeled Component Video 1
to 3 are available for use in the Main Zone and have full HDTV compat­ibility. The ultra-wide bandwidth component video switcher accepts
any analog component or RGB video input type. The component

video connectors are not available for Zone 2 or Zone 3.

Provide analog audio input in the Main Zone, Zone 2 and Zone 3.
Eight stereo analog audio input connectors labeled Audio 1 to 8 are
available. Connectors labeled 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 can be configured
as 5.1-channel connectors.

When a 5.1-channel analog audio source is present in the Main Zone,
input signals are sent to the Main Zone audio output connectors as
indicated in the following table. When a 5.1-channel analog source is

5 MAIN ZONE VIDEO OUTPUT CONNECTORS

Provide video output in the Main Zone. Two composite video
connectors, two S-Video connectors and one component video
connector are available.

2-7

Basic Operation Lexicon

REAR-PANEL OVERVIEW (continued)

6 ZONE 2 VIDEO OUTPUT CONNECTORS

Provide video output in Zone 2. One composite video connector
and one S-Video connector is available. Alternatively, these
connectors can be used to connect a video recording device.

Note:

• Composite video output connector s are available when a composite
or S-Video source is present.

• S-Video output connectors are available when an S-Video source is
present.

• Component video output connectors are available when a
component video source is present.

7 ZONE 2 ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT CONNECTORS

Provide analog audio output in Zone 2. Two pairs of connectors,
one labeled “Fix” and the other labeled “Var” are available. These
connectors can also be used to connect a recording device. For
recording, use the output connector labeled “Fix,” which provides
a fixed output level of +0dB. If output level adjustment is ne eded,
use the output labeled “Var” and adjust the Zone 2 volume.

8 TUNER ANTENNA CONNECTORS

Provide two antenna connections fo r the AM/FM stereo radio tuner.

9 DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT CONNECTORS (S/PDIF)

Provide digital audio input in the Main Zone or Zone 2. Four S/PDIF
coaxial and four S/PDIF optical (Toslink) input connectors are
available. Connectors are compatible with PCM (44.1, 48, 88.2 and
96kHz), Dolby Digital and DTS(-ES) sources. Connectors are not
compatible with MPEG (MP3) sources.

10 MICROPHONE INPUT CONNECTORS

Provides microphone input for automatic calibration.

11 PHONO INPUT CONNECTORS

Provide a phono level input, which can be assigned to any of the eight
RV-8 inputs. A 2-channel analog bypass path is available (with RIAA
curve). A ground connector is also provided. The phono input is
optimized for moving magnet phono cartridges.

Note:

When using an analog input source, the Zone 2 and Zone 3 audio outputs
are approximately 2dB lower than the Main audio outputs labeled Front L/
R. When using a digital input source, the Zone 2 audio outputs are
approximately 6dB higher than the Main audio outputs labeled Front L/R.
This is to accommodate THX level requirements.

2-8

12 TRIGGER OUTPUT CONNECTORS

Provide 12V DC output to control connected components. Two
trigger output connectors are available on a removable terminal
block. The PWR connector (the power trigger output connector) is
not configurable. It is activated when the RV-8 is powered on, and
deactivated when the RV-8 is powered off from the rear panel or by

RV-8 Basic Operation

putting the RV-8 into standby. The trigger output connector
(labeled 1) can be configured for remote or program operation. See
“Trigger Setup” on page 3-70 for more information.

13 RS-232 CONNECTORS

The RS-232 serial connector (1) provides serial control and is used to

perform configuration downloads and flash memory software
upgrades. The RS-232 connector (2) is reserved for future
developments.

14 MAIN ZONE AUDIO OUTPUT CONNECTORS

Provide analog audio output in the Main Zone. Eight connectors
labeled Front L/R, Center, Sub, Side L/R and Rear L/R are available.

15 IR IN CONNECTOR

Accepts input of IR signals from infrared distribution equipme nt.
One 3.5mm jack that accepts a stereo plug (Tip/Ring/Sleeve
connection) or mono plug (Tip/Sleeve connection) is available.

17 ZONE 2 DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT CONNECTORS
(S/PDIF)

Provides digital audio output in Zone 2. One S/PDIF coaxial and
one S/PDIF optical (Toslink) connector is available.

18 REMOVABLE ACCESS PANEL

Reserved for future developments.

19 AC INPUT CONNECTOR

Provides power to the RV-8 through the supplied power cord.

20 POWER SWITCH

Use the Power switch to connect or disconnect power from the AC
Input connector to the RV-8. The I and O positions represent “on”
and “off” status, respectively. When the RV-8 is powered on, the
front-panel Standb y button or remote control On button can be
used to activate and deactivate standby mode. When the RV-8 is
powered off, standby mode is not available.

16 ZONE 3 AUDIO/VIDEO OUTPUT CONNECTORS

Provide analog audio/video output in Zone 3. One stereo analog
audio output (variable level) is available and can derive its source from
a variety of analog sources. One composite video output is available
and can derive its source from any composite or S-video source.

In the event of a power outage, the RV-8 will display a BROWNOUT,
CYCLE POWER message. To turn the unit back on, use the rear­panel power switch. In this instance, the front-panel StandBy switch
has no effect.

2-9

Basic Operation Lexicon

TUNER OVERVIEW

The RV-8 features an AM/FM stereo radio tuner. The front panel
displays the currently selected frequency , band, listening mode and
volume. Forty presets can store AM or FM frequencies, identified by
the preset number/name and station frequency/band. For example:
WABC/90.90 FM or Preset 02/10.30 AM. Two antennas are
supplied with the RV-8: one for AM and one for FM stereo. At a
minimum, use of the supplied antennas is recommended to ensure
consistent tuner performance.

The tuner can be setup to receive elements of the Radio Data
System (RDS) broadcasts. Originated in Europe and now with
limited availability in the US, the RDS is a standard for broadcasting
digital data along with an FM radio broadcast. When the RDS
option is active and RDS data is received, the RV-8 tuner displays
the identity of the broadcast station, receipt of alternate station
frequencies and any additional text (referred to as RT or Radio Text)
that the station broadcasts. For more information on RDS features,
see “Tuner Setup” on page 3-72.

SELECTING A STATION

Begin selecting a radio station by activating the built-in tune r input.
To activate the tuner input, press the front-panel TUNER button or
select the TUNER option from the remote-control MAIN screen. See
the “Tuner Setup” on page 3-72 for more information.

DIRECT STATION ACCESS

T o access a specific frequency, use the numeric buttons on either the
front panel or remote control to enter the desired station frequency.

T o directly access a station from the front panel or remote control:

1. Press the AM/FM button to select the desired band.

2. Enter the three or four digit station frequency. For example, to
load FM station 90.9, press 9-0-9. T o load AM station 1030, press
the AM/FM button to select the AM band, then press 1-0-3-0.

Note:

When digits are first entered, a “Loading Preset” status message appears
in the front-panel (and on-screen) display. When a third digit is entered,
the RV-8 senses a frequency is being entered and changes the status
message to “Setting Frequency.”

TUNE/SEEK ACCESS

Press one of the Tune/Seek buttons on the front panel (/ ) or
remote control ( / ) to navigate to the next available
frequency. For example, if the currently loaded frequency is

101.7FM, press the T une/Seek  button to load 101.9FM. Press t he

Tune/Seek button again to load 102.1FM, and so on.

Next, determine if the desired frequency band is active by pushing the
front-panel or remote-control AM/FM button to toggle between the
AM and FM frequency bands.

Once the frequency band is set, there are several ways to select a radio
station: direct station access, tune/seek access, scan mode and presets.

2-10

Press one of the Tune/Seek buttons on the front panel (/ ) or
remote control ( / ) for 2 seconds to activate seek mode.
Seek mode searches for the next available radio station. If the tuner
is having difficulty locating stations, raise the sensitivity leve l. See
“SCAN SENS” on 3-73 for more information.

RV-8 Basic Operation

SCAN MODE

Scan Mode scans through all available stations, pausing for two
seconds on each station before scanning to the next one.

To enter Scan Mode:

Press and hold the front-panel (/) or remote-control ( /)
Tune/Seek buttons until SCAN or SCAN is displayed.

To stop scanning:

Press either Tune/Seek button.

LOADING PRESETS

To load a preset:

Enter a preset (number between 1 and 40) using the front-panel or
remote-control number buttons.

A “Loading Preset” status message appears in the front-panel (and
on-screen) display. If a third digit is entered, the tun er switches over
to Direct Station Access mode and the front-panel status message
changes to “Setting Frequency.”

SAVING PRESETS

The RV-8 h as 40 presets available for st oring AM or FM stations. The
presets are divided into four banks with ten presets per bank. It is
possible to store a combination of AM and FM stations in each
bank. Storing presets on the RV-8 can be accomplished from either
the front panel or the remote control. The operation is identical.

To save a station as a preset on the RV-8:

1. Press the front-panel or remote-control SAVE button. A status

message displaying ”Saving Preset” appears in the front-panel
(and on-screen) display.

2. Enter a number between 1 and 40 to save the currently loaded

frequency as the corresponding preset.
For example, if the tuner is currently playing 101.7FM, press

the SAVE button, then the 1 button to save 101.7FM as preset
number 1.

Press the 1 button followed by the 5 button to save as preset
number 15. Pressing more than two numbers resets the preset
number to the third digit entered.

Pressing the SAVE button a second time cancels the saving process.

To skip through available presets in order:

Press the remote-control  or  button. For example, if preset 1 is
loaded and the  button is pressed, the RV-8 will load preset 2 (or
the next available preset). If preset 1 is loaded and the  button is
pressed, the RV-8 will load preset 40 (or the next available preset).

Note:

This feature is only accessible via the remote control.

NAMING PRESETS

Preset stations use a naming system based on the RDS system. In the
US, each preset channel is identified by the station's call letters, or what
the broadcast information identifies as the call letters. In Europe and
Japan, each preset channel is identified by the station's Program
Service (PS) name.

If the RDS information is not available, the preset name defaults to
PresetXX, where XX is the listed number position in the Preset menu.

2-11

Basic Operation Lexicon

For example, if Preset #01 is FM 90.90 and the call letters are WABC,
then the name for that position is WABC. If Preset #23 does not
broadcast their call letters, then that location is identified as Preset23 in
the menu.

EDITING PRESETS

It is possible to customize the name of each preset on the RV-8.

To edit the preset name:

1. Select TUNER PRESETS from the MAIN MENU. The TUNER
PRESETS menu contains a list of preset pages. PAGE 1 contains
presets 1 through 10, PAGE 2 contains presets 11 through 20, etc.

2. Select the page containing the desired preset.
A list of presets appears.

3. Select the desired preset.
The EDIT PRESET menu opens and displays the preset call letters

(or PS), frequency, and band.

The EDIT PRESET menu options are as follows:

AUTOLOAD

The RV-8 can automatically scan and store presets. This can be
accomplished only from the remote control. See “Tuner Setup
(continued)” on page 3-74 for additional information.

To start autoloading:

1. Select AUTOLOAD from the MAIN MENU : SETUP : TUNER SETUP
menu.

2. Press menu  to start AUTOLOAD.

• Select LISTEN TO PRESET to load the preset frequency.

• Select NAME to customize the pr eset name. The preset name
can be up to eight characters long.

• Select CLEAR PRESET to clear the frequency and band informa­tion from the preset.

See “Tuner Preset s” on page 5-2 for additional information.

2-12

RV-8 Basic Operation

AMPLIFIER OVERVIEW

The RV-8 features a 7-channel power amplifier with 140W per
channel. The RV-8 can be configured so that all amplifier channels
are dedicated to the Main Zone or so that outputs 3 and 7 (labeled
Rear Right and Rear Left) are used for Zone 2 or Zone 3. Heavy duty
gold plated 5-way binding posts are provided for speaker
connections.

The amplifiers feature advanced thermal current and DC protection
for each channel. Thermal protection monitors the temperature of
the chassis and heatsinks and automatically deactivates the specific
channel(s) when they exceed their normal safe operating temper­ature. Current protection ensures that the output transistors are
protected by limiting the current capability which is determined by
the output voltage, while DC protection prevents DC and
frequencies below 10Hz from reaching the speakers. Dedicated
channel status LEDs are located on the front panel to provide at-a­glance viewing of channel status at all times. If the main power
transformer temperature exceeds 100°C, the transformer will
deactivate, all channel status LEDs will no longer be lit and the red
standby LED will flash rapidly. Once the transformer has cooled, it
automatically resets and the amplifier operates normally; the
channel status LEDs turn back on, and the red standby LED is no
longer lit.

AMPLIFIER CHANNEL STATUS

Each channel has a blue Channel Status LED on the front panel that
is illuminated when the unit is powered on. If there is a problem
with an amplifier channel, the LED will turn off.

MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH THE AMPLIFIER
OUTPUT

The amplifier output connectors can accept bare speaker wires,
banana plug connectors or ce rtain spade connectors. When using
bare speaker wires, loosen the connecto r, insert the wire into the
top of the receptacle, then tighten the connector. The same
procedure should be used for spade connectors. Banana plugs
should be inserted into the outward-facing receptacle.

Use heavy-gauge speaker cable to ensure low-impedance connec­tions between the amplifier and the speakers. Observe correct
speaker polarity.

CAUTION! Do not connect the outputs of one channel to

the outputs of other channels or to other amplifiers.

The amplifiers are designed to meet the highest standards of perfor­mance and sound quality. In addition, THX Ultra2 certification
ensures that the amplifiers meet the highest standards set forth by
Lucasfilm's Home THX division.

2-13

Basic Operation Lexicon

HEADPHONE OVERVIEW

Headphones can be connected to the RV-8 via the Headphone
output on the front panel. The headphone output follows the signal
selected in the Main Zone. If the Main Zone sour ce is m ulti chann el ,
a downmix of the source is sent to the headphone output. LOGIC7
headphone processing is also available for stereo or m ultichannel
sources. To listen to a stereo source without enhanced processing,
set the 2-CH parameter in the INPUT SETUP menu to the
2-CHANNEL listening mode. When headphones are plugged into
the headphone output, all amplifier outputs are muted (including
outputs 3 and 7, unless they are assigned to Zone 2 or Zone 3). The
Main Zone preamplifier outputs are also muted. Preamplifier
outputs for Zone 2 and Zone 3 remain unmuted. Use the front­panel volume knob or the remote-control Volume Up/Down
buttons to adjust the headphone output level.

When the headphones are plugged into the headphone output, the
volume defaults to the HEADPHONE parameter value selected in
the VOLUME CONTROL SETUP menu. When the headphones are
unplugged, the volume defaults to the value of the MAIN PWR ON
parameter in the VOLUME CONTROL SETUP menu. See page 6-34
for headphone listening mode descriptions.

REMOTE CONTROL OVERVIEW

The RV-8 remote control provides full operation of the RV-8,
including commands, such as menu navigation, that are not
available from the front panel. It is also designed to provide control
for the entire home theater system. This section provides a brief
overview of the remote control. For detailed operation/
programming instructions and manufacturing codes, refer to
Appendix C.

OPERATION CONSIDERATIONS

The following factors can improve or impede remote control
operation.

Note the following before operating the RV -8 remote control:

• The remote control must be in line-of-sight with the front-panel
IR receiver. Eliminate obstructions between the remote control
and the IR receiver. The remote control may become unreliable
if strong sunlight or fluorescent light shines on the IR receiver.

• For optimal performance, position the remote control at a
30-degree angle no more than 40 to 60 feet (12.2m to 18.3m)
from the RV-8. Placing the RV-8 inside a smoked glass cabinet
will reduce the remote control range.

• Remote controls for different components can interfere with
one another. Avoid using remote controls for different compo­nents at the same time.

• Remote-control batteries should be replaced as needed.

2-14

RV-8 Basic Operation

MAIN MENU

Use the MAIN MENU to open the four main
menu branches: MODE ADJUST, AUDIO
CONTROLS, TUNER PRESETS and SETUP.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

MENU NAVIGATION

Use the remote-control arrow buttons to navigate the extensive
menu structure starting on page B-2. The table below indicates the
navigation commands that the remote-control buttons perform
when the Main Zone command bank is activated.

Note:

The DVD1 device has been preprogrammed to control the Lexicon RT-10
and RT-20 disc players.

Arrow Navigation Functions



• When a menu is open, press the remote-control Menu  arrow to select the high lighted menu item.

• When no menus are open, press the Menu  arrow to open the MAIN MENU.

MENU ITEM SELECTION

Use the remote-control Menu arrows to naviga te menus and to
select menu items.

To sele ct a menu item on the op en menu:

1. Press the remote-control  and  arrows to highlight the desired

menu item.

2. When the desired menu item is highlighted, press the Menu 

arrow to select the highlighted item. If an option is selected,
another menu opens. If a parameter is selected, a parameter
drop-down menu or horizontal graph opens.






• When a menu is open, press the Menu  arrow to close the menu and, in most cases, open the previous menu. Subse­quent presses continue to close the current menu and open the previous menu until the MAIN MENU is closed. When
the MAIN MENU is closed, the menu structure is also closed.

• When no menus are open, pressing the Menu  arrow button performs no function.

• When a drop-down menu is open, press the Menu  arrow to select the current setting and close the drop-down menu.

• When a menu is open, press the Menu  and  arrow buttons to scroll upward and downward through the complete list
of menu items. The highlighted menu item appears in the front-panel display. All menu items appear in the on-screen
display. A scroll bar appears in the left side of the on-screen display when menu items exceed the on-screen display’s top
and bottom margins. The cursor automatically wraps to the next menu item when the first or last menu item is passed.

2-15

Basic Operation Lexicon

MENU OPTIONS

Selecting a menu option opens another menu within the menu
structure. For example, selecting SETUP from the MAIN MENU opens
the SETUP menu.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

PARAMETER DROP-DOWN MENUS

Selecting some menu options opens a drop-down menu that contains
a list of available parameter settings. For example, selecting the
CUSTOM NAME parameter from the DISPLAY SETUP menu opens a
drop-down menu which is used to select the ON or OFF setting.

DISPLAY SETUP
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY

FRONT PANEL DISPLAY
A/V SYNC DELAY
CUSTOM NAME

EDIT CUSTOM NAME

OFF
OFF

To select a setting in a parameter drop-down menu:

ON

OFF

2. When the desired setting appears beneath the parameter
name, press the  arrow to accept the setting and close the
drop-down menu.

