Page 1
C 1/C 2 Controllers
Manual Supplement for C 1 and C 2 with
PLIIx-Lipsync Software Upgrade Installed
Addendum to Owner’s Guide
Page 2
2
NEW SURROUND MODES
The new surround modes are for 7.1 channel systems.
Are your back channel speakers selected?
If you have not yet selected Back channel speakers,
press the MENU button on the remote (or the Menu
button on the front panel) and go to the Speaker
setup, Size setup menu page, > Back speakers.
Size setup
Main speakers Large
Center speaker Small
Surround speakers Small
> Back speakers 2 Small
Subwoofer Yes
Subwoofer lter On
Subwoofer freq. 80Hz-THX
SIZE SETUP
BACK SPKRS: 2 SMALL
Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Dolby Pro Logic IIx: This extends two channel or 5.1 channel source material to the center
channel, surround channels and back channel speakers in a 7.1 channel system. Pro Logic IIx
produces a spacious, enveloping effect. It is designed for use with any stereo, Dolby 2.0, Dolby
Pro Logic, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 or Surround EX signal. With a single back channel speaker
it is known as 6.1 channel, and with two back channel speakers it is known as 7.1 channel.
There are two types of Pro Logic IIx: Pro Logic IIx Movie and Pro Logic IIx Music. These are
our recommended surround modes if you have a 6.1 or 7.1 channel system. Please note that
Pro Logic IIx Movie is not compatible with Dolby Digital 5.1 with a 6.1 channel system. We
encourage you to rediscover how exciting and alive your older recordings will sound.
•
Dolby Pro Logic IIx Movie: This version of
Pro Logic IIx is optimized for movies and
computer games. By feeding the surround
and back channel speakers different signals, it
produces a more spacious, enveloping effect.
Enhanced bass Off
Exit
AUDIO
Signal Dolby D 3/2.1
Input Coaxial 1
Mode Dolby PLIIx Movie
VIDEO
Signal No Signal
Input Composite 1
DVD
DVD DOLBY D 3/2.1
PLIIX MOVIE VOL: - 10
•
Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music: This version of Pro
Logic IIx is optimized for music listening; it is designed to produce very natural-sounding
surround ambience from stereo sources such as CDs. It has three parameters not found in
Pro Logic IIx Movie:
- Center Width: This adjusts the apparent
width of the center-channel signal.
- Panorama: This wraps the sound of the
front left and right speakers around the
listening area.
- Dimension: This moves the surround field
toward the back or front of the room.
AUDIO
Signal Analog
Input Analog 2
Mode Dolby PLIIx Music
VIDEO
Signal No Signal
Input Composite 2
Video 2
VIDEO 2 ANALOG
PLIIX MUSIC VOL: - 10
These settings are made on the Dolby/DTS setup page of the Audio Setup menu.
Note: Pro Logic IIx operates with the same menu settings you already made for Pro Logic II.
Page 3
NEW SURROUND MODES continued
THX Operation
•
THX Cinema: With most surround modes,
pressing the THX button switches only THX
Cinema processing on or off. The C 2 front
panel displays only “THX” for THX Cinema.
More detailed information about THX Cinema
may be found on page 16.
DVD DTS-ES MTRX
DIRECT THX VOL: -35
Other THX Modes
If the Direct mode is selected, which enables a 5.1 channel source to play in its native format
(displayed 3/2.1), each time you press the THX button will select another THX mode:
AUDIO
Signal DTS-ES Matrix
Input Optical 1
Mode Matrix
VIDEO
Signal Composite/NTSC
Input Composite 1
THX Cinema -35dB
|------------------------------|----------------- |
3
Video 1
•
THX Surround EX: This adds additional
sounds behind your listening area with
specially encoded DVDs. The panel display is
“THX SURR EX” on the C 2 and “THX Surr EX”
on the C 1. More detailed information about
THX Surround EX may be found on page 17.
DVD DOLBY D 3/2 .1
THX SURR EX VOL: -35
•
THX Ultra2 Cinema: For 7.1 channel
playback of 5.1 channel movies. THX Ultra2
Cinema enhances 7.1 channel listening with
ASA back channel speakers for optimum replay.
The panel display is “THX ULT2CIN” on the C 2
and “THX Ultra2 Cin” on the C 1. More detailed
information about THX Ultra2 Cinema may be
found on page 18.
DVD DOLBY D 3/2 .1
THX ULT2CIN VOL: -35
Video 1
AUDIO
Signal Dolby D 3/2.1
Input Optical 1
Mode Direct
VIDEO
Signal Composite/NTSC
Input Composite 1
THX Surr EX -35dB
|------------------------------|----------------- |
Video 1
AUDIO
Signal Dolby D 3/2.1
Input Optical 1
Mode Direct
VIDEO
Signal Composite/NTSC
Input Composite 1
THX Ultra2 Cin -35dB
|------------------------------|----------------- |
Page 4
4
NEW SURROUND MODES continued
•
THX Music Mode: For 7.1 channel playback of
5.1 channel music sources. THX MusicMode
enhances 7.1 channel listening with ASA back
channel speakers to stabilize the sound field.
