Meridian Audio 565 User Manual

installation guide

Meridian 565 Digital Surround Processor

Sales and service in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd

Stonehill

Stukeley Meadows

Cambs

PE18 6ED

England

Tel␣ ␣ (01480) 52144

Fax␣ ␣ [phone]

World Wide Web

http://www.meridian-audio.com

Part no: 565I/3

Sales and service in the USA

Meridian America Inc

3800 Camp Creek Parkway

Building 2400

Suite 122

Atlanta

GA 30331

Tel␣ ␣ [phone]

Fax␣ ␣ [phone]

Designed and

manufactured in the UK by

Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd

Stonehill

Stukeley Meadows

Cambs

PE18 6ED

England

Preface

ii

Copyright © 1995–1998 Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing

Corporation (Canadian patent 1,037,877), Lucasfilm Ltd. (US patents
5,043,970; 5,189,703; 5,222,059), Trifield Productions Ltd, and Nimbus
Records Ltd.

Dolby, Pro Logic, AC-3, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Lucasfilm, THX, and THX
Cinema are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. DTS is a registered

trademark of Digital Theatre Systems Inc. MPEG is a registered
trademark of the MPEG organisation. Ambisonic is a registered
trademark of Nimbus Records Ltd. Trifield is a trademark of Trifield
Productions Ltd. LaserDisc is a trademark of Pioneer Electric Corp.
Boothroyd|Stuart Meridian, Meridian, Meridian Digital Theatre, MLP, and
LipSync are registered trademarks of Meridian Audio Ltd.

This guide was produced by Human-Computer Interface Ltd, Cambridge,
England.

Contents

Introduction 1

Introduces the digital surround processor,
and gives guidelines and suggested
layouts to help you plan your surround
system.

Planning a system..................................2

Planning sources...................................6

Setting up the digital
surround processor 7

Describes how to unpack and install the
digital surround processor, and gives
details of the video and speaker
connections.

Unpacking..............................................8

Connecting the digital surround

processor...............................................9

Connecting video...................................12

Connecting speakers.............................13

Connecting sources...............................15

Connecting to other Meridian

equipment..............................................18

Configuring the digital
surround processor 19

Describes how to configure the digital
surround processor for the speaker
arrangement you want to use.

Choosing standard settings...................20

Specifying the speaker layout................22

Speaker layouts.....................................24

Setting up the speaker outputs.............28

Preface

iii

Calibrating the system33

Explains how to use the digital surround
processor’s built-in calibration procedure
and test signals to set up your system for
the best possible sound.

Using the calibration procedure............34

Calibration tests.....................................36

Test signals............................................44

Setting up sources 45

Explains how to set up the sources
connected to your digital surround
processor and configure them to suit your
other equipment.

Standard source settings.......................46

Examples of configuring the

sources..................................................50

Troubleshooting 53

Provides suggested solutions to typical
problems.

General operating problems..................54

Audio problems......................................55

Video problems......................................58

Index......................................................59

Preface

iv

Introduction

The Meridian 565 Digital Surround Processor is unique in being the first

completely digital surround-sound processor, and it defines the standard

for both music and cinema performance. To achieve this we have

combined the latest techniques in high-precision analogue electronics and

digital signal processing with a careful analysis of all types of recorded

music. The result is a system that produces impressively realistic and

exciting reproduction of music and cinema sound with support for all the

current two-channel and multi-channel audio formats. These include PCM,

Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS, and MPEG, as well as support for several

proprietary processing modes. MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing) format is

also available as an optional extra.

This Installation Guide explains how to set up the digital surround

processor to give the best results with a wide variety of different system

configurations. Once you have set up the 565, or if it has been set up for

you by your dealer, refer to the Meridian 565 Digital Surround Processor

User Guide for information about using the 565, and getting superb results

from all your music and cinema recordings.

Introduction

1

Planning a system

Introduction

2

Before unpacking and setting up your digital surround processor
it is worth spending a little time planning how to set up the
speakers, and the other components of your hi-fi system, so that
they will give the best results when used in conjunction with the

565.

The digital surround processor can be configured to work with a
wide range of different speaker layouts. These include
combinations of a centre speaker, up to four surround speakers,
and up to three subwoofers, with the main left and right
speakers.

The following pages show some of the speaker layouts
particularly recommended for use with the digital surround
processor. For more information about these and the other
layout options see Specifying the speaker layout, page 22.

When you are playing a 5.1 source the digital surround
processor will choose the appropriate decoding for the layout
you are using.

Three-channel surround system
(Layout G or L, No Surrounds)

Adding a centre speaker is the most significant step you can
take to upgrade a two-speaker system, whether you are using
the system for cinema, music, or a combination of the two. It
reinforces the central image, and allows the left and right
speakers to be further apart for a wider soundstage. This gives a
more realistic and stable three-dimensional image of the original
recorded sound, for outstanding music and cinema
reproduction.

The centre speaker needs to be of equivalent quality, and tonally
matched, to the main left and right speakers. It should also have
good power handling as it regularly plays louder than the left
and right speakers. The ideal position is at the same height as
the left and right speakers, and above the TV in a home cinema
system.

Four-channel surround system
(Layout M, 2 Surrounds)

Five-channel surround system
(Layout G, 2 Surrounds)

If you are primarily interested in home cinema you may prefer to
extend an existing stereo system by adding a pair of rear
surround speakers, for cinema effects and ambient sounds.

For cinema the surround speakers do not take a huge strain, so
small units can be used such as in-wall or bookshelf-mounted
speakers. For 5.1 or Ambisonic reproduction, the rear speakers
should be capable of reproducing the full frequency range, and
should ideally be the same as the front speakers.

Our recommended surround system for music and cinema uses
five speakers, with the main left and right speakers providing the
bass. This gives a very natural sound for music listening, and a
precise three-dimensional image combined with good bass
performance for cinema.

If you also have a mono subwoofer available you can choose to
use this for the cinema presets, to enhance cinema effects
without affecting the quality of music from your system (Layout
AG). This is a good compromise if your primary interest is music,
and you want the benefit of enhanced bass performance for films.

Alternatively, you can choose to use the subwoofer for the Dolby
Digital LFE channel; see To select a 5.1 LFE subwoofer,
page 27.

Introduction

3

THX system (Layout A)

If your primary interest is cinema, you can use a mono
subwoofer to enhance the bass performance for both cinema
and music presets.

This is the configuration recommended by Dolby and THX for
use with Pro Logic, and is a good choice if you want to enhance
the bass from the main left and right speakers, or your room is
large.

Seven-channel surround system
(Layout G, 4 Surrounds)

The digital surround processor allows you to add side surround
speakers, to enhance the effect of the rear surrounds in home
cinema reproduction. This gives a more realistic portrayal of
special effects, such as a plane flying overhead from front to
back.

For music reproduction, and in particular music using Ambisonic
encoding, the side surrounds allow an even more faithful
recreation of the original sound field.

The side surround speakers should be positioned on the side
walls level with the listening position.

Introduction

4

If your main speakers have a limited bass response you can
benefit from a mono subwoofer (Layout A, 4 Surrounds).

Surround system with full-range
speakers (Layout L)

Using the 565 with Meridian DSP
Loudspeakers

Meridian systems will often contain two or more units that can
be controlled by the Meridian System Remote infra-red remote
control. The Meridian 500 Series avoids conflicts in such a
situation by designating one of the units as the controller for the
system, and making all the other units receive their instructions
from the controller via a special communications cable.

A system designed for very serious music listening should use
five or seven full-range speakers, with good bass performance,
to recreate the original low frequency ambience and give the
correct energy balance at low frequencies.

A recommended configuration, for the ultimate in music and
cinema surround sound, consists of two Meridian DSP6000
Digital Loudspeakers, a DSP6000C Digital Centre Loudspeaker,
and four DSP5000 or DSP5500 Digital Loudspeakers.

