Parasound AVC-2500 owner manual THX Cinema, Music Mode

Page 30

THX Cinema

By pressing the THX button on the remote control or on the front panel, you can activate the advanced Home THX Ultra enhancements listed below. The AVC-2500 is among the very few AV Controllers designed and qualified for THX Ultra Certification. Films that have been encoded in Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic, Stereo or even Mono can all benefit from activating THX Ultra technologies. THX should be selected when watching movies that were mixed primarily for playback in large movie theater environments in which speakers are always mounted behind the screen. THX engineers developed patented technologies to accurately translate the sound from the movie theater environment into the home, correcting for significant tonal and spatial discrepancies between these environments. When the THX mode is selected on the AVC-2500, the decoded signal is modified with the following THX Ultra features:

THX Re-Equalization

The tonal balance of a film soundtrack may 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 theaters using very different professional equipment. Re-Equalization restores the correct tonal balance of a film soundtrack in a small home environment.

THX Timbre Matching

The human ear changes our perception of a sound depending on the direction from which the sound is coming. Large movie theaters must use arrays of speakers to provide surround information for everyone in the audience. In a home theater, you need only two surround speakers located at the sides 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 and an uninterrupted sense of spaciousness.

THX Adaptive Decorrelation

In a movie theater, there is always a large distance from your seat to the speakers. In a home theater there are usually only two surround speakers that are usually located close to your listening position. Adaptive Decorrelation slightly changes one surround channel’s time and phase relationship with respect to the other surround channel. This has the effect of expanding the apparent size of your room and broadens your listening position to simulate the same spacious surround experience as in a movie theater, but with only two surround speakers.

THX Bass Limiter

This THX feature prevents distortion and possible damage to the woofers in your speakers or subwoofer. Details about the Bass Limiter are in the Setup section.

Music Mode

Dolby Digital

While in the Music ASP mode, the AVC-2500 automatically decodes Dolby Digital encoded source material. If the material was encoded in Dolby Digital 5.1, the AVC-2500 plays back all six channels independently. If the material was encoded in Dolby Digital 3/1 or 2/0, the AVC-2500 downmixes the signal to Pro Logic Surround.

DTS

In the Music ASP mode, the AVC-2500 automatically decodes DTS encoded source material. Since DTS is always encoded in 5.1, the AVC-2500 will play back all six channels while in the Music mode. Choose this mode for DTS music discs. Choosing the Music mode for DTS movies is not recommended because bass response may be attenuated.

