Harman-Kardon HA160-0004-A manual Dts, Movie Modes

Signature 2.0

DTS

DTS is a digital audio delivery system used by both audio-only labels as well as an optional, alternative digital sound system for DVD and LD. DTS delivers high-quality, discrete 5.1 audio using a digital delivery system that is similar in concept to Dolby Digital, but with different bit rates and encoding algorithms.

The physical connection for DTS playback is identical to the connections used for Dolby Digital, in that either coax or optical connections are made to the source player. The main difference between the two systems with regard to hook-ups is that when DTS audio tracks are present on a laser disc, they are played back as standard PCM audio streams, and thus no RF demodulator is required. If you own a laser player and plan to play back DTS discs, make certain that a connection is made from the optical or coax output of your LD player to one of the 2.0’s digital inputs. Using the Input Assignment options in the Source Configuration menus described on page 28 it is possible to take advantage of the 2.0’s flexibility to assign the same video output to both the analog and digital decoding sections of the 2.0.

It is worth noting the DTS has also issued a library of audio-only discs that may be played back using any CD player that features a digital output. To take advantage of these discs, make certain there is a connection between the digital audio output of your CD player and one of the digital inputs of the 2.0.

Programs encoded with DTS always have a native 5.1 channel mode, but depending on the configuration of your specific system you may not always want to play a pro- gram back in the 5.1 channel mode. For that reason, the

2.0provides not only the pure DTS 5.1 mode, but also provides the capability to decode the DTS data streams, but down mix the incoming signal so that it is sent to the front left and right speakers only (DTS 2 Chan) or to the front left and right channels and left and right surround channels. The center channel is downmixed into the front left and right channels (DTS 2 Chan).

Applicable Mode Groups: As DTS is used for both audio- only discs as well as movies and other video-related programs, all DTS modes are available in both the Music and Movies mode groups. Note that when a DTS 5.1 program is playing and you press the Stereo button y, the 2.0 will indicate DTS 2 Chan.

NOTE: Due to the way in which DTS operates, there is no data available when the Display button x is pressed while a DTS source is playing.

Movie Modes

The 2.0’s digital audio processing system provides a number of alternative modes that may be used when listening to movies via an analog input source. For movies, a series of four different modes is available that use the basic matrix decoding to extract center and surround channels from two-channel audio, similar to Pro Logic. The Movie modes, however, vary from Pro Logic in that they add additional blending of the channels to offer different simulations.

Each of the four Movie modes is slightly different, and the best way to find if one of them suits your taste and the specific acoustic conditions of your listening room is to try them all, using Dolby Pro Logic as a baseline for comparison. Nothing will be “hurt” or damaged by trying the different modes.

Applicable Mode Groups: The Movie modes are available only in the Movie mode group, and only when an analog source is being played.

NOTE: The Movie and Music modes are available only when an analog or PCM digital source is playing. If you attempt to select one of these modes when a Dolby Digital or DTS source is playing, the front panel Information Display will flash to remind you of the mismatch. At the same time, the 2.0 will automatically select an appropriate mode. The suggested mode may be identified by pressing the Display button x and viewing the on-screen display.

Appendix C

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