HORIZONTAL BAR GRAPHS

Selecting some menu parameters opens a horizontal bar graph. The
bar graph indicates the position at which the current parameter setting
falls within the entire parameter range.

For example, selecting the A/V SYNC DELAY parameter from the
DISPLAY SETUP menu opens the horizontal bar graph shown below,
which is used to adjust the amount of audio delay.

DISPLAY SETUP
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY

FRONT PANEL DISPLAY
A/V SYNC DELAY

A/V SYNC DELAY OFF

CUSTOM NAME

CUSTOM NAME OFF

EDIT CUSTOM NAME

OFF
OFF

To adjust a parameter setting with a horizontal bar graph:

1. When the horizontal bar graph appears, press the remote-control
 and  arrows to increase or decrease the setting in the desig­nated increments. The setting appears to the right of the
parameter name in the on-screen and front-panel displays.

2. When the desired adjustments have been made, press the 
arrow to select the setting and close the horizontal bar graph.

OFF, 1 to 60ms

1. When the drop-down menu opens, press the remote-control 
and  arrows to scroll upward and downward through the
complete list of available settings. The current setting is displayed
beneath the parameter name in the on-screen and front-panel
displays.

2-16

Note:

Menu item selection instructions differ for certain menus. These instances
are noted throughout this user guide.

RV-8 Basic Operation

REMOTE CONTROL BUTTONS

11

12

13

15

16

2

1

4

6
7

3

4

5

8

9

10

14

17

1. SYSTEM POWER OFF

2. Displays the name of the selected device.

3. POWER ON

4. Device and function buttons

5. Light

6. Displays page number/currently selected device

7. LCD page change

8. FAVORITE

9. HOME menu

10. CHANNEL/Listening Mode (+/-)

11. Previous channel

12. VOLUME (+/-)

13. MUTE

14. TRANSPORT functions (PLAY, STOP, REWIND, PAUSE, REC, SKIP and FF)
for VCR, DVD and CD

15. JOYSTICK (left, right, up, down and center press)

16. DISPLAY/AM/FM

17. ENTER/SAVE

18. MACRO buttons

18

2-17

Basic Operation Lexicon

COMMAND MATRIX

The command matrix describes the commands that the remote control buttons perform
when each command bank is active.

1
3
4
5
6
7

2

BUTTON HOME MAIN PAGE1 MAIN PAGE2 ZONE2 PAGE1 ZONE2 PAGE2

8

1
2
3

4

5

6

7

Enters RV-8 standby mode.

Activates the RV-8.

Displays the MAIN Zone
command bank, which
includes commands
that control the Main
Zone.

Displays the Zone 2
command bank, which
includes commands that
control Zone 2.

Displays the Zone 3
command bank, which
includes commands that
control Zone 3.

Displays the DVD1
command bank, which
includes commands that
control DVD1.

Displays the DVD2
command bank, which
includes commands that
control DVD2.

Displays the
Main Zone
Status.

Deactivates the
Main Zone.

Selects the Tuner
input for the
Main Zone.

Selects the
DVD1 input for
the Main Zone.

Selects the
DVD2 input for
the Main Zone.

Selects the Dolby
Digital listening
mode family.

Selects the DTS
listening mode
family.

Selects the THX
listening mode
family.

Toggles betw een
the current
listening mode
and the 2­CHANNEL
listening mode.

Analog Bypass
Toggle.

Displays the Zone 2
Status.

Deactivates Zone 2. Adjusts the AUDIO

Selects the Tuner
input for Zone 2.

Selects the DVD1
input for Zone 2.

Selects the DVD1
input for Zone 2.

Toggles RV8 between
5 speaker and 7
speaker modes.

CONTROLS menu
Main Zone BALANCE
to the left.

Sets the Main Zone
Volume level to

-15dB.

Shows status menu
for current Main Zone
input stream.

STAT2 button: see
page 2-29 for more
information.

Activates the RV-8.

2-18

8

Displays the SAT
command bank, which
includes commands that
control the Satellite box.

Selects the SAT
input for the
Main Zone.

Selects the L7 FILM
listening mode.

Selects the
Satellite input for
Zone 2.

Reserved for future
expansion.

RV-8 Basic Operation

BUTTON ZONE3 PAGE1 ZONE3 PAGE2 DVD1 PAGE1 DVD1 PAGE2

1
3
4
5
6

2
8

2
3

4

1

7

5

6

7

Enters RV-8 standby mode. Reserved for future expansion.

Activates the RV-8. Toggles RT-10 or RT-20 power.

Displays the Status of
Zone 3.

Deactivates Zone 3. Decreases the AUDIO

Selects the TUNER input
for Zone 3.

Selects the DVD1 input
for Zone 3.

Selects the DVD2 input
for Zone 3.

Resets the AUDIO
CONTROLS menu BASS,
TREBLE, and TILT EQ
parameter to +0.0dB.

CONTROLS menu Main
Zone BASS parameter
in.5dB increments.

Decreases the AUDIO
CONTROLS menu Main
Zone TREBLE parameter
in.5dB increments.

Decreases the AUDIO
CONTROLS menu Main
Zone TILT EQ parameter
in.2dB increments.

Deactivates AUDIO
CONTROLS menu Main
Zone LOUDNESS
parameter.

Opens and closes the RT-10 or RT-20 disc tray.

Opens the RT-10 or
RT-20 Top men u.

Activates RT-10 or
RT-20 random
playback.

Activates RT-10 or
RT-20 repeat playback.

Activates RT-10 or
RT-20 A-B repeat
playback.

Opens and closes the
RT-10 or RT-20 Video
Adjust bar.

Opens the RT-10 or
RT-20 Angle bar.

Activates the RT-10 or
RT-20 con dit ion
memory mode.

Activates the RT-10 or
RT-20 last memory
playback.

8

Selects the Satellite
input for Zone 3.

Reserved for future
expansion.

Opens the RT-10 or
RT-20 Setup menu.

Creates up to five
shortcuts for frequently
adjusted RT-10 or RT-20
Setup menu parameters.

2-19

Basic Operation Lexicon

13
16

9

10

11
12
14

15

BUTTON HOME

9

10

11

12

13

14

Selects the VCR
command bank, which
includes commands
that control the VCR.

Selects the TV
command bank, which
includes commands
that control the TV.

Selects the CD
command bank, which
includes commands
that control the CD
player.

Selects the Phono
command bank, which
includes commands
that control the
associated device.

N/A Selects Page 2 of

Selects the Home command bank.

MAIN

PAGE1

Selects the VCR
input for the
Main Zone.

Selects the TV
input for the
Main Zone.

Selects the CD
input for the
Main Zone.

Selects the
Phono input for
the Main Zone.

the Main Zone
command bank.

MAIN PAGE2 ZONE2 PAGE1 ZONE2 PAGE2

Selects the L7
Music listening
mode.

Selects the L7 TV
listening mode.

Selects the L7
Music Surround
listening mode.

Toggles between
setting the input
to auto, analog or
digital.

Selects Page 1 of
the Main Zone
command bank.

Selects the VCR
input for Zone 2.

Selects the TV input
for Zone 2.

Selects the CD
input for Zone 2.

Selects the Phono
input for Zone 2.

Selects Page 2 of
the Zone 2
command bank.

Adjusts the Audio
Controls menu Main
Zone BALANCE
parameter to the
right.

Sets the Main Zone
volume level to

-30dB.

Tog gl es th e S et up
ON SCREEN
DISPLAY parameter.

Deactivates the RV-8.

Selects Page 1 of the
Zone 2 command
bank.

2-20

15
16

* History-dependent buttons perform different functions, depending on the Zone or device that is currently being controlled.

Check the bottom of the LCD for the currently controlled device.

Scrolls through Favorite Channel pages.

History-dependent* Increases the Main Zone volume level

in 1dB increments.

Increases the Zone 2 volume level in 1dB
increments.

RV-8 Basic Operation

BUTTON ZONE3 PAGE1 ZONE3 PAGE2 DVD1 PAGE1 DVD1 PAGE2

13
16

9

10

11
12
14

15

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Selects the VCR input
for Zone 3.

Selects the TV input for
Zone 3.

Selects the CD input for
Zone 3.

Selects the Phono input
for Zone 3.

Displays Zone 3 Page 2
command bank.

Displays the Home command bank.

Scrolls through Favorite Channel pages.

Increases the AUDIO
CONTROLS menu BASS
parameter in .5dB
increments.

Increases the AUDIO
CONTROLS menu
TREBLE parameter in
.5dB increments.

Increases the AUDIO
CONTROLS menu Main
Zone TILT EQ parameter
level in .2dB increments.

Activates the AUDIO
CONTROLS menu Main
Zone LOUDNESS
parameter.

Displays Zone 3 Page 1
command bank.

Closes certain Setup
menus without saving
the changes.

Activates the RT-10 or
RT-20 display mode.

Opens the RT-10 or
RT-20 Subtitle bar.

Opens the RT-10 or
RT-20 Audio bar .

Displays DVD1 Page 2
command bank.

Activates and deacti­vates the RT-10 or
RT-20 rear- panel video
output connectors.

Controls the brightness
of front-panel display
characters.

Activates the RT-10 or
RT-20 search mode.

Activates the RT-10 or
RT-20 program mode.

Displays DVD1 Page 1
command bank.

16

Increases Zone 3 volume level in 1dB increments Increases RV-8 Ma in volu me le vel i n 1dB

increments

2-21

Basic Operation Lexicon

18

17

19

22

20

21
23

24

BUTTON HOME

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

History-dependent* Decreases Main Zone volume level in

History-dependent* Toggles between fully muting Main

History-dependent* Toggles between muting Main Zone

History-dependent* Scrolls upward through listening

History-dependent* Scrolls downward through listening

History-dependent*

History-dependent* Activates the Trigger output connector labeled 1.

MAIN

PAGE1

1dB increments.

Zone volume level and restoring Main
Zone volume level to its original level.

volume level and restoring Main Zone
volume level to its original level.

modes.

modes.

If the RV-8’s built-in tuner is the currently selected input, press
next available preset.

MAIN PAGE2 ZONE2 P AGE1 ZONE2 PAGE2

Decreases Zone2 volume level in 1dB
increments.

Centers the AUDIO CONTROLS menu
BALANCE and FADER parameters.

Toggles between fully muting Zone 2
volume level and restoring Zone 2 volume
level to its original level.

Adjusts the AUDIO CONTROLS menu
Main Zone FADER parameter towards the
front.

Adjusts the AUDIO CONTROLS menu
Main Zone FADER parameter towards the
back.

 to skip back to

2-22

24

* History-dependent buttons perform different functions, depending on the Zone or device that is currently being controlled.

Check the bottom of the LCD for the currently controlled device.

History-dependent*

If the RV-8’s but-in tuner is the currently selected input, press
to next available preset.

 to skip forward

RV-8 Basic Operation

BUTTON ZONE3 PA GE1 ZONE3 PAGE2 DVD1 PAGE1 DVD1 PAGE2

18

17

19

22

20

21
23

24

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Decreases Zone 3 volume level in.1dB increments. Decreases Main Zone volume level in.1dB

Activates the 5.1 THX, 5.1 THX Ultra2 or the THX
SurEX listening mode when a 5.1-channel THX
source is present. Activates Dolby PLIIx+THX when
a stereo source is present.

Toggles between fully muting Zone 3 volume level
and restoring Zone 3 volume to its original level.

Increases Subwoofer output in 1dB increments. Scrolls upward through RV-8 li stening modes.

Decreases Subwoofer output in 1dB increments. Scrolls downward through RV-8 listening modes.

If the RV-8’s built-in tuner is the currently selected
input, press
preset.

Activates the output connector labeled Trigger 1. Activates playback of the loaded disc at regular

If the RV-8’s built-in tuner is the currently selected
input, press
available preset.

 to skip back to the next available

 to skip forward to the next

increments.

Toggles between fully muting the RV-8 Main Zone
volume level and restoring Main Zone volume
level to its original level.

Toggles between muti ng the RV-8 Main Zone
volume level and restoring Main Zone volume
level to its original level.

Skips to the beginning of the current chapter or
track. Subsequent presses skip to the beginning of
the previous chapter or track.

playback speed.

Skips to the beginning of the next chapter or
track. Subsequent presses skip to the beginning of
the next chapter or track.

2-23

Basic Operation Lexicon

25
27

28

30
31

26
29
32

BUTTON HOME

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

History-dependent*

History-dependent*

History-dependent* When a DTS(-ES) source is present, toggles the ES decoding parameter,

History-dependent* Deactivates the output connector labeled Trig ger 1.

History-dependent* Activates the Dolby DIGITAL EX or Dolby DIGITAL listening mode when a

History-dependent* When a menu is open , scrolls upward through menu items.

History-dependent* Opens the menu structure and selects the highlighted menu item, whic h ope ns

History-dependent* When a menu is open, scrolls downward through menu items.

MAIN

PAGE1

If the RV-8’ s built-in tuner is the currently selected input, press
to the
next available tuner frequency . Pressing for 2 se conds activates seek mode, which
searches for the next available radio station. To enter Scan Mode, press and hold
until the display shows

cycling through the AUTO, ON, and OFF settings.

5.1- channel Dolby Digita l source is present.

another menu, opens a parameter drop-down menu, or selects the highlighted
parameter setting.

MAIN PAGE2 ZONE2 PAGE1 ZONE2 PAGE2

 once to tune

SCAN or SCAN.

2-24

* History-dependent buttons perform different functions, depending on the Zone or device that is currently being controlled.

Check the bottom of the LCD for the currently controlled device.

RV-8 Basic Operation

BUTTON ZONE3 PAGE1 ZONE3 PAGE2 DVD1 PAGE1 DVD1 PAGE2

25
27

28

30
31

26
29
32

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

If the RV-8’ s built-in tuner is the currently
selected input, press
available tuner frequency. Pressing for 2 seconds

activates seek mode, which searches
for the next available radio station. To enter
Scan Mode, press and hold until the display
shows SCAN or SCAN.

When a DTS(-ES) source is present, toggles the
ES decoding parameter, cycling through the
AUTO, ON and OFF settings.

Deactivates the output connector labeled
Trigger 1.

Activates the Dolby DIGITAL EX or Dol by DIGITAL
listening mode when a 5.1-channel Dolby
Digital source is present. Activates Dolby PLIIx
Movie when a stereo source is present.

When a menu is open, scrolls upward through menu items.

Opens the menu structure and selects the
highlighted item. When no menu is open,
opens the MAIN MENU.

When a menu is open, scrolls downward through menu items.

once to tune to th e next

When RT-10 or RT-20 playback is activated, scans
through the disc in reverse direction.

When RT-10 or RT-20 playback is activated, scans
through the disc in forward direction.

Opens the RT-10 or RT-20 disc menu.

Stops playback of the loaded disc.

Activates RT -10 or RT-20 pause mode.

Navigates to the right in the RT-10 or RT-20 menu
structure.

2-25

Basic Operation Lexicon

33

35

39

34

35

BUTTON HOME

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

History-dependent* When a menu is open, closes the menu and (in most cases), opens the previous

History-dependent* When a menu is open, closes the menu structure. When no menus are open,

History-dependent* Numbers 0 to 9, are used to enter the frequency of radio stations or to save/load

History-dependent* If the RV-8’ s built-in tuner is the currently selected input, toggles between AM/FM

History-dependent* If the RV-8’s bui lt-in tuner is the current ly select ed inp ut, pressi ng this button will

History-dependent* Macro Buttons: M1 is for Macro 1, M2 is for Macro 2 and M3 is for Macro 3. See

History-dependent* Activates the remote control backlight that illuminates the buttons and LCD

MAIN

PAGE1

menu. Subsequent presses continue to close the current menu and open the
previous menu until the MAIN MENU is closed. When no menus are open, shows
the two-line status.

shows the 2-line status.

presets when the RV-8’s built-in tuner is the currently selected input.

frequency bands.

save the currently selected tuner frequency into a preset slot. Also use this button
when programming the remote. See page C-4 for additional information.

page C-9 for additional information on how to use and program macros.

screen for easier visibility.

MAIN PAGE2 ZONE2 PAGE1 ZONE2 PAGE2

36

38

2-26

* History-dependent buttons perform different functions, depending on the Zone or device that is currently being controlled.

Check the bottom of the LCD for the currently controlled device .

37

RV-8 Basic Operation

BUTTON ZONE3 PAGE1 ZONE3 PAGE2 DVD1 PAGE1 DVD1 PAGE2

33

35

36

38

39

34

35

37

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

When a menu is open, closes the menu and, in
most cases, opens the previous menu.
Subsequent presses continue to close the current
menu and open the previous m en u un til
the MAIN MENU is closed. When no menus are
open, this button performs no function.

When a menu is open, closes the menu structure.
When no menus are open, shows the
two-line status.

Numbers 0 to 9 are used to enter the
frequency of radio stations or to save/load
presets when the RV-8’s built-in tuner is the
currently selected input.

If the RV-8 built-in t une r is the currently selected
input, toggles between AM/FM frequency
bands.

If the RV-8’s built-in tuner is the currently
selected input, saves the currently selected tune r
frequency as a preset. Also used to program the
remote. See page C-4 for additional information.

Macro Buttons: M1 is for Macro 1, M2 is for Macro 2 and M3 is for Macro 3. See page C-9
for additional information on how to use and program macros.

Activates the remote-control backlight to illuminate the buttons and LCD screen for eas ier
visibility.

Navigates to the left in the RT-10 or RT-20 menu
structure.

Selects the highlighted RT-10 or RT-20 menu item.

Direct RT -10 or RT-20 title, chapter, group or track
number selection.

Enters values 10 and above on the RT -10 or RT -20.
Press once for numbers in the teens, twice for
numbers in the twenties, and so on. Then press a
number button (0 to 9) to enter a second digit.

Deletes entries when RT -10 or RT-20 search modes
and certain playback modes are activated.

2-27

Basic Operation Lexicon

UNDERSTANDING THE ZONES

The RV-8 features three zones of operation: the Main Zone, Zone 2
and Zone 3. The Main Zone controls audio and video signals in the
primary listening space. Zone 2 controls digital and analog audio
and composite or S-Video signals for a second zone or recording
device. Zone 3 is designed to control analog audio and composite
or S-video signals in an additional listening space. The headphone
output follows the source selected in the Main Zone. LOGIC7
Headphone processing is available on this output.

