Parasound AVC1800 User Manual

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O W N E R ' S M A N U A L

AVC-1800 Audio Video Controller

Re -EQ

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Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions ..............................................................................4

Introduction .........................................................................................................9

About this Manual ...............................................................................................9

AVC-1800 Rear Panel Drawing........................................................................... 10

AVC-1800 Front Panel Drawing...........................................................................12

AVC-1800 Main Zone Remote Drawing ..............................................................14

AVC-1800 Remote Zone Remote Drawing..........................................................16

Making Connections to Your AVC-1800...............................................................17

AVC-1800 Input and Output Connection Drawing............................................... 18

AVC-1800 Front Panel Controls ..........................................................................2 2

AVC 1800 Remote Control Buttons.....................................................................2 5

Surround Processing Modes............................................................................... 27

AVC-1800 On-screen Display..............................................................................29

Placement of Your Home Theater Speakers........................................................2 9

Setting up your AVC 1800 ...................................................................................32

Bass Management Settings ................................................................................32

Calibrating Channel Levels..................................................................................33

Programming the Learning Remote Control........................................................34

Operating Your AVC-1800 ...................................................................................36

Using the Tuner ...................................................................................................3 6

Operating the Remote Zone................................................................................ 38

Maintaining Your AVC-1800.................................................................................38

In Case of Trouble ...............................................................................................3 8

Blank Remote Control Drawings ......................................................................... 40

AVC-1800 Specifications.....................................................................................43

Record the following information for future reference:

Serial #_______________________ Date of Purchase__________________

Parasound Dealer__________________________________________________

Parasound Dealer's Phone Number____________________________________

AVC-1800 Audio Video Controller Features

• Full 24 bit Processing Using Crystal Semiconductor CS4926

• Dolby Digital Dolby Pro Logic, and DTS Decoding

• Three Burr-Brown PCM 1716 D to A Converters

• Reference Quality FM/AM Stereo Tuner with 29 Presets

• Digital Inputs and Surround Modes are Assignable to Sources

• Four Audio/Video Inputs with Composite and S-Video Connectors

• On-screen Display and Front Panel Indicators

• Illuminated, Eight Source Learning Remote Control

• Separate Rear Panel Infrared Input Connectors for Main and Zone

• Dual Zone Audio Controller With Separate 12 Volt DC Trigger

• 5.1 Analog Input for Future Format Compatability

Re -EQ

Licensing Acknowledgements

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Copyright 1992 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All Rights Reserved

` Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems,

Inc. US Pat. No. 5,451,942 and other worldwide patents issued and pending. “DTS”, “DTS Digital Surround”, are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Copyright 1996 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Manufactured under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. U.S. patent numbers 5,043,970; 5,189,703; and 5,222,059.

Important Safety Instructions

Save these instructions for future use

This triangle alerts you to the dangerous voltages inside that may be a shock hazard.

This triangle alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in this manual.

ü Follow all instructions and warnings marked on the unit. ü Always use with the correct line voltage. Refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions for power

requirements. Be advised that different operating voltages may require the use of a dif ferent line cord and/ or attachment plug.

ü 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.

ü Slots and opening on the case are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation and prev ent it from

overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. Never push objects of any kind through the ventilation slots. Never spill a liquid of any kind on the unit.

ü Never attach audio power amplifier outputs directly to any of the unit’s connectors. ü To prevent shock or fire hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture, or operate it where it will be

exposed to water.

ü Do not attempt to operate the unit if it has been dropped, damaged, exposed to liquids, or if it exhibits a

distinct change in performance indicating the need for service.

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

hazardous voltages.

ü Adhere to all warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions. ü Take precautions not to defeat the grounding or polarization of the units power cord. ü Do not overload wall outlet, extension cords or inte gral con venience receptacles, as this can result in a risk

of fire or electrical shock.

ü Route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or

against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point at which they exit from the unit.

ü The unit should be cleaned only as recommended.

Communications Notice

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

ü Reorient the television receiving antenna ü Relocate the AVC-2500 away from the television ü Plug the AVC-2500 into a different AC outlet so that the AVC-2500 and television are on different branch

circuits.

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

Le présent appareil numénque n’ émet pan de bruits radioélectriques dépassant len limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la class B prescrites dans le Réglement sur le brouillage radloélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Español

Instrucciones Importantes de Seguridad

Guarde esta instrucciones para uso posterior. Utilice siempre el voltaje correcto. Dirijase a las instrucciones de operación del fabricante para obtener las especificaciones de potencia. Esté al tanto de que voltajes de operación distintos requleren el uso de cables y/o enchufes distintos.

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

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

Nunca conecte ningún tipo de salida de amplificadores de sonido directamente a los conectores de la unidad. Para prevenir descar gas eléctricas o incendios, mantenga la unidad alejada de la lluvia, humedad o cualquier lugar

en el que pueda entrar en contacto con agua. No trate de hacer funcionar la unidad si se ha caído, esta dañada, ha entrado en contacto con liquidos, o si nota

cualquier cambio brusco en su funcionamiento que indique la necesidad de hacerle un servicio de mantenimiento.

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

Este triángulo que aparece en su componente le advierte soDre aexistenc;a dentro del chasis de voltajes peligrosos sin aislantes …voltajes que son lo suficientemente grandes como para causar electrocución.

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

Français

Instructions de Sûretè Importantes

Gardez ces instructions pour réference future. Observez toutes les instructions et tous les avertisserments marqués sur l’appareil. Branchez uniquements sur un réseau de tension indiquée. Consultez le manuel d’instruction du fabriquant pour les

spécifications de courant. N’oubliez pas que différentes tensions peuvent nécessiter l’utilisation de cables et/ou de fiches de connexion différents.

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

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

Ne connectez jamais d’amplificateurs audio directement aux connecteurs de l’appareil. Pour empêcher les chocs électriques et le danger d’incendie, évitez d’exposer l’appareil à Ia plule ou à l’humidité,

et ne le mettez pas en marche en un endroit où iI serait exposé aux éclaboussures d’eau. N’essayez pas de faire fonctionner l’appareil s’il est tombé à terre, a été endommangé, exposé à un liquide, ou si

vous observez des différences nettes dans son fonctionnement, indiquant Ia nécessité de réparations. Cet appareil ne dolt être ouvert que par un personnel de service qualifié. En enlevant les couvercles vous vous

exposez à des tensions électriques dangereuses.

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

Ce triangle sur sur votre appareil vous invite de suivre d’importantes instructions d’utiiisation et d’entretien dans Ia documentation Iivrée avec le produit.

Deutsch

Wichtige Sicherheitsanweisungen

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

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

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

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

Schließen Sie nie Tonverstärker unmittelbar an einen Anschluß des Apparates an. Um elektrischen Schlag oder Feuer zu vermeiden, setzen Sie den Apparat weder Regen noch Feuchtigkeit aus

und betreiben Sie ihn nicht dort wo Wasser eindringen könnte. V ersuchen Sie nicht den Apparat zu betreiben f alls er fallen gelassen,beschädigt, oder Flüssigkeiten ausgesetzt

wurde, oder falls sich seine Arbeitsweise derartändert daß daraus ein Bedarf nach Raparatur zu schließen ist.

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

Dieses Dreieck auf Ihrem Apparat warnt Sie v or nicht-isolierter, gefahrlicher Spann ung im Gehäuse stark genug um eine Benührungsgefahr darzusteilen.

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

Italiano

Importanti norme di sicurezza

Conservare le presenti norme per l’utilizzo futuro. Osservare tutte le istruzioni e le avvertenze apposte sull’unità. Utilizzare esclusivamente con Ia tensione di rete correrta. Consuitare le istruzioni operati ve fornite dal fabbricante

per i dati riguardanti Ia tensione e l’assorbimento di corrente. Potrebbe essere necessario l’uso di cavi di rete e/o di spine diverse a seconda della tensione utilizzata.

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

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

Evitare sempre di collegare le uscite dell’amplificatore audio direrttamente ai connettori dell’unità. Per prevenire iI pericolo di folgorazione e di incendio non esporre l’unità alla pioggia o ad un’umidità eccessiv a;

evitare di adoperare l’unità dove potrebbe entrare in contatto con acqua. Evitare di adoperare l’unità se Ia stessa è stata urtata violentemente, se ha subito un danno, se è stata esposta

ad un liquido o in caso di un evidente cambiamento delle prestazioni che indichi Ia necessità di un intervento di assistenza tecnica.

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

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

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

Dansk

Vigtig information om sikkerhed

Gem denne Vejledning til senere brug. Folg alle anvisninger og advarsler pá apparatet.

Apparatet skal altid tilsluttes den korrekte spænding. Der henvises til brugsan visningen, der indeholder specifikationer for strømforsyning. Der gøres opmærksom pá, at ved varierende driftsspændinger kan det blive nød vendigt at bruge andre lednings- og/eller stiktyper.

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

Der er ventilationsábninger i kabinettet. For at sikre apparatets drift og hindre overophedning má disse ábninger ikke blokeres eller tiIdækkes. Stik aldrig noget ind igennem ventilationsábningerne, og pas pá aldrig at spilde nogen form for væske pá apparatet.

Udgangsstik fra audioforstærkere má aldrig sættes direkte i apparatet. Apparatet má ikke udsættes for regn eller fugt og má ikke bruges i nærheden af vand for at undgá risiko for

elektrisk stød og brand. Apparatet má aldrig bruges, hvis det er blevet stødt, beskadiget eller vádt, eller hvis ændringer i ydelsen tyder pá,

at det trænger til eftersyn. Dette apparat má kun ábnes af fagfolk. Hvis dækslet tages af, udsættes man for livsfarlig højspænding.

Denne mærkat pá komponenten advarer om uisoleret, fartig spænding i aparatet... høj nok til at giv e elektrisk stod.

Denne mærkat pá komponenten advarer om vigtig drifts- og vedligeholdsinforna tion I den tuhorende titteratur.

Svenska

Viktiga säkerhetsföreskrifter

Spara dessa föreskrifter för framtida bruk. Följ alla anvisningar och Varningar som anges pá enheten. Använd alltid rätt nätspänning. Se tiliverkarens bruksanvisningar för information om effektkrav. Märkväl, art

andra matningsspänningar eventuellt kräver att en annan typs nätsladd och/eiler kontakt används. Installera inte enheten i ett oventilerat stati v , eller direkt ovanför utrustning ar som avger värme, t ex ef fekfförstärkare.

Se till att omgivningens temperatur vid drift Inte överskrider det angivna värdet i produktspecifikationen. Behallaren ar försedd med hál och bppningar för ventilering. För att garantera tillförlitlig funktion och förhindra

överhettning får dessa öppningar inte blockeras ellertackas. Inga förernal får skuffas in genom ventilationshalen. Inga vatskor får spilfas pa enheten.

Anslut aidrig audioeffekfförstarkarutgangar direkt till nagon av enhetens kontakter. För art undvika elstot eller brandfara får enheten inte utsattas för regn eller fukt, eller användas pá ställen dar den

blir vät. Använd inte enheten om den har fallit i golvet, skadats, blivit vät. eller om dess prestanda förändrats märkbart.

vilket kräver service. Enheten får öppnas endast av behörig servicepersonal. Farliga spänningar blir tiligangliga när locken tas bort.