If your surround installation includes one or more Meridian DSP
Loudspeakers, such as the DSP5000, DSP5500, or DSP6000,
we recommend you make one of the digital speakers the
controller for the system. This way you will be able to give
commands to all the 500 Series units connected to the system
simply by pointing the Meridian System Remote at the specified
speaker. Generally you would choose the speaker that has the
best infra-red path from the listening position, typically the
centre speaker.

Introduction

5

Planning sources

The 565 provides three audio inputs: analogue, digital-cable,
and digital-optical. These inputs will allow you to set up a
surround system with the following sources, without the need for
an additional preamplifier:

❍CD or DVD connected to the digital-cable input.
❍TV connected to the analogue input.
❍LaserDisc, connected to the digital-optical input.

Using a Digital Control Unit

For greatest flexibility, and optimal performance, the 565 should
be used in conjunction with the Meridian 562 or 562V Digital
Control Unit. In this case all the source selection and switching
is performed by the Digital Control Unit. The 562 and 562V
Digital Control Units provide an on-board analogue to digital
converter, allowing up to seven analogue sources to be
connected to the 565, each with adjustable sensitivity,
combined with up to seven digital sources to provide a pure
digital feed to the 565.

Using an analogue preamplifier

Alternatively, the 565 can be used in conjunction with an
analogue preamplifier, such as the 501 or 501V Control Unit,
connected to the 565 analogue input. In this case digital
sources, such as a LaserDisc or CD, should be connected
directly to the appropriate 565 digital inputs. The 501 and 501V
Control Units allow up to six analogue sources to be connected
to the 565, each with adjustable sensitivity.

Using a LaserDisc player

Some early LaserDiscs are recorded with analogue soundtracks,
or provide different information on the analogue and digital
soundtracks, so to take advantage of these you will need to
connect a LaserDisc player to both a digital and an analogue
input.

If you have a 7.1 version of the 565 you can take advantage of Dolby Digital LaserDiscs by connecting the LaserDisc player to the 565 via a 519 Demodulator; see To connect to a 519 Demodulator, page 15.

Introduction

6

Setting up the digital surround processor

This chapter explains how to install the digital surround processor. It

describes what you should find when you unpack the processor, how you

should connect it to your other audio equipment and speakers, and the

siting constraints.

Before you begin installation you should ensure that your digital surround

processor is the correct voltage for you local AC supply. If it is not, do not

try to install the unit, and contact your dealer.

You should not make any connections to the digital surround processor,

or to any other component in your system, while the AC power supply is

connected and switched on.

Setting up the digital surround processor

7

Unpacking

The digital surround processor comes in a box containing the
following components:

❍Meridian 565 Digital Surround Processor.
❍Power cord.
❍500 Series communications lead.
❍Digital-audio cable.
❍This manual.
❍The Meridian 565 Digital Surround Processor User Guide.

If any of these items are missing please contact your dealer. We
suggest that you retain the packing in case you need to
transport the unit.

To position the digital surround
processor

Do not place the digital surround processor:

❍In direct sunlight.
❍Near heat sources, such as a radiator.
❍Directly on top of heat producing equipment, such as a power

amplifier.

Setting up the digital surround processor

❍Near strong magnetic radiation, such as a near a power

amplifier.

❍Near to a television, or where connecting cables may be

subject to or cause interference.

To avoid overheating ensure that air can flow through the
cooling slots on the base and rear panel.

Radio interference

FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate radio
frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in
accordance with our instructions may cause interference to
radio communications or radio and television reception. It has
been type-tested and complies with the limits set out in Subpart
J, Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B computing device. These
limits are intended to provide reasonable protection against
such interference in home installations.

EEC: This product has been designed and type-tested to
comply with the limits set out in EN55013 and EN55020.

8

Connecting the digital surround processor

Rear panel

RS232
connection

OFF

RS232

COMMS

Comms

DIGITAL

IN

DIGITAL
BYPASS

Digital
input

REAR-L SIDE-L/SUB

7

8

REAR-R SIDE-R/SUB

IN

Optical
input

Analogue
outputs 5 – 8

Video connections

The table opposite gives details of the two video connections.

To take advantage of the on-screen display both these
connections must be made.

S-Lead
connections

5

6

REARS

7 – 8OPTICAL

S-LEADS

SIDES

CENTRE

/SUB

MAIN

/SUB

5 – 6 3 – 4 1 – 2

CENTRE MAIN-L

3

4

C-VIDEODIGITAL OUTPUTS

Digital
outputs

Analogue
outputs 1 – 4

1

2

SUB MAIN-R

OUT

IN

Composite video
connections

L

R

ANALOGUE

INPUT

Analogue
inputs

Setting up the digital surround processor

Use this connection To connect to this

C-VIDEO IN The composite video output

from a video recorder or
LaserDisc player, 562V, or 501V.

C-VIDEO OUT The composite video input of a

television or monitor.

9

Audio inputs

Audio outputs

The following table gives details of the three audio inputs:

Use this input To connect to this

ANALOGUE INPUT An analogue source such as a TV, L and R video recorder, radio tuner, or

DIGITAL IN A digital source, such as the 562 or

OPTICAL IN A digital-optical source, such as a

Setting up the digital surround processor

10

analogue preamplifier.

562V Digital Control Unit, or a CD
player.

LaserDisc player, the 519
Demodulator, or a CD player with no
digital-cable output.

The following table gives details of the analogue and digital
outputs:

Use this output To connect to this

MAIN 1-2 Main left and right speakers. CENTRE/SUB 3-4 Centre speaker and centre or mono

subwoofer.

SIDES/SUB 5-6 Left and right subwoofers, or side left

and side right surround speakers.

REARS 7-8 Left and right rear surround speakers.

To use a Meridian DSP Loudspeaker in a particular position
connect it to the appropriate digital output.

To use an analogue speaker, in conjunction with a suitable
power amplifier, connect the input of the power amplifier to the
appropriate analogue output.

You specify whether you are using the digital or analogue output
for each channel in the Speaker Set configuration option; see
Setting up the speaker outputs, page 28. Note that you should
always leave the unused analogue or digital output for each
channel unconnected.

The analogue connections should be made using high-quality
screened cable, taking care to connect the left and right
channels correctly.

Communications connections

The following table gives details of the communications
connections:

Use this connection To connect to this

COMMS Other Meridian 500 Series

equipment, and the master
digital speaker.

Setting up the digital surround processor

The digital connections should be made with high-quality 75Ω
screened cable. Suitable cables are available from Meridian. We
do not recommend using analogue audio cables, which do not
have adequate shielding or the correct impedance, or cables
intended for UHF applications, as these do not provide
adequate shielding in the 1–30MHz region.

Optical connections should be made using a suitable optical
fibre supplied by your dealer.

S-LEADS To distribute the S-lead

connections from the master
digital speaker to other slave
digital speakers.

RS232 connection

The RS232 connection is for future expansion, to allow the 565
to be interfaced to a computer. Contact your dealer for more
information.

11

Connecting video

On-screen display

MONITOR

IN

Television

565 Digital Surround Processor

OUT

C-VIDEO

If your surround system includes a television the 565 can add a
text overlay to the video signal, to provide additional information
about its operation in the form of a textual on-screen display
(OSD). In normal operation this repeats the information provided
on the 565 front panel display. During calibration the on-screen
display provides additional guidelines to help you perform the
calibration sequence.

The on-screen display automatically locks to an NTSC, PAL, or
SECAM signal, and requires an input signal to operate. The
video circuits in the 565 are of broadcast quality, and passing

Setting up the digital surround processor

the video signal through the digital surround processor will not
affect its quality.

12

LaserDisc

VIDEO OUT

IN

Video lead

Connecting speakers

To connect to Meridian DSP
Loudspeakers (eg DSP5000)

DSP5000C

Centre (master)

INPUT

COMMS

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

1
DIGITAL
INPUTS

M5 lead

2

DSP5000 – Main R DSP5000 – Main L

DIGITAL INPUTS

21

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

● Use the comms part of an M5 lead to connect one of the

COMMS sockets on the 565 to the digital speaker you have
chosen as the master (typically the centre speaker).

