RCA STAV3860 User Manual
owner’s manual
Audio/Video Receiver
INTRODUCTION
The RCA STAV–3860 has these great features.
Five Channels of Independent Amplification — five independent power amplifiers, each rated at
60W, ensure accurate, dynamic reproduction of all multi-channel material.
Dolby* Pro Logic — enjoy stunning multi-channel, surround sound effects from movies and other
material recorded in Dolby Surround/Pro Logic. Enhance your listening experience further with built-in
signal processing that recreates the movie theater ambience in your living room.
Digital Surround Effects — using Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, various listening
environments, such as a theater or a jazz club, may be simulated and applied to any music or video
source.
DVD 5.1 Channel Input — a special 5.1 Channel input makes the STAV-3860 fully compatible with
Dolby Digital decoders and DVD players with 5.1 channel outputs.
The Energy-saving Design — this unit is designed to use minimal electricity when power is switched
OFF (in Standby mode). Regarding the value of the power consumption in standby mode, refer to
“Specifications” on pages 31.
Note to the Cable TV System Installer:
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to Article 820-40 of the
National Electrical Code that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular,
specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as
close to the point of cable entry as practical.
* Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
"Dolby", "Pro Logic" and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Confidential unpublished works. © 1992-1997 Dolby Laboratories.All rights reserved.
©1999 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This receiver is made and tested to meet
exacting safety standards. It meets both
UL and FCC requirements and complies
with safety performance standards of the
US Department of Health and Human
Services.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
THE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This symbol is intended to
alert you to the presence of
dangerous voltage inside
the product that can cause
shock. Do not open the
product’s case.
This symbol is intended to
alert you to important operating and maintenance instructions in this owner’s
manual.
Careful attention is devoted to quality standards in the
manufacture of your cassette deck, and safety is a major
factor in its design. However, safety is also your
responsibility.
This section lists important information that will help you
properly use and enjoy your cassette deck and accessories.
Read all the included safety and operating instructions
before using your cassette deck, follow them closely, and
retain them for future reference.
Heed Warnings — Follow all warnings on the product and
in the operating instructions.
Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet
before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not
use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Attachments — Do not use attachments/accessories not
recommended by the product manufacturer, as they might
create a hazard.
Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near
water (for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming
pool).
Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult,
and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for mounting, and use a recommended mounting
accessory.
Carts — Move the product on a cart carefully. Quick
stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the
product/cart to overturn.
Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet provide
ventilation, ensure reliable operation, and protect from
overheating. Do not block or cover these openings, and
do not place the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. Do not place the product in a built-in
bookcase or rack unless it provides proper ventilation as
specified by the manufacturer.
Power Sources — Operate this product using only the power source indicated
on its marking label. If you are not sure of your home’s power type, consult your
product dealer or local power company.
Polarization — This product is equipped with a polarized AC line plug (a plug
having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit in the power outlet
only one way. This is a safety feature. If you cannot insert the plug fully into the
outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still doesn’t fit, contact your electrician
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
plug. If you need an extension, use a polarized cord.
Power-Cord Protection — Route power-supply cords so 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 where they
exit from the product.
Lightning — For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or
when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from
the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral
convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Objects and Liquids — Never push objects of any kind into this product
through openings, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the
product.
Servicing — Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall outlet and
refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
• When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
• If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product.
• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
• If the product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions, as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage
and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the
product to normal operation.
• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
• When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or
having the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
Safety Check — Upon completion of service or repairs to this product, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in
proper operating condition.
Wall or Ceiling Mount — The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling
only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
3
Warning: This receiver uses a laser. Because of
possible eye injury, only a qualified service
person should remove the cover or attempt to
service this device.
Cautions
• The use of controls or adjustments, or the per
formance of procedures other than specified
herein, can result in hazardous exposure to
laser light.
• To prevent electric shock do not use this
polarized plug with an extension cord,
receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades
can be fully inserted to prevent blade
exposure.
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preparation .......................................................................................................6
Checking the Supplied Accessories ............................................................................................. 6
Using this Manual ....................................................................................................................... 6
Installing the Receiver ................................................................................................................. 6
Preparing the Remote Control.....................................................................................................7
Connecting Your System....................................................................................8
Connecting Antennas..................................................................................................................8
Connecting Audio Components .................................................................................................. 9
Connecting DVD 5.1 Channel Components..............................................................................10
Connecting Video Components ................................................................................................ 10
Connecting Speakers................................................................................................................. 11
AC Outlet ................................................................................................................................. 12
Setting Up for Surround Sound....................................................................... 13
Setting Up for Surround Sound................................................................................................. 13
Displays and Controls..................................................................................... 17
Front Panel ...............................................................................................................................17
Display...................................................................................................................................... 18
Remote Control......................................................................................................................... 19
Listening in Surround Sound ..........................................................................20
Listening in Dolby Pro Logic Mode ........................................................................................... 20
Listening in DVD 5.1 Channel Input Mode...............................................................................21
Listening in DSP Mode.............................................................................................................. 22
Using the Tuner ...............................................................................................23
Finding a Station....................................................................................................................... 23
Tuning Directly to a Station.......................................................................................................24
Memorizing Stations ................................................................................................................. 24
Recalling Memorized Stations ................................................................................................... 25
Making a Recording.........................................................................................26
Making an Audio or Video Recording ....................................................................................... 26
Additional System Control..............................................................................27
CD Player Controls ...................................................................................................................27
Cassette Deck Controls ............................................................................................................. 28
Additional Information ...................................................................................29
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 29
Specifications ............................................................................................................................ 31
5
PREPARATION
CHECKING THE SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Please check that you've received the following supplied accessories:
AM Loop Antenna FM Wire Antenna
Remote Control Unit
USING THIS MANUAL
This manual is for the STAV-3860 audio/video receiver. It is divided into two main
sections:
SOURCE
POWER
TAPE
SOURCE SELECT
ASMS SEARCH
!