Denna triangel, som visas pá din komponent. varnar dig am en aisolerad fartig spänning inne i enheten. Den na spänning ar eventuetit sá hög att fara för eistöt föreligger.

Denna triangel, som visas pá din komponent, anger att viktiga bruksanvisningar och serviceanvisningar ingár I dokumentationen frága.

Norsk

Viktig Informasjon om sikkerhet

Ta vare pá denne veiledningen for senere bruk. Folg alle anvisningene og ad varslene som er angitt pá apparatet. Apparatet skal alltid anvendes med korrekt

spenning. Produktbeskrivelsen inneholder spesifikasjoner for stromkra v . Vær oppmerksom pá at det v ed ulike driftsspenninger kan være nodvendig a bruke en annen ledning- og/ eller stopseltype.

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

Apparatet er utstyrt med ventilasjonsápninger . For at apparatet skal være pálitelig I bruk og ikke overopphetes. má disse ápningene ikke blokkeres eller tildekkes. Stikk aldri noe inn I ventilasjonsápningene, o g pass pá at det aldri søles noen form for væske apparatet. Utgangsplugger fra audioforsterkere skal aldri koples direkte til apparatet.

Unnga brannfare og elektrisk stat ved å sørge for at apparatet ikke utsettes for regn eller fuktighet og ikke anvendes i nærheten av vann. Apparatet skal ikke brukes hvis det har bliff utsatt for støt, er skadet eller bIitt vått, eller hvis endringer i ytelsen tyder pá at det trenger service. Dette apparatet skal kun åpnes av fagfolk. Hvis dekselet fjernes, utsettes man for livsfarlig høyspenning.

Komponenten er merket med denne trekanten, som er en adv arsei om at det finnes uisolert, farlig spenning inne i kabinettet… hoy nok til á utgjore en fare for elektrisk støt.

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

Suomi

Tärkeitä turvallisuusohjeita

Säilytä nämä ohjeet tulevaa käyttöä varten. Seuraa kaikkia yksikköön merkittyjä ohjeita ja varoituksia.

Käytä aina oikeaa verkkojännitettä. Tehovaatimukset selviävät valmistajan käyttöohjeista. Huomaa, että en käyttöjännitteet saattavat vaatia toisenialsen verkkojohdon ja/tai -pistokkeen käytön.

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

Kotelo on varustettu tuufetusreiillä ja -aukoilla. Luotettavan toiminnan vaimistamiseksi ja ylilämpenemisen valttämiseksi näitä aukkoja ei saa sulkea tai peittää. Mitään esineitä el saa työntää tuuletusaukkoihin. Mitään nesteitä ei saa kaataa yksikköön.

Älä kytke audiotehovahvistimen lähtöjä suoraan mihinkään yksikön liittimeen. Sähköiskun ja palovaaran välttämiseksi yksikkö ei saa olla sateessa tai kosteassa, eikä sitä saa käyttää märässä

ympäristössä. Älä käytä yksikköä jos se on pudonnut, vaurioitunut, kostunut, tai jos sen suorituskyky on huomattavasti

muuttunut, mikä vaatii huoltoa. Yksikön saa avata v ain laitteeseen perehtynyt huoitohenkilö. Kansien poisto altistaa sinut vaarallisille jännitteille.

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

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

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of this precision component and thank you for your selection of Parasound. Your new AVC-1800 Audio Video Controller is designed to be the heart of your home theater system and to provide you with years of listening and viewing enjoyment.

Surround modes include Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS, and two channel stereo. You can set up your AVC-1800 to detect the type of signal present at each input and automatically decode it based on how the source software was originally encoded. Your AVC-1800 also has discrete 5.1 channel analog inputs to accommodate the possibility of future formats.

The AVC-1800 has audio connections for independent remote zone operation. This feature allows you to route any of the analog audio sources connected to the AVC-1800 to both the main zone (Main) and a separate remote zone (Zone).

If you are in a hurry to have your AVC-1800 up and running and if you are already comfortable with installing audio/video systems, refer to the drawings and descriptions on pages 10-16. However, since the AVC-1800 has extensive control cap abilities, we strongly advise you take the time to read these instructions thoroughly. You will need them to fully understand and appreciate its extensiv e capabilities.

About this Manual

The names of connectors and controls are italicized to help you find what you are looking for within in a particular section. On-screen and front panel display indications are in small capital letters. This manual was also written with the assumption that you have some prior experience hooking up and installing audio/video systems.

Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully unpack your AVC-1800 Audio Video Contr oller and locate the enclosed accessories: AVC-1800 Owner's Manual

W arranty Card (North Amer ica only . Warranties in other regions provided by the respectiv e authorized Parasound Distributor) Universal remote control with 4 AAA batteries Detachable AC cord FM Folded Dipole 300 Ω Antenna FM 300 ohm to 75 Ω balun matching transformer Threaded DIN to F type 75 Ω coax FM antenna adapter AM loop antenna

Be sure to carefully inspect the AVC-1800 for any signs of shipping damage. If you believ e you notice any, contact your Parasound Dealer immediately. Be sure to save both cartons and the packing inserts for future transport and always pack the smaller carton into a larger protective outer carton before shipment.

Placement of Your AVC-1800

Install your AVC-1800 near your source equipment so you can use the shortest possible interconnect cables. Keep your AVC-1800 out of direct sunlight because it could interfere with the remote control sensor. You should also keep the unit away from heat sources such as hot air ducts radiators and moisture sources such as open windows.

Parasound AVC-1800

Parasound Products, Inc.

Audio Video Controller

San Francisco, CA USA

AC 120V 50/60Hz

Power Consumption: 32W

"Dolby","Pro Logic" and the double-D symbol are trademarks

of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished Works.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

Input

Audio

Digital

Optical

DC Trigger

Main Zone

5.1 Analog Input

Zone

Ext Remote

Main

are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

issued and pending. "DTS", "DTS Digital Surround",

Manufactured under license from

Digital Theater System, Inc. US Pat.

No. 5,451,942 and other world-wide patents

Sub

Center

Surround

Front

Monitor Out

Out

Video 1

Re -EQ

and THX are registered

from LucasFilm Ltd. Lucasfilm

Manufactured under license

Trademarks of Lucasflim Ltd.

CAUTION:

Coaxial

CenterSurround

FrontZone

Video 1

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

Personnel.

Do Not Remove Cover. No User

Servicing To Qualified Service

Serviceable Parts Inside. Refer

To Prevent Electric Shock,

Subwoofer

Main Output

OutOutInOutInOut

84 7 13

2 12

1 5 10 116

S Video

AMGND

Antenna 75

Out

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

NTSC

Video

Format

Off

LPF

Sub

300 Hz

Off

Small

Large

Small

Large

SurroundL & R Center

Bass Management

Small

Large

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

PAL

Audio 1

Audio 2

Speaker Configuration

Audio 3

Audio

10. Infrared Inputs

The Main and Zone external infrared inputs

acommodate infrared remote control operation from the

main and remote zones. Connect the output of separate

compatible infrared repeater systems to these inputs.

11. DC Triggers

These DC T rigger outputs provide a +12 Volt DC trigger

to activate equipment such as po wer amplifiers or relays

in each zone. Connect these outputs to the DC trigger

input of the component you want to activate .

12. Digital Inputs

Your AVC-1800 has four digital inputs: two fiber-optic

Toslink inputs and two 75 Ω Coaxial inputs. Connect

the digital outputs of your source equipment to these

6. Video Monitor Outputs

There are both composite and S-Video

output connections on the AVC-1800.

Connect the Composite and/or S-Video

Monitor Out connectors to the

corresponding input connector of your

monitor or projector.

7. Zone Outputs

The Zone audio output connections

provide independent remote zone

operation. Connect the left and right Zone

audio output to your remote zone

amplifier or system controller.

8. Main Outputs

inputs.

13. AC Line Cord Connection

The rear panel mounted IEC standard AC receptacle

accepts the AC cord supplied with your AVC-1800. Plug

the female end of the AC cord firmly into the rear

mounted A C receptacle and make sure that it is properly

seated, then connect the male end to an uninterrupted

AC power line.

The AVC-1800 provides stereo output

pairs for the left and right front and

surround speakers, a monaural output for

the center speaker, and a monaural output

for the subwoofer. Connect these outputs

to the inputs of your power amplifiers.

9. 5.1 Analog Inputs

The 5.1 Analog Input connections accept

six channels of processed analog output

from a DVD audio player. Connect the

six discrete outputs of your source

component to the corresponding 5.1

Analog inputs of the AVC-1800. You can

also use the left and right channel of the

5.1 analog inputs for an additional two

channel analog source.

4. Audio/Video 1-4 Analog Inputs

and Audio/Video 1-2 Video Record

Output Jacks

All four audio/video analog inputs are

compatible with typical analog line level

sources. Connect the left and right analog

audio output of your audio/video source

components to these In Jacks. V ideo 1 and

2 also have a set of analog audio Record

Out jacks. Connect these outputs of the

AVC-1800 to the Record/Input jacks of

your analog recording component. Video

Rear Panel Connections

1. Antenna Input Connections and

AM Antenna Clamp

Connect your antennas to these inputs.

Antennas are provided, but you can use

other antennas for improved reception.

The provided AM antenna snaps into the

AM antenna clamp.

2. Bass Management and Video

1 and 2 also have a set of video Record

Output jacks. Connect these outputs of the

A VC-1800 to the V ideo Record/Input jack

of your recording component such a VCR.

5. Composite and S-Video Inputs

Each of the four Audio/Video Inputs has

both composite and S-video connectors

with separate video circuits and

amplifiers. The AVC-1800 cannot convert

video signals from S-V ideo to composite

video, or vice versa. For example, when

Format Switches

These switches allow you to configure the

bass management circuitry to match your

speaker system. The video format switch

selects NTSC or PAL formats for proper

video synchronization.

3. Audio-Only 1-3 Analog Inputs

and Audio Record Output

All three analog Audio-only inputs are

compatible with typical analog line level

sources. Connect the left and right analog

you connect a video signal to one of the

four RCA composite RCA input jacks, the

video signal will only be available through

the RCA composite Monitor and Record

output jacks.

audio output of your audio source

components to any of these audio-only

inputs. Note that Audio 1 has a set of

Record Out jacks. Connect the left and

right Record output jacks of the AVC-

1800 to the Record/Input jack of your

analog recording component.

Digital Surround

Active

9 11

8 10

DTS

Overload

Analog5.1 2 Ch

Pro Logic

Re-EQ

ToneC Delay

STEREO

MEMORY

Dolby D

TUNED

MHz

Re-EQ

Mute

Coax12Opt12

5.1 AnalogAudio 3 Zone

Audio 2Video 4 Audio 1Video 3Video 2

5 151412 134

3 6 7

Video 1

AUTO

Tuner

A V C - 1 8 0 0 A u d i o V i d e o C o n t r o l l e r

Tuning

Preset

FM/AMMono

Treble

Bass

On-Off

TONE indicator illuminates when

8. Tone Button

This button activates the bass and treble

controls. The

the tone controls are active.