● Use the audio part of the M5 lead to connect the digital

speaker to the appropriate 565 digital output.

565 Digital Surround Processor

S5 lead (digital unused)

COMMS

OUTPUT INPUT

DIGITAL INPUTS

S5 lead

S-LEADS

DIGITAL OUTPUTSCOMMS

21

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

S5 lead

COMMS

OUTPUT INPUT

● If your system includes more than two Meridian DSP

Loudspeakers, use an S5 lead to bring back the COMMS
output from the master digital speaker, and connect it to one
of the S-LEAD sockets on the 565.

● Link all the other digital speakers together using S5 leads, as

shown in the illustration. The other S-LEAD sockets on the
back of the 565 can be used to distribute the comms to each
slave speaker.

Use the duplicate sockets on each digital speaker to link the
speakers together in pairs, corresponding to the pairs of
channels on the digital outputs.

To connect to Meridian Active
Loudspeakers

● Connect the appropriate outputs from the digital surround

processor to the speaker inputs, using screened audio cable.

Setting up the digital surround processor

13

To connect to a 556 or 557 Stereo

SUB

565 Digital Surround Processor Subwoofer

Audio lead

DIRECT

INPUT

CROSSOVER

INPUT

Power Amplifier or other power
amplifier

To connect an M2500 Active
Subwoofer

565 Digital Surround Processor

MAIN-L

MAIN-R

● Connect the appropriate outputs from the digital surround

processor to the power amplifier line inputs, using screened
audio cable.

● Connect the speaker outputs from the power amplifier to

suitable speakers.

Setting up the digital surround processor

14

556 Stereo Power Amplifier

INPUTINPUT

Audio lead

● Connect the SUB output from the digital surround processor

to the subwoofer’s line level input.

The digital surround processor provides very high-quality
crossovers for the subwoofer. For best results you should
remove or disable any crossover in the subwoofer, and set the
digital surround processor to Sub Narrow. If you cannot bypass
the subwoofer crossover set it to its highest setting (eg 200Hz),
or set the digital surround processor to Sub Wide to switch off
the digital surround processor’s crossover. For more information
see Setting up the speaker outputs, page␣ 28.

If you are using an M2500 use the L+ input and configure it for
Bypass and Maximum gain; refer to the M2500 user guide for
more information.

Connecting sources

To use the digital surround processor
as a preamplifier

You can connect one analogue, one digital, and one optical
source to the 565 without needing a separate preamplifier.

508•24 24-Bit CD Player

DIGITAL

OUT

565 Digital Surround Processor

Digital

lead

DIGITALINOPTICAL

IN

LaserDisc player

Optical

lead

OPTICAL

OUT

● Connect the analogue source to the 565 ANALOGUE INPUT

using a standard phono cable.

● Connect the digital source to the 565 DIGITAL IN socket,

using a high-quality digital phono cable.

504 FM Tuner

ANALOGUE

INPUT

OUTPUT

Audio
lead

To connect to a 519 Demodulator

565 Digital Surround Processor

OPTICAL

INPUT

519 Demodulator

OPTICAL

OPTICAL

OUTPUT

INPUTRFINPUT

Optical cable

● Connect the RF output from the LaserDisc player to the 519

RF input.

● Connect the optical output from the LaserDisc player to the

519 optical input.

● Connect the 519 output to the 565 OPTICAL IN using an

optical cable.

If you are using the 565 with a 562/562V Digital Control Unit
connect the 519 to the 562/562V optical input, instead of to
the 565.

LaserDisc

RF

OUTPUT

RF
cable

OPTICAL
OUTPUT

Optical
cable

Setting up the digital surround processor

● Connect the optical source to the 565 OPTICAL IN, using an

optical cable.

15

To connect to a 562 or 562V Digital
Control Unit

To connect to a 501 or 501V Control
Unit or other preamplifier

565 Digital Surround Processor

DIGITAL

IN

Digital lead

● Connect the main digital output of the 562 or 562V to the 565

DIGITAL IN, using high-quality 75Ω screened cable.

● Connect all the analogue and digital sources you want to use

to the appropriate inputs of the 562 or 562V.

● Configure the 562 to Type 1.

● Configure each 562 or 562V source as required; refer to the

562/562V User Guide for more information.

● Configure the 565 to a 562 Type option; see 565 standard

settings, page 21.

Setting up the digital surround processor

16

562 Digital Control Unit

DIGITAL

OUT MAIN

Up to 8 analogue, 5 digital,

and 2 optical sources.

565 Digital Surround Processor

ANALOGUE

DIGITALINOPTICAL

Digital input

eg CD player

IN

Optical input

eg LaserDisc

INPUT

501 Control Unit

MAIN OUT

AUDIO INPUTS

Up to 6 analogue

inputs

● Connect the main analogue output of the preamplifier to the

565 ANALOGUE INPUT, using high-quality screened cable.

● Connect analogue sources to the preamplifier.

● In addition, connect any digital and optical source directly to

the 565.

For example, if your CD player provides both an analogue output
and digital output, you will get better performance by connecting
the digital output directly to the 565.

● If you are using a 501/501V configure it to Type 1 and set the

volume control option to Fout (fixed output).

To use the digital surround processor
with a 551 Integrated Amplifier

The 551 Integrated Amplifier provides an ideal companion to the
digital surround processor because its preamplifier section can
be used to supply up to five analogue sources, with the power
amplifier section used to drive one pair of speakers.

565 Digital Surround Processor

ANALOGUE

DIGITALINOPTICAL

IN

Digital input

eg CD player

Optical input
eg LaserDisc

INPUT

7
8

551 Integrated Amplifier

TAPE OUTSURR

A4 IN

Audio leads

AUDIO INPUTS

Up to 5 analogue

inputs

● Connect the 551 tape output to the 565 ANALOGUE INPUT,

using a pair of phono leads.

● Connect the two analogue outputs from the 565 that you want

to use to the tape input (A4) of the 551.

● Connect one digital input, such as CD, and one optical input,

such as LaserDisc, directly to the 565.

● Configure the 551 to Type 9.

Setting up the digital surround processor

17

Connecting to other Meridian equipment

To connect to other Meridian 500
Series equipment

● Connect one of the COMMS sockets on the back panel of the

digital surround processor to one of the COMMS sockets on
another 500 Series unit, using the 500 comms lead provided
with the 565 Digital Surround Processor.

The sequence in which you connect the units is not important.

586 DVD Player 500 Series unit

COMMS COMMS

Then configure the units with the following automatic setup
procedure:

● Switch all the units to standby.

● Press CLEAR (remote).

Each unit will display:

Auto Setup

One unit will then be designated
as the controller, and display:

This is the unit that will respond to the remote.

All the other units will be configured
as non-controllers, and display:

Your system is now set up and ready for use.

● If for any reason the automatic setup does not give the

configuration you want, restore the default operation by
selecting one of the standard types; see Choosing standard
settings, page 20.

Note: Do not, under any circumstances, connect any equipment
other than Meridian 500, 600, or 200 Series to the socket
marked COMMS on the back of the DVD player.

Controller

Not Con.

Setting up the digital surround processor

18

Configuring the digital surround processor

This chapter explains how to configure the digital surround processor to

suit the speaker arrangement you want to use, and the other equipment in

your system.

The first stage in configuring the digital surround processor is to choose

one of the standard Type settings, which are designed to set most of the

parameters to typical values.

The next stage is to configure the 565 for those aspects of your layout that

differ from the standard setting you chose.

The third stage is then to set up the speaker outputs, and adjust the delay

of each output to time-align the system. These three stages are described

in detail in the following sections.

Configuring the digital surround processor

19

Choosing standard settings

The digital surround processor provides 12 alternative standard
settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 565
into the six most commonly needed configurations.

Choosing one of the 12 standard settings overrides any other
configuration you may have performed, and so can be used to
reset the configuration of the unit.

The Type you choose depends on the following aspects of your
system:

❍Whether you are using the digital surround processor on its

own, or in conjunction with a 562/562V Digital Control Unit.

❍Whether one or more Meridian DSP Loudspeakers are

included in the system.