The following are exceptions to independent zone operation:

1. The same Dolby Digital or DTS(-ES) input source can be simul­taneously selected for the Main Zone and Zone 2. However,
different Dolby Digital or DTS(-ES) input sources cannot be
present in the Main Zone and Zone 2.

2. Zone 2 can provide a 2-channel downmix of Main Zone multi­channel audio when all of the following conditions are met:

• The same input must be selected in the Main Zone and
Zone 2.

• A Dolby Digital, DTS(-ES) or 5.1a input source must be
present in the Main Zone.

• The INPUT SETUP menu ZONE2 IN parameter must be set to
DMIX. See “ZONE2 in Parameter Settings” on page 3-22 for
more information.

3. The Zone 2 and Zone 3 audio output connectors will receive
Front L/R when a 5.1a source is present in the Main Zone and the
ZONE2 IN parameter is set to ANLG.

4. When 5.1a BYPASS or 2-CH BYPASS is selected, a downmix to
Zone 2 is not available.

TWO-LINE STATUS

The two-line status opens in the on-screen and front-panel displays
whenever the RV-8 detects a change in input source or listening mode.
The Main Zone two-line status appears when the RV-8 detects a Main
Zone change, and the Zone 2 (or Zone 3) two-line status appears
when a Zone 2 (or Zone 3) status change is detected.

The ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu STATUS parameter is used to
control the length of time the two-line status appears in the on­screen display. The ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu POSITION
parameter is used to control the vertical alignment of the two-line
status in the display device screen.

Note:

When the display device is connected to a component video output
connector and the MAIN ADV menu COMPONENT OSD parameter is set
to OFF , the on-screen display does not appear on the associated display.

MAIN ZONE TWO-LINE STATUS

Opens in the on-screen and front-panel
displays whenever the RV-8 detects a Main
Zone status change. The Main Zone two-line
status indicates the current input, input source, listening m ode and
volume level selected in the Main Zone.

ZONE 2 TWO-LINE STATUS

Opens in the on-screen and front-panel displays
whenever the RV-8 detects a Zone 2 status
change. The Zone 2 two-line status indicates the
current input, input source and volume level selected in Zone 2.

DVD1 D VOL

FILM

DVD1 ANLG VOL
ZONE 2

-34dB

-34dB

2-28

RV-8 Basic Operation

ZONE 3 TWO-LINE STATUS

Opens in the on-screen and front-panel displays
whenever the RV-8 detects a Zone 3 status
change. The Zone 3 two-line status indicates the
current input, input source and volume level selected in Zone 3.

DVD1 ANLG VOL
ZONE3

-34dB

TUNER STATUS

The T uner status indicates the current frequency,
band, listening mode and volume level. The
T uner status takes the place of the two-line status
display for inputs using the built-in tuner.

DVD1 90.9 FM
L7 MUSIC

-34dB

STATUS MENUS

Pressing the remote control STAT2 button opens the STATUS menu
for the current input source of the Main Zone, which contains
parameters that provide information about the current input sour ce
and listening mode. STATUS menus are available for 2-channel,
Dolby Digital, DTS(-ES) and 5.1 analog input sources. Unlike most
other menus, STATUS menus cannot be opened through the
selection of menu options. Rather, the remote control STAT2 button
must be pressed.

button to open the second page. If the STATUS menu does not
include a second page, pressing the STAT2 button closes the
menu. If this occurs, begin again with step 1.

2. When the desired STATUS menu page has been opened, press
the remote-control Menu  and  arrows to scroll upward and
downward through the complete list of available parameters.

Note:

STATUS menu parameters provide information about the current
input source and listening mode. These parameters cannot be
adjusted.

3. Press the STAT2 button or the Menu  arrow to close the
STATUS menu. If the second page of the STATUS menu opens,
press the STAT2 button or the Menu  arrow again to close the
STATUS menu.

STATUS menu descriptions begin on the next page. The table
beneath each description lists the default and possible settings
for each parameter. STATUS menu parameter descriptions
begin on page 2-34. STATUS menu level meters are described
on page 2-35.

To open and navigate the STATUS menu for the current input
source:

1. Under Zone 2 page 2, press “STAT2.” The first page of the
STATUS menu for the current input source appears in the on­screen and front-panel displays.

If the STATUS menu includes a second page, the PG1 indicator
appears in the top-right corner of the menu. Press the STAT2

2-29

Basic Operation Lexicon

2CH STATUS

Provides information about 2-channel input sources. Features L and
R level meters.

Parameter Possible Settings

INPUT The current input
MODE The current listening mode
INPUT TYPE ANLG, PCM
SAMPLE RATE 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz

See “STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions” on page 2-34 for detailed information.

2CH STATUS
INPUT

MODE
INPUT TYPE

SAMPLE RATE

RL

dB

0

-6

-15

-30

-45

D STATUS

Provides information about Dolby Digital input sources. Features
L, C, R, SL, SR and LFE level meters.

Parameter Possible Settings

INPUT The current input
MODE The current listening mode

CHANNELS 3/2.1, 3/2, 3/1, 2/2, 2/1, 2/0, 1/0
BIT RATE 32 to 640kbps
EX ENCODED MATRIX, NONE
SAMPLE RATE 48kHz

2.0 ENCODING MATRIX, NONE
DIALOG OFFSET –27 to +4dB
MIX ROOM SMALL, LARGE
CENTER MIX LVL –3.0dB, –4.5dB, –6.0dB
SURR MIX LVL +0.0dB, –3.0dB, –6.0dB

See “STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions” on page 2-34 for detailed information.

2-30

D STATUS
INPUT

MODE
CHANNELS

BIT RATE
EX ENCODED

RL

CSLSRLFE

dB

0

-6

-15

-30

-45

PG1

D STATUS
SAMPLE RATE

2.0 ENCODING
DIALOG OFFSET
MIX ROOM
CENTER MIX LVL
SURR MIX LVL

PG2

RV-8 Basic Operation

STATUS

Provides information about DTS(-ES) input sources. Includes L, C, R,
SL, SR, SB and LFE level meters. T he SB level meter appe ars when a

6.1-channel input source is present, or when a 5.1-channel input

source is present and the ES DECODING parameter is set to ON.

Parameter Possible Settings

INPUT The current input
MODE The current listening mode
CHANNELS 3/3.1, 3/2.1
BIT RATE 754.5 to 1509.7 kbps
ES ENCODING DISCRETE, MATRIX, OFF
WORD LENGTH 16 bits, 20 bits, 24 bits
SAMPLE RATE 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz

See “STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions” on page 2-34 for detailed information.

STATUS
INPUT

MODE
CHANNELS

BIT RATE
ENCODING

dB

RL

CSLSRLFE

0

-6

-15

-30

-45

PG1

SB

STATUS

STATUS

WORD LENGTH

WORD LENGTH

SAMPLE RATE

SAMPLE RATE

PG2

PG1

5.1a BYPASS STATUS

Provides information about 5.1-channel ana lo g input sources when
the MAIN ADV menu ANALOG BYPASS parameter is set to ON.

Parameter Possible Settings

INPUT The current input
MODE 5.1a BYPASS
INPUT TYPE BYPASS

See “STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions” on page 2-34 for detailed information.

5.1a BYPASS STATUS
INPUT

MODE 5.1a BYPASS
INPUT TYPE BYPASS

2-31

Basic Operation Lexicon

2CH BYPASS STATUS

Provides information about 2-channel analog input sources when
the MAIN ADV menu 2-CH ANLG BYP parameter is set to ON.

Parameter Possible Settings

INPUT The current input
MODE 2CH BYPASS
INPUT TYPE BYPASS

See “STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions” on page 2-34 for detailed information.

2CH BYPASS STATUS
INPUT

MODE 2CH BYPASS
INPUT TYPE BYPASS

DIGITAL STATUS

Provides information about digital input sources for which a sample
rate is detected, but no audio is present in the input signal.

Parameter Possible Settings

INPUT The current input
MODE The current listening mode
INPUT TYPE --­SAMPLE RATE 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz

See “STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions” on page 2-34 for detailed information.

DIGITAL STATUS
INPUT

MODE
INPUT TYPE
SAMPLE RATE

2-32

RV-8 Basic Operation

5.1 ANALOG STATUS

Provides information about 5.1-channel analog input sources.

Parameter Possible Settings

INPUT The current input
MODE The current listening mode
INPUT TYPE ANLG
SAMPLE RATE 96kHz

See “STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions” on page 2-34 for detailed information.

5.1 ANALOG STATUS
INPUT

MODE
INPUT TYPE
SAMPLE RATE

ANLG

96kHz

LIVE! STATUS

Provides information about LIVE! input sources. Features L and R
level meters.

Parameter Possible Settings

INPUT The current input
MODE The current listening mode
INPUT TYPE MIC
SAMPLE RATE 48kHz

See “STATUS Menu Parameter Descriptions” on page 2-34 for detailed information.

2CH STATUS
INPUT

MODE
INPUT TYPE
SAMPLE RATE

RL

dB

0

-6

-15

-30

-45

DVD1

LIVE! MED

MIC

48kHz

2-33

Basic Operation Lexicon

STATUS MENU PARAMETER DESCRIPTIONS

2.0 ENCODING MATRIX, NONE

Indicates whether or not a matrix-encoded source is detected.
When the parameter setting is MATRIX, a matrix-encoded source is
detected. When the parameter setting is NONE, a matrix-encoded
source is not detected. The RV -8 cannot auto matically detect matrix
encoding in non-flagged input sources.

BIT RATE 32 to 640 kbps or 754 to 1509.7kbps

Indicates the rate at which the input signal is encoded. A higher bit
rate indicates that less compression was used during the encoding
process. Possible settings for Dolby Digital sources range from 32 to
640 kbps. Possible settings for DTS(-ES) sources range from 754 to

1509.7 kbps.

CENTER MIX LVL –3.0dB, –4.5dB, –6.0dB

Indicates the relative level of the center channel that was used
during the mixing process.

CHANNELS 3/3.1, 3/2.1, 3/2, 3/1, 2/2, 2/1, 2/0, 1/0

Indicates the number of channels present in the inp ut source. The
first digit indicates the number of front channels prese nt. The digit
after the slash indicates the number of surround channels present.
The digit after the decimal point indicates the presence of LFE (low­frequency effects) information. For instance, if the parameter setting
is 3/2.1, an input source with three front channels, two surround
channels and LFE information is present. LFE information is sent to
the Main Zone audio output connector labeled Sub.

Possible settings for Dolby Digital input sources include 3/2.1, 3/2,
3/1, 2/2, 2/1, 2/0 and 1/0. Possible settings for DTS(-ES) input
sources include 3/3.1 and 3/2.1.

DIALOG OFFSET –27 to +4dB

Indicates the dialog normalization value applied to the input signal.
Dolby Digital input sources reproduce dialog at 27 decibels below full­scale (–27dBFS). When the dialog normalization value of the incoming
signal is higher or lower, the DIALOG OFFSET parameter indicates the
amount of adjustment the RV-8 makes to normalize dialog to –27dBFS.

ES ENCODING DISCRETE, MATRIX, OFF

Indicates whether or not a DTS-ES-encoded source is detected.
When the parameter setting is DISCRETE, a discrete 6.1-channel
DTS-ES source is detected. When the parameter setting is MATRIX,
a 5.1-channel DTS-ES source with a surround-encoded back
channel is detected. When the parameter setting is NONE, a
standard DTS source with no DTS-ES encoding is detected.

EX ENCODING MATRIX, NONE

Indicates whether or not a Dolby Digital Surround EX-encoded source
is detected. When the parameter setting is MATRIX, a 5.1-channel
Dolby Digital source recorded with Dolby Digital Surround EX is
detected. When the parameter setting is NONE, a standard 5.1­channel Dolby Digital source recorded without Dolby Digital Surround
EX encoding is detected. The RV-8 cannot automatically detect Dolby
Digital Surround EX encoding in non-flagged input sources.

2-34

RV-8 Basic Operation

INPUT

Indicates the selected input (e.g., DVD1).

INPUT TYPE ANLG, BYP, PCM, MIC, ---

Indicates the input source that is present. When the parameter
setting is ANLG, a 2-channel analog audio source is present and the
MAIN ADV menu 2-CH ANLG BYP parameter is set to OFF. When
the parameter setting is BYP (Bypass), a 2-channel analog audio
source is present and the 2-CH ANLG BYP parameter is set to ON.
When the parameter setting is PCM, a 2-channel digital audio
source is present. When the parameter is set to MIC, a microphone
source is present. When the parameter setting is ---, an unknown
digital audio source is present.

MIX ROOM SMALL, LARGE

Indicates the size of the mixing room that was used during the
mixing process. When the parameter setting is LARGE, setting the
RE-EQUALIZATION parameter to ON for THX listening modes is
recommended.

SURR MIX LVL +0.0dB, –3.0dB, –6.0dB

Indicates the relative surround channel level that was used during
the mixing process.

WORD LENGTH 16 bits, 20 bits, 24 bits

Indicates the word length of the audio data present in the input signal.

STATUS MENU LEVEL METERS

Most STATUS menus contain level meters that indicate fluctuating
input levels in the front left (L), center (C), front right (R), surround left
(SL), surround right (SR), surround back (SB) and subwoofer (SUB)
channels. These level meters indicate input levels for both analog and
digital input sources. For instance, the level meters indicate digital
audio input levels when a digital audio source is present.

Different combinations of level meters appear on each ST A TUS menu,
depending on the source that is present. The SB level meter appears
when a 6.1-channel source is present, or when a 5.1-channel source
is present and the ES DECODING parameter is set to ON.

MODE

Indicates the activated listening mode (e.g., L7 FILM).

SAMPLE RA TE 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz

Indicates the sample rate of the input source that is present.

Level meters appear in combinations of green, yellow and red when
the on-screen display is configured for a blue-screen background.
Green indicates low levels, yellow indicates normal levels, and red
indicates high levels and the onset of overload. Level meters appear
in white when the on-screen display is not configured for a blue­screen background.

2-35

3

Setup

Setup..........................................................................................3-2

Input Setup.................................................................................3-4

Changing Input Names........................................................................... ..3-5

Assigning Audio and Video Input Connectors ...........................................3-7

Selecting Preferred Listening Modes........................................................3-12

Configuring Advanced Input Settings......................................................3-17

INPUT SELECT Parameter Settings........................................................... 3-19

ZONE2 in Parameter Settings..................................................................3-22

Speaker Setup...........................................................................3-25

Setting Crossover Points.......................................................................... 3-25

Speaker Setup Parameters.......................................................................3-29

Automatic Calibration.............................................................................3-36

Manual Calibration................................................................................. 3-53

I/O Config.................................................................................3-60

Display Setup............................................................................3-63

On-Screen Display Setup ........................................................................ 3-64

Front-panel Display Setup....................................................................... 3-66

Volume Control Setup...............................................................3-68

Trigger Setup............................................................................3-70

Tuner Setup..............................................................................3-72

Tuner Region Band Limit And Increments...............................................3-73

Lock Options.............................................................................3-79

LIVE! CALIBRATION...................................................................3-80

Setup Lexicon

SETUP

Selecting SETUP from the MAIN MENU opens the SETUP menu.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

INPUTS

SETUP INPUTS

Prompts the selection of a desired input (e.g., DVD1) and opens the
corresponding INPUT SETUP menu, which is used to change input
names, assign audio and video input connectors, select preferred
listening modes and configure Main Zone and Zone 2 input settings.
See “INPUT SETUP” on page 3-4 for more information.

SPEAKERS

SPEAKERSSETUP

I/O CONFIG

I/O CONFIGSETUP

Opens the I/O CONFIG menu, which is used to configure the analog
audio input connectors as eight stereo conn ectors, one 5.1 -channel
and five stereo connectors, or two stereo and two 5.1-channel
connectors. It can also be used to configure the amplifier outputs.
See “I/O CONFIGURATION” 3-60 for more information.

DISPLAYS

DISPLAYSSETUP

Opens the DISPLAY SETUP menu, which is used to customize the on­screen and front-panel displays, restore audio/video synchronization,
and create and activate a custom unit name. See “DISPLAY SETUP”
on page 3-63 for more information.

VOLUME CONTROLS

VOLUME CONTROLSSETUP

Opens the VOLUME CONTROL SETUP menu, which is used to configure
Main Zone, Mute, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Headphone volume levels. See
“VOLUME CONTROL SETUP” on page 3-68 for more information.

Opens the SPEAKER SETUP menu, which is used to configure the
Main Zone audio output connectors for the desired speaker setup,
set speaker distances and calibrate output levels. See “SPEAKER
SETUP” on page 3-25 for more information.

3-2

TRIGGER

TRIGGERSETUP

Opens the TRIGGER SETUP menu, which is used to configure the
trigger output connector labeled 1. See ”TRIGGER SETUP” on page
3-70 for more information.

RV-8 Setup

TUNER SETUP

TUNER SETUPSETUP

Opens the TUNER SETUP menu, which is used to configure the AM/
FM tuner. See “TUNER SETUP” on page 3-72 for more information.

LOCK OPTIONS

LOCK OPTIONSSETUP

Opens the LOCK OPTIONS menu, which is used to protect MODE
ADJUST, AUDIO CONTROLS and SETUP menu branch settings from
accidental changes. For more information, see “Lock Options” on
page 3-79.

LIVE! CALIBRATION

LIVE! CALIBRATIONSETUP

Opens the LIVE! CALIBRATION menu, which is used to perform the
necessary calibration before using the LIVE! modes. See “LIVE!
CALIBRATION” on page 3-80 for more information.

POWER MANAGEMENT ON, OFF

POWER MANAGEMENTSETUP

Opens the POWER MANAGEMENT menu, which is used to automat­ically put the RV-8 into standby mode during brownouts.

When set to ON, the RV -8 detects low voltage levels or a momentary
loss of power and puts the device in standby mode. In the event of a
power brown out, the RV-8 will display a BROWN OUT!! PRESS
STANDBY message. To turn the unit back on, use the front panel
STANDYBY button.

When set to OFF, the RV-8 will attempt to function during a
momentary power loss, however software settings may become
corrupt and need to be reset.

When the RV-8 is in standby mode, pressing the button turns the
unit on and activates all zones that were active in the previous
operating session.