9. Re-EQ Button

Press the Re-EQ button to engage Lucasfilm

2 Ch Indicator

This indicator illuminates when the AVC-

1800 has been set to two-channel operation

or it detects a Dolby Digital 2/0 signal.

Incoming 5.1 signals are downmixed to two

channels when this is on.

Re-Equalization. Press it again to turn it off.

10. Digital Button

The Digital button selects the four digital

inputs or the analog input. When you select a

V olume Level

This indicator displays the master level of

the AVC-1800 from -60 dB to + 10 dB.

Analog Overload Indicator

digital input to accompany one of the input

sources, the AVC-1800 will recall that digital

input the next time you select the input source,

thereby linking them together.

11. Surround Button

By pressing the Surround button, you can

select between 5.1, Pro Logic, and two

channel. Selecting the two-channel surround

mode will downmix a 5.1 channel signal.

12. 5.1 Analog Indicator

This LED lights when you select the 5.1

analog input.

This red indicator will illuminate when the

internal A to D converters are overloaded.

This can only occur while an analog source

is overloading the input.

Mute Indicator

This indicator lights when the Mute button

is engaged from the remote control. This

LED also lights when the remote zone is on

while the main zone is off.

Digital and Analog Input Indicators

These LEDs light when the corresponding

digital (Optical 1-2, Coax 1-2) or Analog

13. Zone Indicators

When the remote zone is on, the Active LED

input is selected with the Digital button.

DTS indicator

lights. The Zone LED lights for 5 seconds after

a remote zone command is issued.

14. Reset Button Access Hole

This button restores all factory defaults and

clears the programmed memory. Use a

toothpick or small non-metal tool to access

the reset button.

15. V olume Control

This control adjusts the master volume up and

down in 1 dB increments. The v olume display

changes to show the current volume level.

This indicator illuminates when the

AVC-1800 has detected a DTS bitstream.

Dolby Digital

The Dolby Digital indicator illuminates

when the AVC-1800 has detected a Dolby

Digital bitstream.

7. Center Delay Button

Press this button to select delay time for the

center channel speaker. Each pr ess of this

button increases delay from one mS to a

maximum of five mS.

4. T one Controls and Indicator

The Bass control boosts and cuts low

frequencies +/- 10 dB. The Treble control

boosts and cuts high frequencies +/- 10 dB.

The Tone indicator illuminates when the tone

circuitry is activated with the Tone button.

Front Panel Controls

1. On-Off Button

Press the On-Off button to turn the AVC-1800

The Bass and Treble controls only affect

the left and right channels in the 2 channel

mode.

5. Input Selection Buttons

Press these buttons to select the T uner, Audio/

Video inputs 1-4, or Audio 1-3 inputs.

6. Fr ont Panel Display

T uner Display

The tuner display indicates the current status

of the built-in tuner. These indications

on and off. When you fir st turn the unit on,

the front panel displays show the last selected

source input, digital input, surround mode, and

master volume lev el. The tuner frequency and

station preset numbers are also displayed.

2. Infrared Receiver

Infrared signals from the remote control are

received through the IR receiving eye for the

main zone.

3. Tuner Control Buttons

include the FM or AM band, frequenc y , auto

or manual tuning, signal strength and selected

preset. This display remains on even if the

tuner is not selected so you know what station

you will be on when you select the tuner.

Surround Mode Indicators

These indicators let you know the type of

digital bitstream the AVC-1800 has detected

and how the signal is being processed.

Pro Logic Indicator

This indicator illuminates when you select

Mono

Press the Mono button to receive weaker

stations and reduce interchannel noise.

FM/AM

This button allows you to select FM and AM

frequency bands.

Preset

The preset button scrolls through all 29 preset

stations that you may store into memory one

at a time. Preset numbers without active

broadcast frequencies are skipped when the

Pro Logic for an analog, PCM, or Dolby

Digital 2/0 signals.

5.1 Indicator

This indicator illuminates whenever the

AVC-1800 has detected a Dolby Digital or

DTS 5.1 channel encoded signal.

Re-Eq Indicator

This indicator illuminates when

Re-Equalization is active.

f e f e

f e Buttons

preset button is pressed.

Tune

While in the Auto tuning mode, pressing this

button normally advances to the next active

broadcast frequency. In the manual tuning

mode, these buttons select FM frequencies in

100 kHz steps (50 kHz steps for export units)

and AM frequencies in 10 kHz steps (9 kHz

for export units)

Press the

AVC

button to control the main zone of the AVC-1800.

3 4

5 8

AVC

SAT

Display

Input Level

Trim

Tone Delay

ZONE

TV VCR CBL

Tune

Digital

Surround

Volume

Enter

Volume

Re-EQ

DVD CD

Off

Mute

Tune

PresetPreset

Disc

Dyn

16 19

22 23

Vid 1 Vid 2 Vid 3 Vid 4

Aud 1 Aud 2 Aud 3

MonoMem FM/AMMan

12345

678910

MAC 1 MAC 2 MAC 3 MAC 4

Light5.1 Cal

Tuner

24 25

The Learning Remote Control

Main Zone Control Buttons

14. Preset

When the tuner is active, each press of the Preset e button selects the next preset station.

e e

e Button

e e

1. Programming Status LED

This three-color LED flashes when programming infrared codes into the learning remote control.

2. EIght Device Buttons

The device buttons allow you to choose different “pages” to control up to six additional components. Note: Press the AVC

button first to contr ol the main zone of the AVC-1800 and press the Zone button to operate the remote zone.

3. Displa y Button

The Display b utton activ ates the on-screen display to show the operational status of the AVC-1800.

4. Digital Button

The Digital button allows you to select any of the four digital inputs or the analog input.

5. Input Level Buttons

These buttons adjust the signal level to the analog input circuit to prevent overload and distortion.

6. Surround Button

Press the Surround button to select the Surround Processing modes, including Pro Logic, 5.1, and two channel stereo.

7. On and Off Buttons

Press the On button to turn the AVC-1800 on; press the Off button to turn it off this function is differein for remote zone operation. See page 16.

8. Trim Button

Press and release the Trim button to temporarily trim channel levels to suit your taste while watching a f ilm or listening to a recording.

9. Volume Button

The Volume g and h buttons adjust the master volume up and down in 1 dB steps. These buttons are also used for making adjustments during trim and calibration operations.

15. Tone Button

This button activates the bass and tre ble controls. The tone controls are only available in the 2 channel mode.

16. Dela y Button

Press this button to select the amount of delay time for the rear surround speakers.

17. Dynamic Range Control Button

The Dyn button engages a fixed degree of Dynamic Range Control if there was any included in the bitstream during the encoding process.

18. Re-EQ Button

Press the Re-EQ button to engage Lucasfilm Re-Equalization for any of the Surround modes.

19. Direct Access Source Buttons

These buttons provide direct access to each of the se ven inputs plus the tuner.

20. Tuner Functions

These buttons control the tuner functions of the AVC-1800 including Memory, Mono, Manual Tuning, and AM/FM band selection.

21. Numerical Preset Buttons 1-10, 11-20, 21-29

Pressing any of these numerical preset buttons allo ws you to select the radio station previously memorrized between 1 and 10. To access preset numbers above 10, press the numerical button again to add 10 to that preset number. For example, pressing 5 twice accesses preset 15 and pressing three times accesses preset 25.

22. Macro Buttons

The four macro buttons allow you to program a series of commands for one touch operation of multiple functions of different components such as turning on the AVC-1800 and your DVD player and selecting play.

10. Mute Button

Press the Mute button to interrupt the audio signal from reaching the Main analog output jacks of the AVC-1800.

11. Tune

When the tuner is active, pressing the Tune f button selects the previous available broadcast frequency.

12. Tune

When the tuner is active, pressing the Tune e button selects the next available broadcast fr equency.

13. Preset

When the tuner is active, each press of the Preset f button selects the previous preset station.

f f

f Button

f f

e e

e Button

e e

f f

f Button

f f

23. 5.1 Button

This button instructs the AVC-1800 to receive signals from the 5.1 Analog Input jacks. It does not select 5.1 digital surround decoding.

24. Light Button

The Light button illuminates all the remote control buttons for approximately 5 seconds.

25. Cal Button

Press the Cal button to activa te the calibration circuitry that allows you to set the output levels of each channel of the AVC-1800.

The Learning Remote Control

Remote Zone Control

1. Programming Status LED

This three-color LED flashes when programming infrared codes into the learning remote control.

2. Device Buttons

The device buttons allow you to choose different “pages” to control up to six additional components. Note: Press the AVC

button first to contr ol the main zone of the AVC-1800 and press the Zone button to operate the remote zone.

3. On-Off Button

Press the On button to turn the AVC-1800 on for the remote zone; press the On button again to turn it of f. This operation is different for the main zone.

13. Macro Buttons

14. Light Button

The Light button illuminates all the remote control buttons for approximately 5 seconds.

Press the to control the remote zone of the AVC-1800.

Zone

button

4. V olume Buttons

The Volume g and h buttons adjust the master v olume up and down in 1 dB steps.

5. Mute Button

Press the Mute button to interrupt the audio signal from reaching the zone output jacks of the AVC-1800.

6. Tune

f f

f Button

f f

When the tuner is activated, pressing the T une f button selects the previous available broadcast frequency.

7. Tune

e e

e Button

e e

When the tuner is active, each press of the Preset e button selects the previous preset station.

8. Preset

f f

f Button

f f

When the tuner is active, each press of the Preset f button selects the previous preset station.

9. Preset

e e

e Button

e e

When the tuner is active, each press of the Preset e button selects the next preset station.

10. Direct Access Source Buttons

These buttons provide direct access to each of the sev en inputs and the tuner.

AVC

ZONE

DVD C D

SAT

TV VCR CBL

Tune

Mute

PresetPreset

Disc

Tuner

Volume

Tune

Enter

Volume

Vid 1 Vid 2 Vid 3 Vid 4

Aud 1 Aud 2 Aud 3

MonoMem FM/AMMan

11. Tuner Functions

These buttons control the tuner functions of the AVC-1800 including Memory, Mono, Manual Tuning, and AM/FM band selection.

12. Numerical Preset Buttons 1-10, 11-20, 21-29

Pressing any of these numerical preset buttons allows you to select the radio station previously memorrized between 1 and

10. To access preset numbers above 10, press the numerical button again to add 10 to that preset number. For example, pressing 5 twice accesses preset 15 and three times accesses preset 25.

12345

678910

MAC 1 MAC 2 MAC 3 MAC 4

Light

Optional Rack Mounting Kit

If you want to rack mount your AVC-1800, you will need to obtain the optional Parasound RMK-3 Rack Mount Kit. When you install the RMK-3 onto the AVC-1800 and remove its four feet, the rack mounting brackets will occupy three rack spaces (5 1/4 inches high) in a standard 19” wide equipment rack. There will be slightly less than ¾” gap above the front panel when mounted in this fashion. Refer to the RMK-3 instructions for installation procedures. Make certain to use the eight insulated shoulder washers included with the RMK-3 to prevent metal-to-metal contact between its brackets and your equipment rack and in order to prevent ground loops that could cause audible hum.