The panel display is “THX MUSIC” on the C
2 and “THX MusicMode” on the C 1. More
detailed information about THX MusicMode
may be found on page 18.
Video 1
AUDIO
Signal Dolby D 3/2.1
Input Optical 1
Mode Direct
VIDEO
Signal Composite/NTSC
Input Composite 1
THX MusicMode -35dB
DVD DOLBY D 3/2 .1
|------------------------------|----------------- |
THX MUSIC VOL: -35
•
THX Games: For 7.1 channel playback of 5.1
channel games. This enhances the sonic impact
of video games for total immersion in all the
action. The panel display is “THX GAMES” on
the C 2 and “THX Games Mode” on the C 1.
We invite you to connect your game console or
PC to one of the C 1 or C 2 digital audio inputs.
More detailed information about THX Games
may be found on page 18.
AUDIO
Signal Dolby D 3/2.1
Input Optical 1
Mode Direct
VIDEO
Signal Composite/NTSC
Input Composite 1
Video 1
THX Games Mode -35dB
DVD DOLBY D 3/2 .1
|------------------------------|----------------- |
THX GAMES VOL: -35
Surgeon General’s Warning: This may be addictive.
Note: THX Surround EX, THX Ultra2 Cinema and THX Games will engage only when
both of the following conditions are met:
•
Back channel speakers must be selected in the Speaker setup, Size setup menu.
•
The selected mode must be DIRECT.
Only THX Cinema will engage when
other modes are selected.
AUDIO
If you press the THX button and “INCOMPATIBLE
SOURCE” appears, it means the mode is not
DIRECT, you have not selected back speakers or
the input signal is not compatible.
Signal Dolby D 2/0
Input Coaxial 1
Mode Dolby PLIIx Music
VIDEO
Signal No Signal
Input AUTO 1
-35dB
DVD DOLBY D 2.0
Incompatible source
INCOMPATIBLE SOUR CE
Video 1
7.1 Channel Party Mode
The new Party mode duplicates front-channel stereo and distributes it to the surround and back
channel speakers in a 7.1 channel system. Spreading sound uniformly throughout the room will
make it easier for your guests to converse while music is playing.
Page 5
NEW MODE TABLE
Mode table
The following table was prepared for the C 1 and C 2 by THX Ltd. It shows you the surround
modes and THX modes which are available for each source, whether you have a 5.1 channel,
6.1 channel, or 7.1 channel speaker setup.
KEY: FOOTNOTES:
Non-THX default (bold text)
THX default (italics text)
Other allowed modes (plain text)
SB = Back speakers
Lt Rt = L total R total (of down-mixed channels) 5 ASA- Adaptive Speaker Array processing
Input Type 5.1 speakers 6.1 speakers 7.1 speakers
Monaural source Mono Mono Mono
1
Re-Equalization - Front speakers
2
Re-Equalization - Back speakers
3
Timbre-Match
4
Adaptive Decorrelation
5
Analog: L or L+R Mono + THX Cinema 1 Mono + THX Cinema 1 Mono + THX Cinema
Digital: AC-3 1/0
DTS 1/0
2-channel source Mono Mono Mono
Analog: Lt Rt or Stereo Mono + THX Cinema 1 Mono + THX Cinema 1 Mono + THX Cinema
Digital: Lt Rt or Stereo
- PCM Stereo Stereo Stereo
- AC-3 2/0 Stereo + THX Cinema 1 Stereo + THX Cinema 1 Stereo + THX Cinema
- DTS 2/0 Pro Logic II Movie PLII not applicable PLII not applicable
Pro Logic II Movie +THX Cinema
Pro Logic II Music
PLIIx not applicable Pro Logic IIx Movie Pro Logic IIx Movie
Pro Logic IIx Movie Pro Logic IIx Movie +
Pro Logic IIx Music Pro Logic IIx Music
1,3
+ THX Cinema
1,2,3
THX Cinema
1
1,2,3
1
1
Pro Logic Pro Logic (SB = no output) Pro Logic (SB = no output)
Pro Logic + THX Cinema
Neo:6 Cinema Neo:6 Cinema Neo:6 Cinema
Neo:6 Cinema Neo:6 Cinema
+ THX Cinema
Neo:6 Music Neo:6 Music Neo:6 Music
Natural Natural Natural
Party Party Party
(SB = no output)
1,3,4
1,3
1,3,4
Pro Logic + THX Cinema Pro Logic + THX Cinema
(SB = no output)
+ THX Cinema
1,3,4
1,2,3
Neo:6 Cinema
+ THX Cinema
1,2,3
Page 6
6
NEW MODE TABLE continued
Input Type 5.1 speakers 6.1 speakers 7.1 speakers
Club Club Club
Concert Concert Concert
AC-3 5.1, No EX Flag Dolby Digital 5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1
(SB = no output) (SB = no output)
(EX or non-EX encoded) Dolby Digital 5.1 + Dolby Digital 5.1 + THX Cinema Dolby Digital 5.1 + THX Cinema