$
$
1234
DECK2
*&#
569078
EFFECT
D. ACCESS
TUNING
DECK1
&
T.TONE
FM/AM
TUNING
DSP MODESORROUND
2
CH SELECT
LEVEL
DIMMER
FUNCTION
RECEIVER
POWER
STAV-3860
AUDIO/VIDEO SYSTEM REMOTE
CD
DISC/STATION
FL
TUNER
!
#@@
CLASS
MPX
MUTING
VOLUME
OSR
Set up
This section covers installing your receiver and
The following symbols are used
throughout this manual:
connecting all the other components in your
home theater system to it. It also describes how
to set up a multi-channel speaker system to take
full advantage of the great surround sound
memo
Provides detailed precautions and
advice on operations, etc.
features of your receiver.
Operation
Indicates that display is blinking.
This section shows you how to use every feature
of the receiver and its remote control unit. It
also covers using the supplied remote control to
operate your other home theater components.
To find out more about a specific button, control
or indicator, see Displays and Controls starting
on page 17. This will point you to the relevant
chapter in the manual.
In the Additional Information section (p.29–31)
you'll find a troubleshooting section and
specifications.
INSTALLING THE RECEIVER
Notes:
• Do not place objects directly on top of this unit. This would prevent proper heat dispersal.
• When installing in a rack, shelf, etc., be sure to leave more than 8 inches of space above the receiver.
8 INCHES
RECEIVER
6
PREPARING THE REMOTE CONTROL
Loading the batteries
Dry Cell Batteries (not included)
(AA size IEC R6P x 2)
Operating Range of Remote Control Unit
The remote control may not work properly if:
memo
• There are obstacles between the remote
control and the receiver's remote sensor.
• Direct sunlight or fluorescent light is
shining onto the remote sensor.
• The receiver is located near a device that is
emitting infrared rays.
• The receiver is operated simultaneously
with another infrared remote control unit.
CAUTION:
Incorrect use of batteries may result in
such hazards as leakage and bursting.
Observe the following precautions:
• Never use new and old batteries to
gether.
• Insert the plus and minus sides of
the batteries properly according to
the marks in the battery case.
• Batteries with the same shape may
have different voltages. Do not use
different batteries together.
30
30
1 2 3
4 5 6
+
+
-
23 ft.
The FUNCTION & SOURCE SELECT Buttons on the Remote Control
Please note that the remote control has two types of buttons, one called FUNCTION and a set of buttons
called SOURCE SELECT. Use the FUNCTION button to choose the component you want to listen to
(CD, CDR/TAPE, TUNER, etc.) and use the SOURCE SELECT buttons to change which component the
remote control itself will operate. Thus, if the STAV-3860 is in TUNER mode, for example, and you want
to listen to your CD player, you need to select the CD mode with the FUNCTION button.
Operating other RCA Components
By connecting a control cord (optional), you can
control other RCA professional series equipment
using this remote control unit. Point the remote
CONTROL
OUT
CONTROL
IN
OUT
control unit towards the remote sensor of this
unit, even when operating other equipment.
The remote control signals are received by the
STAV-3860
remote sensor of this unit, and sent to the other
devices via the CONTROL OUT terminal.
memo
You can also control RCA professional
series components by pointing the
receiver's remote control directly at the
component. This type of operation
REMOTE CONTROL UNIT
OTHER RCA PROFESSIONAL
SERIES PRODUCTS WITH OSR
MARK
CONNECT TO CONTROL IN
TERMINAL OF OTHER RCA
PROFESSIONAL SERIES
PRODUCTS WITH OSR MARK.
does not require control cords.
7
CONNECTING YOUR SYSTEM
3/8 In.
CONNECTING ANTENNAS
Connect the AM loop antenna and the FM wire antenna as shown below. To improve reception and sound
quality, connect external antennas (see Using external antennas, below). Always make sure that the
receiver is switched off and unplugged from the wall outlet before making or changing any connections.
AM Loop Antenna
Assemble the antenna and connect to the receiver. Attach to a wall, etc. (if desired) and face
in the direction that gives the best reception.