Making Connections to Your AVC-1800

Before making any connections to your AVC-1800, be sure to turn off the power to your amplifiers. When connecting cables to the AVC-1800, make sure there is no strain or tension on any connections that could cause them to pull loose later.

Rear Panel Connections

T o make installing the AVC-1800 and our instructions easier , we hav e organized discussion about connections in a clockwise direction from the left side to the right side of the rear panel and also by functional groups for analog audio, video, digital audio, antenna, infrared control interface, and AC cord. References to specific connectors on the AVC-1800 are usually italicized.

Antenna Connections

You will not be able to receive an y radio stations unless antennas for FM and AM bands are connected. Following are options to connect FM and AM antennas to your AVC-1800.

FM Dipole Antenna

A standard FM “folded dipole” 300 ohm wire antenna with is included with your AVC-

1800. This dipole antenna is adequate for most urban and suburban locations. Connect the spade lugs of the dipole antenna to the two screw terminals on the included small “balun” matching transformer. Carefully press the balun ov er the 75

Ω

female connector of the rear

panel of your AVC-1800. Next, spread out the antenna and hang on the wall or the back of the equipment cabinet. Experiment with the direction and placement of the dipole antenna to obtain the best reception.

75 Ohm Coaxial Antenna

The AVC-1800 has a standard DIN-type 75 Ω connector for a push-on coaxial FM antenna plugs. An ada pter is included to accommodate the threaded F-type connectors that are used in North America.

Outdoor Roof Antenna

For best reception and maximum noise rejection, we recommend the use of a high-quality outdoor FM antenna. The additional stations you can receiv e and the superior sound quality will make the extra effort worthwhile. Connect the outdoor antenna with a 75 Ω coaxial cable directly to the 75Ω FM Antenna Input of the AVC-1800. If you use 300 Ω twin lead, connect the two bare wire leads to the included “balun” adapter and press it onto the 75

Ω

coaxial FM antenna input connector .

Cable TV and Community Antenna

In many situations, you may be able to use the FM antenna output of a cable TV or a community antenna jack. These connect in the same fashion as an outdoor antenna.

Parasound AVC-1800

Parasound Products, Inc.

Audio Video Controller

San Francisco, CA USA

AC 120V 50/60Hz

Power Consumption: 32W

Powered Subwoofer

Out

Audio

Audio Video

Video Cassette Recorder

Video In

Composite

TV Monitor

Video Out

Composite

Audio OutDigital Out

DVD Player

Coaxial

Rec/In

Play/Out

S-Video In

S-Video Out

Toslink

"Dolby","Pro Logic" and the double-D symbol are trademarks

of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished Works.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

Input

Audio

Digital

Optical

DC Trigger

Main Zone

5.1 Analog Input

Zone

Ext Remote

Main

S Video

are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

issued and pending. "DTS", "DTS Digital Surround",

Manufactured under license from

Digital Theater System, Inc. US Pat.

No. 5,451,942 and other world-wide patents

Sub

Center

Surround

Front

Monitor Out

Out

Video 1

Out

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

Re -EQ

from LucasFilm Ltd. Lucasfilm

Manufactured under license

Coaxial

CenterSurround

FrontZone

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

and THX are registered

Trademarks of Lucasflim Ltd.

Do Not Remove Cover. No User

Servicing To Qualified Service

Serviceable Parts Inside. Refer

To Prevent Electric Shock,

CAUTION:

Personnel.

Subwoofer

OutOutInOutInOut

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

Main Output

Audio

L R LS RS Center

Zone Amplifier or System Controller

Left Speaker Center Speaker Right Speaker Left Surround Right SurroundZone Left Zone Right

Parasound AVC-1800 Input and Output Connections

Output

Audio

Coaxial Digital

CD Player/Transport

Audio

Rec/In

Play/Out

Cassette Deck Amplifier Amplifier Amplifier

PAL

NTSC

Video

Format

LPF

AMGND

Output

Antenna 75

Sub

Small

SurroundL & R Center

Bass Management

Small

Off

300 Hz

Off

Large

Audio 1

Audio 2

Speaker Configuration

Audio 3

AM Antenna and Clamp

A molded plastic loop antenna is supplied with your AVC-1800. Connect the two wires of the AM loop antenna to the posts labeled AM and GND. Position the loop antenna for best AM reception. If you are trying to pick up very distant stations, you may connect a single long wire to the AM terminal and a good earth ground to the GND terminal. Once you have connect the AM antenna, fasten it to the antenna clamp on the rear panel.

Bass Management Switches

Bass management is designed to assure overall balanced response by accommodating many different types of speaker systems that may or may not be able to reproduce frequencies below 80 Hz. The Bass Management switches allow you to configure your speakers to reproduce low frequencies below 80 Hz, or to f ilter out these frequencies and route them to your front speakers or only to your subwoofer channels. The AVC-1800 has four toggle switches, which you must set according to the characteristics of your speakers. Refer to the setup section of this manual for more details on setting the bass management switches to accommodate your home theater system.

NTSC/PAL Switch

This switch allows you to select the display default system to be for the NTSC or PAL video format. PAL is the video format in most European countries and NTSC is the predominant video format in other regions. If you select the incorrect format, the on-screen display will not synchronize properly with your television and will look scrambled.

Input Connections

Analog Audio 1-3 Input Connections

The three audio-only analog inputs are compatible with typical analog line level sources such as CD players, MiniDisc players, cassette decks, etc. Connect the left and right analog audio outputs of your audio source components to these inputs. You can also “assign” any of the four Digital audio inputs to accompany any of these three Audio analog inputs.

Audio Only Record Output Connections

The audio signal from the source you select for the main zone is routed to the Record Output connectors of Audio 1. Connect the left and right play/output of your tape deck to the left and right Audio 1 input connectors. Next, connect the left and right Recor d Output connectors of your AVC-1800 to the left and right audio record/input connectors of your tape deck.

Analog Audio/Video 1-4 Input Connections

All four Audio/Video analog inputs are compatible with typical line level sources such as DVD players, videocassette recorders, satellite receivers, cable converter boxes, etc. Each of the four Audio/Video inputs also switches an accompan ying NTSC/P AL composite video and an S-V ideo input. You can also assign any of the four Digital audio inputs to accompany these four Audio/Video inputs. If you have a DVD player, be sure to connect its digital output to one of the digital inputs of the AVC-1800 for digital surround decoding.

S-Video and Composite Video Input Connections

Each of the four Audio/Video inputs has both composite and S-V ideo connectors with separate video circuits and amplifiers. The AVC-1800 cannot conver t video signals from S-video to composite video, or vice versa. For example, w hen you connect a video signal to one of the four RCA composite RCA input jacks, the proper video signal will only be av ailable through the RCA composite Monitor and Record output jacks. If you try to cross video platforms, the signal will be black and white and distorted.

Record and Playback Connections for Video 1 and Video 2

V ideo inputs 1 and 2 have audio and video record inputs so you can connect up to two audio/ video recording components such as a video cassette recorder.

For audio, connect the left and right audio output connectors from the VCR you’ll use for recording to the corresponding left and right audio inputs of either V ideo 1 or V ideo 2 labeled In. Next, connect the left and right Out connectors of the AVC-1800 to the left and right audio input connectors of the VCR.

For video, connect the composite and/or S-V ideo output connectors from the VCR you will use for recording to the Video 1 or 2 In connectors of the AVC-1800. Next, connect the corresponding Video Out connectors of the AVC-1800 to the composite and or S-Video input connector of the VCR.

Zone Audio Output Connections

The AVC-1800 has analog stereo connections for independent remote zone operation. This feature allows you to route any of the analog input sources connected to the AVC-1800 to both the main zone (Main) and a separate remote zone (Zone). You can listen to different or the same sources in the main and remote zones simultaneously. Connect the left and right Zone Audio Outputs to your remote zone power amplifier or system controller.

Composite and S-Video Monitor Output Connections

If your video monitor or projector is equipped with separate input connections and switching for composite video and S-V ideo, you can connect either or both video formats to the AVC1800’s corresponding Composite Video or S-Video connectors. Note that the AVC-1800 does not conv ert S-V ideo input signals to composite video output signals or composite video to S-V ideo or vice versa.

Main External Remote Control

The Main External Remote allo ws for infrared remote control operation via a wired infrared repeater system or system controller when infrared commands cannot directly reach the front panel infrared receiver. The input connector accepts a standard 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) two conductor mini plug. The tip is positiv e and the sleeve is negati ve. Your Authorized P arasound Dealer or Custom Installer can recommend a compatible infrared repeater system for the AVC-1800. Connect the output of an infrared repeater system to the Main IR input.

Zone External Remote Control

The Zone External IR allows for independent control of the AVC-1800 when routing audio to a remote zone. The input connector accepts a standard 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) two conductor mini plug. The tip is positiv e and the sleeve is negative. Your Authorized Parasound Dealer or Custom Installer can recommend a compatible infrared repeater system for the AVC-1800. Connect the output of an infrared repeater system to the Zone IR input.

Main DC Trigger

This jack provides a +12 Volt DC trigger voltage to activate equipment that can be trigger ed with DC voltage such as power amplif iers, relays, motorized projection screen, fans, lights, or other components. Connect the Main DC Trigger output of the AVC-1800 to the DC input of the component you want to activate . The DC trigger delivers up to up to 200 milliamps of current. The Main DC Trigger accepts a sub-mini (2.5 mm) two-conductor mini plug. The tip is positive and the slee ve is ne gati ve . You can program the AVC-1800 to activate the Main DC T rigger in response to turning on the AVC-1800 or to a button stroke on its remote control. Refer to the Setup section for details on programming the Main DC Trigger.

Zone DC Trigger

This jack provides a +12 Volt DC trigger voltage to activate equipment that can be triggered with DC voltage such as power amplif iers or relays. Connect the Zone DC T rigger output of the AVC-1800 to the DC input of the component you want to activate. The DC trigger delivers up to up to 200 milliamps of current. The Zone DC Trigger accepts a sub-mini (2.5 mm) two-conductor mini plug. The tip is positiv e and the sleeve is ne gative. Y ou can program the AVC-1800 to activate the Zone DC Trigger in response to turning on the AVC-1800 from a remote zone, or to a button stroke on its remote control. Refer to the Setup section for details on programming the Zone DC Trigger.

5.1 Analog Inputs

The 5.1 Analog Input jacks are designed to accept up to six channels of processed analog output from a component with discrete channels such as a DVD Audio or Super Audio CD player . W ith this advanced feature, the AVC-1800 will be able to accept future sources whose technology we cannot anticipate today. Connect the six discrete outputs of your source component to the corresponding 5.1 Analog Input jacks of the AVC-1800. The master volume control adjusts the level for the 5.1 analog inputs.