THX Cinema
Dolby Digital 5.1 + Dolby EX Dolby Digital 5.1 + Dolby EX
(Manual Activation) (Manual Activation)
Dolby Digital + THX Surround Dolby Digital + THX Surround
EX
Dolby Digital + PLIIx Music Dolby Digital + PLIIx Movie
Dolby Digital + Neo:6 Dolby Digital + PLIIx Movie +
THX Cinema
Dolby Digital + Neo:6 + Dolby Digital + PLIIx Music
THX Cinema 1,2,3
Dolby Digital +
THX Ultra2 Cinema 1,3,4,5
Dolby Digital +
THX MusicMode 3,4,5”
Dolby Digital +
THX Games Mode 3,5”
Dolby Digital + Neo:6
1,3,4
(SB = no output)
1,2,3
1,3,4
(SB = no output)
(Manual Activation)” EX
1,2,3
(Manual Activation)
1,2,3
1,3,4
Dolby Digital + Neo:6 +
THX Cinema 1,2,3”
Dolby Digital + Surround 6.1 Dolby Digital + Surround 6.1
AC-3 5.1, EX-Flagged Dolby Digital 5.1 (Direct) Dolby Digital + Dolby EX Dolby Digital + Dolby EX
(EX encoded) Dolby Digital 5.1 + Dolby Digital + Dolby Digital +
THX Cinema
Dolby Digital + PLIIx Movie
Dolby Digital + PLIIx Movie +
THX Cinema
DTS 5.1 DTS 5.1 Direct DTS 5.1 Direct DTS 5.1
(SB = no output) (SB = no output)
(non-ES encoded) DTS 5.1 + THX Cinema
(SB = no output)
DTS 5.1 + Neo:6 DTS 5.1 + Neo:6
DTS 5.1 + Neo:6 + DTS 5.1 + Neo:6 +
THX Cinema
1,3,4
THX Surround EX
1,3,4
DTS 5.1 + THX Cinema DTS 5.1 + THX Cinema
1,2,3
THX Surround EX
1,3,4
(SB = no output)
1,2,3
THX Cinema
1,2,3
1,2,3
1,3,4
1,2,3
Page 7
NEW MODE TABLE continued
Input Type 5.1 speakers 6.1 speakers 7.1 speakers
DTS 5.1 + PLIIx Music DTS 5.1 +
THX Ultra2 Cinema
DTS 5.1 + THX MusicMode
3,4,5
DTS 5.1 + THX Games Mode
3,5
1,3,4,5
7
DTS 5.1 + PLIIx Movie +
THX Cinema
DTS 5.1 + PLIIx Music
DTS 5.1 + Surround 6.1 DTS 5.1 + Surround 6.1
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 DTS 5.1 Direct DTS-ES Matrix + Direct (5.1) DTS-ES Matrix + Direct (5.1)
DTS 5.1 + THX Cinema
+ Matrix + Matrix
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 + Matrix + DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 +
THX Cinema
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 DTS 5.1 DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
DTS 5.1 + THX Cinema
THX Cinema
DTS 96/24 DTS 96/24 DTS 96/24 DTS 96/24
(5.1, SB = no output) (5.1, SB = no output)
(5.1 channel) DTS 96/24 + THX Cinema
(5.1, SB = no output)
DTS 96/24 +
THX Ultra2 Cinema
1,3,4
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 DTS-ES Matrix 6.1
1,2,3
THX Cinema
1,3,4
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 + DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 +
1,3,4
DTS 96/24 + THX Cinema DTS 96/24 + THX Cinema
1,2,3
THX Cinema
1,3,4
(SB = no output)
1,2,3
1,2,3
1,2,3
1,3,4
1,3,4,5
DTS 96/24 +
THX MusicMode
DTS 96/24 +
THX Games Mode
KEY: FOOTNOTES:
Non-THX default (bold text)
THX default (italics text)
Other allowed modes (plain text)
SB = Back speakers
Lt Rt = L total R total (of down-mixed channels) 5 ASA- Adaptive Speaker Array processing
1
Re-Equalization - Front speakers
2
Re-Equalization - Back speakers
3
Timbre-Match
4
Adaptive Decorrelation
3,4,5
3,5
Page 8
8
NEW CONTROLS
New Tone Controls and Lipsync
These features offer you new options and they
include new menu settings. The settings are found
in the Audio setup menu.
To make settings in the Audio setup menu, you
first press the Menu button on the front panel, or
the MENU button on the remote handset.
Press the v down cursor button or press the front
panel Menu button until the menu’s > cursor lines
up with “Audio setup”. Press the center of the
thumbpad on the remote or turn the front panel
knob just a little in either direction. Select “Tone
controls” and press the center of the thumbpad
to enter the Tone setup menu.
Treble and Bass Tone Controls
MAIN MENU
SIZE SETUP
Main Menu
> Audio setup
Speaker setup
Source setup
Display setup
Trigger setup
THX Audio setup
Exit
Review: Treble and Bass can be set in 1 dB steps for up to 12 dB of cut or boost. Bass and
Treble tone settings affect only the front left, center, and right channels.