❍Whether you are using the earlier Meridian 200 Series units.

The Type you should choose is shown in the table on the
opposite page.

Note that you cannot use the digital surround processor with the
Meridian 601, or with both 200 Series units and a Meridian DSP
Loudspeaker.

Configuring the digital surround processor

To select a standard setting

● Switch off any power amplifiers that are connected to the 565

and put any digital speakers to standby.

● Switch off the 565, using the power switch on the back panel.

● Switch on the power again while holding down the Off key on

the front panel.

After a short delay the display will show:

● Press ▲ or ▼ on the front panel to change the Type number.

For example, if you select Type 3 the
display shows:

● Wait for one second, and then switch off the 565 using the

power switch on the back panel.

● Switch on again to use the standard settings you have

selected.

Type 1

Type 3

20

565 standard settings

The following table shows the options configured by Types 0 to
5 on the digital surround processor:

A second set of six types, referred to as Type 0 562 to Type 5
562, are identical to Type 0 to 5 but configure all the sources
to␣ use the 565 digital input. These are intended for use with a
562/562V Digital Control Unit.

Type Speakers Mode

0 All analogue (Layout AG) 500
1 All analogue (Layout A) 500
2 All analogue (Layout A) 200
3 All Meridian DSP (Layout G) 500
4 Meridian DSP L, R, and Centre, 500

analogue surrounds (Layout G)

5 Meridian DSP centre, 500

otherwise analogue (Layout A)

Types 0 to 5 configure all the sources, except for CD, CDR, and
LD, to use the 565 analogue input. These are ideal for using the
565 on its own or with an analogue preamplifier, such as the
501/501V Control Unit.

If none of the standard settings exactly matches your
requirements choose the one that is closest, and then make the
necessary changes to the appropriate parameters as described
in the following sections of this chapter.

Configuring the digital surround processor

21

Specifying the speaker layout

When you reset the digital surround processor to one of the
standard settings an appropriate speaker layout is selected
based on the Type number you have chosen, as shown on the
previous page.

In most cases you will then need to set the speaker layout
explicitly, according to the particular arrangement of speakers in
your system.

The speaker layout determines:

❍How the eight analogue or digital outputs are assigned to the

different speakers in the layout.

❍Whether the bass is to be handled by the main speakers, or

by one or more subwoofers.

The digital surround processor provides 15 alternative layouts,
identified by a single letter A–N and the pairs AB and AG.

The table on the next page shows the complete set of␣ alternative
layouts, and you may find it useful to choose the appropriate
layout from␣ these tables in conjunction with the illustrations in
the section Planning a system, page␣ 2.

Configuring the digital surround processor

How to use the table of speaker
layouts

Choose the appropriate row in the table depending on the size
of your main speakers, the size of your centre speaker (if
present), and the way you want to use any subwoofers in your
system.

Each entry shows the size or position of the corresponding
speaker(s), followed in brackets by the number of the 565 output
they should be connected to.

Large main speakers

If your main left and right speakers are large, with good bass
performance, and you want to use them for full range
reproduction, choose one of the layouts in the upper half of the
table. We recommend these options for Meridian DSP
loudspeakers.

Then select the appropriate section of the table depending on
whether you have no centre speaker, a small centre speaker
(eg DSP5000C), or a large centre speaker (eg DSP5500C).

22

If you have a subwoofer you can use it to augment the bass
from the centre channel (Layouts B or H). If the subwoofer is not
very high quality we recommend using it only for the cinema
presets, and not for music (Layouts AB or AG).

With Dolby Digital sources an additional option is to use the
subwoofer for the LFE channel.

Small main speakers

If your main left and right speakers are small and do not have a
good bass response, or your room is large, you can use one or
more subwoofers to handle the bass for the system by selecting
one of the layouts in the lower half of the table.

All the layouts include at least one subwoofer. If there is only
one subwoofer this provides mono bass for all the channels.

If you have two subwoofers you have a choice of using them for
mono and surround (Layout␣ J), left and right (Layout K), or
left+right and centre (Layout F).

Surrounds

All the layouts allow you to add up to two rear surrounds. If you
do not have rear surrounds, set No Surrounds in Config. If you
have only one rear surround connect it to output 8 and set 1
Surround in Config.

Many of the layouts also allow you to add up to two side
surrounds. To use side surrounds in a layout that supports them
set 4␣ Surrounds in Config. For more information see To specify
the number of surround speakers, page 26.

Configuring the digital surround processor

23

Speaker layouts

Main Centre Subwoofers Sides Rear Layout

None None Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) M

None Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) G
Centre (4) Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) B

Large (1, 2) Small (3) Centre (4) cinema presets only Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) AB

Mono (4) cinema presets only Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) AG
Centre (4), Surround (5) No Optional (7, 8) H

Large (3)

None

Small (1, 2)

Small (3)

Configuring the digital surround processor

24

None Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) L
Mono (4) Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) N
Mono (4) Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) D
Left (5), Right (6) No Optional (7, 8) C
Mono (4) Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) A
Mono (4), Surround (5) No Optional (7, 8) J
Left (5), Right (6) No Optional (7, 8) K
Centre (4), Left (5), Right (6) No Optional (7, 8) E

To set the speaker layout

● Switch off the 565, using the power switch on the back panel.

● Switch off any power amplifiers that are connected to the 565.

● Switch on the power again while holding down the Display

key on the front panel.

The display will show:

● Press > or < until you see the

display:

● Press A or V to step between the alternative layout options.

When you have chosen the layout you want to use proceed to
the next step.

Config

Layout A

To define the shape of the speaker
layout

In some of the DSP programmes the digital surround processor
makes use of information about the shape of your speaker
layout, or aspect ratio.

● Press > or < until you see the display:

● Measure the distances between the speakers in your room

and calculate the aspect ratio, as follows:

centre surround depth

aspect ratio

2 1.4 1 .71 .5

● Use the A and V keys to select the nearest aspect ratio.

=

-

left right width

-

Aspect 1

Configuring the digital surround processor

If your layout has an aspect ratio greater than 2 or less than 0.5
you should consider changing the speaker positions for
optimum sound.

25

To specify the number of surround
speakers

To specify the type of the surround
speakers

● Press > or < until you see a display

such as:

● Press A or V to step between the following options:

Option What it means

No Surrounds

1 Surround

2 Surrounds

4 Surrounds

Configuring the digital surround processor

26

2 Surrounds

No rear speakers.
One centre rear speaker (should be

connected to REAR-R).
L and R surround speakers; eg a

THX system.

L and R rear and side speakers.

● Press > or < until you see a display

such as:

● Press A or V to select Small if the rear surround speakers

have limited bass handling (eg bookshelf speakers), or Large if
they have full bass handling (eg Meridian DSP loudspeakers).

If you have side surround speakers, an additional Side option
allows you to set the type of side speakers in the same way.

Rears Small

To select a 5.1 LFE subwoofer

Option Initial value

If you have the 7.1 version of the 565 you can add an LFE
subwoofer to layouts that do not normally have one (such as G,
L, or M), or choose an LFE subwoofer instead of a mono
subwoofer in layouts that have a subwoofer (such as A).

● Press > or < until you see a

LFE 5.1 Sub

display such as:

● Press A or V to change the 5.1 Sub option.

With layouts with no subwoofer the choice is between No 5.1
Sub or LFE 5.1 Sub. For layouts with one or more subwoofers
you can choose between Mono 5.1 Sub, to give a standard THX
80Hz crossover, or LFE 5.1 Sub, to give an 120Hz crossover.

To set other configuration options

The other configuration options are generally set to an
appropriate value when you reset the 565 to one of the standard
settings, and you should not normally need to alter them; see
Choosing standard settings, page 20.

These options are summarised in the table opposite for
advanced use:

Crossover frequency

24 Bit Upgrade
Communications mode (500 Comms

or 200 Comms)
Controller mode (Auto Setup,

Controller, or Not Con.)