Main Output Connections

Front Left and Right Channel Outputs

Connect the Left and Right Front channel outputs of your AVC-1800 to two channels of a multi-channel amplifier that are connected to your main front left and right (L, R) speakers.

Center Channel Output

Connect the Center channel output of your A VC-1800 to an input of a multi-channel amplif ier that is connected to your center (C) speaker .

Left and Right Surround Channel Outputs

Connect the Left and Right Surr ound output jacks of your AVC-1800 to two channels of the multi-channel amplifier that are connected to your left and right surround (LS, RS) speakers.

Subwoofer Output Connection

When using a powered subwoofer with a built-in amplif ier, connect the Subwoofer output of your AVC-1800 to the line input of your subwoofer . Make sure you switch off the crosso ver on your subwoofer amp, because the 24 dB per octave low pass filter of the AVC-1800 should be superior to it. If your sub does not have a bypass switch for its crossov er , adjust it to its highest frequency to minimize “double filtering.”

Digital Audio Input Connections

Your AVC-1800 has four digital input connections: two Optical Toslink and two Coaxial RCA connectors. You may use the digital output of a source component in conjunction with its own analog output or that of another source component. Once you have connected the digital output of your source component to one of the Digital Audio Inputs of the AVC- 1800, you can choose a Digital input to be selected simultaneously with any of the four

Audio/Video or the three Audio-only sources. Refer to the setup instructions for Digital Audio Input assignment procedures. For best results, use only cables intended for digital

signal transmission.

Optical Toslink Input Connections

Each of the two optical Toslink inputs on the AVC-1800 labeled Optical 1 and 2 accept a standard S/PDIF digital bitstream from any CD player, DVD player, laserdisc player, DSS receiver, or other digital component equipped with a Toslink optical output. Connect the optical output of your digital source to either of the optical inputs using a Toslink cable.

Coaxial Digital Inputs

The two coaxial digital inputs on the AVC-1800 labeled Coaxial 1 and 2 accept a standard S/PDIF digital bitstream from any CD player, DVD player, DSS receiver, or other digital component equipped with a 75 Ω coaxial output. Connect the coaxial output of your digital source to either of the coaxial inputs using a digital interconnect cable designed for this application.

AC Line Cord Connection

The rear panel mounted IEC standard A C receptacle accepts the A C cord supplied with your AVC-1800. W e recommend the use of an A C line f ilter to protect the AVC-1800 against line surges and voltage fluctuations. Plug the female end of the AC cord firmly into the rear mounted AC receptacle and make sure that it is properly seated, then connect the male end to an uninterrupted AC power line.

AVC-1800 Front Panel Controls

We designed the AVC-1800 user interface to be simple and intuitive, so we avoided unnecessary front panel controls and indicators that tend to make operation confusing. During setup, you will have the opportunity to program typical functions and operations into memory for easy control of your AVC-1800.

On-Off Button

Press the On-Off button to turn the unit on and off. When you turn on the AVC-1800, its front panel display will show you the status of the settings that were made before the unit was last turned off. The items displayed are the Input Source, Digital Input, Surround Mode, and Volume Level. The tuner frequency and preset number are also displayed regardless of whether the tuner is active.

Tuner Control Buttons

Mono Button

Press the Mono button to receive weaker stations and reduce interchannel noise.

FM/AM Button

This button allows you to select FM or AM frequency bands.

Preset Button

The preset button scrolls through all 29 preset stations that were stored into memory one at a time. Preset numbers without active broadcast frequencies are skipped when the preset

button is pressed.

Tune

While in the Auto tuning mode, pressing this button normally advances to the next active broadcast frequency . In the manual tuning mode, these buttons select FM frequencies in 100 kHz steps (50 kHz steps for export units) and AM frequencies in 10 kHz steps (9 kHz for export units).

f ef e

f e

f ef e

Buttons

Tone Controls and Indicator

The Bass control boosts and cuts low frequencies +/- 10 dB. The Treble control boosts and cuts high frequencies +/- 10 dB. The Tone indicator illuminates when the tone circuitry is activated with the T one button. T he Bass and Treble contr ols only affect the left and right

channels in the 2 channel mode. Input Selection Buttons

Press these buttons to select the Tuner, Audio/Video inputs 1-4, or Audio 1-3 inputs.

Front Panel Display

Tuner Display

The tuner display indicates the current status of the built-in tuner . These indications include the FM or AM band, frequency, auto or manual tuning, signal strength and selected preset. This display remains on even if the tuner is not selected so you kno w what station will be on when you select the tuner.

Surround Mode Indicators

These indicators let you know the type of digital bitstream the AVC-1800 has detected and how the signal is being processed.

Pro Logic Indicator

This indicator illuminates when you select Pro Logic for an analog, PCM, or Dolby Digital 2/0 signals.

5.1 Indicator

This indicator illuminates whenever the AVC-1800 has detected a digital 5.1 channel encoded signal.

2 Ch Indicator

This indicator illuminates when the AVC-1800 has been set to two-channel operation or it detects a Dolby Digital 2/0 signal. Incoming 5.1 signals are downmixed to two channels when this is on.

Volume Level

This indicator displays the master level of the AVC-1800 from -60 dB to + 10 dB.

Analog Overload Indicator

This red indicator will illuminate when the internal A to D converters are overloaded. This can only occur while an analog source is overloading the input.

Mute Indicator

This indicator lights when the Mute button is engaged from the remote control. This LED also lights when the remote zone is on while the main zone is off.

Digital and Analog Input Indicators

These indicators illuminate when the corresponding digital (Optical 1-2, Coax 1-2) or Analog input is selected with the Digital button.

DTS Indicator

This indicator illuminates when the AVC-1800 has detected a DTS bitstream.

Dolby Digital Indicator

The Dolby Digital indicator illuminates when the AVC-1800 has detected a Dolby Digital bitstream.

Center Delay Button

Press this button to select delay time for the center channel speaker. Each press of this button increases delay from one mS to a maximum of five mS.

T one Button

This button activates the bass and treble controls. The TONE indicator illuminates when the tone controls are active.

Re-EQ Button

Press the Re-EQ button to engage Lucasfilm Re-Equalization. Press it again to turn it off.

Digital Button

The Digital button selects the four digital inputs or the analog input. When you select a digital input to accompany one of the input sources, the AVC-1800 will recall that digital input the next time you select the input source thereby linking them together.

Surround Button

By pressing the Surround button, y ou can select between 5.1, Pro Logic, and two channel. Selecting the two-channel surround mode will downmix a 5.1 channel signal.

5.1 Analog Indicator

This LED lights when you select the 5.1 analog input from the remote control.

Zone Indicators

When the remote zone is on, the Active LED lights. The ZONE LED lights for 5 seconds after a remote zone command is issued.

Reset Button Access Hole

This button restores all factory defaults and clears the pr ogrammed memory . Use a toothpick or other small non-metal tool to access the reset button.

V olume Control

This knob adjusts the master volume up and down in 1 dB increments. The v olume display changes to show the current volume level.

AVC 1800 Remote Control Buttons

Device Buttons

The device buttons allow you to choose different “pages” to control up to six additional components. Note: First press the AVC button to control the AVC-1800 and press the

Zone button to operate the remote zone.

Display

The Display button activates the on-screen display to show the operational status of the AVC-1800. There are two levels of on-screen display. The first press of the button shows input status, the second press of the button displays the channel levels and decoding status, and the third press turns the display off.

Input Level

These buttons set the signal level to the analog input circuit to pr event overload. If the overload LED illuminates, you need to turn the input level down. Press the Input e button to increase the level to the analog input circuitry. Press the Input f button to decrease the level to the analog circuitry.

f e f e

f e

f e f e

Buttons

Digital Button

The Digital button allows you select any of the four digital inputs or the analog input.

Surround Button

The Surr ound button allows you to cycle in either direction to select the Surround Processing modes including Pro Logic, 5.1, and two channel stereo.

On and Off Buttons

Press the On button to turn the AVC-1800 on; press the Off button to turn it of f. Separate on and off commands for ease of use while setting up macros or programming external system controllers. This operation is different for the remote zone.

Trim Button

Press and release the Trim button to temporarily trim the volume lev els of individual channels levels to suit your taste while listening to a particular f ilm soundtrack or recording.

Volume

The Volume g and h buttons adjust the master volume up and down in 1 dB steps. These buttons are also used for making adjustments during T rim and calibration (Cal) operations.

g hg h

g h

g hg h

Buttons

Mute

Press the Mute button to interrupt the audio signal from reaching the Main analog output jacks of the AVC-1800. The Mute button does not affect the Record Output jacks or the Zone Output jacks (unless Zone is presently under control).

Tune

Preset

Press the Preset f button to select the previous preset station.

Preset

Press the Preset e button to select the next preset station.

f e f e

f e Buttons

f e f e

f f

Button

f f

e e

Button

e e

T one Button

This button activates the bass and treble controls in the two channel mode. When the tone controls are active, the TONE indicator illuminates.

Delay Button

Press this button to select the amount of delay time for the surround speakers. Each press of this button increases surround delay time by 5 milliseconds to a maximum of 15 milliseconds.

Re-EQ Button

Press the Re-EQ button to engage and disengage Lucasfilm Re-Equalization for an y Surround mode. Re-Eq restores the correct tonal balance of a film soundtrack designed for playback in large movie theaters in a relati vely small home theater en vironment. It is not desirable for normal music playback and should be turned off.

Dynamic Range Control Button

The Dyn button engages a fix ed degree of Dynamic Range Compression that is available if the DVD you are playing includes it in its Dolby Digital bitstream. This feature allows soundtracks with a wide dynamic range to maintain clear audibility even at low levels.

Direct Access Source Buttons

The source buttons provide direct access to each of the eight inputs of the AVC-1800. The source buttons are labeled Aud (Audio) 1-3, Vid (V ideo) 1-4, and Tuner.

Tuner Functions

Memory Button

This button stores the selected broadcast frequency into memory. Select the frequency you want to store into preset, press Mem, then the desired preset number.

Mono

Press the Mono button to recei ve weaker stations and reduce interchannel noise. Mono only works for the tuner. It does not for work for other inputs.

Manual Button

While in the Auto tuning mode , pressing the Tuning f e buttons normally selects the pr evious or next active broadcast frequency. Press the Man button to select the manual tuning mode, then the Tuning f e buttons selects FM frequencies in 100 kHz steps (50 kHz steps for export units) and AM frequencies in 10 kHz steps (9 kHz for export units)

FM/AM Button

The FM/AM button selects FM and AM frequency bands while the tuner is active.

Numerical Preset Buttons 1-10, 11-21, 21-29

Pressing any of these numerical preset buttons allo ws you to select the radio station previously

memorized between 1 and 10. T o access preset numbers abo ve 10, press the numerical b utton again to add 10 to that preset number. For example, pressing 5 twice accesses preset 15 and three times accesses preset 25.

Macro Buttons

The four Macro b uttons allo w you to program a series of commands for one touch control of different components such as turning on your AVC-1800 and DVD player and selecting play.