AUDIO SETUP
TONE CONTROLS
Audio setup
Dolby/DTS setup
Preset setup
TONE CONTROLS
TREBLE: 2 DB
Tone controls
Bass + 0dB
> Treble + | 2dB
> Tone controls
Treble freq 6 kHz
LFE level 0dB
Bass freq 80 Hz
Reverb Dry
Exit
After the menu setup is concluded, any Bass or Treble adjustments you make while you’re listening will temporarily add to, or subtract from, their settings on the Audio setup page.
For example, if you had set Treble to +2dB in the Audio setup menu, then the first time you
press the remote’s + TRE key (on the C 1/C 2 page) it will increase to +3dB. Or the first time you
press the TRE – key on the remote it will reduce to +1dB.
Exit
Page 9
NEW CONTROLS continued
What’s New
Higher Resolution
The original Bass and Treble tone controls were digitally processed with a 48 kHz sampling rate.
The Bass and Treble tone controls now operate
with a 96 kHz sampling rate to enable the highest
possible resolution. Higher resolution lets you make
tonal adjustments without sacrificing overall quality
of sound and its ultimate detail and clarity.
Tone Frequency
The tone controls could previously boost or cut
Bass and Treble in frequency ranges that were
fixed. Now you have a choice of three frequencies
(technically known as “- 3 dB turnover points”) for
each tone control.
With these tone frequency settings you can make
more focused adjustments to optimize the way your
speakers and room work together.
The upgraded tone control settings are found on
the setup Menu, Audio setup page, Tone controls
page, Bass Freq. and Treble Freq.
TONE CONTROLS
BASS: 0DB
Tone controls
> Bass + 0dB
Treble + 0dB
Treble freq 6 kHz
Bass freq 80 Hz
Exit
9
The Treble tone control now offers you a choice of three frequencies where the treble tone
control range is centered, 6 kHz, 8 kHz and 10 kHz.
- 6 kHz setting: The Treble tone control
will make the most noticeable increase or
decrease in the high frequencies in your
music and movies. This will affect how
penetrating the treble range sounds to you
because it includes treble frequencies in a
range which is more audible. It has a subtle
effect on the upper part of the “presence”
range and increase at 6 kHz may improve the
intelligibility of dialogue.
- 8 kHz setting: The Treble tone control
will have a less noticeable and more subtle
increase or decrease in the high frequencies
in your music and movies. You may prefer
this setting.
- 10 kHz setting: The Treble tone control will
have the least impact on the perceived treble
of music or movies. You will probably hear
the effects of adjustments made at 10 kHz
more in terms of the “airiness” of a recording
than on its actual musical content. The 10 kHz
setting is ideal for making older recordings
sound more spacious and detailed without
changing their fundamental sonic balance. It
can also help reduce the ”edge” on poorly
made recordings which are overly “aggres-
sive” or have background hiss.
TONE CONTROLS
TREBLE FREQ: 6KHZ
TONE CONTROLS
TREBLE FREQ: 8KHZ
TONE CONTROLS
TREBLE FREQ: 10 KHZ
Tone controls
Bass + 0dB
Treble + 0dB
> Treble freq 10 kHz
Bass freq 80 Hz
Exit
Page 10
10
NEW CONTROLS continued
The upgraded Bass tone control offers you a choice of three frequencies where the bass tone
control range is centered, 80 Hz, 110 Hz and 140 Hz.
- 80 Hz setting: The Bass tone control will make the least noticeable impact on the low
frequencies in your music and movies.
Decreasing Bass at the 80 Hz setting can
compensate for room resonances that might
exaggerate bass response and make it sound
too heavy. Increasing Bass at 80 Hz can
increase bass impact with the least added
“thickness” or unwelcome exaggeration. It
has the least impact on mid-bass frequencies.
TONE CONTROLS
BASS FREQ: 80 HZ
- 110 Hz setting: The Bass tone control will
have a more noticeable effect on male voices.
At the 110 Hz setting increasing Bass will add
some richness, while decreasing Bass can
reduce the “chesty” overly-heavy quality of
voices. This enables the Bass control to compensate for the chesty quality that is a shortcoming in many loudspeakers.
Tone controls
Bass + 0dB
Treble + 0dB
Treble freq 6 kHz
> Bass freq 80 Hz
Exit
Tone controls
Bass + 0dB
Treble + 0dB
Treble freq 8 kHz
> Bass freq 110 Hz
Exit
TONE CONTROLS
BASS FREQ: 110 HZ
- 140 Hz setting: The Bass tone control will
have the most noticeable effect on male
voices and instruments. Increasing Bass at
the 140 Hz setting can be useful to reinforce
the low frequency output of smaller speakers
and subwoofers, or speakers and subs whose
room placement reduces their bass output.
Tone controls
Bass + 0dB
Treble + 0dB
Treble freq 10 kHz
> Bass freq 140 Hz
Exit
TONE CONTROLS
BASS FREQ: 140 HZ
Conversely, decreasing Bass at the 140 Hz setting can reduce heavy bass “boominess”
that can occur when speaker placement, such as in a corner, gives too much of a boost
to low frequencies.