System address (1–8)

Product address (1–8)
Volume mode (Main Volume or

2nd Volume)

Front panel volume (N or Y)

Xover 84Hz

24 Bit? Y

500 Comms

Auto Setup

Sys.Addr. =1

Prod.Addr.=1

Main Volume

FP Volume? N

Configuring the digital surround processor

27

Setting up the speaker outputs

The next stage in configuring the 565 is to specify information
about each of the speakers in your layout, and adjust their
delays to time-align the system so that sounds are coincident
when they arrive at the listening position.

To time-align the system

Before setting up the speaker outputs you need to measure the
distance, in cm or inches, to each speaker from the listening
position.

● As you measure each distance, write it against the

appropriate line in the diagram opposite (or a copy of it).

Measure from the ear height at the listening position to the
tweeter on each speaker (where applicable).

Then decide which speaker is furthest from the listening
position; this distance is referred to as furthest below.

Left Right

Left

Side

Left Rear Right Rear

CentreSub

Right

Side

Surround Sub

Configuring the digital surround processor

28

To set up a speaker output

To change the settings for a speaker

● Switch off the 565, using the power switch on the back panel.

● Switch off any power amplifiers that are connected to the 565.

● Switch on the power again while holding down the Source

key on the front panel.

The display will show:

and then after a short delay:

● Press Source to step between the different speakers

specified in the layout you have chosen.

● Change the settings for each speaker as described below.

Speaker Set

1 Main Left

● Press Source until the name of the speaker output you want

to adjust appears.

For example:

If the speaker output does not appear check that you have
chosen the correct layout; see Specifying the speaker layout,
page 22.

1 Main Left

To select the output type

● Press > until you see a display

such as:

The number specifies the number of the output, and
corresponds to the labelling on the analogue or digital outputs
on the back panel.

The option specifies the type of speaker you are using, and
whether you are using the analogue or digital output connection.

1 Meridian

Configuring the digital surround processor

29

● Use A and V to choose between the following options:

To set the output delay

Choose this For this type of speaker

Meridian A Meridian DSP Loudspeaker such as

the DSP5000, DSP5000C, DSP6000,
or DSP6000C connected to the
appropriate digital output.

Digital A digital signal for feeding a DAC

directly from the appropriate digital
output.

Analogue A power amplifier or active speaker

connected to the appropriate analogue
output.

Configuring the digital surround processor

● Press > or < until you see a

display such as:

● Using the diagram you completed at the start of this section,

calculate the correct delay as follows:

For measurements in inches:

For measurements in cm:

where distance is the distance to the speaker you are setting up,
and furthest is the distance to the furthest speaker.

For example, if the main left speaker is 120" (300cm) from the
listening position, and the furthest speaker is 180" (450cm)
away, set the delay for the main left speaker to +5.0.

Note that when you are setting up the furthest speaker its delay
should work out to be zero.

Repeat this for each of the speakers in your layout.

delay

delay

1 Delay +0.0

furthest distance

=

furthest distance

=

-

12

-

30

30

To set up speaker protection for 5.1
sources

Size of 1 bass 2 bass 3 bass

drivers unit units units

Because of the high bass levels that 5.1 channel sources are
capable of reproducing, the digital surround processor allows
you to set up automatic protection of each full-range speaker or
subwoofer in your system.

● Press > or < until you see a display

such as:

● Press A or V to specify the volume of bass that the speaker

can withstand, according to the table opposite.

A setting of Max corresponds to no protection, and 0
corresponds to full protection.

The following table gives suggested settings for different types
of speaker. Generally reflex or active speakers can take a higher
score. As a guideline, add 2 for a reflex design.

For Meridian DSP Loudspeakers set Size to Max.

1 Size Max

6 inch 0 4 8
8 inch 4 10 14
10 inch 8 14 18
12 inch 14 20 24
15 inch 20 26 30

To specify the output precision

If you are using Meridian DSP Loudspeakers set the output
precision to 22 bits as follows:

● Press > or < until you see a display

such as:

● Press A or V to set the value to 22 bits.

1 22 Bits

Configuring the digital surround processor

31

To specify the type of subwoofer

● Press > or < until you see a display

such as:

4 Narrow

The remaining parameters are set up automatically by the
calibration procedure described in the next chapter; see
Calibrating the system, page 33. They are summarised in the
following table for reference.

● Press A or V to specify the subwoofer filtering. The options

are shown in the following table:

Option Description

Narrow The digital surround processor

provides an 80Hz cutoff; the
subwoofer’s crossover should be
bypassed.

Wide The subwoofer includes a crossover.

Configuring the digital surround processor

32

Option Initial value

Phase (+ or -)
Gain (-18dB to +6dB for main

speakers, -12dB to +12dB for
subwoofers)

Note that Meridian speakers cannot go above 0dB.

1 Phase +

1 Gain +0

Calibrating the system

To help you to set up your installation to give the best possible sound with

any particular combination of associated equipment the digital surround

processor includes a built-in calibration procedure.

This calibration procedure uses test signals to present a series of sounds,

which you use to adjust certain aspects of the system to their optimum

settings.

You should work through the calibration procedure the first time you set

up your surround sound system, and whenever you want to check the

calibration, such as after changing the layout of your room.

Calibrating the system

33

Using the calibration procedure

We recommend that you perform the calibration procedure
using the Meridian System Remote and from the listening
position.

As you run the calibration procedure the name of each
calibration test is shown on the front panel display, followed by
the parameters adjusted in the test. The on-screen display also
provides additional text explaining what to do, and these
displays are reproduced in the following sections for reference.
For information about setting up the on-screen display refer to
Video connections, page 9.

Each calibration test uses a test signal designed to give the best
results. For information about choosing an alternative test signal,
or one of the 565 inputs, see To select a different test signal,
page 44.

Using a Sound Pressure Level meter

Although you can perform the calibration procedure by ear, it is
recommended that you perform the tests using a Sound
Pressure Level meter, available fairly cheaply from Tandy/Radio
Shack, or your Meridian dealer may be able to lend you one.

Set the Sound Pressure Level meter to C weighted, and slow.
Take readings with the meter at the listening position, pointing
vertical. You should hold the meter with an outstretched arm to
minimise reflections from your body.

Calibrating the system

34

To start the calibration procedure

To exit from the calibration procedure

● Put the 565 into standby by pressing the Off key.

● Press and hold the front panel Off key for at least five

seconds.

The display shows:

After a few seconds the display
shows:

followed by:

Levels is the name of the first calibration test. For more detailed
information about this and the other calibration tests see the
following sections.

Calibration

Levels

Left +0dB

You can exit from the calibration procedure at any time, and any
parameters you have set will be retained.

● Press Off on the front panel or Meridian System Remote.

To move between the calibration tests

● Press Store on the front panel or Meridian System Remote.

The calibration tests are described in the following sections.

Calibrating the system

35

Calibration tests

Levels

This test allows you to adjust the output level to each speaker
individually, and it follows the general guidelines from Dolby and
Lucasfilm. A Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter can be useful at
this stage; ask your dealer for more information.

After a short delay the display shows:

● Use the ] and [ keys on the Meridian System Remote to

move between each of the speakers in the layout in the
sequence: left, centre, right, side right, surround right,
surround left, side left, and subwoofers.

Calibrating the system

Left +0dB

● Use A and V to adjust the level of the speaker. Ignore any

tonal difference.

For correct THX reproduction you should adjust each speaker to
75dB SPL using an SPL meter. Even if your speakers are not
THX approved this setting is recommended.

Note that you cannot set the level of a subwoofer by ear,
because low-frequency noises sound quieter. To set the
subwoofer correctly either use an SPL meter, or set it by ear and
then reduce the subwoofer gain by 15dB to correct for human
hearing.

Digital or Meridian outputs cannot be set above 0dB. You will
therefore need to reduce the level of louder channels to match
them.

● When you have completed the Levels section press Store to

proceed to the next test.

36

Main

This test allows you to set the relative phase and the relative

delay between the left and right main speakers.

The Low test signal is now presented equally and in phase on

just the left and right main speakers; see Test signals, page 44,

for details of the signals.