3-3

Setup Lexicon

INPUT SETUP

INPUTSSETUP (INPUT)

INPUT SETUP

Selecting the SETUP menu INPUTS option prompts the selection of a desired input (e.g., DVD1). Selecting an input opens the corresponding
INPUT SETUP menu, which is used to change the input name, assign audio and video input connectors, select preferred listening modes and
configure advanced Main Zone and Zone 2 input settings.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

The DVD1 INPUT SETUP menu is shown here as an example, and will continue to be shown as an example throughout this section. Whenever it appears, any other INPUT SETUP
menu can be substituted. Likewise, whenever the DVD1 input appears as a step in a me nu path, any other input can be substitut ed.

INPUT SETUP
DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR
TV
CD

TUNER

PHONO

DVD1 INPUT SETUP
NAME

DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH
D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

DVD1

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

1

All INPUT SETUP menus are shown in the Appendix on page A-6. The parameters on the left side of the INPUT SETUP menus are identical,
regardless of which input is selected. The parameter settings on the right side are adjustable. Default parameter settings differ from input to input.
The INPUT SETUP menus shown in the Appendix indicate factory-default parameter settings for each input.

3-4

RV-8 Setup

CHANGING INPUT NAMES

Selecting the INPUT SETUP menu NAME parameter opens the INPUT NAME menu, which is used to customize or restore the factory-default name
of the selected input. Factory-default input names correspond to front-panel and remote-control input selection button labels.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

INPUT SETUP
DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR
TV
CD

TUNER

PHONO

EDIT INPUT NAME

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 NAME EDIT INPUT NAME

Opens the EDIT INPUT NAME drop-down menu, which is used to
customize the name of the selected input. Custom input names can
include up to eight characters.

To customize the name of the selected input:

1. Follow the EDIT INPUT NAME menu path to open the EDIT INPUT
NAME drop-down menu.

2. When the EDIT INPUT NAME menu opens, the current input
name appears on the second line. Using the remote-control 
and  arrow buttons, change the character above the cursor (^).

3. When the desired character has been changed, press the  arrow
button to advance to the next character space. The cursor will

DVD1 INPUT SETUP

NAME
DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH
D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

DVD1

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

DVD1 INPUT NAME

EDIT INPUT NAME

RESTORE DEFAULT NAME

1

EDIT INPUT NAME
DVD1

>

BUTTONS TO EDIT
UP TO 8 CHARACTERS
BUTTON TO ADVANCE

automatically wrap to the first character space when the last
character space is passed.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to enter all characters in the new name.

5. When the desired input name has been entered, press the  arrow
button to close the menu and return to the INPUT NAME menu.

The custom input name appears in the on-screen and front-panel
displays. Both the custom and factory-default input names appear in
the INPUT SETUP menu. The custom input name appears against the
left margin of the on-screen display, and the factory-default input
name appears in parentheses against the right margin.

3-5

Setup Lexicon

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

INPUT SETUP
DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR

TV

CD

TUNER

PHONO

RESTORE DEFAULT NAME

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

NAME

Restores the factory-default name of th e selected input. Factory­default input names correspond to front-panel and remote-control
input selection button labels.

To restore the factory-default name of the selected input:

1. Follow the RESTORE DEFAULT NAME menu path to open the
INPUT NAME menu.

2. When the INPUT NAME menu opens, press the remote control 
and  arrow buttons to highlight the RESTORE DEFAULT NAME
option.

RESTORE DEFAULT NAME

DVD1 INPUT SETUP
NAME

DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH
D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

DVD1

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

DVD1 INPUT NAME
EDIT INPUT NAME

RESTORE DEFAULT NAME

1

PRESS MENU V TO
RESTORE INPUT N AME

3. When the RESTORE DEFAULT NAME option is highlighted, press
the  arrow button to select this option. The message “PRESS
MENU V TO RESTORE INPUT NAME” appears in the on-screen
and front-panel displays.

4. When this message appears, press the  arrow button to restore
the factory-default name of the selected input and close the
message. (Press the  arrow button to close the message
without restoring the factory-default name of the selected input.)

3-6

RV-8 Setup

ASSIGNING AUDIO and VIDEO INPUT CONNECTORS

The RV-8 has eight configurable inputs, each of which can be assigned to its eight digital audio, eight analog audio, the built-in tuner, the phono
input, five composite video, five S-Video or three component video input connectors.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

INPUT SETUP
DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR
TV
CD

TUNER

PHONO

The table below indicates the INPUT SETUP menu parameters that
can be used to assign audio and video input connectors. The ANLG
IN LVL parameter can be used to adjust 2-channel analog audio input
levels for the selected input.

Parameter Possible Settings

DIGITAL IN COAX-1 to 4, OPTICAL-1 to 4, NONE
ANALOG IN ANALOG-1 to 8, 5.1 ANLG (3-5) or (6-8), PHONO,

TUNER, NONE, LIVE!
ANLG IN LVL AUTO, –18dB to +12dB
VIDEO IN COMPOSITE-1 to 5, S-VIDEO-1 to 5, NONE
COMPONENT INCOMPONENT-1 to 3, VIDEO, NONE

Note:

The digital audio input connectors are compatible with PCM (44.1, 48,

88.2 and 96kHz), Dolby Digital and DTS (-ES) sources. The digital audio
input connectors are not compatible with MPEG or MP3 so urces.

DVD1 INPUT SETUP
NAME

DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH
D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

DVD1

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

1

DVD1 DIGITAL IN
COAX-1

COAX-2
COAX-3
COAX-4
OPTICAL-1
OPTICAL-2
OPTICAL-3
OPTICAL-4
NONE

DIGITAL IN COAX-1 TO 4, OPTICAL-1 TO 4, NONE

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

Opens the DIGITAL IN menu, which is used to assign a digital audio
input connector for the selected input. The RV-8 has eight config­urable inputs, each of which can be assigned to any of its eight digital
audio input connectors.

Please note the following:

• When no digital audio input connector is assigned, the RV-8 will
automatically set the MAIN ADV menu INPUT SELECT
parameter to ANALOG (see page 3-17).

• A digital audio input connector must be assigned when no
analog audio input connector is assigned. Refer to the next page
for information about assigning an analog audio input
connector.

DIGITAL IN

3-7

Setup Lexicon

ASSIGNING AUDIO and VIDEO INPUT CONNECTORS (continued)

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

INPUT SETUP
DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR

TV

CD

TUNER

PHONO

DVD1 INPUT SETUP

NAME
DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH
D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

DVD1

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

1

DVD1 ANALOG IN

ANALOG-1
ANALOG-2
ANALOG-3
ANALOG-4
ANALOG-5
ANALOG-6
ANALOG-7
ANALOG-8
PHONO
TUNER
NONE
LIVE!

A

DVD1 ANALOG IN
ANALOG-1

ANALOG-2
ANALOG-3
ANALOG-4
ANALOG-5

5.1 ANLG (6-8)
PHONO
TUNER
NONE
LIVE!

B

DVD1 ANALOG IN

ANALOG-1
ANALOG-2

5.1 ANLG (3-5)

5.1 ANLG (6-8)
PHONO
TUNER
NONE
LIVE!

C

ANALOG IN ANALOG-1 to 8, 5.1 ANLG (3-5) or (6-8), PHONO, TUNER, NONE, LIVE!

SETUP

INPUTS

Opens the ANALOG IN menu, which is used to assign an analog
audio input connector for the selected input. The RV-8 has eight
configurable inputs, each of which can be assigned to any of its eight
analog audio input connectors.

The appearance of the ANALOG IN menu depends on the configu­ration of the analog audio input connectors.

• The ANALOG IN menu (A above) appears when the I/O CONFIG
menu 8 STEREO INPUTS option is selected (see page 3-60).

• The ANALOG IN menu (B above) appears when the I/O CONFIG
menu 5 ST. & 5.1 ANLG option is selected (see page 3-61).

• The ANALOG IN menu (C above) appears when the I/O
CONFIG menu 2 ST. & (2) 5.1 ANLG option is selected (see
page 3-61).

DVD1 ANALOG IN

Please note the following:

• When no analog audio input connector is assigned, the RV-8
automatically sets the MAIN ADV menu INPUT SELECT
parameter to DIGITAL (see page 3-17).

• An analog audio input connector must be assigned whe n no
digital audio input connector is assigned. Refer to the previous
page for information about assigning a digital audio input
connector.

• The PHONO input corresponds to the built-in phono
connector.

• The TUNER input corresponds with the internal AM/FM radio
tuner.

• LIVE! cannot be selected until LIVE! CALIBRATION is run. When
the ANALOG IN selection is LIVE!, the digit al input selecti on is
disabled for this input until a different analog input is selected.

3-8

RV-8 Setup

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

INPUT SETUP

DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR
TV
CD

TUNER

PHONO

ANLG IN LVL AUTO, –18dB to +12dB

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 ANLG IN LVL

Opens the ANLG IN LVL menu, which is used to adjust the 2-channel
analog audio input levels for the selected input. Despite attempts at
standardization, analog audio sources have a wide range of levels. To
compensate for this, the RV-8 allows independent input level
adjustment for each of its stereo and multichannel analog audio
input connectors, phono input and the internal tuner. Input level
adjustment is not available when analog bypass is on.

DVD1 INPUT SETUP
NAME

DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH

D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

DVD1

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

DVD1 ANLG IN LVL
AUTO

MANUAL

AUTO GAIN

RL

1

dB

0

-6

-15

-30

-45

ON

+0.dB

+0.0dB

ON
OFF

-18 to +12dB

Note:
Adjustments made in the ANLG IN LVL menu are applied to the analog

audio input connector assigned for the selected input, these adjustments
are automatically applied to the new connector .

Parameter Possible Settings

AUTO ON, OFF
MANUAL –18 to +12dB
AUTO GAIN* –18 to +12dB

* This parameter cannot be adjusted.

3-9

Setup Lexicon

ASSIGNING AUDIO and VIDEO INPUT CONNECTORS (continued)

AUTO ON, OFF

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 ANLG IN LVL AUTO

Provides automatic adjustment of analog audio input levels. When
set to ON, the RV-8 automatically monitors and optimizes input
levels. When the input signal is too high, the RV-8 quickly decreases
input levels to avoid overload. W hen the i nput signal is too lo w, the
RV-8 slowly increases input levels to maximize signal-to-noise ratio
and dynamic range.

When OFF is selected, the RV-8 does not automatically monitor and
optimize analog audio input levels. Rather, input levels must be
adjusted with the MANUAL parameter (see below).

MANUAL –18dB to +12dB

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

ANLG IN LVL

Provides manual adjustment of analog audio input levels. When
manual adjustments are made, the RV-8 automatically sets the ANLG
IN LVL menu AUTO parameter to OFF, deactivating automatic input
level adjustment. Manual input level adjustments are retained when
the AUTO parameter is ON.

Note:

MANUAL

AUTO GAIN

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

ANLG IN LVL

Indicates the current amount of input level adjustment for the
selected analog audio input connector . When the ANLG IN L VL menu
AUTO parameter is ON, the AUTO GAIN parameter indicates the
amount of automatic input level adjustment. When the AUTO
parameter is OFF, the AUTO GAIN parameter indicates the amount of
manual input level adjustment. (In other words, the AUTO GAIN
parameter reflects the setting of the ANLG IN LVL menu MANUAL
parameter.)

When the AUTO parameter is ON, the AUTO GAIN parameter
continues to indicate the amount of manual input level adjustment
until automatic adjustments have been made.

AUTO GAIN

LEVEL METERS

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

Indicate fluctuating input levels for the selected input. Like the
STATUS menu level meters, ANLG IN LVL menu level meters indicate
input levels for both analog and digital audio sources. However,
ANLG IN LVL menu input level adjustments affect only analog audio
sources.

ANLG IN LVL

When the AUTO parameter is ON, the RV-8 will not make adjustments
that exceed the ANLG IN LVL menu MANUAL parameter setting.

3-10

Level meters appear in combinations of green, yellow and red when
the on-screen display is configured for a blue-screen background.
Green indicates low levels; yellow indicates normal levels; and red
indicates the onset of overload. Level meters appear in white when
the on-screen display is not configured for a blue-screen backgr ound.

RV-8 Setup

VIDEO IN COMPOSITE-1 TO 5, S-VIDEO-1 TO 5, NONE

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

Opens the VIDEO IN menu, which is used to assign a composite or
S-Video input connector for the selected input. The RV-8 has eight
configurable inputs, each of which can be assigned to any of its five
composite or five S-Video input connectors.

Note:

Composite video output conne ctors are available when a composite or
S-Video source is present.

S-Video output connectors are available when an S-Video source is
present.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

VIDEO IN

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

INPUT SETUP
DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR
TV
CD

TUNER

PHONO

COMPONENT IN COMPONENT-1 to 3, VIDEO, NONE

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

Opens the COMPONENT IN menu, which is used to assign a
component video input connector for the selected input. The RV-8
has eight configurable inputs, each of which can be assigned to any
of its three component video input connectors.

Alternatively, COMPONENT IN can be assigned to VIDEO. This will
cause the composite or S-Video signal selected for the VIDEO IN
parameter to be converted to component input. The NONE setting
shuts off the component output.

Note:

When the component is set to NONE, black and blue lines appear on the
screen if the monitor does not have auto-sense.

DVD1 INPUT SETUP

NAME
DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH
D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

DVD1

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

1

COMPONENT IN

DVD1 VIDEO IN
COMPOSITE-1

COMPOSITE-2
COMPOSITE-3
COMPOSITE-4
COMPOSITE-5
S-VIDEO-1
S-VIDEO-2
S-VIDEO-3
S-VIDEO-4
S-VIDEO-5
NONE

DVD1 COMPONENT IN
COMPONENT-1

COMPONENT-2
COMPONENT-3
VIDEO
NONE

3-11

Setup Lexicon

SELECTING PREFERRED LISTENING MODES

Preferred listening modes can be pre-selected so that when a
particular type of input source is played, the pre-se lected listenin g
mode is activated.

The RV-8 allows five preferred listening modes for each Main Zone
input: one listening mode each for 2-channel, Dolby Digital,
DTS(-ES), 5.1a and MIC (LIVE!) sources. The table to the right
indicates the INPUT SETUP menu parameters that can be used to
select preferred listening modes.

Menus showing DVD1 parameters selected as preferred listening modes.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

DVD1 MODE

FILM
MUSIC

2-CHAN
HEADPHONE
USE LAST

DVD1 5.1a MODE

5.1a

5.1a

5.1a

5.1a STANDARD

5.1a 2-CHANNEL
HEADPHONE 5.1a
USE LAST

INPUT SETUP
DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR

TV

CD

TUNER

PHONO

FILM

MUSIC

Preferred Listening Mode Selection Parameters

2-CH Selects a preferred listening mode for 2-channel sources

Selects a preferred listening mode for Dolby Digital sources

D

Selects a preferred listening mode for DTS(-ES) sources

5.1a Selects a preferred listening mode for 5.1 analog sources
MIC

DVD1 INPUT SETUP

NAME
DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH
D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

DVD1 MIC MODE
LIVE! SMALL

LIVE! MED
LIVE! LARGE
USE LAST

Selects a preferred list ening mo de for micr ophone sour ces (LIVE! )

DVD1

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

1

DVD1 D MODE

FILM

5.1
TV

5.1
MUSIC

5.1

DIGITAL

5.1 2-CHANNEL

5.1 MONO LOGIC

5.1 MONO SURR

5.1 MONO

HEADPHONE 5.1
USE LAST

DVD1 2-CH MODE

FILM
TV
MUSIC
MUSIC SURR
PLII +
PLII MOVIE
PLII MUSIC

PL +

PRO LOGIC
NIGHTCLUB
CONCERT HALL
CHURCH
CATHEDRAL
PANORAMA
2-CH SURROUND
2-CHANNEL
MONO LOGIC
MONO SURROUND
MONO
HEADPHONE
USE LAST

3-12

RV-8 Setup

When a preferred listening mode is selected, that listening mode is
automatically activated whenever a new input is selected or an
appropri ate i npu t sou rce is pres ent. For example, the following can
occur when a preferred listening mode is activated (also refer to the
corresponding menus on 3-12):

If the DVD1 input is selected and a 2-channel source is played, the
L7 FILM listening mode is activated. If a Dolby Digital source is
played, the 5.1 L7 FILM listening mode is activated. If a DTS(-ES)
source is played, the DTS(-ES) L7 FILM listening mode is activated.

Dynamic modes

2-Channel Dolby Digital DTS

Dolby PLIIx + THX Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital EX DTS THX or DT S THX UL2Cin or DTS ES THX

Dolby PLIIx MOV THX or THX UL2Cin or THX SurEX DTS or DTS ES MATRIX or DTS ES DISCR

Dolby PLIIx MUS THX MUSIC DTS THX MUSIC

DTS NEO:6 + THX 5.1 PLIIx MOV DTS L7 FILM or DTS ES L7 FILM

DTS NEO:6 CIN 5.1 PLIIx MUS DTS L7 MUSIC or DTS ES L7 MUSIC

DTS NEO:6 MUSIC DTS 2-CHAN or DTS ES 2-CHAN

Modes that Do Not Appear in the Input Setup Menu

The RV-8 features the ability to assign preferred listening modes for
each input and incoming audio format. However, not all listening
modes will appear in the Input Setup Menu. Listening modes that do

Dynamic Listening Modes

Dynamic listening modes are only available under certain conditions.
For example, many of the dynamic modes are o nly available when
the RV-8 is configured for seven main output channe ls and source
material with specific encodin g is played. All Dynamic Listening
Modes are available through the remote control or front panel Mode

button. The dynamic listening modes are listed in the table below .

not appear in the Input Setup menu as preferred listening modes
under any circumstances are listed in the table below.

Modes that do not appear in the Input Setup menu

2-Channel Dolby Digital DTS

Dolby PLIIx + THX THX MUSIC DTS THX MUSIC

Dolby PLIIx MOV 5.1 PLIIx MOV 5.1 MONO LOGIC

Dolby PLIIx MUS 5.1 PLIIx MUS 5.1 MONO SURR

DTS NEO:6 + THX 5.1 MONO

DTS NEO:6 CIN

DTS NEO:6 MUSIC

3-13

Setup Lexicon

SELECTING PREFERRED LISTENING MODES (continued)

The Use Last Parameter

When the RV-8 is set to use a preferred listening mode for a selected
input, selecting another mode from the Mode scroll list replaces the
preferred selection. However, this newly selected mode will be lost
when switching between inputs.