Note: All of these descriptions are generalizations. The effects of the new settings may be
quite different, depending on your speakers, your theater room, and where the speakers
are placed in it. We invite you to experiment with the Tone freq. settings.
Page 11
TONE CONTROL RESPONSE CURVES
Bass Tone Frequency 80 Hz Treble Tone Frequency 6 kHz
11
Bass Tone Frequency 110 Hz Treble Tone Frequency 8 kHz
Bass Tone Frequency 140 Hz Treble Tone Frequency 10 kHz
Page 12
12
NEW CONTROLS continued
Lip Sync
The image you see on your screen and the sound
you hear must be properly synchronized. Since
matching the picture with the sound is most
noticeable when actors are speaking, it is often
called Lip sync.
Video signals may be delayed when they are processed within the DVD player, in an external line
scalar, or in a High Definition TV. An example of
such processing would be the de-interlacing that
converts a 480i (interlaced) signal to a 480p (progressive scan) signal, or converting a 480p signal
into a 1080i signal. The result is that you will see
the picture a fraction of a second after you hear its
corresponding sound. You can spot even a small
video delay when actors are speaking, and it can be
very annoying.
Our Lip sync enables you to adjust and delay the
audio signals to synchronize the sound with the
delayed video signals. Adjustments are made in precise 1 mS (millisecond) steps, up to 150 mS.
You will find the Lip sync (shortened to Lipsync on the menu page) adjustment on the Audio
Setup menu page, Preset setup sub-menu page. The Lip Sync adjustment is made on the
Preset page so that you may “preset” five separate Lip Sync settings. Thus you can enjoy
precise correction for as many as five different source components. If you go to the Source
setup menu page you can associate a different Preset for sources (or assign the same preset
to more than one source).
Note: The factory setting for Lipsync is Off.
PRESET SETUP
LIPSYNC: 25 MS
Preset setup
Preset 1
Treble + 0dB
Bass + 0dB
Center + 0dB
Surround + 0dB
Subwoofer + 0dB
> Lipsync 25 ms
Exit
Bass Management
Review: The original bass management selects the
crossover frequency between the subwoofer and
other speakers (when they are set to “small”) in 10
Hz increments from 40 Hz to 140 Hz.
What’s New
You can now select the crossover frequency in
5 Hz increments from 20 Hz to 200 Hz. With
more crossover frequencies available you may
find a setting where your sub and other speakers
blend together to integrate the overall sound more
“seamlessly.”
New settings for the Subwoofer frequency (abbreviated as Subwoofer freq.).are made on the Speaker
setup, Size setup menu page.
SIZE SETUP
SUB FREQ.: 45 HZ
Size setup
Main speakers Large
Center speaker Small
Surround speakers Small
Back speakers 2 Small
Subwoofer Yes
Subwoofer lter On
> Subwoofer freq. 45 Hz
Enhanced bass Off
Exit
Page 13
NEW CONTROLS continued
Discrete IR Codes for Second Zone
Applies only to remotes that have been re-programmed with Discrete IR Zone Code software.
Note: The following instructions do not apply to remote handsets that have not been
re-programmed with Discrete IR Zone Codes. An unmodified remote will control the
second zone the same way it did before the PLIIx/Lipsync software upgrade was
installed into the actual C 1 or C 2 controller.
What’s New
The C 1 or C 2 second Zone will now be set up as if it was a separate device that can be selected on the MAIN MENU page. This
allows for discrete one button selection of second zone functions
at any time; it is different than the previous second zone function
described in the C 1 or C 2 Owner’s Guide.
First press the MAIN button; ZONE will appear in the device
display, along with C 1/C 2, T3 and the names of seven other
devices (which you can re-name and re-program for the components you actually have in your theater).
Press the ZONE device key next, after which you must press
the ON button. This will activate the Zone function and will also
turn on the C 1 or C 2, but for its remote zone only. You will see
the page with the names of the ten source inputs that can be
selected for the second Zone.
When you are on the ZONE page, with the zone function on, the
remote handset’s VOL+ and VOL– buttons, MUTE button and
Source keys control these functions only in the second Zone,
without affecting the C 1 or C 2 main zone operation. If you press
the OFF button while ZONE is displayed, it will turn off the zone
function and turn off the C 1 or C 2 power if only the remote
zone was in use. It will not turn the off the C 1 or C 2 power if it
is playing in the main zone.
13
Page 14
14
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING
Here is a Q&A about Pro Logic IIx, prepared by Dolby Labs and reprinted from the Dolby Labs
website, with permission.
1. What is Dolby® Pro Logic® IIx?
Dolby Pro Logic IIx is an extension of Dolby Pro Logic II technology. This highly sophisticated algorithm processes native stereo- and 5.1 channel material to produce 6.1 or 7.1 output channels.
Dolby Pro Logic IIx expands choice in playback system configuration (allowing 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1
playback channels) and, when incorporated into an audio/video (AV) receiver or processor, allows
a convenient upgrade path from a traditional 5.1 channel sound system to 7.1 output channels.