● Use > and < to switch between phase and delay.

● Use A and V to change the phase.

Choose the correct setting as follows:

Setting What it sounds like

Correct A centrally focused sound image which

remains stable as you move your head.

Incorrect An uncomfortable, phasey, diffused

image which appears to come from

behind you, and which changes

dramatically as you move your head.

Unless there is a wiring error in one of the speakers, or an

incorrect setting in Speaker Set, the correct setting should be

Phs +.

You should not adjust the delay as this has already been

specified when you time-aligned the layout.

Calibrating the system

When setting phase the display shows the absolute phase of the

left speaker.

For example:

Left Phs +

● Press Store to proceed to the next calibration stage.

37

Centre Phase

As in the previous test, signals are applied to the main left, right,
and centre speakers to allow you to adjust the relative phase
and delay on the centre channel.

Choose the correct setting as follows:

Setting What it sounds like

Correct The centre speaker reinforces the

sound.

Incorrect The sound from the centre cancels

some of the image formed by the left
and right speakers.

When setting the delay the display shows the relative
displacement, in feet, of the centre speaker.

● Use A and V to adjust the delay.

● Use > and < to switch between phase and delay.

When setting phase the display shows the absolute phase of the
centre speaker.

For example:

● Use A and V to change the phase.

Calibrating the system

38

Centre Phs +

Choose the correct setting as follows:

Setting What it sounds like

Correct The sound between the speakers is

very even, and does not change
radically as you move your head.

Incorrect The sound appears diffused, and

changes in timbre and apparent
location as you move your head.

As you increase the delay the centre speaker will appear to
move away from you. In practice we usually find that the ideal
delay setting is +0.5 more than the value used to time-align the
system.

For example, if the original value was
+1.0' adjust it to:

This is equivalent to moving the centre speaker 1/2 foot further
away from the listener.

Centre +1.5'

This calibration test adjusts the relative phase between the front
speakers and the rear surround speakers.

After a short delay the display shows:

● Use A and V to change the phase of the right surround

speaker.

Choose the correct setting as follows:

Surr R Phs +

You have now calibrated all the front speakers.

● Press Store to proceed to the next calibration test.

Front-Rear

Setting What it sounds like

Correct A focused central image between the

right front and rear speakers.

Incorrect A diffuse, phasey image between the

two right speakers that changes as you
move your head.

This is a difficult setting to adjust, but is particularly important for
the Ambisonic and Super Stereo DSP modes.

● Press Store to proceed to the next calibration test.

Calibrating the system

39

Surround

This test presents the Low test signal through the left and right
rear surround speakers to allow you to adjust the relative phase
and delay between them.

● Use > and < to switch between phase and delay.

When setting phase the display shows the absolute phase of the
left surround speaker.

Unless there is a fault in the wiring, the correct setting should be
the same phase as you set for the right surround speaker in the
previous calibration stage. Confirm that in this position there is a
more focused central image between the two surround
speakers, as for the Main test.

You should not adjust the delay as this has already been
specified when you time-aligned the layout.

If you have subwoofers or side surround speakers in your
system press Store to proceed to the next calibration stage;
otherwise you have completed the calibration of your speakers.

For example:

● Use A and V to change the phase of the left surround

Calibrating the system

40

speaker.

Surr L Phs +

Sides

Subwoofers

If your layout includes side surround speakers an additional
Sides option allows you to adjust the relative phase and delay.
Side L presents the signal to the front left, rear left, and side left
speakers and you adjust the phase of the side left speaker for
reinforcement, as with Centre Phase. Side R repeats the test for
the three right speakers.

● Use > or < to switch between phase or delay.

● Use A or V to change the phase.

● Use ] or [ to switch between Side L and Side R.

You should not adjust the delays as these have already been
specified when you time-aligned the layout.

In this calibration test the Low noise signal is used to allow you
to calibrate the phase and delay of each subwoofer in turn
relative to another reference speaker. The reference chosen
depends on the layout.

● Use > or < to switch between phase or delay.

When adjusting phase the display shows the absolute phase of
the subwoofer.

For example:

● Use A and V to change the phase.

M Sub Phs +

Calibrating the system

41

Choose the position in which the subwoofer reinforces the
sound from the main speakers in the crossover region.

Layout Sounds Adjusting Adjust phase for

A L and MS MS Crossover reinforce

You should not adjust the delay as this has already been
specified when you time-aligned the layout.

Other subwoofers

● Press Store to adjust any additional subwoofers in the system

in exactly the same way. In each case adjust the phase for
maximum reinforcement.

● Use ] and [ to step between the subwoofers.

In the case of other configurations you will be balancing different
combinations, in some cases the best test is that multiple
subwoofers reinforce each other or the bass from wideband
speakers like the main left and right (if applicable).

The table opposite lists the combinations and adjustments you
may make for the different Layout options; see Specifying the
speaker layout, page 22.

Calibrating the system

42

B L and CS CS Bass adding to L bass
C, K L and LS LS Crossover reinforce

R and RS RS Crossover reinforce

LS and RS RS Bass reinforcing check
D L and MS MS Crossover reinforce
E L and CS CS Bass adding to L bass

LS and CS CS Bass adding to LS

LS and RS RS Bass reinforcing check
F L and LRS LRS Crossover reinforce

LRS and CS CS Bass adding to LRS
H, J L and CS CS Bass adding to L bass

CS and SS SS Bass adding to CS

Key: L=Main Left, R=Main Right, MS=Mono Sub, CS=Centre
Sub, LS=Left Sub, RS=Right Sub, LRS=Left+Right Sub,
SS=Surround Sub.

ADC Check

The digital surround processor selects its analogue input, and
replays the signal through the speakers.

This test provides metering to help you set the level of the
analogue inputs. The analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) fitted
for the analogue input to the 565 has a sensitivity of 2V rms for
full scale. With this setting, the analogue input can be connected
to the output of a LaserDisc or CD player and will not require
adjustment. If the analogue signal comes from a preamplifier or
control unit, then it is important to ensure that the internal ADC
is not overloaded.

In this calibration test the display
shows:

ADC Check

The display shows when the input level
comes within 3dB of full scale:

Play any analogue source, or sources connected via an ancillary
preamplifier or switchbox, choosing the loudest material. The
input signal level should be adjusted so that the Over display
hardly ever occurs.

Over

What next?

Congratulations – your 565 Digital Sound Processor is now set
up and ready for use. Refer to the user’s guide for information
about using the digital surround processor with your music and
cinema sources.

The remaining chapters in this guide give more advanced
information about configuring the digital surround processor’s
sources, and further reference and troubleshooting information.

Calibrating the system

43

Test signals

In Calibration you can make adjustments using a number of
different signals, shown in the table below. Normally the 565
selects the most appropriate signal for the test.

Signal Description

High Continuous ‘pink’ noise, band-limited

500Hz–2kHz.

Low Continuous ‘pink’ noise, band-limited

20Hz–80Hz.

Digital In Any signal applied to the appropriate
Optical In input is combined to mono (L+R) and
Analogue In then used to supply outputs under

calibration. This allows adjustments to
be made using speech or music, or
external test signals from CD or
LaserDisc.

Sine Sweep For checking room resonance and

vibration; see opposite.

Silence No test signal – useful for tracking

down hum and noise.

To select a different test signal

● Press the Display key.

To test for room vibrations

The Sine Sweep test signal allows you to check your room for
rattles and buzzes which could interfere with your listening.

● Press the Display key until the

display shows:

● Use the =, ˘, ¯, and > (Play) keys on the Meridian System

Remote to control the Sine Sweep.

Sine Sweep

Calibrating the system

44

Setting up sources

This chapter explains how to set up the sources connected to the digital

surround processor, and configure them to suit your other equipment.

When you set up the digital surround processor to one of the standard

settings, 12 sources are automatically set up for you.

If you wish, you can configure each source individually to choose its label,

the audio input it selects, and the DSP preset it uses.

Setting up sources

45

Standard source settings

The digital surround processor provides 12 sources
corresponding to the 12 source selection keys on the Meridian
System Remote.