The USE LAST parameter was designed to allow the RV-8 software to
“remember” the last used listening mode for a given input source.
Once selected, that mode will always be active on the corresponding
input until another listening mode is selected as demonstrated in the
following example:

1. Select

2. Press the MENU button.

3. Press the DVD-1 button.

4. Play a DTS input source.

5. Press the MODE + button until you reach DTS(-ES) 2-CHAN.

6. Press the TV button

7. Press the DVD-1 button.
The on-screen display should identify that the active liste ning mode

for the DVD1 input is still DTS(-ES) 2-CHAN. As the DTS(-ES)
2-CHAN mode is a preferred listening mode, it can also be set in
the SETUP menu.

Main MenuSETUPINPUTSDVD1

The RV-8 switches to the TV input and the on-screen display
identifies the preferred listening mode.



USE LAST

and a dynamic listening mode (or mode that does not appear in the
input setup menu) is active, the selected dynamic mode is lost when
switching between inputs.

When USE LAST is selected as the preferred listening mode, and a
dynamic listening mode (or mode that does not appear in the input
setup menu) is active, the selected listening mode is retained when
switching between inputs, even when the RV-8 is set to standby as in
the following example:

1. Select

2. Press the MENU button.

.

3. Press the DVD-1 button.

4. Play a 2-channel input source.

5. Press the MODE + button until you reach PLIIx MOV.

6. Press the TV button

7. Press the DVD-1 button.
The on-screen display should identify that the active listening mode

for the DVD1 input is still PLIIx MOV . This is the only method of
setting up a dynamic mode (or mode that does not appear in the
input setup menu) to behave like a preferred listening mode.

Main MenuSETUPINPUTSDVD1

PLIIx MOV is a dynamic listening mode.

The RV-8 switches to the TV input and the on-screen display
identifies the preferred listening mode.

2-CH

USE LAST

.

When seven speakers are selected in the SPEAKER SETUP menu, and
the appropriate source material is played, the dynamic listening
mode (or mode that does not appear in the input setup menu) can
always be accessed using the MODE + or MODE - buttons whether
or not a preferred mode is set. When a preferred listening mode is set

3-14

Note:

When a dynamic mode (or mode that does not appear in the input setup
menu) is set as in the above example, the setting is retained even when
the RV -8 is set to standby.

RV-8 Setup

2-CH

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

Opens the 2-CH MODE menu, which is used to select a preferred
listening mode for 2-channel input sources. The RV-8 activates the
selected listening mode whenever a 2-channel source is present.

When the 2-CH parameter is set to USE LAST:

The RV-8 activates the listening mode that was activated the last time
a 2-channel source was present

The remote control 2 CH button toggles between the 2-CHANNEL
listening mode and the previous listening mode, and ignores the USE
LAST setting. Instead, it uses the listening mode (for example, L7
FILM) that was activated before the 2-CHANNEL listening mode.

The RV-8 activates a DTS NEO:6 listening mode if a DTS NEO:6
listening mode was activated the last time a 2-channel source was
present, and a 44.1kHz or 48kHz PCM digital source is present. Since
the DTS NEO:6 listening modes are dynamic, they cannot be
selected as the preferred listening mode for 2-channel sources.

2-CH

DOLBY D

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

Opens the DOLBY DIGITAL MODE menu, which is used to select a
preferred listening mode for Dolby Digital input sources. The RV-8
activates the selected listening mode whenever a new input is
selected or a new Dolby Digital source is present.

When the DOLBY D parameter is set to USE LAST:

The RV-8 activates the listening mode that was activated t he last time
a Dolby Digital source was present

The RV-8 activates the Dolby PLIIx MOV (Movie) listening mode if
this listening mode was activated the last time a Dolby Digital source
was present. Since Dolby PLIIx MOV is a dynamic liste ning mode, it
cannot be selected as the preferred listening mode for Dolby Digital
sources.

D

3-15

Setup Lexicon

SELECTING PREFERRED LISTENING MODES (continued)

5.1a

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

Opens the DTS(-ES) MODE menu, which is used to select a preferred
listening mode for DTS(-ES) input sources. The RV-8 automatically
activates the selected listening mode whenever a new input is selected or
a new DTS(-ES) source is present.

When the DTS-ES parameter is set to USE LAST:

• The RV-8 activates the listening mode that was activated the
last time a DTS(-ES) source was present

• The RV-8 activates the DTS THX MUSIC listening mode if it was
activated the last time a DTS(-ES) source was present. Since
DTS THX MUSIC is a dynamic listening mode, it cannot be
selected as the preferred listening mode for DTS(-ES) sources.

MIC

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

Opens the MIC MODE menu, which is used to select a preferred
listening mode for the LIVE! source. The RV-8 automatically activates
the preferred listening mode when a LIVE! input is selected.

MIC

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

5.1a

Opens the 5.1a MODE menu, which is used to select a preferred
listening mode for 5.1-channel analog sources. The RV -8 automatically
activates the preferred listening mode whenever a 5.1-channel analog
source is present.

When the 5.1a parameter is set to USE LAST:

The RV-8 activates the 5.1-channel analog listening mode that was
activated the last time a 5.1-channel analog source was present. 5.1a
MUSIC cannot be selected as the preferred listening mode for 5.1­channel analog sources. However, when the 5.1a parameter is set to
USE LAST, the RV-8 will activate 5.1a MUSIC if this listening mode
was activated the last time a 5.1-channel analog source was present.

When the MIC parameter is set to USE LAST:

The RV-8 activates the listening mode (LIVE! SMALL, LIVE! MED or
LIVE! LARGE) that was activated the last time a MIC source was
present.

3-16

RV-8 Setup

CONFIGURING ADVANCED INPUT SETTINGS

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

INPUT SETUP
DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR
TV
CD

TUNER

PHONO

MAIN ADVANCED

INPUTSSETUP

Selecting the INPUT SETUP menu MAIN ADVANCED option opens
the MAIN ADV menu shown above. The parameters on the left side
of this menu are identical, regardless of which input is s elected. The
settings on the right side are adjustable. Default parameter settings

differ from input to input.

Parameter Possible Settings

INPUT SELECT DIGITAL, ANALOG, AUTO
ANLOG BYP ASS ON, OFF
S-VIDEO 16:9 AUTO, OFF
S-VIDEO OSD 4:3 ON, OFF
COMPONENT OSD ON, OFF
LEGACY VIDEO A, B
FORMAT DETECT NORMAL, FAST

DVD1 MAIN ADVANCED

DVD1 INPUT SETUP
NAME

DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH

D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

DVD1

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

DVD1 MAIN ADV
INPUT SELECT

ANALOG BYPASS
S-VIDEO 16:9
S-VIDEO OSD 4:3
COMPONENT OSD

1

LEGACY VIDEO
FORMAT DETECT

DIGITAL

DIGITAL

OFF

AUTO

ON

OFF

A

FAST

ANGL
DMIX

DIGITAL
ANALOG

AUTO

AUTO

OFF

ON
OFF

A
B

NORMAL

FAST

INPUT SELECT DIGITAL, ANALOG, AUTO

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 MAIN ADVANCED INPUT SELECT

Controls the interaction of the digital and analog audio input
connectors assigned to the current Main Zone input. The INPUT
SETUP menu is used to assign one digital and one analog audio input
connector for the selected input. The table on page 3-19 describes
INPUT SELECT parameter settings.

Note:

When the INPUT SELECT parameter is set to AUTO, the RV-8 will not select
the assigned analog audio input connector when a valid digital audio
input source is present. Some DVD and CD players output digital signals
(data) when the player is paused or stopped or when the player is
powered on and the disc drawer is empty. When this occurs, the RV-8
automatically selects the assigned digital audio input connector.

3-17

Setup Lexicon

CONFIGURING ADVANCE INPUT SETTINGS (continued)
ANALOG BYPASS ON, OFF

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 MAIN ADVANCED ANALOG BYPASS

When set to ON, the RV-8 passes the ana log input signal to the Main
Zone audio output connectors. For stereo analog sources, the input is
sent to the FRONT L/R outputs. For a 5.1-channel analog source, the
(L) input is sent to the FRONT L output. The (R) input is sent to the
FRONT R output. The (C) input is sent to the center output. The
(SUB) input is sent to the SUB output. The (LS) input is sent to the
SIDE L and REAR L outputs. The (RS) input is sent to the SI DE R and
REAR R outputs. When ANALOG BYPASS is set to OFF, the unit routes
the analog input signal through A/D conversion. This makes it
possible to utilize internal processing, including listening modes,
crossovers and equalization. Neither Zone 2 nor Zone 3 provide
multichannel outputs. If the 5.1-channel analog input is selected for
Zone 2 or Zone 3, only the front left and right (L)/(R) inputs will be
available.

When LIVE! is the selected analog input, the MAIN ADVANCED 
INPUT SELECT parameter is forced to ANALOG, and ANALOG
BYPASS is disabled.

Note:
If the Main Zone source is 5.1 analog, only the Front L/R channels will be

sent to the Zone 2 S/PDIF outputs.

S-VIDEO 16:9 AUTO, OFF

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 MAIN ADVANCED S-VIDEO 16:9

Controls the passage of anamorphic trigger signals present in some
video sources. When set to AUTO, the RV-8 allows anamorphic video
input signals to pass through the S-Video switcher, enabling
compatible display devices to automatically switch between
anamorphic and non-anamorphic display modes.

When OFF, the RV-8 prevents anamorphic video input signals from
passing through the S-Video switcher, preventing compatible
display devices from automatically switching between anamorphic
and non-anamorphic display modes.

3-18

RV-8 Setup

INPUT SELECT PARAMETER SETTINGS

DIGITAL ANALOG AUTO

The RV-8 sends the assigned digital audio
input connector to the Main Zone audio
output connectors. The RV-8 ignores the
assigned analog audio input connector.

Note the following:

• The digital audio input connectors
are compatible with PCM (44.1, 48,

88.2 and 96kHz), Dolby Digital and
DTS(-ES) sources.

• The digital audio input connectors
are not compatible with MPEG or
MP3 sources. If an incompatible
digital audio source (e.g., MPEG or
MP3) is present, the RV-8 automati­cally selects the assigned analog
audio input connector.

• The RV-8 automatically sets the
INPUT SELECT parameter to DIGITA L
when the ANALOG IN parameter is
set to NONE.

• If ANALOG IN is set to NONE, the
RV-8 will mute.

•

The DIGITAL IN parameter can be

used to assign a digital audio input
connector for the selected input.

The RV-8 sends the assigne d analog audio input
connector to the Main Zone audio output
connectors. The RV-8 ignores the digital audio
input connector.

Note the following:

• The RV-8 automatically sets the INPUT
SELECT parameter to ANALOG when the
DIGITAL IN parameter is set to NONE.

• The ANALOG IN parameter can be used to
assign an analog audio input connector
for the selected input.

The RV-8 toggles between sending the assigned
digital and analog audio input connectors to the
Main Zone audio output connectors, based on the
input source that is present.

For example:

• When a 2-channel PCM, Dolby Digital or
DTS(-ES) source is present, the RV-8
automatically selects the assigned digital
audio input connector.

•When an SACD

TM

source is present, the RV­8 automatically selects the assigned analog
audio input connector.

Note the following:

• The RV-8 automatically sets the INPUT SELECT
parameter to AUTO when both digital and
analog audio input connectors are assigned.

• When no compatible digital source is
present, the RV-8 automatically selects the
assigned analog audio input connector.

• The AUTO setting is recommended for
components that generate both digital and
analog input signals, such as DVD/SACD
players.

3-19

Setup Lexicon

CONFIGURING ADVANCE INPUT SETTINGS (continued)
S-VIDEO OSD 4:3 ON, OFF

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

MAIN ADVANCED

Controls the appearance of the on-screen displa y when the d isplay
device is connected to an S-Video output connector. When set to
ON, the display device shows the on-screen display in a 4:3 aspect
ratio, regardless of the incoming signal.

Aspect ratio refers to the ratio between the height and width of the
picture on the display device or to the ratio between the height and
width of the display device. A 4:3 aspect ratio is almost square. A
16:9 aspect ratio, often referred to as “widescreen,” is almost twice as
wide as it is high.

When OFF, the display device shows the on-screen display in the
same aspect ratio as the incoming video input signal.

Note:

The on-screen display appears horizontally stretched across the display
device screen when all of the following conditions are present:

• The S-VIDEO OSD 4:3 parameter is OFF.

• An anamorphic video input signal is present.

• A 16:9 display device (widescreen) is connected to an S-Video
output connector.

S-VIDEO OSD 4-3

COMPONENT OSD ON, OFF

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

MAIN ADVANCED

Controls the appearance of the on-screen display when th e display
device is connected to the component video output connector.
When ON, the display device show s the on-s creen display as a 480i
video signal on a full blue-screen background. To minimize viewing
distractions, the two-line status does not appear in the on-screen
display. When OFF, the display device does not show the on-screen
display, including the two-line status.

Note:

When the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY menu BACKGROUND parameter is OFF,
the display device using the component video output connector will not
show the on-screen display.

COMPONENT OSD

3-20

RV-8 Setup

LEGACY VIDEO A, B

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

MAIN ADVANCED

When video played back from a VCR is converted to component
video by the RV-8, the resulting picture quality depends on both the
quality of the VCR playback and the capabilities of the component
display device. The LEGACY VIDEO menu item has two selections, A
and B. Use the one that gives the best picture for the Combination of
the VCR and display device.

Note:

Some combinations of VCR and display device may not produce a
satisfactory picture with either setting. In such cases, better results may be
achieved by connecting to the display device via composit e or S-vide o.

LEGACY VIDEO

FORMA T DETECT NORMAL, FAST

INPUTSSETUP

DVD1

MAIN ADVANCED

Controls how the RV-8 reacts when it detects silence in the digital
audio stream. Digital sources typically output a short period of silence
when switching between sources.

When set to NORMAL, the RV-8 will not mute when silence is
detected. This setting is appropriate for most sources.

FORMAT DETECT

ZONE2 IN DIGITAL, ANLG, DMIX

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 ZONE2 IN

Controls the interaction of the digital and analog audio input
connectors assigned to the current Zone 2 inputs. The INPUT SETUP
menu can be used to assign one digital and one analog input
connector for the selected input. See page 3-7 for more information.
The table on the next page describes ZONE2 IN parameter settings.

Note

When using DTS-encoded discs, set the ZONE2 IN parameter to DMIX.

When the ZONE2 IN parameter is set to DIGITAL, the unit recognizes
DTS-encoded discs as audio signals (not data signals) and outputs
loud digital noise from the ZONE2 analog and digital audio outputs.
For maximum flexibility with Dolby Digital and DTS (-ES) sources:

1. Select a Main Zone DIGITAL IN connector .

2. Set the ZONE2 IN parameter to ANLG.

3. Connect the digital and analog outputs on the DVD player t o the
corresponding digital and analog inputs on the RV -8.

The unit will use the digital connector for the Main Zone, and the
analog connectors for Zone 2.

When set to FAST, the RV-8 will mute when approximately 2ms of
continuous digital silence is detected. Once valid audio is received,
the RV-8 will configure its processing and deac tivate mute. This
prevents digital noise from occurring during digital audio signal
changes. For example, when switching from Dolby Digital to DTS.
Use this setting if audible noise occurs during input digital format
changes.

3-21

Setup Lexicon

ZONE2 IN PARAMETER SETTINGS

DIGITAL ANLG (Analog) DMIX (Downmix)

• The RV-8 automatically sets
the ZONE2 IN parameter to
DIGITAL when the ANALOG
IN parameter is set to NONE.

• The RV-8 sends the assigned
DIGITAL IN connector
specified in the INPUT SETUP
menu to the ZONE 2
ANALOG and DIGITAL AUDIO
OUTPUTS.

• Only PCM digital input
sources are compatible with
ZONE 2 analog audio
outputs. Dolby Digital and
DTS sources are compatible
with the Zone 2 digital audio
output when the DIG BYPASS
parameter is set to ON.

• Audio will not be available in
Zone 2 analog outputs when
a Dolby Digital, DTS (-ES) or
unknown digital input source
is present.

• The ANALOG IN connector
specified in the INPUT SETUP
menu is sent to the ZONE 2
ANALOG and DIGITAL AUDIO
OUTPUTS.

• Only Front L/R Audio will be
available in Zone 2 when one
of the 5.1 analog inputs is
selected for the Main Zone.

• Set the ZONE2 IN parameter to DMIX to send a downmixe d
version of Main Zone audio to the Zone 2 audio output
connectors. Downmixes can be generated for Dolby Digital,
DTS(-ES) and 5.1a sources.

• To generate a downmix, the same input must be selected in
the Main Zone and Zone 2. Otherwise, the Zone 2 audio
output connectors will mute.

• Main Zone listening mode activation affects the Zone 2 audio
output connectors. For instance, when the MONO listening
mode is activated in the Main Zone, the Zone 2 audio output
connectors will generate mono output signals.

• It is recommended that y ou set the ZONE2 IN parameter to
DMIX when recording from a DVD player without built-in
Dolby Digital or DTS-ES decoding to a VCR or PVR (e.g. Tivo
or Replay TV®).

• A 2-channel downmixed version of Main Zone audio is sent to
the ZONE 2 ANALOG and DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUTS.
Downmixes can be generated for Dolby Digital, DTS(-ES) and

5.1 analog input sources. To generate a downmix, the input
that is selected in Zone 2 must also be selected in the Main
Zone (e.g., DVD1). Otherwise, the ZONE 2 ANALOG and
DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUTS will mute. Downmixes cannot be
generated when the 5.1a BYPASS listening mode is selected in
the Main Zone.