5.1 Analog Button

This button instructs the AVC-1800 to receive signals from the 5.1 Analog Input jacks where the analog output from a DVD player or other component with discrete outputs may be connected.

Light Button

The Light button illuminates all the remote control buttons for approximately 5 seconds. The illumination makes it easier to see the buttons in a darkened room.

Cal Button

Press and hold the Cal button to activate the calibration circuitry to set the levels of each channel of the AVC-1800. Refer to setup section of this manual for details.

Surround Processing Modes

Digital based audio/video source components transmit their audio signals in either Analog, Pulse Code Modulation (PCM), Dolby Digital, or DTS. Your AVC-1800 automatically detects the type of digital signal present at the chosen digital input. The signal is then decoded based upon the surround processing mode you have selected for the audio/video (1-4) or audio only (1-3) input. Following is how the AVC-1800 decodes the incoming signal:

Mode Encoded Signal Decoding Format Active Channels On-screen Indication

5.1 Ch 5.1 ch Dolby Digital 5.1 ch Dolby Digital L, C, R, LS, RS, Sub Dolby Digital 3/2./1

Pro Logic 2 ch Dolby Digital Pro Logic surround

2 Ch 5.1 ch Dolby Digital DD 2 channel downmix L, R, Sub Dolby Digital 2 Ch

5.1 ch DTS 5.1 ch. DTS L, C, R, LS, RS, Sub DTS Digital 3/2/.1

2 ch analog input Pro Logic surround

2 ch Dolby Digital DD Stereo L, R, Sub Dolby Digital 2 Ch DTS DTS 2 channel downmix L, R, Sub DTS 2 Ch PCM 2 channel stereo L, R, Sub 2 Ch Analog 2 channel stereo L, R, Sub 2 Ch

L, C, R, Mono Surround, Sub L, C, R, Mono Surround, Sub

Digital Pro Logic Analog Pro Logic

Dolby Digital

Dolby Digital delivers up to six totally separate (discrete) channels of sound, also kno wn as

5.1. Like Dolby Surround Pro Logic, it includes Left, Center and Right channels across the front of the room. The sixth channel, the Low Frequenc y Effects channel, contains additional bass information to maximize the impact of scenes with special effects such as explosions, crashes, etc. The AVC-1800 LFE channel frequency response is 3 Hz to 120 Hz.

Dolby Digital Encoding Indication

Dolby has established a system to let you know how the original material was encoded . It consists of three numbers separated with forward slashes. The fir st number represents the front channels, the second number represents the rear channels, and the third number represents the LFE. This encoding information is shown in the on screen display . F ollowing are examples of digital bitstream encoding:

Indication Active channels

3/2/.1 (5.1) Three discrete channels in the front, two in the rear and LFE 3/1 Three discrete channels in the front, mono rear surrounds, and no LFE 2/1 Two discrete channels in the front, mono rear surrounds, and no LFE 2/0 Two discrete channels in the front and no surrounds or LFE

Pro Logic

If the incoming digital signal is encoded in Dolby Digital Surround Pro Logic, the AVC1800 automatically selects Pro Logic. However, you should use the Surround key to select Pro Logic, for analog and PCM signals if you want the AVC-1800 to decode a stereo signal into Dolby Surround Pro Logic.

DTS

Like Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround is an encode/decode system that delivers two or six channels (5.1) of audio for soundtracks and multi-channel recordings. Digital Theater Surround (DTS) surround formatted DVDs must be played back on DVD players that are equipped with DTS output capability.

T w o-c hannel PCM

Digitally encoded PCM material is found on the digital outputs of compact discs and laser discs. If you the select two channel surround mode, the AVC-1800 plays back two channel stereo with sub (depending on bass management configuration). If you select Pro Logic, the AVC-1800 decodes the PCM signal into Pro Logic. If the material was not encoded in Pro Logic, you may still enjoy the resulting surround sound effects.

Analog Audio

Two-channel analog material is typically found on VCR tapes and the analog outputs of CD Players, DVD pla yers and cassette decks. If you the select two channel surround mode, the AVC-1800 plays back two channel stereo. If you select Pro Logic, the AVC-1800 will decode the PCM signal using Pro Logic. Results may vary between different analog recordings.

Re-EQ

By pressing the Re-EQ button on the remote control or on the front panel, you can activate the advanced Lucasfilm Re-EQ enhancement. Lucasfilm engineers developed a patented frequency contouring equalization to accurately translate the sound from the movie theater environment into the home, correcting for signif icant tonal and spatial discrepancies between these environments. This enhancement is meant for film soundtracks only and is not beneficial for music playback.

AVC-1800 On-screen Display

The on-screen display (OSD) provides operational status of your AVC-1800 including selected Input Source, Digital Input, Surround mode, Dynamic Range, Dialog Normalization, and Volume level. According to Dolb y requirements, Dialog Normalization is not defeatable. The on-screen display will indicate DIALOG NORM: ON when it has been encoded into the Dolby Digital bitstream. The on-screen display does not include tuner functions. The NTSC/P AL switch must be set properly for correct synchronization of the on-screen display .

INPUT

VOLUME -10 dB

Press the

VIDEO 1 COAXIAL 1 DOLBY DIGITALS MODE 1 mSC DELAY 1 mSS DELAY 25PDYNAMIC ONDIALOG

Display

button once to show selected source, digital input, surround mode, delay times, dynamic range, dialog normalization, and volume.

INPUT VIDEO 1

S MODE

VOLUME -10 dB MUTE

COAXIAL 1

DOLBY DIGITAL PRO LOGIC

1 mSC DELAY 15 mSS DELAY 25PDYNAMIC

INPUT VIDEO 1

VOLUME -10 dB

COAXIAL 1

DOLBY DIGITALS MODE 1 mSC DELAY 1 mSS DELAY 25PDYNAMIC

On-screen display with flashing digital input indicating that a digital signal is not being received.

BALANCE CHK

F/L 0 dB

F/L

-2 dB

C 3 dB

C 0 dB

F/R 0 dB

F/R

-2 dB

OUTPUT BAL PROGRAM 3/2/.1

F/L 0 dB

F/L

-2 dB

Press the

C 3 dB

C 0 dB

LFE

Display

F/R 0 dB

F/R

-2 dB

button twice to show channel levels and program encoding method.

OUTPUT BAL PROGRAM 3/2/.1

F/L 0 dB

F/L

-2 dB

C 3 dB

C 0 dB

F/R 0 dB

F/R

-2 dB

On-screen display indicating a Pro Logic (3/1) encoded signal and Mute engaged.

On-screen display in the calibration mode. Channel under adjustment flashes. Press

Cal

the

button to advance to

On-screen display in the Trim mode. Channel under adjustment flashes. Press the

Trim

advance to next channel.

next channel.

Placement of Your Home Theater Speakers

Speaker Placement

Proper speaker placement is essential for optimum performance of your home theater system. The following are basic guidelines for speaker placement based upon idealized conditions. Y ou may need to make placement compromises to allo w for room shape, furniture placement, windows, doorways, and other considerations. The AVC-1800 permits electronic compensation when asymmetrical speaker placement is required.

button to

MONITOR

CENTER

SUBWOOFER

LEFT

Equal distances from listening

position to speakers

Left

Surround

RIGHT

Right

Surround

Typical home theater setup using conventional surround speakers. In this example, all three front speakers are the same distance to the listening area.

Distance

Left

Surround

Extra

LEFT

Null

MONITOR

CENTER

Unequal distances from listening

position to speakers

SUBWOOFER

RIGHT

Null

Extra

Distance

Right

Surround

Alternate home theater setup. In this example, the center speaker is on the same plane as the left and right speakers and is therefore closer to the listening position. Time alignment can be corrected with center delay. Also shown is the position of dipole surround speakers.

Front Speakers

Try to locate your front left and right speakers an equal distance to the right and left of your monitor or projection screen. Ideally, your listening position should be at one point of an equilateral triangle with the left and right speakers at the other two points. To achieve what is commonly called the “sweet spot, ” your left and right speakers might sound better facing forward or slightly toed-in, depending on their dispersion characteristics, room reflections, and the number of people in the room.

Center Speaker

The center speaker’ s main function is to reproduce most of the cinema dialog and blend the sonic image from your speakers with the visual image on the screen. It is best to place your center speaker directly above or below the monitor, as close to the same height as the left and right speakers as possible. Be sure your center speaker is shielded to prevent discoloration of the picture tube. If you have a projection screen that is perforated to allow sound to pass through, you should locate the center speaker behind the screen at the same vertical plane as the left and right speakers. The distance from your preferred listening position to the center channel speaker should be the same as the distance from your listening position to the left and right speakers. You can accomplish this by measuring the distance to a left or right speaker and then locating the center speaker the same distance away from the listening position. If you cannot move your center channel behind the plane of the left and right speakers, you can compensate for its shorter distance electronically with the center delay adjustment. The purpose of physical placement or electronic adjustment assures the sound from all three front speakers will arrive at your listening position at the same time.

Conventional Surround Speakers

Surround speaker placement is a little more flexible than the front speakers are. Although

5.1 channel processing offers discrete surround channel information, movie soundtracks use the surround channels more for creating an ambient effect than for defining precise sonic images. T o a void drawing your attention from the action on the screen and enhance the blend of sound and picture, you should not be able to localize the sound coming from your surround speakers except during certain special effects. Therefore, you should try to avoid pointing the surround speakers directly toward your listening position and place them behind you and above your ear level when you are seated. You should be prepared to experiment with surround speaker placement for optimum results.

Dipole Surround Speakers

If you are using front and rear firing dipole surround speakers, locate them abov e and to the sides of your listening area. This deliberately places you in the “null” of the dipole speakers to minimize localization of the surround speakers. Refer to the owner’s manual of your speakers for further information in locating dipole speakers.

Subwoofer

Because of their long wavelengths, low bass frequencies are critically dependent on room placement to avoid bass-robbing standing waves or null points. Sometimes moving a subwoofer a few inches makes the difference between thin, weak bass and room shaking, foundation rattling bass.

One of the most reliable methods to correctly position your subwoofer is to first hook it up and place it next to your listening position. While it is playing music or a mo vie with strong bass in it, slowly walk around the various room locations where the sub could be located. Y ou should be able to f ind a place where you hear balanced bass without excessive boominess. Once you have found this optimum location, simply mo ve the subwoofer there. If you change your listening position, you should repeat this procedure.

If you are unable to place the sub where it sounds best, you might improve its sound by turning the sub’s cabinet to one side or the other.

Setting up your AVC 1800

Bass Management

Bass management is designed to assure overall balanced response by accommodating many different types of speaker systems that may or may not be able to reproduce frequencies below 80 Hz. The Bass Management setup menu lets you conf igure your speakers to reproduce low frequencies belo w 80 Hz, or to filter out these frequencies and route them to your front speakers or only to your subwoofer channels. The AVC-1800 has four toggle switches that you must set according to the characteristics of your speakers.

To Setup Bass Management for Your Front Left and Right Speakers:

1. Refer to the owner’s manual of your front left and right loudspeaker s to determine whether they are designed to reproduce low frequencies below 80 Hz.