2. Does Dolby Pro Logic IIx replace Dolby Pro Logic II?
No. Dolby Pro Logic IIx uses the same core technology as Dolby Pro Logic II, but extends its
functionality. Dolby Pro Logic II technology will continue as the primary surround decoder for
two to 5.1 channel material. Pro Logic IIx will be integrated by manufacturers into hardware
components that offer 6.1 or 7.1 output capability.
3. Why does Dolby Pro Logic IIx sound more natural than competing formats?
For a few reasons. One is the newly developed approach in steering logic design, which provides unprecedented smoothness and precise dynamics. Another is the lack of signal coloration
achieved by employing the simplest audio path, with as little filtering of the audio as possible.
4. What were the sonic goals in developing Dolby Pro Logic IIx?
•
Improved surround envelopment
•
Enhanced sense of spatial depth
•
Improved directionality
•
Larger listening area, commonly referred to as the “sweet spot”
•
Compatibility of all native stereo and 5.1 channel content with 6.1 and 7.1 playback configurations
5. What are the key differences between Dolby Pro Logic IIx and other existing 6.1 channel
and 7.1 channel offerings?
•
Dolby Pro Logic IIx is the only technology package that covers both 6.1 and 7.1 speaker
configurations.
•
Dolby Pro Logic IIx maintains the sonic clarity of Dolby Pro Logic II across all sources and
output modes, ensuring unmatched aesthetic consistency and purity.
•
Dolby Pro Logic IIx introduces no artificial coloration during playback. It remains true to the
artist’s intent.
6. Are the Surround and Back channels full range?
Yes, with a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response.
7. Will manufacturers offer Dolby Pro Logic IIx in a 7.1 satellite/sub configuration?
Yes. With proper bass management executed within the surround controller, a 7.1 satellite /
subwoofer configuration — where all low frequencies are routed to the subwoofer —
is indeed possible.
Page 15
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING continued
8. Will Dolby Pro Logic IIx process DTS 5.1 content, and is it compatible with DTS-ES discrete and
matrix-encoded software?
Processing of DTS content is an available option. While Dolby Pro Logic IIx technology is fully
compatible with DTS and DTS-ES, whether a product supports them is, of course, dependent
upon DSP capability and hardware design.
9. Does Dolby Pro Logic IIx introduce any sound delay?
There is some surround delay in certain modes, as in all other Dolby Pro Logic decoder systems.
Otherwise, no.
10. Is any front-channel information being mixed into the Rear speakers by Dolby Pro Logic IIx?
No.
11. What happens in signal processing behind the Center Width control?
When a logic decoder “steers” the Center signal, it is, in essence, removing Center channel signals from the Left and Right outputs. The Center Width control allows the amount of steering that
is applied to Center signals to be modified. It reduces the “hard Center channel” that sometimes
results from Center steering of stereo encoded soundtracks.
15
12. Is the Panorama mode more, or less, useful in a 7.1 environment?
The function of the Panorama mode is to create a more enveloping front surround field. It is
equally useful when applied to Dolby Pro Logic IIx processing.
13. What are the differences between Music mode and Movie mode?
Surround programs are primarily mixed like movies. When shows are mixed in surround, they are
monitored through the surround decoder that will be used for playback in the cinema or home.
Movie mode is the reference decoder mode for any such surround-encoded program.
Music mode brings the benefits of a highly natural and balanced multichannel surround soundfield
to content that was not specifically encoded for surround playback.
14. Is there a height element to Dolby Pro Logic IIx?
No, because content is not being made with specifically encoded height information. Without
encoded content, any effect created, however pleasurable, would be mere speculation.
15. What is the effect of the Surround and Back speakers?
The Surround and Back speakers enable a more enveloping, more involving, and more precise
listening experience.
16. Are the Surrounds and Backs stereo channels?
Yes, but they are not discrete. The Surround and Back channels are each derived from Dolby Pro
Logic IIx logic decoding, so the separation varies in response to the input signal.
17. Does Dolby have a preference for Rear and Back Surround speaker configurations?
Not necessarily, since different rooms often benefit from different solutions. However, direct
radiators often provide maximum clarity and detail and, therefore are often recommended.
18. Will you develop Dolby Pro Logic IIx matrix encoders for the entertainment industry?
Possibly. But it is worth noting that unlike Dolby Pro Logic II, which requires its own encoders to
achieve maximum benefit, Dolby Pro Logic IIx can be fully exploited using today’s encoding tools
and mixing consoles.
Page 16
16
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING continued
19. What components are necessary to upgrade from Dolby Digital EX/Dolby Pro Logic II to Dolby
Pro Logic IIx?
Aside from an A/V processor equipped with the new Dolby Pro Logic IIx algorithm, you would
need an additional amplifier and an additional speaker matched to the existing back speaker for
full integration of Dolby Pro Logic IIx.
Most A/V receivers equipped with Dolby Pro Logic IIx, on the other hand, will include the additional amplifier necessary to upgrade from 6.1 Dolby Digital EX to 7.1 channel Dolby Pro Logic IIx.