®

3-22

RV-8 Setup

ZONE2 ADVANCED

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 ZONE2 ADVANCED

Opens the ZONE2 IN menu, which is used to configure advanced

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

INPUT SETUP
DVD1

DVD2
SAT
VCR

TV

CD

TUNER

PHONO

Parameter Possible Settings

ANLG IN LVL -18dB to + 12dB
DIGITAL BYPASS ON, OFF
DIG OUT RATE 96kHz, 88.2kHz, 48kHz, 44.1kHz
RECORD BLOCKED, ENABLED

DVD1 INPUT SETUP

NAME
DIGITAL IN
ANALOG IN
ANLG IN LVL
VIDEO IN
COMPONENT IN
2-CH
D

5.1a
MIC
MAIN ADVANCED
ZONE2 IN DIGITAL
ZONE2 ADVANCED

COAX-1

S-VIDEO-1

5.1 FILM

5.1a
LIVE! MED

DVD1

NONE
AUTO

FILM

FILM
FILM

1

DVD1 ZONE2 ADVANCED
ANLG IN LVL

DIGITAL BYPASS
DIG OUT RATE
RECORD

44.1kHz

ENABLED

+0dB

OFF

ANLG IN LVL -18 to +12dB

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 ZONE2 ADVANCED

Allows adjustment of analog audio input levels for input signals sent
to the Zone 2 digital audio output connectors. The RV-8 applies these
adjustments to input signals before passing them to the Zone 2
digital audio output connectors. This parameter can be adjusted
when an input source is present to prevent the internal A/D converter
from overloading.

ANLG IN LVL

3-23

Setup Lexicon

DIGITAL BYPASS ON, OFF

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 ZONE2 ADVANCED

Allows digital sources to bypass decoding for direct digital recording.
When ON is selected, the RV-8 passes digital input signals directly to
the Zone 2 digital audio output connectors, preserving the original
format of the input signal. This would be useful if you want to send a
multichannel-encoded signal to a second device for decoding. When
OFF is selected and the ZONE2 IN parameter is set to DIGITAL, Dolby
Digital and DTS sources will not be passed to the Zone 2 digital audio
outputs. When OFF is selected and a PCM source is present, the RV-8
will send the PCM audio to the Zone 2 digital audio output
connectors. If a Dolby Digital or DTS source is present and the
ZONE2 IN parameter is set to DMIX, a downmix of the source will be
sent to the Zone 2 digital audio output connector s.

DIGITAL BYPASS

DIG OUT RA TE 96kHz, 88.2kHz, 48kHz, 44.1kHz

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 ZONE2 ADVANCED

Controls the sample rate of analog input signals sent to the Zone 2
digital audio output connectors.

When a value is selected, the RV-8 runs the Zone 2 A/D converters at
the selected sample rate. It is recommended to set the DIG OUT RA TE
parameter to the appropriate value when using a recording format
that operates on a single sample rate, such as CD-R format (44.1kHz).

DIG OUT RATE

RECORD BLOCKED, ENABLED

INPUTSSETUP DVD1 ZONE2 ADVANCED

Prevents recording device feedback loops. When BLOCKED is
selected, the RV-8 blocks the Zone 2 audio output connectors to
prevent feedback loops. However, the RV-8 still passes video input
signals to the Zone 2 video output connectors. When ENABLED is
selected, the RV-8 passes audio and video input signals to the Zone 2
audio and video output connectors.

RECORD

Note:

DIG OUT RATE only affects analog input signals. It does not change the
sample rate of digital input signals, or downmixed signals.

3-24

RV-8 Setup

SPEAKER SETUP

SPEAKERSSETUP

Select the SPEAKER SETUP menu to configure the Main Zone audio output connectors for the desired speaker setup. The Main Zone includes eight
audio output connectors labeled Front L/R, Center, Subwoofer, Side L/R and Rear L/R.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

SETTING CROSSOVER POINTS

SPEAKERSSETUP

Selecting the SPEAKER SETUP menu SET CROSSOVERS option opens
the CROSSOVER SETUP menu, which is used to configure a custom
or THX setup.

SET CROSSOVERS

SPEAKER SETUP
SET CROSSOVERS

CHECK MICROPHONES
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL

SET CROSSOVERS

BEFORE CALIBRATING

CROSSOVER SETUP
CUSTOM SETUP

THX SETUP

R SR RR

80Hz

80Hz

C

80Hz

M

L SL RL

80Hz

SUB

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

Note:

It is important to set crossover points befo re calibrati ng outpu t levels or
LIVE!. Setting crossover points afterwards could invalidate calibrated out­put levels and will invalidate the LIVE! calibration.

3-25

Setup Lexicon

CUSTOM SPEAKER SETUPS

Selecting the CROSSOVER SETUP menu CUSTOM SETUP option opens the CUSTOM SETUP menu, which assigns independent crossover points for
each Main Zone audio output connector. Possible crossover settings include FULL, FULL + SUB, and 10Hz increments within a 30Hz to 120Hz
range. The graphs shown on the next page indicate the frequency response of each crossover point.

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGES
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

SPEAKER SETUP
SET CROSSOVERS

CHECK MICROPHONES
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL

BEFORE CALIBRATING

To configure a custom speaker setup:

• Select the crossover point closest to the low frequency rating of
the associated speakers. For example, set the FRONT L/R
parameter to the crossover point closest to the low-frequency
rating of the front speakers.

• Select the subwoofer crossover point equal to the lowest
crossover point of any of the other speakers. For example, if
CUSTOM SETUP menu parameters are set as shown above, set
the SUBWOOFER parameter to 40Hz – the lowest crossover
point of the other speakers.

SET CROSSOVERS

CROSSOVER SETUP
CUSTOM SETUP

THX SETUP

R SR RR

80Hz

C

80Hz

M

L SL RL

SUB

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

CUSTOM SETUP
FRONT L/R

CENTER
SIDE L/R
REAR L/R
SUBWOOFER
ULTRA2 SUB
BGC
ASA

40 Hz
60 Hz
60 Hz
60 Hz
40 Hz

OFF
N/A

APART

In a custom setup, low frequencies are generally redirected from
speakers with the highest crossover points to speakers with the
lowest crossover points. Signals lower than the lowest crossover point
are redirected to the subwoofer. If the lowest crossover point is FULL,
low-frequency signals, excluding LFE information, are not redirected
to the subwoofer.

Low frequencies between the Subwoofer and any or all of the other
speaker channels can be duplicated. T o do this, select the FULL + SUB
crossover setting for the front, center, side or rear speakers. Making
this selection can result in excessive bass.

3-26

RV-8 Setup

In general, low frequencies will be redirected from speakers with the highest crossover points to speakers with the lowest crossover points. Low­frequency signals lower than the lowest crossover point w ill be redirected to the subwoofer. If the lowest crossover point is FULL, low frequency
signals, excluding LFE information, will not be redirected to the subwoofer.

High-Pass Filter

Low-Pass Filter

High-pass filters attenuate low frequencies at 24dB per octave. The curves in the graph
above indicate the frequency response of each crossover setting. From left to right, the
curves represent crossover settings from 30Hz to 120Hz. The graph above does not
show the THX 80Hz crossover point, which is 12dB per octave.

Low-pass filters attenuate high frequencies at 24dB per octave. The curves in the graph
above indicate the frequency response of each crossover setting. From left to right, the
curves represent crossover settings from 30Hz to 120Hz.

3-27

Setup Lexicon

THX SPEAKER SETUPS

Selecting THX SETUP opens the THX SPEAKER SETUP screen, which indicates that pressing the arrow button will automatically configure the Main
Zone audio output connectors for a THX speaker setup. Use THX-certified speakers in a THX speaker setup.

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

SPEAKER SETUP
SET CROSSOVERS

CHECK MICROPHONES
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL

SET CROSSOVERS

BEFORE CALIBRATING

CROSSOVER SETUP
CUSTOM SETUP

THX SETUP

R SR RR

80Hz

C

80Hz

M

L SL RL

SUB

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

Selecting THX SETUP opens the THX SPEAKER SETUP screen, which
indicates that pressing the arrow button will automatically configure
the Main Zone audio output connectors for a THX speaker se tup. Us e
THX-certified speakers in a THX speaker setup.

When the THX SPEAKER SETUP screen opens:

•Press thearrow button to configure the Main Zone audio
output connectors for a THX speaker setup. The THX SETUP
menu will open on the in-screen display.

•Press thearrow button to close the message without config-
uring the Main Zone audio output connectors for a THX
speaker setup.

THX SPEAKER SETUP

!CAUTION!

PRESSING THE RIGHT

BUTTON WILL

AUTOMATICALLY CHANGE

THE OUTPUTS TO A THX

SPEAKER

CONFIGURATION

THX SETUP

FRONT L/R*
CENTER*
SIDE L/R*
REAR L/R
SUBWOOFER*
ULTRA2 SUB
BGC
ASA

* These parameters cannot be

adjusted.

THX 80 Hz
THX 80 Hz
THX 80 Hz
THX 80 Hz
THX 80 Hz

OFF

N/A

APART

CROSSOVER SETUP
CUSTOM SETUP

THX SETUP

R SR RR

80Hz

C

80Hz

M

L SL RL

SUB

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

When a THX speaker setup is selected, the RV-8 applies a THX 80Hz
crossover point with a 12dB-per-octave filter to the Front L/R, Center ,
Side L/R and Rear L/R output connectors. The RV-8 applies a THX
80Hz crossover point with a 24dB-per-octave filter to the Subwoofer
output connector.

Notes:

• A THX speaker setup is not required to activate THX listening
modes.

• In the THX SETUP menu, only the REAR L/R, THX ULTRA2 SUB,
BGC and ASA parameters can be changed.

3-28

RV-8 Setup

SPEAKER SETUP PARAMETERS

SPEAKERSSETUP CUSTOM SETUP

The table below indicates the speaker setup parameters for config­uring the Main Zone audio output connectors for the desired speaker
setup. These parameters are available in the CUSTOM SETUP and
THX SETUP menus.

or

SPEAKERSSETUP

SET CROSSOVERS

THX SETUPSET CROSSOVERS

Speaker setup parameters perform the same function regardless of
the selected speaker setup. When a parameter setting is adjusted on
one menu, the corresponding parameter setting is automatically
adjusted on the other menu. For example, when a THX speaker setup
is selected, the crossover settings on the CUSTOM SETUP menu are

set to THX 80Hz.

CUSTOM SETUP Menu THX SETUP Menu

Parameter

Default Setting Possible Settings Default Setting Possible Settings

FRONT L/R* 80Hz FULL, FULL + SUB, 30 to 120Hz, THX 80Hz THX 80Hz THX 80Hz
CENTER* 80Hz FULL, FULL + SUB, 30 to 120Hz, THX 80Hz, NONE THX 80 Hz THX 80Hz
SIDE L/R* 80Hz FULL, FULL + SUB, 30 to 120Hz, THX 80Hz, NONE THX 80Hz THX 80Hz
REAR L/R 80Hz FULL, FULL + SUB, 30 to 120Hz, THX 80Hz, NONE THX 80Hz THX 80Hz, NONE
SUBWOOFER* 80Hz FULL, 30 to 120Hz, THX 80Hz, NONE THX 80Hz THX 80Hz
THX ULTRA2 SUB OFF ON, OFF OFF ON, OFF
BGC N/A† ON, OFF N/A† ON, OFF
ASA APART APART, CLOSE, TOGETHER APART APART, CLOSE, TOGETHER

* These parameters cannot be adjusted on the THX SETUP menu.
† When the THX ULTRA2 SUB parameter is set to OFF, the BGC parameter is not available (N/A).

3-29

Setup Lexicon

SPEAKER SETUP PARAMETERS (continued)

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

SUBWOOFER
FULL

30Hz
40Hz
50Hz
60Hz
70Hz
80Hz
THX 80Hz
90Hz
100Hz
110Hz
120Hz
NONE

SPEAKER SETUP
SET CROSSOVERS

CHECK MICROPHONES
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL

SET CROSSOVERS

BEFORE CALIBRATING

REAR L/R SPEAKERS
FULL

FULL + SUB
30Hz
40Hz
50Hz
60Hz
70Hz
80Hz
THX 80Hz
90Hz
100Hz
110Hz
120Hz
NONE

CROSSOVER SETUP
CUSTOM SETUP

THX SETUP

CUSTOM SETUP
FRONT L/R

CENTER
SIDE L/R
REAR L/R
SUBWOOFER
ULTRA2 SUB
BGC
ASA

80Hz

M

SUB

R SR RR

80Hz

80Hz

C

80Hz

L SL RL

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

80Hz

SIDE L/R SPEAKERS FRONT L/R SPEAKERSCENTER SPEAKER
FULL

FULL + SUB
30Hz
40Hz
50Hz
60Hz
70Hz
80Hz
THX 80Hz
90Hz
100Hz
110Hz
120Hz
NONE

FULL
FULL + SUB
30Hz
40Hz
50Hz
60Hz
70Hz
80Hz
THX 80Hz
90Hz
100Hz
110Hz
120Hz
NONE

40Hz
60Hz
60Hz
60Hz
40Hz

OFF

N/A

APART

FULL
FULL + SUB
30Hz
40Hz
50Hz
60Hz
70Hz
80Hz
THX 80Hz
90Hz
100Hz
110Hz
120Hz

3-30

RV-8 Setup

FRONT L/R FULL, FULL + SUB, 30 to 120HZ, THX 80HZ

SPEAKERSSETUP CUSTOM SETUP FRONT L/RSET CROSSOVERS

Assigns a crossover point for the Main Zone audio output connectors
labeled Front L/R when a custom speaker setup is selected. Opens the
FRONT L/R SPEAKERS menu to select a crossover point for the Front
L/R output connectors.

•Select FULL to send a full-range signal to the front sp eakers.
Otherwise, select the crossover point closest to the low­frequency rating of the front speakers.

•Select FULL + SUB to send a full-range signal to the front
speakers and duplicate bass frequencies to the SUB output.
(The set crossover point of the SUB parameter determines the
upper range of duplicate bass.) Selecting the FULL + SUB
option can result in excessive bass.

SPEAKERSSETUP

When THX speaker setup is selected, a THX 80Hz crossover point is
applied to the Front L/R output connectors, and the FRONT L/R
parameter cannot be adjusted.

SET CROSSOVERS THX SETUP

CENTER FULL, FULL + SUB, 30 to 120HZ, THX 80HZ, NONE

SPEAKERSSETUP CUSTOM SETUP CENTERSET CROSSOVERS

Assigns a crossover point for the Main Zone audio output connector
labeled CENTER when a custom speaker setup is selected. Opens the
CENTER SPEAKER menu to select a crossover point for the CENTER
output connector.

• Select FULL to send a full-range signal to the center speaker.
Otherwise, select the crossover point closest to the low­frequency rating of the center speaker.

• Select FULL + SUB to send a full-range signal to the center
speaker and duplicate bass frequencies to the SUB output. (The
set crossover point of the SUB parameter determines the upper
range of duplicate bass.) Selecting the FULL + SUB option can
result in excessive bass.

• When th e speaker setup does not include a center speaker, sele ct
NONE to redirect center channel signals to the Front L/R output
connectors – unless the 5.1a BYPASS listening mode is activated. In
this case, configure the speaker setup with the associated DVD-A/
SACD player to redirect center channel signals.

SPEAKERSSETUP

SET CROSSOVERS THX SETUP

When THX speaker setup is selected, a THX 80Hz crossover point is
applied to the Center output connector, and the CENTER parameter
cannot be adjusted.

3-31

Setup Lexicon

SPEAKER SETUP PARAMETERS (continued)

SIDE L/R FULL, FULL + SUB, 30 to 120Hz, THX 80Hz, NONE

SPEAKERSSETUP CUSTOM SETUP SIDE L/RSET CROSSOVERS

Assigns a crossover point for the Main Zone audio output connectors
labeled SIDE L/R when a custom speaker setup is selected.

•Select FULL to send a full-range signal to the side speakers.
Otherwise, select the crossover point closest to the low­frequency rating of the side speakers.

•Select FULL + SUB to send a full-range signal to the side
speakers and duplicate bass frequencies to the SUB output.
(The set crossover point of the SUB parameter determines the
upper range of duplicate bass.) Selecting the FULL + SUB option
can result in excessive bass.

• When the speaker setup does not include side speakers, select
NONE to redirect side channel signals to the Rear L/R output
connectors. If the REAR L/R parameter is also set to NONE, the
RV-8 will redirect surround channel signals to the Front L/R
output connectors.

Note:

When the SIDE L/R parameter is set to NONE, Dolby Digital Su rround
EX, THX Ultra2, THX Surround EX, DTS(-ES) decoding, the ASA
parameter and PLIIx modes are not available.

REAR L/R FULL, FULL + SUB, 30 to 120Hz, THX 80Hz, NONE

SPEAKERSSETUP CUSTOM SETUP REAR L/RSET CROSSOVERS

Assigns a crossover point for the Main Zone audio output connectors
labeled REAR L/R when a custom speaker setup is selected.

• Select FULL to send a full-range signal to the rear speakers.
Otherwise, select the crossover point closest to the low­frequency rating of the rear speakers.

• Select FULL + SUB to send a full-range signal to the rear
speakers and duplicate bass frequencies to the SUB output.
(The set crossover point of the SUB parameter determines the
upper range of duplicate bass.) Selecting the FULL + SUB option
can result in excessive bass.

• When the speaker setup does not include rear speakers, select
to redirect rear channel signals to the Side L/R output connectors. If
the SIDE L/R parameter is also set to NONE, the RV-8 redirects
surround channel signals to the Front L/R output connectors.

Note:

When the REAR L/R parameter is set to NONE, Dolby Digital Surround EX,
THX Ultra2, THX Surround EX, PLIIx modes, DTS(-ES) decoding and the ASA
parameter are not available.

NONE

SPEAKERSSETUP

When THX speaker setup is selected, a THX 80Hz crossover point is
applied to the SIDE L/R output connectors, and the SIDE L/R
parameter cannot be adjusted.

3-32

SET CROSSOVERS THX SETUP

SPEAKERSSETUP THX SETUPSET CROSSOVERS

When THX speaker setup is selected, the THX REAR SPEAKERS menu opens
which is used to activate or deactivate the REAR L/R output connectors.

To activa te and configure the Rear L/R output connectors fo r a

7.1-channel THX speaker, setup select THX 80Hz. To deactivate the

Rear L/R output connectors and configure the Main Zone audio output
connectors for a 5.1-channel THX speaker setup, select NONE.