2. If the main (Left and Right) speakers were designed to handle frequencies below 80 Hz, set the switch to Large. The front left and right speakers will then operate full range (20 Hz to 20 kHz).

3. If they were not designed for low frequencies, select Small. The front left and right speakers will then have lo w frequencies rolled of f at 12 dB per octa ve starting at 80 Hz. This filtered low frequency information is then re-routed to the subwoofer channel.

To Setup Bass Management for Your Center Speaker:

1. Refer to the owner’s manual of y our center loudspeaker to determine whether it is designed to reproduce low frequencies below 80 Hz.

2. If the center speaker is designed to safely reproduce frequencies below 80 Hz, select Large. The center speaker will then operate full range (20 Hz to 20 kHz).

3. If it is not designed for low frequencies, select Small. The center speaker will then hav e low frequencies rolled of f at 12 dB per octave starting at 80 Hz. This filtered low frequency information is then re-routed to the subwoofer channel.

4. If you do not have a center channel speaker , select NONE and the AVC-1800 sends center channel information into the left and right speakers to create a phantom center image.

To Setup Bass Management for your Surround Speakers:

1. Refer to the owner’s manual of your surround loudspeakers to determine whether they are designed to reproduce low frequencies below 80 Hz.

2. If they are designed to safely reproduce frequencies below 80 Hz, select Large. The surround speakers will then operate full range (20 Hz to 20 kHz).

3. If the surround speakers are not designed for low frequencies, select Small. The surround speakers will have lo w frequencies rolled of f at 12 dB per octav e starting at 80 Hz. This filtered low frequency information is then re-routed to the subwoofer channel.

To Setup Bass Management for Your Subwoofer:

1. Select LPF (Low P ass Filter) if you are using a subwoofer to activate the b uilt in electronic lowpass filter at 12 dB per octave at 80 Hz. For this setting, make sure the passive low pass crossover in your powered sub is defeated, since the electronic crossover in the AVC-1800 is likely to be more accurate. If your subwoofer has no switch to bypass or defeat its crossover , set it to its highest crossover frequency to minimize "double filtering"

2. Select Off if you are not using a subwoofer . Low frequency ef fects (LFE) are then evenly distributed to the Main, Center, and Surround speakers depending on their bass management settings.

3. Select 300 Hz if you want to use the low pass filter built into your powered subwoofer. This setting effectively shifts the AVC-1800’s low pass filter up, thereby minimizing “double filtering”.

Calibrating Channel Levels

Manual calibration requires independent adjustment of the output level for each of the six channels of your AVC-1800 so that all channels have the correct signal strength at your actual listening position. The AVC-1800 has an internal pink noise generator that you can manually advance from channel to channel.

If you wish, you can calibrate your system with the aid of a sound pressure level (SPL) meter such as the Realistic Sound Level Meter (Radio Shack catalog # 33-2050). When you use an SPL meter for calibration, you should hold it upright directly in front of your head and make adjustments while you are seated in your listening position. If an SPL meter is unavailable, you can still adjust levels by ear with satisfactory results.

1. Press and hold the Cal button on the remote control until the screen turns red and the six channels and their levels appear in the on-screen display. The noise generator will automatically start with the L channel.

2. Each time you press the Cal button, it will advance to the next channel in the order of L, C, R, LS, RS, Sub. Note: If you have selected Center None or Sub Off with the bass management switches, they will be deleted from the display.

3. Press Volume g or h buttons to adjust that channel to the desired le vel. The noise generator will not advance to the next channel until you are finished setting the channel level.

4. After the Sub channel has been calibrated, the next time you press the Cal button, it will terminate the calibration procedure, turn off the noise generator , and the calibrated settings will be stored into memory.

Assigning Digital Inputs to Sources

You can assign any of the four digital or analog inputs to any of the AVC-1800’s se ven input sources. For example, you may want match V ideo 1 Sour ce with audio from Digital Coaxial Input 1 from your DVD player. The AVC-1800 memorizes the last selected digital input to the source input. When you select the input again, it will automatically select the last stored digital input. You can also store the Pro Logic surround mode to analog sources.

Programming a Digital Input to Source Inputs

1. Select the input source you want to automatically link to a digital input.

2. Select the digital input you want to assign to that input source with the Digital button on the front panel or remote control.

3. The AVC-1800 will recall that digital input the next time the input source is selected

To Calibrate the Center Channel Delay Time:

1. Measure and write down the distance in feet from your listening position to your Left, Right, and Center channel speakers.

2. Note how much shorter the distance is to the Center speaker.

3. For each foot of distance, press the C Delay button on the front panel one time. Each mS of delay corresponds to one foot of distance, from 0 to five feet.

4. Once set, there is no reason to readjust the center channel delay.

Analog Input Level Adjustment Procedures

Analog Input Level Adjustment sets the incoming signal level to prevent distortion caused by overloading the input of the internal analog circuitry. You can adjust the analog input level from –10 dB to 0 dB. Press the Input e button on the remote control to increase the level to the analog input circuitry. Press the Input f button to decrease the level to the analog circuitry. If the Overload LED illuminates, be sure to turn the input level down to prevent distortion.

Programming the Learning Remote Control

The Parasound universal remote control for the AVC-1800 can control up to six additional Audio/V ideo components. It is preprogrammed to operate the Parasound AVC-1800 Audio V ideo Controller main and remote zones and Parasound CD players. Y ou can also program codes from five additional components under the DVD, SAT, TV, VCR, and CBL buttons. Red LEDs located under the under each of the device buttons and a tri-color status indicator in the top left hand corner of the remote control provide visual feedback while programming the remote control.

The preprogrammed codes for the Parasound AVC-1800 Audio/Video Controller are accessible by pressing the AVC or ZONE button. Pressing the CD button accesses the codes for Parasound CD players. You can program over the resident Parasound codes if you wish, and they can be easily restored if necessary. You can program infrared commands from another component’ s original remote control into any button under any de vice’ s own “page” of the Parasound univ ersal remote control. Only the Light button cannot be re-programmed.

Battery life for the universal remote is approximately four months with average use. If components become unresponsive to commands from the remote, it usually means that the four “AAA” batteries need replacing. Be sure to reinstall the new batteries within three minutes of removing the old ones to avoid losing stored functions.

Programming Codes into the Universal Remote Control

1. Place the universal remote and the donor remote face-to-face ap proximately three inches apart.

2. Select the page you want to program by pressing the corresponding device button such as DVD or SAT.

3. Press and hold down the Device button and the Enter button simultaneously, until the amber Status LED and the red LED behind the device button both illuminate.

4. Press and release the button you want to store a code into until the amber LED flashes.

5. The red LED under the Device button turns off to indica te that the button is ready for programming.

6. Press and hold down the button on the donor remote to send to the universal remote.

7. The universal remote acknowledges it is ready to store the code into memory by flashing green. Release the donor remote button and the LED will flash amber.

8. Note: Repeat step 7 until the LED flashes green twice and returns to solid amber.

9. Repeat Steps 1 through 8 for the remaining buttons to be programmed.

10. Once you have completed “teaching” new commands to buttons in the selected Device mode, you must save the programmed information. Press and hold the device b utton and Enter button simultaneously again. The amber status LED flashes twice and turns of f to indicate the commands were stored into memory .

11. Repeat steps 1-10 to program remote control codes into other pages into the universal remote control.

Erasing a Single Command within a Page

1. Press and hold the device button and Enter buttons simultaneously until the amber status LED and the device button turn on and remain lit.

2. Press the button that is to be erased on the universal remote control until the amber status LED flashes continuously.

3. Press the Light button. The status LED will flash green then turn to steady amber.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for any other buttons to be erased in the selected device mode.

5. To exit, press and hold the device button and the Enter buttons simultaneously, again. The amber status LED flashes twice, turns off, and returns to normal.

To Erase All the Programmed Commands within a Page

1. Press and hold the device button and Enter buttons simultaneously until the amber status LED and the device button turn on and remain lit.

2. Press and hold the Light button for five seconds. The status LED will flash red five times, flash green twice and return to steady amber.

3. To exit, press and hold the device button and the Enter buttons simultaneously, again. The amber status LED flashes twice, turns off, and returns to normal.

To Erase All the Learned Commands in all Pages Caution:

and restores default codes.

1. Press and hold the TV Device button and the Light button simultaneously for 10 seconds. The red Status LED will flash continuously . The status LED wills then flash green twice, amber then turn off to indicate that all of the learned commands on the remote control have been erased .

This procedure permanently erased all commands programmed into the remote

To Restore Preprogrammed Codes for the AVC-1800 Page

1. Press and hold the AVC button and the Mute button simultaneously . The red Status LED and the LED behind the AVC button will illuminate.

2. Press 10, 10, and 1. The AVC and Status LED will flash once with each button press.

3. Press the AVC button again. The AVC and status LED will flash twice to indicate the preprogrammed codes were restored.

Programming Macros into the Learning Remote Control

Each of the five macro buttons (DISPLAY, M1, M2, M3 and M4) can transmit up to 10 commands with one press of a button. Macro buttons can be used to facilitate one touch operation of your home theater system. For example, you can program the M1 button to turn on the AVC-1800 and all of your other source components then issue a play code for your DVD player.

The fiv e macro buttons operate independently in two groups of device b uttons on the remote control. The first group consists of the upper row of device buttons (AVC, CD, DVD, AUX) The second group consists of the lower row of device buttons (SAT, TV, VCR, CBL). Program the Macro buttons for the upper group with the AVC device button. Once programmed, you can activa te any of the macro buttons while in any of the upper row of device pages (AVC, DVD, CD, and A UX). Ho weve r, you cannot acti vate macros programmed in the upper row while an y of the lower pages are activated.

Program the Macro buttons for the lower group with the SAT device b utton. Once programmed, you can activate any of the macro buttons while in any of the upper row of device pages (A VC, D VD, CD, and A UX). Ho wev er, you cannot acti va te macros programmed in the lower row while any of the upper pages are activated.

Programming Macro Buttons

1. Press and hold the upper or lower row de vice button (A VC or SAT) and the Mute button simultaneously until the red status LED and the device button both remain lit.

2. Press the macro button you wish to program. (POWER, M1, M2, M3 or M4)

3. Select and press up to 10 buttons for commands you want to store in the macro. Pressing a device button to change device modes is counted as one command.

4. Press the Digital or Surround button to save the selection. The red status LED and the device Button will blink twice to confirm the programming and then turn off.

5. Since the DISPLAY button is also a macro button, in order to add a Power (On/Off) command to the macro during programming you must press the Input Le vel f button in place of the On-Off button. (The remote kno ws that you want an on-off code.)

6. Since the Digital and Surround buttons are used in the programming sequence, these buttons cannot be used in a macro.

Erasing Macros

1. Press and hold the AVC or SAT device b utton and Mute buttons simultaneously until the red status LED and the device button turn on and remain lit.

2. Press the macro button to be erased on the universal remote control.

3. Press the Digital or Surround button. The red status and device LEDs will flash twice and turn off.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for any other buttons to be erased in the selected device mode.