Would You Like to Know more About THX?
Please read the following explanation written by THX Ltd. It will help you understand and appreciate
the substantial technical advantages and sonic benefits of THX technology.
THX Cinema Processing
THX is an exclusive set of standards and technologies established by the world-renowned film
production company, Lucasfilm Ltd. THX grew from George Lucas’ personal desire to make your
experience of the film soundtrack, in both movie theatres and in your home theatre, as faithful as
possible to what the director intended.
Movie soundtracks are mixed in special movie theatres called dubbing stages and are designed to
be played back in movie theatres with similar equipment and conditions. This same soundtrack is
then transferred directly onto Laserdisc, VHS tape, DVD, etc., and is not changed for playback in a
small home theatre environment.
THX engineers developed patented technologies to accurately translate the sound from the movie
theatre environment into the home, correcting the tonal and spatial errors that occur. On this
product, when the THX indicator is on, THX features are automatically added in Cinema modes
(e.g. THX Cinema, THX Surround EX):
Re-Equalization
The tonal balance of a film soundtrack will be excessively bright and harsh when played back over
audio equipment in the home because film soundtracks were designed to be played back in large
movie theatres using very different professional equipment. Re-Equalization restores the correct
tonal balance for watching a movie soundtrack in a small home environment.
Timbre Matching
The human ear changes our perception of a sound depending on the direction from which the
sound is coming. In a movie theatre, there is an array of surround speakers so that the surround
information is all around you. In a home theatre, you use only two speakers located to the side
of your head. The Timbre Matching feature filters the information going to the surround
speakers so that they more closely match the tonal characteristics of the sound coming from
the front speakers. This ensures seamless panning between the front and surround speakers.
Adaptive Decorrelation
In a movie theatre, a large number of surround speakers help create an enveloping surround sound
experience, but in a home theatre there are usually only two speakers. This can make the surround
speakers sound like headphones that lack spaciousness and envelopment. The surround sounds will
also collapse into the closest speaker as you move away from the middle seating position. Adaptive
Decorrelation slightly changes one surround channel’s time and phase relationship with respect
to the other surround channel. This expands the listening position and creates — with only two
speakers — the same spacious surround experience as in a movie theatre.
Page 17
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING continued
THX Ultra2
Before any home theatre component can be THX Ultra2 certified, it must incorporate all the
features above and also pass a rigorous series of quality and performance tests. Only then can
a product feature the THX Ultra2 logo, which is your guarantee that the Home Theatre products
you purchase will give you superb performance for many years to come. THX Ultra2 requirements
cover every aspect of the product including pre-amplifier performance and operation, and
hundreds of other parameters in both the digital and analog domain.
THX Surround EX
THX Surround EX — Dolby Digital Surround EX is a joint development of Dolby Laboratories and
the THX Ltd.
In a movie theater, film soundtracks that have been encoded with Dolby Digital Surround EX
technology are able to reproduce an extra channel which has been added during the mixing of the
program. This channel, called Surround Back, places sounds behind the listener in addition to the
currently available front left, front center, front right, surround right, surround left and subwoofer
channels. This additional channel provides the opportunity for more detailed imaging behind the
listener and brings more depth, spacious ambience and sound localization than ever before.
Movies that were created using the Dolby Digital Surround EX technology, when released into the
home consumer market may exhibit wording to that effect on the packaging. A list of movies
created using this technology can be found on the Dolby web site at www.dolby.com.
Only surround controller products bearing the THX Surround EX logo, when in the THX Surround
EX mode, faithfully reproduce this new technology in the home.
17
THX Surround EX operation
THX Surround EX will operate for any 5.1 channel source that has a Dolby Digital Surround EX auto
trigger flag in the digital signal.
Note: THX Surround EX can only operate when the THX Cinema mode is ON and Surround Back
speakers are selected in the system set-up menu.
Bass Mixing
In the bass output setup menu page, you have the flexibility to choose how bass information is
distributed to your speakers only if you have large front left and right speakers and a subwoofer
as part of your home theatre speaker system.
By selecting Enhanced Bass or Ebass [as it is called on the Model 7100], you will send the bass frequencies from the front left and right channels to the front left, right speakers AND the subwoofer.
When Ebass is not selected, bass frequencies from the front left and front right channels stay in the
front left and front right speakers and not sent to the subwoofer. Bass going to the subwoofer will
only come from the LFE channel and any of the channels with speakers that you have designated as
“Small.” This selection is preferred by THX. To decide which setting is best for your room, once you
have positioned all of your speakers, choose the option which gives you the most solid sounding bass.
ASA (Advanced Speaker Array)
ASA is a proprietary THX technology which processes the sound fed to two side and two
back surround speakers to provide the optimal surround sound experience. When you set
up your home theater system using all eight speaker outputs (Left, Center, Right, Surround
Right, Surround Back Right, Surround Back Left, Surround Left and Subwoofer) placing the two
Surround Back speakers close together facing the front of the room will provide the largest sweet
spot. If, for practical reasons, you have to place the Surround Back speakers apart, you will want
to re-optimize the surround sound-field. Go to the THX Audio Set-up setup menu page and select
the setting that most closely corresponds to the speaker spacing.