Source Types Types 2-channel Digital DTS MPEG

0 – 5 0 562 – 5 562 preset preset preset preset

CD Digital Digital Trifield Digital Mu DTS Mu MPEG Mu
Radio Analogue Digital Music Digital Mu DTS Mu MPEG Mu
LP Analogue Digital Music Digital DTS MPEG
TV Analogue Digital TV Logic Digital DTS MPEG
Tape 1 Analogue Digital Music Digital DTS MPEG
Tape 2 Analogue Digital Music Digital DTS MPEG
CDR Digital Digital Trifield Digital DTS MPEG
Cable Analogue Digital TV Logic Digital DTS MPEG
DVD Digital Digital Pro Logic Digital DTS MPEG
VCR 1 Analogue Digital Pro Logic Digital DTS MPEG
VCR 2 Analogue Digital Pro Logic Digital DTS MPEG

When the digital surround processor is set to one of the
standard settings the sources are set up with the labels, inputs,
and presets shown in the table below.

Setting up sources

46

LD Optical Digital THX Cinema Digital THX DTS THX MPEG THX

If the configuration you want is not catered for by one of the

standard settings, you can configure each source individually.

● Press Source until the left-hand pair of characters identifies

the source you want to configure.

For each source you can configure:

❍The label used for it on the front panel display, from 54

alternative labels.

❍The audio input it selects.
❍The DSP preset to be used.
❍The comms type and address, to identify other Meridian 500

Series equipment.

The procedure for doing this is as follows.

To configure a source

● Switch off the 565, using the power switch on the back panel.

● Switch on the power again while holding down the Display

key on the front panel.

The display will show:

Config

For example, to configure the CD

source the display initially shows:

The right-hand part of the display shows the current value of the

option.

CD CD

To change an option

● Press A or V to step between the alternative values for the

option.

When you have finished programming sources:

● Switch off at the back panel, and then switch on again to

restore normal operation.

Setting up sources

47

The options are summarised in the following table:

Option Initial value Alternative values Explanation

Label CD, RD, LP, etc. See To change a source label, page 50.

Audio input Digit.In, Opt.In, Anlg.In, Choose the appropriate option for the digital, optical, or

2-channel preset Music, ProLogic, etc, Choose the DSP preset you want to use for two-channel

Precision 16, 18, 20, or 22 Bits. All CDs and LaserDiscs are currently 16 bits. The 518

Comms type 1C–8C or NC. Choose IC for a Meridian CD player, 2C for a Meridian

Address 1A–8A. Allows you to have up to eight of each source type.

Digital preset Digital, Digital THX, Choose the DSP preset you want to use for Dolby Digital

DTS preset DTS, DTS THX, DTS Mu, Choose the DSP preset you want to use for DTS audio

Setting up sources

48

CD CD

CD Digit.In

CD Music

CD 16 Bits

CD 1C

CD 1A

CD Digital

CD DTS

or Last Valid. analogue inputs, or Last Valid to use the last valid input.

No Preset, or user preset. audio streams, or No Preset to use the last valid preset.

provides 22 bits.

FM Tuner, or NC otherwise.

Digital Mu, or user preset. audio streams.

or user preset. streams.

Option Initial value Alternative values Explanation

MPEG preset MPEG, MPEG THX, Choose the DSP preset you want to use for MPEG audio

CD MPEG

MPEG Mu, or user preset. streams.

MLP preset MLP or user preset. Choose the DSP preset you want to use for MLP

CD MLP

(Meridian Lossless Packing) audio streams.

DTS delay Y or N. Allows you to add a 30 msec delay to avoid an initial hiss

DTS Delay Y

with non-video DTS sources.

The last valid, or L.V. options leave the corresponding setting unchanged from its previous value.
For a full list of presets see the 565 User Guide.

Setting up sources

49

Examples of configuring the sources

The following examples illustrate how you can configure the

source options to your own requirements.

To change a source label

● Display the source you want to configure, together with its

current label, as described in To configure a source, page 47.

For example, to configure the

Radio source label choose:

● Press A or V to step between the alternative labels.

For example, to use the label FM

for the Radio source set it to:

Over 50 alternative labels are provided to allow you to choose

the most appropriate ones for your sources. Selecting None

turns off the source.

RD RD

RD FM

To use a source key to change DSP
preset

If you have fewer than 12 different sources you can use some of

the source keys on the Meridian System Remote to change the

DSP preset.

● Configure the source key you are going to use with the audio

input set to Last Valid, and the required DSP preset.

For example: Source CDR, Label C1, Audio input Last Valid,

2-channel Preset Ambisonic.

Selecting the CDR source key will now switch the DSP preset to

Ambisonic, leaving the input unchanged.

Setting up sources

50

To set up a system with two Meridian
CD players

To set up two sources for DVD, one
for audio CDs and one for video DVDs

● Configure the source you are going to use for the first CD

player.

For example: Source CD, Label C1, Audio input Digit.In, Comms
type 1C, Address 1A.

● Configure the source you are going to use for the second CD

player, with a different address.

For example: Source CDR, Label C2. Audio input Opt.In,
Comms type 1C, Address 2A.

You will also need to configure this CD player to have the same
address; eg 2A.

The Meridian System Remote will now automatically control
whichever of the CD players you have selected with the CD or
CDR source keys.

● Configure the source key you are going to use for audio CDs

with the digital input, and an appropriate 2-channel preset.

For example: Source CD, Label CD, Audio input Digit.In,
2-channel preset Trifield.

● Configure the source key you are going to use for video DVDs

with the digital input, and an appropriate Digital preset.

For example: Source DVD, Label DV, Audio input Digit.In, Digital
preset Digital.

Setting up sources

51

Setting up sources

52

Troubleshooting

This chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may

occur when setting up the digital surround processor.

If you are still not able to resolve a difficulty with the help of this guide and

the suggestions in the following pages, please contact your Meridian

dealer or Meridian Audio Ltd.

Troubleshooting

53

General operating problems

Troubleshooting

54

Standby point not lit

Check the following:

❍There is AC power connected to the socket on the rear of the

565.

❍The power switch on the rear panel of the 565 is turned on.

If the 565 will still not illuminate, check any fuses in your power
supply and the fuse in the inlet of the 565. If these are all intact,
contact your dealer.

Remote not working

Check the following:

❍The battery in the Meridian System Remote.
❍Remove the 500 comms connections from the 565, does it

respond now? If so, replace the connections and perform an
Auto Configure procedure; see Connecting to other Meridian
equipment, page 18.

❍See if the 565 is set to Not Controller in Config; see To set

other configuration options, page 27. Note that this may be

deliberate by your dealer.

Communications not working with
other Meridian products

❍Check the connections carefully.
❍Are you using a mix of 200 and 500 Series units?

Erratic or unexpected system
behaviour

Redo the Auto Configure process; see Connecting to other
Meridian equipment, page 18.

If this fails, the memory of the 565 may have been corrupted. If
this is suspected perform a full reset.

I am playing a Dolby Digital DVD, but
the 565 selects the Pro Logic preset

DVDs include a 2-channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, which will
use the default 2-channel preset.

❍Select a 6-channel soundtrack, if it is available.

Audio problems

Hum on analogue input

There is no reason for the 565 to produce hum on the analogue
input.

❍Check the source equipment. Disconnect each source in turn.
❍If the hum originates from a ground loop an antenna or cable

supply may be the cause, in which case an antenna-lead
isolator should be fitted.

❍If the 565 seems to be the cause of hum consult your dealer.

Poor sound quality

Poor sound quality will usually result from driving an analogue
input too hard.

❍Turn down the analogue input level.
❍To optimise this use the ADC Check procedure; see ADC

Check, page 43.

There is radio interference

The 565 is a digital audio and computing device which has been
designed to very high standards of electromagnetic
compatibility.

If this equipment does cause or suffer from interference to/from
radio or television reception then the following measures should
be tried:

❍Reorient the receiving aerial (or antenna) or route the antenna

cable of the receiver as far as possible from the 565 and its
cabling.