5. To exit, press and hold the device button and the Enter buttons simultaneously, again. The amber status LED flashes twice, turns off, and returns to normal.

Operating Y our AVC-1800

Congratulations. Now that you have completed the setup procedures, you are ready to sit back and really enjoy your A VC-1800. F ollowing are typical operating instructions for vie wing a film, listening to music, using the tuner, or operating the remote zone.

Viewing a Film

1. Turn the power on to your AVC-1800, source equipment, and po wer amplif iers. If your associated equipment incorporates DC triggering, the AVC-1800 may turn on the other equipment for you.

2. Use the direct access Source buttons on the remote or the Source buttons on the front panel to select the video source input that you want to view.

3. Select the corresponding digital or analog input for the input source component you are playing and the Surround mode. If you have preprogrammed the digital input into the input source, the AVC-1800 will recall this setting for you.

4. Load a DVD, laser disc, or videotape into your video component, and start the film.

5. Adjust the Volume control to a level that suit your tastes and enjoy the film.

Listening to a Recording

1. Turn the power on to your AVC-1800, source equipment, and po wer amplif iers. If your associated equipment incorporates DC triggering, the AVC-1800 may automatically turn on the other equipment for you.

2. Use the direct access Source buttons on the remote or the Source buttons on the front panel, select the input source that you want to hear.

4. Load a CD or other media, into your audio component, and start playback.

5. Adjust the Volume control to a level that suit your tastes and enjoy the music.

Using the Tuner

Storing up to 29 Radio Stations into Preset Memory

1. In the auto or manual tuning mode, use the Tune f or e and FM/AM buttons on the front panel or remote control to tune to the radio frequency you want to store into preset memory .

2. Press the Mem button on the remote control. MEMORY and CH will flash in the tuner display for five seconds.

3. Use the numerical keys to select the preset number you want for that station to be stor ed into. To access preset numbers above 10, press the numerical button do wn again to add 10 and again to add another 10. For example, to access preset 15, press the numerical button number 5 twice. Press 5 three times to store preset 25.

4. After three seconds, the display stops flashing and the station is stored into preset. Note: the preset number will also turn off even though it has been stored into memory.

5. Repeat the process for as many stations as you want to store into preset memory.

Note: You can store your favorite stations into multiple preset numbers so they will be readily available when you use the Preset f e buttons.

Front Panel Operation Selecting Preset Radio Stations from the Front Panel

1. Activate the tuner by pressing the Tuner button on the front panel.

2. Press the Preset button to advance to the next desired preset. If there is no broadcast frequency stored into a preset number, that number will be skipped.

Automatic T uning from the Front Panel

1. Activate the tuner in the automatic tuning mode by pressing the Tuner button on the front panel and the Man button the remote control until AUTO appears in the tuner display .

2. Search through the previous or next broadcast frequency by pressing the T uning f or e buttons to select the desired station.

Remote Control Operation Selecting Preset Radio Stations from the Remote Control Option 1

1. Activate the tuner by pressing the Tuner button on the remote control.

2. Press the Preset f or e button to scroll up or down through preset stations.

Option 2

1. Press the Tuner b utton on the remote control to activate the tuner.

2. Press any of the 10 preset numbers to select the radio station preset to that number.

3. To access preset n umbers above 10, press the numerical button down again to add 10 and again to add another 10. For example, to access preset 15, press the numerical button number 5 twice and P15 will be selected.

Manual Tuning from the Remote Control

1. Press the Tuner b utton on the remote control to activate the tuner.

2. Press the Man button.

3. Press the Tune f or e buttons to tune to the desired frequency. In the manual tuning mode, these buttons select FM frequencies in 100 kHz steps (50 kHz steps for export units) and AM frequencies in 10 kHz steps (9 kHz for export units)

Temporary Level Adjustment Using the Trim Function

After initial calibration, the Trim button on the remote control allo ws you to make temporary channel volume adjustments. Since there is no reason to trim the LS and RS channels separately after calibration, their adjustment is combined for your convenience.

To Trim Individual Channel Levels

1. Press the Display button twice to display the level indicators in the on-screen display.

5. Press the Trim button on the remote control. F/L flashes in the on-screen display to indicate that the front left channel is ready to adjust.

6. Each time you press the Trim button, it adv ances to the next channel in the order of F/L, C, F/R, L/S, R/S, and SUB.

7. Press Volume g or h buttons to adjust that channel to the desired level. You can adjust each channel level from 10 dB to +10 dB. After the Sub channel le vel has been trimmed, the next time you press the Trim button, it will end the trim function.

Operating the Remote Zone

From the Main Zone

1. Press the Zone button to control the remote zone from the remote control. There is a separate set of codes for the remote zone that you can access in the Zone “page”.

2. Refer to the drawing on page 16 for remote zone functions. When Zone is selected, the

On button controls both On and Off for the remote zone.

3. When you control the AVC-1800 from the Zone page on the remote, only the remote zone can be controlled. The main zone remains unaf fected until the A VC button is pressed again

4. When the remote zone has been activated by pressing the On button, the Active LED will illuminate. When remote zone commands are issued, the Zone LED illuminates for about five seconds, indicating that you can make adjustments to the remote zone while the LED is on.

5. After five seconds, the LED will go out and control re verts back to main zone operation.

From the Remote Zone

1. In order to control the AVC-1800 from the remote zone, you must first install an infrared transmission system such as a Xantech. This includes installing a receiving eye in the remote zone and connecting a 1/8” mini jack into the Zone External Remote input on the rear panel of the AVC-1800.

2. Press the Zone button to control the remote zone from the remote control. There is a separate set of codes for the remote zone that you can access in the Zone “page”.

3. While controlling the AVC-1800 from the Zone page, the On button controls both On and Off for the remote zone. However, the Volume buttons, Mute button, and the Input Selector buttons operate in the same way as in the main zone.

4. The AVC-1800 has only one tuner section. Therefore, if you select a station or station preset from the remote Zone, it will also change the station in the main Zone.

5. When the remote zone has been activated by pressing the On button, the Active LED will illuminate. When remote zone commands are issued, the front panel Zone LED illuminates for about fiv e seconds indicating the remote zone is being controlled.

6. Five seconds after making your adjustments to the remote zone, the AVC-1800 front panel and on-screen displays revert to main zone indication.

Maintaining Y our AVC-1800

Your AVC-1800 requires no periodic maintenance and has no user serviceable parts inside. T o av oid the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cov er . Clean the chassis with a soft cloth moistened only with window cleaner or clear water. Never use solvents or abrasives.

In Case of Trouble

Call your Parasound dealer who should be able to suggest simple diagnostic tests you can easily perform. If you determine that your AVC-1800 should be serviced, Contact Parasound or an Authorized Parasound War ranty Center for inspection and possible servicing.

Returning your AVC-1800 to Parasound for Service (USA Only)

If we determine that you should send your AVC-1800 to Parasound, you will need to obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number. The RA number must be clearly marked on the outer carton only. Ship the unit with adequate insurance and a copy of your purchase receipt inside to validate your warranty. Warranty repairs will only be performed by Parasound or authorized warranty centers on sets where your purchase receipt is from an Authorized Parasound Dealer or Parasound Reseller. Units purchased from unauthorized dealers are not eligible for warranty repair . Units that ar ri v e without an RA number, without a suitable shipping carton or with evidence of improper internal packing materials may be refused. W e do not accept collect shipments. After repair under warranty , the unit will be returned to you via prepaid UPS within the Continental United States. In the case of a non-warranty repair, contact us and we will advise you of the repair charges before you ship the unit to us. The same packing and Return Authorization number requirements apply.

Important Notice Before Shipping your AVC-1800 (USA Only)

Before you ship the unit to Parasound, you MUST repack the unit into its fitted foam insert sandwich and its original carton. Use of any other carton and packing materials will probably result in shipping damage. Common carriers such as UPS will not pay claims for damage incurred during shipment when products are surrounded only with styrofoam “peanuts” or placed in non-original factory cartons. Repairs for shipping damages because of mis-packing are your sole responsibility . If you do not have the original packing cartons and foam inserts, call us for new packing material that we can provide to you at a nominal charge.

Notes:

Button Assignment Wor ksheet for the Learning Remote

Component________________________ Component________________________

Instructions: Write down stored codes into the blank buttons for each component

Button Assignment Wor ksheet for the Learning Remote

Component________________________ Component________________________

Instructions: Write down stored codes into the blank buttons for each component

Button Assignment Wor ksheet for the Learning Remote

Component________________________ Component________________________

Instructions: Write down stored codes into the blank buttons for each component

AVC-1800 Specifications

Frequency Response

Front (Large) 10 Hz-20 kHz Front (Samll) 80 Hz-20 kHz Rear (Large) 10 Hz-20 kHz Rear (Small) 80 Hz-20 kHz Center (Large ) 10 Hz-22 kHz Center (Small ) 80 Hz-22 kHz Subwoofer (LPF) 10 Hz-80 Hz Subwoofer (300 Hz) 10 Hz-300 Hz

Harmonic Distortion

Front < 0.008 % Center < 0.008 % Rear < 0.008 % Subwoofer < 0.008 %

Input Impedance

Analog Inputs 10 kΩ Coaxial Digital Inputs 75 Ω

IM Distortion

(1 kHz 1V Output) All Channels < 0.06 %

Signal/Noise Ratio

(Flat/A-Weighted) Front 90 dB / 93 dB Center 90 dB / 93 dB Rear 75 dB / 82 dB Subwoofer 85 dB / 93 dB

Video Section

(Output 1 V / 75 Ω Load) Sensitivity 1 V Frequency Response 0.3 MHz -10 MHz

+ /-

0.5 dB + /-

Overload 2.5 V P-P

Dimensions

17 1/8" wide x 4 1/2" high x 13" deep 5 7/8" high with feet

Weight

15 lb

1 dB

Power Requirements

110 V - 120 V 60 Hz AC, 60 W 220 V - 240 V 50 Hz AC, 60 W

Features and specifications subject to change without notice

A VC-1800 T uner Specifications

Tuning Range

FM: 87.5 MHz to 108 MHz AM: 520 kHz to 1610 kHz

FM Sensitivity

Mono IHF 11 dBf Stereo IHF 37 for 50 dB of quieting

AM Sensitivity

IHF 10 uV/m

Signal to Noise Ratio

>74 dB Stereo 65 dBf IHF Weighted

FM Stereo Separation

50 dB @ 1 kHz 40 dB @ 10 kHz

FM Selectivity

80 dB

AM Selectivity

30 dB

FM Frequency Response

30 Hz to 15 kHz +/- 1 dB

AM Frequency Response

20 Hz to 4.5 kHz +/- 2 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion

FM Mono < 0.08 % FM Stereo < 0.2 %

Total Harmonic Distortion

AM < 0.5 %

Capture Ratio

< 1.5 dB

AM Suppression

60 dB

Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

415-397-7100 / FAX 415-397-0144 www.parasound.com

Parasound AVC1800 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

About this Manual

Surround Processing Modes

Placement of Your Home Theater Speakers