ASA is used in the following three new modes; THX Ultra2 Cinema, THX MusicMode and THX
Games Mode.
Page 18
18
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING continued
THX Ultra2 Cinema
THX Ultra2 Cinema mode plays 5.1 movies using all 8 speakers (7 speakers plus a subwoofer)
giving you the best possible movie watching experience. In this mode, ASA processing blends
the side surround speakers and back surround speakers providing the optimal mix of ambient and
directional surround sounds.
DTS-ES (Matrix and 6.1 Discrete) and Dolby Digital Surround EX encoded soundtracks will be
automatically detected in Ultra2 Cinema mode if the appropriate flag has been encoded.
Some Dolby Digital Surround EX soundtracks are missing the digital flag that allows automatic
switching. If you know that the movie that you are watching is encoded in Surround EX, you can
manually select the THX Surround EX playback mode, otherwise THX Ultra2 Cinema mode will
apply ASA processing to provide optimum replay.
THX Music
For the replay of multi-channel music the THX MusicMode should be selected. In this mode THX
ASA processing is applied to the surround channels of all 5.1 encoded music sources such as
DTS, Dolby Digital and DVD-Audio to provide a wide stable rear soundstage.
THX Games
For the replay of multi-channel game audio the THX Games Mode should be selected. In this
mode THX ASA processing is applied to the surround channels of all 5.1 channel encoded game
sources such as analog, PCM, DTS and Dolby Digital. This accurately places all game audio surround information, providing a full 360 degree playback environment. THX Games Mode is unique
as it gives you a smooth transition of audio in all points of the surround field.
Boundary Gain Compensation
If your listening room layout (for practical or aesthetic reasons) results in most listeners seated
close to the rear wall, the resulting bass level can be sufficiently reinforced by the boundary
that the overall sound quality becomes “boomy.” THX Ultra2 surround controllers contain the
Boundary Gain Compensation feature improve bass balance. Boundary Gain Compensation is
active when you select “THX Ultra2 Subwoofer-Yes” in the “Boundary Gain Compensation” section of the THX Audio setup menu page.
Dialogue Normalization
Dialogue Normalization (Dial Norm) is a feature of Dolby Digital, which is used to keep the programs at the same average listening level so the user does not have to change the volume control between Dolby Digital programs.
When playing back software which has been encoded in Dolby Digital, sometimes you may see
a brief message in the front panel display which will read “Dial Norm X dB” (X being a numeric
value). The display is showing how the program level relates with THX calibration level. If you
want to play the program at calibrated theatrical levels, you may wish to adjust the volume. For
example, if you see the following message: “Dial Norm + 4 dB” in the front panel display, to
keep the overall output level at THX calibrated loudness, just turn down the volume control by 4
dB. However, unlike a movie theater where the playback loudness is preset, you can choose your
preferred volume setting for best enjoyment.
Online Sources for Further Information:
www.parasound.com, www.dolby.com, www.dtsonline.com, www.thx.com.
Page 19
IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE
Are You Having Problems With The New Features?
USA and Canada residents: Call your Parasound dealer first. If your dealer can’t help you with your
problem we encourage you to call the Parasound Technical Service Department, 415 675-7272,
or toll-free (USA only) at 866-770-8324 or Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm Pacific time, or email to
Service@parasound.com.
Outside North America: Call your local Parasound dealer where you purchased your C 1 or C 2.
We also recommend you visit our website, www.parasound.com, from time to time, as we may
post new information and helpful hints.
Helpful Web Addresses
The following are the Web addresses for companies mentioned in this manual:
•
Parasound: www.parasound.com
•
Dolby Laboratories: www.dolby.com
•
DTS (Digital Theater Systems):www.dtsonline.com
•
THX: www.thx.com
19
Licensing Acknowledgments
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. ”Dolby,“ ”Pro Logic,“ and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories.
Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc. US Pat. No. 5,451,942, 5,956,674, 5,974,380, 5,978,762 and other
world-wide patents issued and pending. “DTS”, “DTS-ES Extended Surround” and Neo:6” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems,
Inc. Copyright 1996, 2000 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All rights Reserved.
Manufactured under license from THX, Ltd. U.S. patent numbers 5,043,970; 5,189,703; and/or 5,222,059. European patent number
0323830. Other U.S. and foreign patents pending. Ultra2 and THX are trademarks or registered trademarks of THX Ltd. Surround EX is a
trademark of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Used under authorization.
THX and Ultra2 are trademarks of THX Ltd. which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved.
Page 20
We invite you to visit www.parasound.com for the most up-to-date information
on your unit and to find out about other Parasound products. Learn why
Parasound has been a quality and value favorite of magazine reviewers, sound
professionals and listeners like you since we were founded in 1981
.
Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Customer Service 415-397-7100 / Technical Dept. 415-675-7272 / Fax 415-397-0144
rev 0.91 ©2005 Parasound Products, Inc.
www.parasound.com
Loading...