RV-8 Setup

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

SPEAKER SETUP
SET CROSSOVERS

CHECK MICROPHONES
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL

SET CROSSOVERS

BEFORE CALIBRATING

SUBWOOFER FULL, 30 TO 120 Hz, THX 80Hz, NONE

SPEAKERSSETUP THX SETUP SUBWOOFERSET CROSSOVERS

Assigns a crossover point for the Main Zone audio output connector
labeled Subwoofer. When set to FULL, the RV-8 sends a full-range
audio output signal to this connector . Otherwise, the RV-8 activates a
crossover point at the selected setting. Choose the setting equal to
the lowest setting of the other speakers.

CROSSOVER SETUP
CUSTOM SETUP

THX SETUP

R SR RR

40Hz

C

60Hz

M

L SL RL

SUB

40Hz

40Hz

CUSTOM SETUP

FRONT L/R
CENTER
SIDE L/R
REAR L/R
SUBWOOFER

60Hz

60Hz

60Hz

60Hz

ULTRA2 SUB
BGC
ASA

40Hz
60Hz
60Hz
60Hz
40Hz

OFF

N/A

APART

SUBWOOFER
FULL

30Hz
40Hz
50Hz
60Hz
70Hz
80Hz
THX 80Hz
90Hz
100Hz
110Hz
120Hz
NONE

Note:

When the SUBWOOFER parameter is set to NONE, subwoofer signals
will not be redirected if the 5.1a BYPASS listening mode is activated. To
redirect subwoofer signals, configure the speaker setup with the
associated DVD-A/SACD player.SETUP

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST
AUDIO CONTROLS
SETUP
SETUP
INPUTS

3-33

Setup Lexicon

SPEAKER SETUP PARAMETERS (continued)

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

THX SPEAKER SETUP

!CAUTION!

PRESSING THE

BUTTON WILL

AUTOMATICALLY CHANGE

THE OUTPUTS TO A THX

SPEAKER CONFIGURATION

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

THX SETUP

FRONT L/R*
CENTER*
SIDE L/R*
REAR L/R
SUBWOOFER*
ULTRA2 SUB
BGC
ASA

* These parameters cannot be

adjusted.

INPUTS
SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGERS
TUNER SETUP

LOCK OPTIONS

THX 80Hz
THX 80Hz
THX 80Hz
THX 80Hz
THX 80Hz

OFF

N/A

APART

SPEAKER SETUP
SET CROSSOVERS

CHECK MICROPHONES
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL

SET CROSSOVERS

BEFORE CALIBRATING

ON

OFF

APART
CLOSE

TOGETHER

CROSSOVER SETUP
CUSTOM SETUP

THX SETUP

R SR RR

40Hz

C

60Hz

M

L SL RL

SUB

40Hz

40Hz

60Hz

60Hz

CUSTOM SETUP

FRONT L/R
CENTER
SIDE L/R
REAR L/R
SUBWOOFER
ULTRA2 SUB
BGC
ASA

60Hz

60Hz

40 Hz
60 Hz
60 Hz
60 Hz
40 Hz

OFF

N/A

APART

THX ULTRA2 SUB ON, OFF

SPEAKERSSETUP CUSTOM SETUP

ULTRA2 SUB

or

SPEAKERSSETUP THX SETUP

ULTRA2 SUB

Indicates whether or not the subwoofer connected to the Main Zone
audio output connector labeled Subwoofer is Ultra2-certified. Select
the ON setting if the connected subwoofer is Ultra2-certified and the
OFF setting if the connected subwoofer is not Ultra2-certified. When

3-34

set to ON, the CUSTOM and THX SETUP menu BGC parameter can
be used to adjust boundary gain compensation. When set to OFF , the
BGC parameter is not available (N/A).

RV-8 Setup

BGC (BOUNDARY GAIN COMPENSATION) ON, OFF

SPEAKERSSETUP

SPEAKERSSETUP

CUSTOM SETUP
THX SETUP

Adjusts boundary gain compensation when the CUSTOM and THX
SETUP menu THX ULTRA2 SUB parameter is set to ON. When the
BGC parameter is set to ON, a highpass 55Hz filter is applied to all
audio output connectors for all Main Zone listening modes. When set
to OFF, no filter is applied to Main Zone listening modes and audio
output connectors. When the parameter setting is N/A, the THX
ULTRA2 SUB parameter is set to OFF, and boundary gain compen­sation cannot be adjusted.

Note:

BGC compensates for increased bass energy that is caused by the
proximity of the speakers to the listening room walls.

BGC

BGC

ASA (ADVANCED SPEAKER ARRAY) APART, CLOSE, TOGETHER

SPEAKERSSETUP

SPEAKERSSETUP

CUSTOM SETUP
THX SETUP

A proprietary THX technology that processes signals sent to the rear
speakers, optimizing the listening experience for THX Ultra2 listening
modes. To maximize the effectiveness of ASA processing, it is recom­mended that you configure a 7-channel speaker setup in which the
rear speakers are placed close together facing the center of the
listening space. The ASA parameter is not available unless the 5.1

THX ULTRA2, 5.1 THX MUSIC, DTS THX ULTRA2 or DTS THX
MUSIC listening mode is activated.

Select the TOGETHER setting if the distance between the rear
speakers is less than 1 foot (0.3m). Select the CLOSE setting if the
distance between the rear speakers is greater than 1 foot (0.3m), but
less than 4 feet (1.2m). Select the APART setting if the distance
between the rear speakers is greater than 4 feet (1.2m).

Note:

ASA processing is only available when both side and rear speakers are
present.

ASA

ASA

When the remote control 7/5 button is used to toggle between 7 and
5-channel playback:

• ASA processing is not available during 5-channel playback.

• The RV-8 automatically switches between the 5.1 THX ULTRA2

and 5.1 THX or DTS THX ULTR A2 and DTS THX listening modes.

3-35

Setup Lexicon

AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION

The RV-8 offe rs automatic calibrat ion of speaker distances, output level, or both. The table below indicates available automatic calibratio n options.

A successful microphone check is required before automatic calibration can be performed.

Automatic Options Details

MICROPHONE CHECK • Confirms that the microphones are properly connected and functioning.

• Calculates an average level for the microphones connected to the microphone input connectors,
allowing the RV-8 to compensate for individual microphone sensitivities during automatic calibration.

• Ensures that microphone levels are co nsistent, eliminating automatic calibration errors from individual
microphone levels.

DISTANCES & LEVELS • Activates automatic calibration of speaker distances and output levels.

• Offers accurate calibration with minimal interaction, automatically applying calibrated speaker distances
and output levels.

• Calibrates speaker distances within 0.5 foot (.15m) of the physical distance be tween the primary liste ning
position and the speaker.

• Calibrates individual speaker output levels within +/–0.5dB of each other and overall speaker output
levels within +/–3.0dB of THX reference levels (75dB).

DISTANCES • Activates automatic calibration of speaker distances.

• Provides a comparison between original and calibrated speaker distances, allowing selection of the
desired values.

• Calibrates speaker distances within 0.5 foot (.15m) of the physical distance be tween the primary liste ning
position and the speaker.

LEVELS • Activates automatic calibration of output levels.

• Provides a comparison between original and calibrated output levels, allowing selection of the desired
values.

• Calibrates individual speaker output levels within +/–0.5dB of each other and overall speaker output
levels within +/–3.0dB of THX reference levels (75dB).

3-36

RV-8 Setup

CONNECTING THE MICROPHONES

CAUTION!

• The microphones included in the Lexicon Microphone Kit
require careful handling. Dropping or otherwise physically
abusing the microphones might cause errors during use or
irreparable damage to the microphones.

• The microphone wires also require careful handling. Do not
sharply bend the wires or place objects on them.

• Never make or break microphone input connections unless
the RV-8 is powered off with the rear-panel power switch,
OR standby mode is activated with the front-panel or
remote control standby button.

Note the following:

• Automatic calibration requires the microphones included in the
Lexicon Microphone Kit, available at authorized Lexicon dealers.
Performing automatic calibration with microphones other than
those in the kit will produce unpredictable results.

• Proper microphone placement is essential to achieving the
desired automatic calibration results. Pay particular attention to
the microphone placement instructions and illustrations included
in this section.

• It is important to read and observe the care and handling
documentation included with the Lexicon Microphone Kit to
ensure optimal microphone performance.

To connect the microphones:

4. Make sure the RV-8 is powered off OR in standby mode.

5. Connect the microphones included in the Lexicon Microphone Kit
to the microphone input connectors on the RV-8 rear panel. Make
sure the microphone cable plug is fully inserted for a solid
connection.

During the microphone check, the microphones will be
referred to as 1 or 2, based on the input connector to which
the microphone is connected. You should label the micro­phones for troubleshooting purposes.

6. Power on the RV-8 or deactivate standby mode.

• If power is lost during automatic calibration of speaker levels or
speaker distances, previous settings may be lost and recali­bration of speaker levels and speaker distances is required.

3-37

Setup Lexicon

POSITIONING THE MICROPHONES FOR THE MICROPHONE CHECK

Refer to the microphone placement examples that begin below to position the microphones for the microphone check.

microphone positioning for the microphone check

During the microphone check, position
the microphones:

3 As close together as possible
3 Relatively centered between and equidistant from

the front left and right speakers

Rear

3 In a clear line-of-sight path with the speakers
3 In a location unobstructed by furniture and other

fixtures, where echoes will not obscure calibration
noise signals

Rear

Right

Left

Side

Left

3 At least 2 feet (0.61m) from all speakers and

walls, but within 30 feet (9.14m) of all speakers

The illustration to the right provides an example of
proper microphone placement during the microphone
check. All of the microphones are positioned as close
together as possible in an unobstructed location that is
equidistant from the front left and right speakers.

3-38

Microphone

Side

Right

Front
Right

Subwoofer

Center

Front

Left

RV-8 Setup

IMPROPER

During the microphone check, DO NOT:

7 Separate the microphones
7 Scatter the microphones throughout the listening

7 Obstruct the line-of-sight path between the micro-

7 Position the microphones on the floor, on seat

microphone positioning for the microphone check

space

phones and the speakers

cushions, or in locations obstructed by furniture and
other fixtures, where echoes might obscure
calibration noise signals

Rear
Right

Rear

Left

Side
Left

7 Position the microphones within 2 feet (0.61m) of

speakers and walls or more than 30 feet (9.14m)
from any one speaker

The illustration to the right provides an example of
improper microphone placement during the microphone
check. The microphones are scattered throughout the
listening space rather than positioned as close together as
possible in a location that is equidistant from the front left
and right speakers.

Microphone

Side

Right

Front
Right

Subwoofer

Center

Front

Left

3-39

Setup Lexicon

CHECKING THE MICROPHONES

CUSTOM SETUP

CHECK MICROPHONES

40 Hz

GROUP MICROPHONES

60 Hz

INTO A BUNDLE IN THE

60 Hz

MIDDLE OF THE ROOM

60 Hz
40 Hz

PRESS TO BEGIN

OFF

MIC CHECK

N/A

APART

Note the following:

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

SPEAKER SETUP
SET CROSSOVERS

CHECK MICROPHONES
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL

SET CROSSOVERS

BEFORE CALIBRATING

• The RV-8 outputs calibration noise signals between 55dB and
95dB, beginning with 55dB and increasing in 5dB increments
until the microphones detect the required level. If the
calibration noise signal becomes too loud, press the  arrow
button to cancel the microphone check.

• Although the calibration noise signal is output at a fixed volume
level, you should set all volume controls for associated compo­nents (i.e., speakers, subwoofers and power amplifiers) to a
reasonable level before performing automatic calibration.
When the procedure is finished, the RV-8 automatically reverts
to the last volume level that was selected before automatic
calibration began.

• During automatic calibration, you should refer to the on-screen
display instead of the front-panel display, as additional infor­mation and instructions are available in the on-screen display.

1. Select the SPEAKER SETUP menu CHECK MICROPHO NES option,
as shown above.

3-40

2. The first CHECK MICROPHONES screen opens in the on-screen
display, indicating the importance of proper microphone
placement to achieve accurate automatic calibration results.

3. Press the  arrow button to begin the microphone check. The
following screens appears in the on-screen display as the micro­phone check is performed:

CHECKING FOR SILENCE

Appears in the on-screen display while
the RV-8 determines the relative noise
level of the listening space and the
internal noise level of the microphones.

CUSTOM SETUP

CHECK MICROPHONES
CHECKING FOR SILENCE

PLEASE WAIT

After eliminating microphones that are
not detected or not functioning, the RV-8 calculates an average
level for all microphones.

RV-8 Setup

CHECKING MICROPHONES

Appears in the on-screen display while
the RV-8 confirms the microphone level
calculated during the silence check. To
do this, the RV-8 sends alternating

CUSTOM SETUP

CHECK MICROPHONES
CHECKING MICROPHONES

PLEASE WAIT

calibration noise signals to the front left
and right speakers. These signals are output between 55dB and
95dB, beginning with 55dB and increasing in 5dB increments
until the microphones detect the required level. If the signal
becomes too loud, press the  arrow button to cancel the
microphone check.

The RV-8 uses the calibration noise signal to eliminate micro­phones that register the signal at a level that is too low or too
high. Then, the RV-8 determines the appropriate output level for
the calibration noise signal used during automatic calibration.

CHECK MICROPHONES Results

Appears in the on-screen display when the RV-8 is finished
checking the microphones. This display indicates the individual
check results for each microphone.

• An OK result indicates that the microphone passed the
microphone check.

• An ERROR result indicates that the microphone did not pass
the microphone check.

4. Press the  and  arrow buttons to highlight the desired micro­phone parameter. The RV-8 refers to the microphones according
to the input connector to which the microphone is connected.

5. Press the  arrow button to view more detailed results for the
selected microphone. A message similar to the one shown at the
bottom of the previous column opens in the on-screen display.
Refer to the table on the next page for information about all
possible microphone check messages.

Note the following:

• The RV-8 retains the calculated microphone level until the
SPEAKER SETUP menu is closed. Once this menu is closed,
another microphone check is required before automatic
calibration can be performed.

• Optional microphone kits that include two microphones are
available. Perform automatic calibration with two microphones
that have passed the microphone check.

However, the RV-8 will perform automatic calibration as long as
at least one microphone passes the micropho ne check. In this
circumstance, place the successfully checked microp hone in the
primary listening pos ition.

• If a microphone check was successful, do not disconnect the
microphones from the microphone input connectors. If the
microphones are disconnected, you should perform the micro ­phone check again before proceeding to automatic calibration.

CHECK MICROPHONES
MIC 1

MIC 2

PRESS TO VIEW

DETAILS

ERROR

(MICROPHONE)

OK

OK

3-41

Setup Lexicon

CHECKING THE MICROPHONES (continued)

Message Description Troubleshooting

(MICROPHONE)
OK

(MICROPHONE)
NOT DETECTED

(MICROPHONE)
SIGNAL TOO LOW

(MICROPHONE)
OUT OF RANGE

(MICROPHONE)
TOO MUCH ROOM NOISE

The microphone detected the calibration
noise signal without error.

The RV-8 did not detect the microphone
during the silence check.

The RV-8 detected the microphone dur­ing the silence check. However, the
microphone level determined during the
silence check was not confirmed during
the microphone check.

The microphone level is more than 20dB
below the highest microphone level.

The microphone level could not be
determined because of excessive room
noise in the listening space.

•N/A

• Examine microphone input connections to ensure that the microphones are properly con­nected to the RV-8 and that microphone cable plugs are fully inserted for a solid connection.

• The microphone may be damaged. Contact an authorized Lexicon dealer for assistance.

• Examine microphone input connections to ensure that the microphones are properly con­nected to the RV-8 and that microphone cable plugs are fully inserted for a solid connection.

• The microphones may be positione d too far from the front speakers. Refer to the microphone
placement examples that begin on page 3-38 to confirm that the microphones are appropri­ately positioned for the microphone check.

• The microphone may be damaged. Contact an authorized Lexicon dealer for assistance.

• Examine microphone input connections to ensure that the microphones are properly con­nected to the RV-8 and that microphone cable plugs are fully inserted for a solid connection.

• The microphones might be positione d too far from the front speakers. Refer to the micro­phone placement examples that begin on page 3-38 to confirm that the microphones are
appropriately positioned for the microphone check.

• The microphone may be damaged. Contact an authorized Lexicon dealer for assistance.

• Eliminate extraneous noises in the listening space, including conversations, air conditioners
and sounds that filter in through open doors and windows.

• The microphone may be damaged. Contact an authorized Lexicon dealer for assistance.

POSITIONING THE MICROPHONES FOR AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION

Proper microphone placement is essential to achieving the desired
automatic calibration results. Microphone placement determines
whether the RV-8 calibrates optimal speaker distances and output
levels for a single listening position, several listening positions in a
single row, or several listening positions in the listening space.

3-42

• Refer to the microphone placement examples that begin on the
next page to position the microphones for automatic
calibration. Select the microphone placement that best meets
the needs of the listening space.

RV-8 Setup

PROPER microphone placement to achieve the best results for a single listening position

When calibrating for a single listening
position, place the microphones:

3 As close together as possible in a single listening

position (the primary listening position)

3 At the approximate spot where the listener’ s head

will be during listening

3 In a clear line-of-sight path with the speakers
3 In a location unobstructed by furniture and other

fixtures, where echoes will not obscure calibration
noise signals

3 At least 2 feet (0.61m) from all speakers and

walls, but within 30 feet (9.14m) of all speakers

The illustration to the right provides an example of
proper microphone placement when calibrating for a
single listening position. The microphones are
positioned as close together as possible in a single
listening position, allowing the RV-8 to calibrate optimal
speaker distances and output levels for that position.

Rear

Right

Microphone

Side
Right

Rear

Left

Front
Right

Side
Left

Subwoofer

Center

Front

Left

3-43

Setup Lexicon

POSITIONING THE MICROPHONES FOR AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION (continued)

PROPER microphone placement to achieve the best results for multiple listening positions in a single row

When calibrating for multiple listening
positions in a single row, position the
microphones:

3 At the approximate spot where the listener’ s head

will be during listening

3 In a clear line-of-sight path with the speakers
3 In a location unobstructed by furniture and other

fixtures, where echoes will not obscure calibration
noise signals

3 At least 2 feet (0.61m) from all speakers and

walls, but within 30 feet (9.14m) of all speakers

The illustration to the right provides an example of
proper microphone placement when calibrating for
multiple listening positions in a single row. Each micro­phone is positioned in a single listening position within a
single row, allowing the RV-8 to calibrate optimal
speaker distances and output levels for that row at the
expense of a single listening position.