L
R
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
UNBAL
75Ω
FM
ANTENNA
IN
O
U
T
IN
IN
IN
FM
R
E
C
P
A
Y
CD
VCR/
DVR
TV/
SAT
DVD
/LD
FRONT
OUT
CD-R
/TAPE
/MD
L
IN
IN
IN
IN
SUB
WOOFER
CONTROL
OUT
OUT
TO
MONITOR
TV
SUB
WOOFER
PREOUT
SURROUND
LR
CENTER
DVD 5.1 CH
INPUT
CENTER
FRONT
SPEAKER
SPEAKERS
LRLR
SURROUND
SPEAKERS
AC OUTLET
Antenna Snap Connectors
Twist the exposed wire strands together and insert into
the hole, then snap the connector shut.
Using External Antennas
7 To Improve FM Reception
Connect an external FM antenna.
75 Ω COAXIAL CABLE
8
FM Wire Antenna
Connect the FM wire antenna and fully extend vertically along a
window frame or other suitable area.
7 To Improve AM Reception
Connect a 15–18 feet length of vinyl-coated wire to the AM
antenna terminal without disconnecting the supplied AM loop
antenna.
For the best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors.
OUTDOOR ANTENNA
AM LOOP
FM
UNBAL
75Ω
FM
ANTENNA
INDOOR ANTENNA
(VINYL-COATED WIRE)
15–18 FT
ANTENNA
CONNECTING AUDIO COMPONENTS
VIDEO
IN
L
R
Connect your audio components as shown below. When connecting equipment, always make sure the
power is switched off and the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.
OUT
CD PLAYER
FRONT
SPEAKERS
CENTER
SPEAKER
LRLR
SURROUND
SPEAKERS
AC OUTLET
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
UNBAL
75Ω
FM
ANTENNA
L
R
L
R
VCR/
/TAPE
CD
DVR
TV/
SAT
DVD
/LD
FRONT
OUT
CD-R
/MD
IN
IN
IN
IN
SUB
WOOFER
CONTROL
OUT
TO
MONITOR
TV
SUB
WOOFER
PREOUT
SURROUND
LR
CENTER
DVD 5.1 CH
INPUT
IN
O
U
T
IN
IN
IN
FM
R
E
C
P
L
A
Y
PLAY REC
L
R
Audio/Video Cords
Use good quality audio/video cords with RCA/phono plugs at each
CD-R, CASSETTE DECK MD,
DAT ETC.
end to connect the audio or video components and a video cord to
connect the monitor/TV.
Connect red plugs to R (right), white
plugs to L (left), and the yellow plugs
to VIDEO.
Be sure to push the plugs securely
into their sockets.
Cassette Deck Placement
Depending on where the cassette deck is placed, noise caused by leakage flux from the transformer in the
receiver may occur during playback. If you experience noise, move the cassette deck farther away from
the receiver.
9
CONNECTING DVD 5.1 CHANNEL COMPONENTS
DVD and LD discs are compatible with both 2 channel and 5.1 channel audio output formats. Refer to
page 21 for more information on how to switch between the two input methods. You can connect a DVD
player or multi channel decoder equipped with 5.1 analog outputs to the 5.1 analog inputs on the
receiver. Always make sure that the receiver is switched off and unplugged from the wall outlet before
making or changing any connections.
L
R
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
UNBAL
ANTENNA
FM
75Ω
FM
IN
O
U
T
IN
IN
IN
R
E
C
P
L
A
Y
FRONT
OUT PUT
L
R
CD
VCR/
DVR
TV/
SAT
DVD
/LD
FRONT
OUT
CD-R
/TAPE
/MD
IN
IN
IN
IN
SUB
WOOFER
SURROUND
OUT PUT
CONTROL
L
R
OUT
TO
MONITOR
TV
SUB
WOOFER
PREOUT
SURROUND
LR
CENTER
DVD 5.1 CH
INPUT
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
CENTER
FRONT
SPEAKER
SPEAKERS
LRLR
VIDEO
OUT
SURROUND
SPEAKERS
AC OUTLET
COMPONENTS EQUIPPED WITH
5.1 CHANNEL ANALOG OUTPUT
JACKS
memo
The 5.1 channel input can only be used when
DVD 5.1 CH is selected.
CONNECTING VIDEO COMPONENTS
Connect your video components as shown below. When connecting equipment, make sure the power is
switched off and the power cord disconnected from the wall outlet.
VCR, DVR, ETC.
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
UNBAL
ANTENNA
OUT IN
V
IN
VIDEO
L
R
L
R
CD
IN
O
U
T
IN
IN
IN
FM
R
E
75Ω
C
FM
P
L
A
Y
CONTROL
IN
IN
IN
SUB
WOOFER
OUT
OUT
TO
MONITOR
TV
SURROUND
LR
CENTER
DVD 5.1 CH
INPUT
CENTER
FRONT
SPEAKER
SPEAKERS
LRLR
SURROUND
SPEAKERS
VCR/
DVR
TV/
SAT
DVD
/LD
FRONT
OUT
CD-R
/TAPE
/MD
IN
TV MONITOR
AC OUTLET
10
OUT
V
L
DVD/LD PLAYER
R
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