❍Ensure that the receiver uses well-screened antenna cable.
❍Relocate the receiver with respect to the 565.
❍Connect the receiver and this product to different AC outlets.
❍If the problem persists contact you dealer.

Troubleshooting

55

Troubleshooting

56

Audible hiss at high volume settings

The input dynamic range of any recordings you have are at
maximum 16 bit. The reason for this is that currently CD, DVD,
and LaserDisc use a 16-bit standard although DVD can support
up to 24-bits. The analogue sources you have cannot achieve
this kind of range. For comparison, analogue sources are likely
to be of the order of:

❍VCR, 12 bits.
❍FM radio, 13 bits.
❍Reel-reel tape, 13 bits.
❍Cassette tape, 12 bits.
❍LP, 11 bits.

Note that there may be a difference between the dynamic range
of the source channel when it is operating, and the noise you
hear in standby. For example, LP normally has lower noise when
the stylus is not in the groove; similarly tape will be quieter when
it is stopped. CD may also be quieter when it is stopped,
producing so called ‘digital silence’.

The 565 has a 16-bit capability on its internal analogue-to-digital
converter, which is used for analogue sources. When the volume
is turned up high you may hear its dither as a hiss when the

sources are stopped. This hiss is lower than the background
noise of your recordings and should be of no consequence.

The 565 has 18-bit output precision on the analogue outputs.

Other sources of hiss may be tracked down using either:

❍The Mute option. When muted the outputs are reduced to the

dither at the selected precision.

❍The Silence test signal; see Test signals, page 44.

Crackling on optical inputs

Some optical sources, in particular some LaserDisc players,
provide poor drive waveforms that do not meet the EIAJ
standard, in that the light modulates but never goes quite ‘black’
between pulses. If you experience crackling on the optical input
or an occasional reluctance to lock, ie provide a sound,
investigate as follows.

❍Try other fibres.
❍Pull the fibre part-way out and see if the problem clears up.
❍Try another player or CD player on the optical input.
❍Contact Meridian for up-to-date advice on this point.

Sound not clear

❍If speech sounds muffled in a system with a centre speaker,

check that sound is coming from the centre as there may be a
connection problem. In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre
you may have set it up to be right instead of left so that it is
playing a subwoofer signal.

❍If speech sounds muffled in a system with no centre speaker,

you may have selected a layout that expects one. See
Specifying the speaker layout, page 22.

Centre not working

There may be a connection problem.

❍In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre, you may have set it

up to be right instead of left, and therefore it may be playing a
subwoofer signal.

There is a hiss when starting DTS
LaserDiscs

The DTS audio stream is indistinguishable from a PCM audio
stream; the 565 takes 30 msec to identify the encoding, during
which a hiss is heard.

❍With non-video DTS sources you can add a 30 msec delay to

avoid this. However, with video sources the delay would
cause a noticeable sync problem, so the hiss is unavoidable.

Troubleshooting

57

Video problems

TV does not work using the 565

❍Check all video connections; the input is the lower connector

of the pair.

❍Temporarily remove the 565 from the video circuit. The fault

will probably be elsewhere or in a cable.

Poor picture quality

Picture quality may suffer if you do not attend to the following:

❍Are you using suitable quality cables with good connectors?
❍Is there a ground loop created between any of the

components connected to the 565?

Remember that reception of broadcast or cable signals can be
significantly deteriorated by cross-modulation in the RF domain.
It is unwise to attempt to cascade and mix several video
sources, eg LaserDisc, VCR, etc, to an antenna system.

Troubleshooting

58

Index

A

Ambisonic 4

Analogue input 10

setting sensitivity 43

Analogue preamplifier 6

Analogue speakers,

connecting 10

Aspect ratio, specifying 25

Audio inputs 10

Audio outputs 10

Automatic setup 18

C

Calibration procedure 33

exiting 35
starting 35

Calibration tests 36

ADC Check 43
Centre Phase 38
Front-Rear 39
Levels 36
Main 37
Sides 41
Subwoofers 41
Surround 40
test signals 44

CD players, two 51

Centre speaker 2

setting delay 38
setting phase 38
troubleshooting 57

Checking room vibrations 44

Choosing standard settings 20

Communications mode 27

Communications,

troubleshooting 54

Components 8

Configuring sources

AC-3 preset 48
address 48
audio input 48
comms type 48
examples 50
label 48
precision 48

Connecting

to Meridian 500 Series

equipment 18

Connecting sources 15

Connecting speakers 13

Connecting video 12

Connections 11

Analogue input 10
C-VIDEO 12
C-VIDEO IN 9
C-VIDEO OUT 9
cables 11
CENTRE/SUB 3-4 10
COMMS 11
communications 11
DIGITAL IN 10
MAIN 1-2 10
OPTICAL IN 10
REARS 7-8 10
RS232 11
S-LEADS 11
SIDES/SUB 5-6 10

Controller 5

Controller mode 27

Controller, setting 18

Crackling on optical inputs 56

Crossover frequency 27

Index

59

60

Index

D

Digital connections, cables 11

DIGITAL IN 10

DSP Loudspeakers. See Meridian

DSP Loudspeakers

DSP preset, using source keys to

change 50

F

501/501V Control Unit 6

connecting to 16

519 Demodulator 6

connecting to 15

551 Integrated Amplifier,

connecting to 17

555 Stereo Power Amplifier,

connecting to 14

562/562V Digital Control Unit 6

connecting to 16

Five-channel surround system 3

Four-channel surround system 3

Front panel volume 27

Full-range speakers 5

H

Hiss at high volume settings 55

Hiss starting DTS LaserDiscs 57

Home cinema 3

Hum on analogue input 55

I

Introduction 1

L

LaserDisc 6

Layout

specifying 25
with large left and right speakers 22
with small left and right speakers 23

Layout examples

five-channel surround system 3
four-channel surround system 3
seven-channel surround system 4
surround system with full-range

speakers 5
three-channel surround system 2
THX system 4

Layouts 22

A4,24
AB 24
AG 24
B24
C24
D24
E24

Layouts (continued)

G2,3,4,24
H24
J24
K24
L2,5,24
M3,24
N24

LFE subwoofer 3

M

M2500 Active Subwoofer,

connecting to 14

Menu mode 27

Meridian 500 Series operation,

setting 18

Meridian Active Loudspeakers,

connecting 13

Meridian DSP Loudspeakers

connecting 10, 13
setting up 30
using 5

Mono subwoofer 3, 4

O

On-screen display (OSD)

during calibration 34
troubleshooting 58

Optical connections 11

OPTICAL IN 10

P

Planning a system 2

Planning sources 6

Poor picture quality 58

Poor sound quality 55

Positioning 8

Product address 27

R

Radio interference 8, 55

Rear panel 9

RS232 connection 11

S

Setting up sources 45

Setting up the Digital Surround

Processor 7

Seven-channel surround system 4

Side surrounds, setting relative

phase 41

Sine Sweep 44

Sound not clear 57

Sound Pressure Level meter 34

Sources

changing label 50
configuring 47
connecting 15
planning 6
setting up 45

Speaker outputs

gain 32
output delay 30
output precision 31
output type 29
phase 32
setting levels 36
setting up 28
speaker protection for 5.1

sources 31
subwoofer type 32
time-aligning 28

Speakers, connecting 13

Specifying the speaker layout 22

Standard settings 20, 21

choosing 20

Standard source settings 46

Subwoofers

crossover 14
in layouts 23
LFE 3
mono 3
setting phase 41, 42
specifying 5.1 LFE 27
specifying type 32

Surround system with full-range

speakers 5

Surrounds

in layouts 23
specifying number 26
specifying type 26

System address 27

T

Test signals 44

Three-channel surround system 2

THX level 36

THX system 4

Time-aligning the system 28

Troubleshooting 53

Audio problems 55
General operating problems 54
Video problems 58

Index

61

Types 20

standard 46
with 562 21, 46

U

Unpacking 8

V

Video connections 9

Volume mode 27

62

Index