3-44

Rear
Right

Microphone

Side

Right

Rear

Left

Front
Right

Side
Left

Subwoofer

Center

Front

Left

RV-8 Setup

PROPER microphone placement to achieve the best results for multiple listening positions in multiple rows

When calibrating for multiple listening
positions in multiple rows, position the
microphones:

3 At the approximate spot where the listener’ s head

will be during listening

3 In a clear line-of-sight path with the speakers
3 In a location unobstructed by furniture and other

fixtures, where echoes will not obscure calibration
noise signals

3 At least 2 feet (0.61m) from all speakers and

walls, but within 30 feet (9.14m) of all speakers

The illustration to the right provides an example of
proper microphone placement when calibrating for
multiple listening positions in multiple rows. Each micro­phone is positioned in a single listening position within a
row, allowing the RV-8 to calibrate optimal speaker
distances and output levels for a larger listening area at
the expense of a single listening position.

Rear

Right

Microphone

Side

Right

Rear

Left

Front
Right

Side

Left

Subwoofer

Center

Front

Left

3-45

Setup Lexicon

POSITIONING THE MICROPHONES FOR AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION (continued)

IMPROPER microphone positioning for automatic calibration

During the automatic calibration, do not:

7 Arrange the microphones along the perimeter of

the listening positions or space

7 Position the microphones in spots where the

listeners’ heads will not be during listening

7 Obstruct the line-of-sight path between the

microphones and the speakers

7 Position the microphones on the floor, on seat

cushions, or in locations obstructed by furniture
and other fixtures, where echoes might obscure
calibration noise signals

Rear
Right

Side

Right

Rear

Left

Side
Left

7 Position the microphones within 2 feet (0.61m) of

speakers and walls or more than 30 feet (9.14m)
from any one speaker

The illustration to the right provides an example of
improper microphone placement during the microphone
check. The microphones are positioned on the floor
along the perimeter of the listening space, mak ing it
difficult for the RV-8 to calibrate optimal speaker
distances and output levels for the actual listening
positions.

3-46

Microphone

Front
Right

Subwoofer

Center

Front

Left

RV-8 Setup

IMPROPER microphone positioning for automatic calibration

During the automatic calibration, do not:

7 Arrange the microphones along the perimeter of

the listening positions or space

7 Position the microphones at spots where the

listeners’ heads will not be during listening

7 Obstruct the line-of-sight path between the

microphones and the speakers

7 Position the microphones on the floor, on seat

cushions, or in locations obstructed by furniture
and other fixtures, where echoes might obscure
calibration noise signals

Rear

Right

Side

Right

Rear
Left

Side

Left

7 Position the microphones within 2 feet (0.61m) of

speakers and walls or more than 30 feet (9.14m)
from any one speaker

The illustration to the right provides an example of
improper microphone placement during the microphone
check. The microphones are positioned on seat cushions
rather than in spots where the listener’s heads will be
during listening.

Microphone

Front
Right

Subwoofer

Center

Front

Left

3-47

Setup Lexicon

PERFORMING AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION

MAIN MENU
MODE ADJUST

AUDIO CONTROLS
TUNER PRESETS
SETUP

SETUP
INPUTS

SPEAKERS
I/O CONFIG
DISPLAYS
VOLUME CONTROLS
TRIGGER
TUNER SETUP
LOCK OPTIONS
LIVE! CALIBRATION
POWER MANAGEMENT

SET CROSSOVERS
CHECK MICROPHONES
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL

SET CROSSOVERS

BEFORE CALIBRATING

AUTO SPEAKER SETUP
DISTANCES & LEVELS

DISTANCES
OUTPUT LEVELS

40 Hz
60 Hz
60 Hz
60 Hz
40 Hz

PLACE MICROPHONES

AROUND PREFERRED

OFF

LISTENING POSITIONS

N/A

APART

CUSTOM SETUP

AUTO SPEAKER SETUP

40 Hz

!CAUTION!

60 Hz

HIGH AUDIO LEVELS

60 Hz
60 Hz

YOU WILL HAVE 10 SEC

40 Hz

TO LEAVE THE ROOM OR

OFF

SIT QUIETLY

N/A

APART

PRESS TO BEGIN

COUNTDOWN

CUSTOM SETUP

Follow the procedures in the appropriate table column for the desired type of automatic calibration.

STEP DISTANCES DISTANCES & LEVELS LEVELS

Select the SPEAKER SETUP menu AUTOMATIC option, as shown in the menu illustration above.

• If a microphone check is successful, the AUTO SPEAKER SETUP menu appears in the on-screen display. Press
the  or  arrow button to highlight the automatic calibration option you want. Then press the  arrow button to select

1

2

this option. Refer to the table on page 3-36 for more information about automatic calibration options.

• If a microphone check is unsuccessful, one of the error messages shown to the right appears in the on-screen display , indicat­ing that a successful microphone check is required before automatic calibration, and also the reason the previous check failed.
If this occurs, go back to “Connecting the Micr ophones” on page3-37 and work your way back to this page.

The following AUTO SPEAKER SETUP messages are displayed before automatic calibration begins:

• The !CAUTION! HIGH AUDIO LEVELS message indicates that the RV-8 generates loud calibration noise signals during automatic calibration. If the sig­nals become too loud, press the

 arrow button to cancel automatic calibration. Press the  arrow button to open the next AUTO SPEAKER SETUP

menu.

• The countdown display notifies you that automatic calibration will begin in 10 seconds. The primary reason for the 10 second delay is to give you time
to leave the listening space before automatic calibration begins. If you choose to remain in the room, your movements could affect the calibration

results. If you leave the room, you can return in about 10 minutes (the calibration procedure should be completed). Press the
skip the countdown and begin automatic calibration. The RV-8 automatically activates automatic calibration when the countdown ends.

AUTO SPEAKER SETUPSPEAKER SETUP

TEST WILL BEGIN IN

10

PRESS TO SKIP

COUNTDOWN

MIC CHECK REQUIRED

FOR AUTO CALIBRATION

NO MICROPHONE

DETECTED

 arrow button to

3-48

RV-8 Setup

SETTING DISTANCES

CUSTOM SETUP

FRONT LEFT
CENTER
FRONT RIGHT
SIDE RIGHT
REAR RIGHT
REAR LEFT
SIDE LEFT
SUBWOOFER

0.0ft

0.0ft

0.0ft

0.0ft

0.0ft

0.0ft

0.0ft

0.0ft

SETTING DISTANCES

CUSTOM SETUP

FRONT LEFT
CENTER
FRONT RIGHT
SIDE RIGHT
REAR RIGHT
REAR LEFT
SIDE LEFT
SUBWOOFER

12.0ft

10.5ft

12.0ft

4.5ft

ERROR

6.0ft

4.5ft
N/A

SETTING LEVELS

CUSTOM SETUP

FRONT LEFT
CENTER
FRONT RIGHT
SIDE RIGHT
REAR RIGHT
REAR LEFT
SIDE LEFT
SUBWOOFER

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB

SETTING LEVELS

CUSTOM SETUP

FRONT LEFT
CENTER
FRONT RIGHT
SIDE RIGHT
REAR RIGHT
REAR LEFT
SIDE LEFT
SUBWOOFER

-2.0dB
ERROR

-2.0dB

-4.5dB

-3.0dB

-3.0dB

-4.5dB
N/A

STEP DISTANCES DISTANCES & LEVELS LEVELS

The SETTING DISTANCES menu is displayed when the RV-8 calibrates speaker distances.

• During speaker distance calibration, the RV-8 sends calibration noise signals to the Main Zone
audio output connectors in the order shown on the SETTING DISTANCES menu. The cursor auto­matically scrolls downward through speaker calibration parameters, highlighting each parameter
while the RV-8 calculates a distance for the corresponding speaker. As it finishes each parameter,
the RV-8 enters the calibrated value or an ERROR message to the right of the parameter label.

3

• Because of the way low-frequency signals propagate in most listening spaces, automatic speaker dis­tance calibration often produces unreliable results for subwoofers. For this reason, the RV-8 does not
send calibration noise signals to the Subwoofer connector during speaker distance calibration. Instead,
the RV-8 automatically calibrates the subwoofer distance to the shortest distance of the other speakers.
These distances can be manually adjusted. See “PERFORMING MANUAL SPEAKER DISTANCE CALIBRA­TION” on page 3-54.

This step does not occur when the AUTO
SPEAKER SETUP menu LEVELS option is
selected.

This step does not occur when the AUTO SPEAKER
SETUP menu DISTANCES option is selected.

4

The SETTING LEVELS menu is displayed when the RV-8 calibrates output levels.

• During speaker le vels calibration, the RV-8 sends calibration noise signals to the Main Zone
audio output connectors in the order shown on the SETTING LEVELS menu. The cursor auto­matically scrolls downward through speaker calibration para meters, highlighting each parame­ter while the RV-8 calculates an output level for the corresponding speaker. As it finishes each
parameter, the RV -8 enters the calibrated value or an ERROR message to the right of the param­eter label.

3-49

Setup Lexicon

PERFORMING AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION (continued)

STEP

5

DISTANCES

AUTO DISTANCES
FRONT LEFT

CENTER
FRONT RIGHT
SIDE RIGHT
REAR RIGHT
REAR LEFT
SIDE LEFT
SUBWOOFER

If there was a DISTANCES calibration
error, an AUTO DISTANCES menu auto­matically displays.

• A value indicates that no errors occurred
during the calibration procedure.

• An ERROR message indicates that a value
was calculated, but at least one error
occurred during the calibration proce­dure.

• Press the  or  arrow button to high­light the speaker calibration parameter
you want. Then press the  button to
view more detailed results for the
selected speaker. A message similar to
the one shown above will display.

• Refer to the table on page 3-52 for infor­mation about all possible speaker calibra­tion messages.

• This menu is displayed, but not user
accessible during Auto Distance Calibra­tion or after Auto Calibration.

12.0ft

10.5ft

12.0ft

4.5ft

ERROR

6.0ft

4.5ft
N/A

FRONT LEFT



Refer to the table on page
3-52 for information about
all possible speaker calibra­tion messages.

DISTANCES & LEVELS LEVELS

AUTO SPEAKER SETUP
DISTANCES

LEVELS

AUTO VALUES APPLIED

PRESS TO VIEW

DETAILS

When the RV-8 is finished calibrating
speaker distances and output levels, if there
was a calibration error, the AUTO SPEAKER
SETUP screen is displayed, indicating the
results for each calibration procedure.

• An OK message indicates that no errors
occurred during the calibration proce­dure.

• An ERROR message indicates that values
were calculated, but at least one error
occurred during calibration.

• Press the  or  arrow button to high­light the desired calibration procedure.

DISTANCES displays the AUTO DIS­TANCES screen shown in the left column
of this table.

LEVELS displays the AUTO LEVELS screen
shown in the right column of this table.

• Press the  arrow button to select this
procedure.

• Refer to the instructions in the appropri­ate column to view more detailed results
for each individual speaker.

• If a speaker is highlighted in either the
Distances or Levels menus, the speaker
name is displayed.

OK

ERROR

AUTO LEVELS
FRONT LEFT

CENTER
FRONT RIGHT
SIDE RIGHT
REAR RIGHT
REAR LEFT
SIDE LEFT
SUBWOOFER

If there was a LEVELS calibration error, an
AUTO LEVELS menu automatically dis­plays.

• A value indicates that no errors occurred
during the calibration procedure.

• An ERROR message indicates that a value
was calculated, but at least one error
occurred during the calibration proce­dure.

•Press the or  arrow button to high-
light the desired speaker calibration
parameter. Then, press the  arrow
button to view more detailed results for
the selected speaker. A message similar
to the one shown above will display.

• Refer to the table on page 3-52 for infor­mation about all possible speaker calibra­tion messages.

• This menu is displayed, but not user
accessible during Auto Distance Calibra­tion or after Auto Calibration.

-2.0dB

-2.0dB

-4.5dB

-3.0dB

-3.0dB

-4.5dB

ERROR

N/A

FRONT LEFT



Refer to the table on page
3-52 for information about
all possible speaker calibra­tion messages.

3-50

RV-8 Setup

STEP DISTANCES DISTANCES & LEVELS LEVELS



AUTO DISTANCES*
FRONT LEFT

CENTER
FRONT RIGHT
SIDE RIGHT
REAR RIGHT
REAR LEFT
SIDE LEFT
SUBWOOFER

12.0ft

10.5ft

12.0ft

4.5ft

ERROR

6.0ft

4.5ft
N/A

SET LEVELS
AUTO LEVELS

ORIGINAL LEVELS

R SR RR

0.0dB

C

0.0dB

M

L SL RL

SUB

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB

0.0dB



AUTO LEVELS
FRONT LEFT

CENTER
FRONT RIGHT
SIDE RIGHT
REAR RIGHT
REAR LEFT
SIDE LEFT
SUBWOOFER

-2.0dB
ERROR

-2.0dB

-4.5dB

-3.0dB

-3.0dB

-4.5dB

Use the SET LEVELS menu to select the
desired speaker levels.

1 Press the  arrow button to return to

the SET LEVELS menu.

•Press the and  arrow buttons to
toggle between calibrated output levels
(AUTO) and original output levels. The
speaker graphics at the bottom of the
menu update to indicate the selected
values.

•Press the

 arrow button to apply the

selected values. A confirmation message is
displayed to indicate the applied values.

• Press the  arrow button twice in suc­cession to return to the SPEAKER SETUP
menu.

The AUTO LEVELS menu is only accessible
after the DISTANCES & LEVELS calibration is
performed as a combined procedure.

N/A

SET DISTANCES
AUTO DISTANCES

ORIGINAL DISTANCES

0.0ft

M

SUB

R SR RR

0.0ft

C

0.0ft

L SL RL

0.0ft

0.0ft

0.0ft

0.0ft

0.0ft

Use the SET DISTANCES menu to select
the desired speaker distances.

1 Press the  arrow button to return to

6

the SET DISTANCES menu.

2 Press the  or  arrow button to tog-

gle between calibrated speaker di stan ces
(AUTO) and original speaker distances.
The speaker graphics at the bottom of
the menu update to indicate the selected
values.

3 Press the

selected values. A confirmation message
is displayed to indicate the applied val­ues.

4 Press the  button twice in succession

to return to the SPEAKER SETUP menu.

 button to apply the



AUTO DISTANCES
FRONT LEFT

CENTER
FRONT RIGHT
SIDE RIGHT
REAR RIGHT
REAR LEFT
SIDE LEFT
SUBWOOFER

12.0ft

10.5ft

12.0ft

4.5ft

ERROR

6.0ft

4.5ft
N/A

AUTO SPEAKER SETUP
DISTANCES

LEVELS

AUTO VALUES APPLIED

PRESS TO VIEW

DETAILS

OK

ERROR

Use the AUTO SPEAKER SETUP menu to

select speaker distances or levels.

1 Press the arrow button to return to the

AUTO SPEAKER SETUP results screen.

2 To select the other calibration procedure,

follow the instructions in Step 5. Otherwise,
press the  button to return to the
SPEAKER SETUP menu.

*Note: The AUTO DISTANCES screen is shown

above as an example. The AUTO LEVELS
screen can be substituted.

The AUTO DISTANCES menu is only accessi­ble after the DISTANCES & LEVELS calibra­tion is performed as a combined procedure.

3-51

Setup Lexicon

PERFORMING AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION (continued)

Message Description Troubleshooting

(SPEAKER)
OK

(SPEAKER)
SPEAKER IS NOT ENABLED

(SPEAKER)
SPEAKER OUT OF PHASE

(SPEAKER)
SIGNAL TOO LOW

(SPEAKER)
UNABLE TO CALCULATE

(SPEAKER)
MAY NOT BE ACCURATE

(SPEAKER)
SPKR OUTPUT TOO HIGH

The RV-8 successfully calibrated the value
for the selected speaker without error .

The selected speaker is not present in the
speaker setup.

The microphones detected out-of-phase
calibration noise signals, but the cali­brated value is still accurate.

The microphones detected calibration
noise signals at an unusually low level.

The microphones did not detect calibra­tion noise signals or the RV-8 could not
calculate a value.

One or more microphones did not detect
calibration noise signals at a reasonable
level. The calibrated value could be inac­curate.

The microphones detected calibration
noise signals at an unusually high level.

•N/A

• Set the corresponding CUSTOM or THX SETUP menu parameter to include the selected
speaker in the speaker setup. (The RV-8 only calibrates values for speakers that are included in
the speaker setup.)

• Examine speaker/associated amplifier connections to ensure that speaker wires are not crossed.

• Dipolar speakers could cause this error. However, the RV-8 does not report this error unless at
least half of the microphones detect out-of-phase calibration noise signals.

• Reflections from room objects could cause this error.

• Drivers intentionally wired out-of-phase could cause this error.

• The microphones mi ght be posit ioned more than 30 feet (9.14m) from the selected speaker or in a
location where echoes obscure calibration noise signals. Refe r to the placement examples on pages
3-40 to 3-44 to confirm that the microphones are appropriately positioned for automatic calibration.

• Examine microphone input connections to ensure that the microphones are properly con­nected to the RV-8 and that microphone cable plugs are fully inserted for a solid connection.

• Refer to the microphone placement examples on pages 3-41 to 3-45 to confirm that the
microphones are appropriately positioned for automatic calibration.

• Examine microphone input connections to ensure that the microphones are properly con­nected to the RV-8 and that microphone cable plugs are fully inserted for a solid connection.

• Refer to the microphone placement examples on pages 3-41 to 3-45 to confirm that the
microphones are appropriately positioned for automatic calibration.

• Decrease associated amplifier volume levels – including (if applicable) powered subwoofer amplifiers.

• The microphones may be positioned too close (within 2 feet [0.61m]) of the selected speaker.
Refer to the microphone placement examples on pages 3-41 to 3-45 to confirm that the micro­phones are appropriately positioned for automatic calibration.

(SPEAKER)
SPKR OUTPUT TOO LOW

3-52

The microphones detected calibration
noise signals at an unusually low level.

• Increase associated amplif ier volume levels – including (if applicable) pow ered subwoofer amplifiers.

• The microphones may be positioned too far away (more than 30 feet [9.14m]) from the
selected speaker. See the microphone placement examples on pages 3-41 to 3-45 to confirm
that the microphones are appropriately positioned for automatic calibration.