Theta Digital Generation VIII Series 3 Owner's Manual
THETA DIGITAL
Generation VIII Series 3
Owner’s Manual
V 2.00
Digital Done Right
™
PREFACE
CONGRATULATIONS
You have just acquired the most advanced component for the processing and conversion of digital to analog
signals to have been developed.
IMPORTANT
Save all packaging in a dry place away from fire hazards. Your Generation VIII is a precision electronic
instrument and should be properly packaged any time shipment is made. In the unlikely event that you have to
return your Generation VIII to the factory for service, or if you send it to us for updating, the original packaging
will best protect the unit from shipping damage.
In order to achieve the fullest flexibility and enjoyment from your Generation VIII, we at Theta recommend that
you read this manual in full before connecting the unit to your audio/video system.
WARNING
United Stated law prohibits disposition of these commodities to Libya, Laos, North Korea, Cambodia or Cuba
unless otherwise authorized by the United States.
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio and 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:
* Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
* Increase the separation between equipment and receiver.
* Connect the receiver into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the Generation VIII is connected.
Acknowledgments
© 2003-2011 Theta Digital. All rights reserved.
This manual is also available for download as a PDF file at Theta Digital’s website: http://www.thetadigital.com
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Theta Digital.
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The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of
significant magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THE (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN
EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY
INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
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Generation VIII Identification Record
This information is for your records and for future identification of the Generation VIII. Please take a moment
to fill out all pertinent data now, and as upgrades and/or options are installed. Whenever upgrades,
inquiries, service, repair and/or changes are requested, the serial number will be required.
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE PURCHASED
DEALER’S NAME
DEALER’S ADDRESS/PHONE
INSTALLED CARDS/OPTIONS/UPGRADES
(Date of installation)
(Date of installation)
(Date of installation)
(Date of installation)
(Date of installation)
(Date of installation)
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please carefully read each item of the operating instructions and safety precautions before using this
product. Use extra care to follow the warnings written on the product itself and/or in the operating
instructions. Keep the operating instructions and safety precautions for future reference.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE ANY OF THE COVER
PANELS.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL ONLY.
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT ALLOW LIQUIDS TO SPILL OR OBJECTS TO FALL
INTO ANY OPENINGS OF THE PRODUCT.
THIS UNIT IS SUPPLIED WITH A 3 PIN GROUNDED AC PLUG. ALWAYS INSERT THE AC PLUG INTO
A GROUNDED OUTLET. DO NOT REMOVE THE GROUND PIN OR DISABLE THE GROUND FOR ANY
PURPOSE.
BEFORE MAKING ANY CONNECTIONS TO THE GENERATION VIII, FIRST TURN OFF THE POWER
AND THEN DISCONNECT THE AC POWER CORD.
WHEN INSTALLING THE GENERATION VIII IN YOUR SYSTEM, MAKE CERTAIN TO ALLOW A
MINIMUM OF 3 INCHS OF VENTILATION ON EACH SIDE OF THE UNIT. ALSO ALLOW AT LEAST 3½
INCHS OF VENTILATION SPACE ABOVE THE UNIT. IMPROPER VENTILATION OF THE UNIT MAY
CAUSE OVERHEATING, WHICH MAY DAMAGE THE UNIT AND CAUSE A FIRE. PLACE THE UNIT ON
A SOLID SURFACE ONLY. I.E. NOT ON CARPET, ETC.
DO NOT PLACE THE GENERATION VIII NEAR HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS DIRECT SUNLIGHT,
STOVES, HEAT REGISTERS, RADIATORS OR OTHER HEAT PRODUCING EQUIPMENT.
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE ANALOG OUTPUT CIRCUITRY, BE CERTAIN NOT TO SHORT THE
OUTPUT SIGNAL PIN(S) TO GROUND. ENSURE THAT YOUR AUDIO OUTPUT CABLES DO NOT
HAVE ANY INTERNAL SHORTS BEFORE CONNECTING THEM TO THE GENERATION VIII.
