Sony DFP-R3000,DFP-D2500 Quick Start Manual

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SDDS Player System

DIGITAL FILM SOUND READER

DFP-R3000

DIGITAL FILM SOUND DECODER

DFP-D2500

QUICK START GUIDE
1st Edition

Sony DFP-2500 SDDS Player System
Quick Start Guide to Installation and Setup

Outline of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Equipment and accessories.

3. Site preparation and Interconnection.

4. B-Chain calibration, using the Setup Software.

5. Final adjustments and tests.

6. Troubleshooting.

7. Rear Panel Connectors.

1. Introduction

1.1 About the DFP-2500

The Sony DFP-D2500 Film Sound Decoder has been designed to upgrade existing
cinema sound systems to SDDS in a simple and cost effective way, whether your
auditorium sound system supports 5.1, or the full 8 channel SDDS sound format.
The DFP-D2500 must be combined with a DFP-R3000 Film Sound Reader, which reads
the SDDS data on film and sends this bit-stream to the DFP-D2500 for SDDS decoding
and audio processing. The audio processing includes complete 8 channel B-chain
functions and a calibrated master level control, both using high-power DSP (Digital
Signal Processing) for maximum sound quality, reliability and consistency.

The output of the DFP-D2500 is then routed directly to the main crossover networks and
power amplifiers (alternate configuration of the DFP-D2500 is also possible – see
section 3.1, Configuring the DFP-D2500 as an Input Device).

Additionally, the DFP-D2500 can apply its powerful DSP-based sound processing to the
current system’s cinema processor, vastly improving the sound performance of existing,
or aging equipment. For example, if the existing cinema processor in the sound system
is not of current design and technology, the D2500’s input can be configured so that the
superior B-chain and master level control of the D2500 is applied instead. This
effectively upgrades the sound performance of the existing cinema processor to today’s
state-of-the-art technology and capability, at a much more reasonable cost than
discarding and replacing it with a new, higher-priced cinema processor.

1.2 About this guide

To properly install and maintain the DFP-2500 system, the following documentation is
available in addition to this guide:

• DFP-D2500 Operation Manual 3-205-080-01 (included in the decoder box)

• DFP-D2500 Maintenance Manual 9-976-894-01 (available upon request)

• DFP-R3000 Installation Manual 9-968-522-02 (available upon request)

• DFP-R3000 Maintenance Manual 9-968-523-01 (available upon request)

• Relevant Technical Notes and Bulletins see www.sdds.com

2. Equipment and accessories.

Your purchase of a DFP-D2500 system includes the following items in two boxes:
In the Reader box you will find:

Digital Film Sound Reader Unit 1 DFP-R3000
Reader-to-Decoder Cable, 10 meter* 1 1-783-382-11
Adapter EA 1 3-194-819-03
Spacers 4
Bolt, Hex 3/8" 4 3-185-981-01
Washer 10 4 7-688-000-32
Screw, Hex 4x12 5 7-683-421-04
Washer 4 5 7-688-004-12
Spring Washer 4 5 7-623-210-22

In the Decoder box you will find:

Film Sound Decoder Unit 1 DFP-D2500
Mains cable 1 Varies by country
Operation Manual 1 3-205-080-01

The following additional equipment is available from Sony:

Setup Software Free http://www.sdds.com
SDDS Alignment Film 1-759-836-11
#1 JIS screwdriver, cross point type 7-700-749-03
Reader-to-Decoder Cable, 50 meter* 1-783-896-11

*Neither the 10 meter nor 50 meter cable can be cut, spliced, or re-pinned.
Personal equipment you will need:

Personal computer (laptop) running
Windows 3.1 or later

Null modem cable, RS232C With 9-pin male on D3000 end
Real Time Analyzer With calibrated microphone(s)
Allen wrench set, ANSI Up to 3/8-inch
Allen wrench set, Metric Up to 6mm
Tweaker (small screw driver)

486-66 with 32 Mb RAM, Floppy drive,
serial port, 20Mb available disk space.
Pentium 120+ MHz recommended

3. Site preparation and interconnection.

Before you begin making settings and adjustments to your DFP-2500 system, it is best
to confirm some basic conditions. Here is a check list.

3.1 Decide audio signal path

Configuring the DFP-D2500 as an output device
The DFP-D2500 has been primarily designed to be the last link of the audio processing

chain before the crossover networks and power amplifiers (in order to facilitate the full
8 channel output capability), very much like the 1st generation SDDS processor, the
DFP-D2000. Only by using the DFP-D2500 in this manner will you obtain the full benefit
of the D2500, such as its 8 channel capability, its exceptional B-chain performance, its
seamless fallback transitions, and the capability to enhance the performance of the
existing cinema processor to today’s state-of-the-art audio processing.

The illustration below shows this recommended signal path. No automation connections
are needed.

Configuring the DFP-D2500 as an input device
If for some reason the above configuration is not possible, the DFP-D2500 can also be

used as an input device to the central cinema processor. The System Output of the DFP­D2500 is then routed to the auxiliary input of the existing cinema processor.
Additionally, automation lines need to be connected to allow the DFP-D2500 to switch
the central cinema processor in and out of the applicable SDDS preset, depending on
the SDDS Playback Status. The necessary logic signals have been integrated into the

Automation connector of the DFP-D2500, making system integration for this
configuration simple to achieve.

In this application, connect the signals noted below from the DFP-D2500 automation
connector to the control input of the central cinema processor:

Pin # Function Signal

32 SDDS Data OK Output pulse: Low = SDDS OK
36 SDDS Data not OK Output pulse: Low = SDDS NG

3.2 Check the version of the Setup Software on your computer.

The Setup Software is updated regularly. Be sure you are using the latest version,
which will be v3.00, build 3.000 or higher. You can check the SDDS web site at

http://www.sdds.com or contact Sony Cinema Products to determine the latest version

and to request a free copy. You can check the version of Setup Software you are
currently using by launching the program and selecting Help>About. . . from the pull
down menus at the top of the main screen.

3.3 Confirm proper audio interface wiring.

The Sony DFP-D2500 Decoder unit uses professionally balanced audio interface
connectors, pinned according to the THX convention, for interconnections to amplifiers,
crossovers, limiters, booth monitors, and other cinema processors. Unfortunately,
many such devices may not employ balanced inputs or outputs. It is essential that
proper balanced to unbalanced interface wiring techniques are used when connecting to
these devices to ensure optimum operating conditions for the DFP-D2500 and
connected equipment. Failure to use proper techniques in your sound rack wiring may
result in reduced system headroom, improper theater calibration, and compromised
sound performance. For a guide to properly interconnecting balanced and unbalanced
audio signals, refer to Tech Note TN99060401.

3.4 Chassis earth ground check.

Most audio grounding schemes require that the chassis of the DFP-D2500 have a solid
electrical connection to the rack in which it is mounted. The finish on the rack mounting
rails may be very durable. Make sure that the mounting screws cut through the finish of
the DFP-D2500 and that the mounting ears make electrical connection through the rack
rails’ finish to the rack itself. Test this with an ohm meter. Additionally, a screw terminal
Technical Ground is available on the back panel of the Decoder, to help make a solid
ground connection. Do not remove the line cord safety ground pin in an attempt to
avoid ground loops. This precaution is already taken care of in the design of the
DFP-D2500 and removing the pin will have no benefit, but doing so will compromise
electrical safety and may violate electrical codes.