IF REPLACEMENT OF THE AC LINE FUSE BECOMES NECESSARY, REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME
VALUE AND TYPE OF FUSE. NEVER BYPASS THE FUSE.
IF THE AC CORD BECOMES DAMAGED, DO NOT USE IT. IMMEDIATELY REPLACE IT WITH A NEW
ONE OF THE SAME OR BETTER RATING.
AFTER MARKET and THIRD PARTY MODIFICATIONS
Please note that any after market and/or third party modifications will void the warranty. In the case of
changing the feet on a unit, in order to prevent any damage (which will also not be covered under warranty),
please verify that the screws being used to secure non Generation VIII feet do not screw any deeper into the
chassis than the original ones. The original screw is 1/4-20 by 3/8 and goes into the chassis 1/4 inch MAX.
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Table of Contents
PREFACE...........................................................................................................................................................ii
WARNING......................................................................................................................................................iii
Generation VIII Identification Record.............................................................................................................iv
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...............................................................................................................................v
List of Figures................................................................................................................................................ vii
List of Tables................................................................................................................................................. vii
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................1
Getting to know your Generation VIII..............................................................................................................1
IMPORTANT NOTICE....................................................................................................................................2
Reference Manual Conventions......................................................................................................................2
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations.............................................................................................................3
Generation VIII Block Diagram .......................................................................................................................4
Front Panel Layout..........................................................................................................................................5
Rear Panel Layout ..........................................................................................................................................6
Menu Maps .....................................................................................................................................................7
Setup Menu Pages......................................................................................................................................7
Remote Control...............................................................................................................................................8
Introduction to the User interface....................................................................................................................9
OPERATIONS..................................................................................................................................................10
Input Select Buttons......................................................................................................................................10
Changing Inputs ........................................................................................................................................10
SETUP ..........................................................................................................................................................11
Jack and Input Names...............................................................................................................................11
Clocking.....................................................................................................................................................12
Unity Gain..................................................................................................................................................12
Input Offset Level ......................................................................................................................................12
Burn In.......................................................................................................................................................13
Remote Triggering.....................................................................................................................................13
RS232........................................................................................................................................................14
IR Source...................................................................................................................................................15
Using Generation VIII as an External DAC...............................................................................................15
Screensaver ..............................................................................................................................................16
Initial Volume Level ...................................................................................................................................16
Serial Number/Software Versions.............................................................................................................17
BALANCE Function.......................................................................................................................................17
APPENDIXES...................................................................................................................................................18
Appendix A Troubleshooting Guide ........................................................................................................19
Appendix B Wiring Diagrams..................................................................................................................20
Appendix C Upgrading/Re-installing Generation VIII Software...............................................................22
Appendix D Remote Extender Jack Technical Description and Protocol...............................................23
Appendix E RS232 Protocol....................................................................................................................24
RS232 Hardware Connections..................................................................................................................24
Appendix F Specifications.......................................................................................................................30
Warranty Information........................................................................................................................................32
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List of Figures
Figure 1 - Generation VIII Block Diagram ..........................................................................................................4
Figure 2 - Front Panel Layout.............................................................................................................................5
Figure 3 - Rear Panel Layout .............................................................................................................................6
Figure 4 - Setup Menu Pages.............................................................................................................................7
Figure 5 - Remote Control..................................................................................................................................8
Figure 6 - Front Panel Display of the INPUT SELECT page............................................................................10
Figure 7 - Front Panel Display of the INPUT SELECT page when Fixed Volume Controls are installed........10
Figure 8 - Front Panel Display of the Jack Map and Input Name SETUP menu.............................................11
Figure 9 - Front Panel Display of the Input Clocking SETUP menu.................................................................12
Figure 10 - Front Panel Display of the Unity Gain SETUP menu.....................................................................12
Figure 11 - Front Panel Display of the Offset Level SETUP menu..................................................................13
Figure 12 - Front Panel Display of the Burn In Signal SETUP menu...............................................................13
Figure 13 - Front Panel Display of the Remote Trigger SETUP menu ............................................................13
Figure 14 - Front Panel Display of the RS 232 SETUP menu .........................................................................14
Figure 15 - Front Panel Display of the IR Source SETUP menu .....................................................................15
Figure 16 - Front Panel Display of the Ext Vol SETUP menu..........................................................................15
Figure 17 - Front Panel Display of the SETUP page 8 – Screensaver............................................................16
Figure 18 - Front Panel Display of the Initial Volume SETUP menu................................................................16
Figure 19 - Front Panel Display of the Info menu.............................................................................................17
Figure 20 - Front Panel Display of the Balance Menu......................................................................................17
Figure 21 - Examples of Typical In and Out Connections................................................................................20
Figure 22 - Example of Connections to/from a Casablanca II/III Digital Out Card...........................................21
List of Tables
Table 1 - Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations.................................................................................................3
Table 2 – Display Jack Name Abbreviations & Definitions ..............................................................................11
Table 3 – Troubleshooting Guide.....................................................................................................................19
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to a new world of possibilities. Generation VIII is by far the most advanced digital to analog
converter available today. It offers the advantages of Theta’s legendary mastery in digital signal processing
and sound quality unapproachable by any other equipment.
Getting to know your Generation VIII
Despite the Generation VIII’s great technical sophistication, we believe in making it as easy as possible for
you to use. We think you’ll enjoy the intuitive way the Generation VIII works. Rather than offer a frustrating
bewilderment of little used functions in constant view, vying for your attention, Generation VIII is structured
systematically by function.
This Generation VIII has been put through a rigorous and unique testing procedure that insures that it will
last for many years with minimal service requirements. This procedure includes the following:
• All assembled circuit boards are given a thorough visual inspection and are then tested in a benchreference Generation VIII.
• The tested, assembled circuit boards are then installed in a new Generation VIII and the whole unit is
tested for every function and parameter.
• The unit is put on a burn-in torture rack for 100 hours to test for any possible component failures.
• The Generation VIII is tested on an audio analyzer for all pertinent parameters.
• The Generation VIII is put through a final bench test wherein every possible feature, mode and
parameter is checked.
• The unit has all remaining chassis components installed and then undergoes a complete visual
inspection, which assures that all Generation VIII’s meet visual specifications.
• The unit is then put through a critical listening test.
Burn In Time
This unit has a break in period of about 1 week during which continuous improvement in sound quality will be
observed. It is recommended that music or the internal burn-in signal be played continuously through the
unit during this time to expedite the break in period.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
I. Due to the computer-based circuitry used in Theta products, it is imperative that the Generation VIII
be connected to a ground via its three wire AC power cord. It is important that the AC power outlet
which the Generation VIII is plugged into, is actually grounded. Failure to do so will severely
compromise the performance, reliability and safety of use of the Generation VIII.
II. It is also important to prevent discharge of static electricity when connecting other components and
cables to the Generation VIII. When connecting cables, simply place one hand on top of the
Generation VIII and then grasp the metal “barrel” of the cable with the other hand and plug (unplug)
the cable into (from) the appropriate jack on the Generation VIII.
III. The Generation VIII, as with all electronic equipment, is susceptible to static discharges. Resetting
the unit may be required if anomalies occur after receiving a static discharge. In this case, put the
unit in standby and turn off the rear panel power switch for 2 minutes, and then turn it on again.
IV. Ventilation is an important issue when placing the Generation VIII in a system. Make certain that the
Generation VIII is placed in a well-ventilated area or rack unit. There must be a clear path for cool
air to get into the unit, and for heat to escape.
V. Please take note that some powerline conditioners defeat the AC power ground on their outlets. If
the intention is to plug the Generation VIII into a line conditioner, check with your dealer to make
certain that the particular conditioner that is intended for use DOES NOT DEFEAT THE AC
GROUND on its AC outlets.
VI. DO NOT remove any cover panels from the Generation VIII, as there are no user serviceable
components inside. Refer updating and servicing to Theta qualified service personnel only.
VII. Should the Generation VIII need to be reset, it must be put in standby first via the front panel power
button. Then the rear panel power switch is to be turned off for at least 2 minutes.
VIII. The Generation VIII can be susceptible to excessive RF. End caps in all unused inputs will improve
the sound quality and may reduce the susceptibility to RF induced anomalies.
Reference Manual Conventions
For clarity purposes, references to buttons, LED’s and display parameters will be shown in bold capital
letters.
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Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
TERM DEFINITION
AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society) / (European
Broadcasters Union)
Analog-to-Digital Converter A device that converts analog signals into a digital format. Once
Balanced Audio Signals Signals that are carried on three-conductor cables, with two of the
DAC Digital to Analog converter
dB Decibel, a relative unit of loudness.
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) A device that converts digital signals into an analog format.
DSP Digital Signal Processor (Processing)
Hz (Hertz) A unit of frequency.
IR Infrared. A wireless method of data transmission.
mS Millisecond, or 1/1000 of a second.
Oversampling The process of taking more samples than is required in order to more
Sampling Rate The rate at which an analog (real world) signal is converted into digital
Single-Ended or SE, aka Unbalanced Audio Signals Signals that are carried on two-conductor cables, one “hot”, or signal, and
S/PDIF Interface (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface
format)
TRS Tip, Ring, Sleeve. Names of the 3 connecting elements of a stereo phono
VFD Vacuum Florescent Display
A three wire balanced digital audio standard. This interface uses a 3-pin
XLR type connector and allows for data communication between digital
audio equipment.
encoded, all audio is stored or processed as a series of numbers rather
than as the audio itself.
conductors carrying the same signal 180° out of phase and the third as
ground. Balanced connections usually cost more than unbalanced
connections, but are less susceptible to picking up hum and prevent
interference with low-level signals.
accurately reconstruct a digitized signal for playback in the analog
domain.
numeric values.
one ground.
A digital audio interconnection standard, developed jointly by Sony and
Phillips.
jack or plug.
Table 1 - Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
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Generation VIII Block Diagram
Figure 1 - Generation VIII Block Diagram
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Front Panel Layout
Figure 2 - Front Panel Layout
1. Remote IR receiver.
2. STANDBY button/LED. After the rear panel MAIN POWER switch is turned on, press the front panel STANDBY button to exit
the standby mode. The Generation VIII will quickly initialize. The VFD will default to the last selected INPUT. Pressing
STANDBY again will place the Generation VIII into standby mode and the LED in the front panel STANDBY button will light.
Each time the Generation VIII is put into standby, the VFD will “exercise” itself for 10 seconds by illuminating all pixels. (This
will enhance the lifetime of the VFD).
3. 24 character by 2 row Vacuum Florescent Display (VFD).
4. Buttons 1 through 5. Used to select a desired INPUT, or parameter to change in the SETUP menus. The LED in the button
lights when the button is pressed. These buttons are referred to as the INPUT SELECT buttons.
5. SETUP button. Used to access the SETUP menus, for setting all user parameters.
6. LOCK light. Lights when a valid digital signal is detected on the currently selected input.
7. MUTE button. Mutes/unmutes all audio outputs. Not active when optional fixed volume cards are installed.
8. LEVEL LEFT and RIGHT buttons. Shifts audio balance to the left and right, or adjusts the master volume within submenus
when the LEVEL UP/DOWN buttons are to be used for editing parameter values.
9. The DISPLAY button will toggle the VFD brightness between off, ¼, ½, ¾ and full brightness.
10. LEVEL UP and DOWN buttons. Increases/decreases master volume. Also used to increment/decrement values in the
SETUP menus.
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