30

Image 30
Contents N U a L Table of Contents AVC-2500 Audio Video Controller Features Licensing AcknowledgementsImportant Safety Instructions Communications NoticeEspañol Instrucciones Importantes de Seguridad Français Instructions de Sûretè ImportantesDeutsch Wichtige Sicherheitsanweisungen Italiano Importanti norme di sicurezzaDansk Vigtig information om sikkerhed Svenska Viktiga säkerhetsföreskrifterNorsk Viktig Informasjon om sikkerhet Suomi Tärkeitä turvallisuusohjeitaAbout this Manual Placement of Your AVC-2500Introduction Unpacking and InspectionAVC-2500 DC Triggers Rear Panel Connections Audio/Video 1-6 Analog InputsAnalog Inputs Component Video InputsD E O N E M a DTS indicator Front Panel Controls Power SwitchSurround Mode Indicators Pro Logic IndicatorPress the AVC button to control the AVC-2500 Volume Buttons Learning Remote Control On-Off ButtonSetup/Trim Button Sleep Timer ButtonParasound AVC-2500 Input and Output Connections Video 6 Input and Record Record and Playback Connections PrecautionsAnalog Audio/Video 1-6 Input Connections Analog Audio 1-6 Input ConnectionsFront Left and Right Channel Outputs Main External Remote ControlAudio Only Record Output Connections Center Channel OutputZone DC Trigger Labeled DC Trigger 2 on some units Zone External Remote ControlMain DC Trigger Labeled DC Trigger 1 on some units Audio TriggerAntenna Connections RS 232 ControlComponent Video Connections Digital Audio Input Connections Video and Composite Video Input Connections Volume Control Rotary KnobComposite and S-Video Monitor Output Connections On-Off ButtonOverload Indicator Preset ButtonSurround Mode Indicators Digital ButtonFM/AM Button Tuning ButtonAutomatic Calibration Microphone Input Connection Mute ButtonSurround Setup/TrimVolume Dynamic Range ControlTune e / Auto Video TuningAuto Audio Auto VideoSource Sleep TimerNumerical Presets MacrosExamples of AVC-2500 On-screen and Front Panel Displays Cinema Mode Autoformat Surround Processing Modes ASPMusic Mode THX CinemaParty Mode Mono ModeStereo Mode Autoformat Surround Processing ASP Decoding Chart Center Speaker Speaker PlacementFront Speakers Conventional Surround SpeakersSubwoofer Left Parasound AVC-2500 Setup Menu Flowchart AVC-2500 Default Settings Digital Input and ASP Mode Programming Setting up your AVCBasic and Complete Setup Menus Programming a Digital Input and ASP Mode to Source InputsTo Rename Inputs from the Built-in Library Assigning Component Video Switching to Source InputsRenaming Inputs To Create a New Name or Radio Station Call-LettersTo Set the Input Source Level Setting the Input Source LevelAnalog Input Level Adjustment Procedures To Manually Set the Input Source LevelSetup Menu Level Two Bass Management To Setup Bass Management for Your Center SpeakerTo Automatically Set the Analog Input Level To Setup Bass Management for your Surround Speakers To Setup Bass Management for Your SubwooferSetting the Bass Limiter Setup Menu Level Three Calibrating Channel Levels To Automatically Calibrate Channel LevelsManually Calibrating Channel Levels Setup Menu Level Four Calibrating Channel Delay Times To Automatically Calibrate Channel Delay TimesTo Manually Calibrate Channel Delay Times Setup Menu Level Five On-Screen Display Setup Procedures Setup Menu Level Six DC Trigger Assignment ProceduresTo Program DC Trigger Outputs in Response to a Preset Event Setup Menu Level Seven System Setup Procedures Event Label Event Executed to Activate TriggerTriggering Examples Programming the Learning Remote Control Programming Codes into the Universal Remote ControlErasing a Single Command within a Programming Macros into the Learning Remote Control To Erase All the Programmed Commands within aTo Erase All the Learned Commands in all Pages Programming Macro ButtonsRemote Control Shift + Commands Shift + Command Resulting ActionOperating Your AVC-2500 Viewing a FilmListening to a Recording Using the Tuner Viewing Video with a Different Audio SourceFront Panel Operation Manual Tuning from the Remote Control Remote Control OperationAutomatic Tuning from the Remote Control Storing Radio Stations into one of the Tuner’s 20 PresetsTemporary Level Adjustment Using the Trim Function From the Remote ControlPower indicator Operating the Remote ZoneTo Activate the Sleep Timer Returning your AVC-2500 to Parasound for ServiceTo Trim Individual Channel Levels Important Notice Before Shipping your AVC-2500 Page Page Page AVC-2500 Installation Worksheet AVC-2500 Installation Worksheet Dimensions AVC-2500 SpecificationsSignal/Noise Ratio Weight 16 lb Power RequirementsFM Sensitivity AVC-2500 Tuner Specifications Tuning RangeSignal to Noise Ratio AM SensitivityParasound Products, Inc. Rev

AVC-2500 specifications

The Parasound AVC-2500 is a high-performance audio/video controller that caters to the discerning audiophile and home theater enthusiast. Renowned for its remarkable specifications and innovative technologies, the AVC-2500 provides an exceptional balance between sophisticated features and user-friendly operation.

At its core, the AVC-2500 incorporates advanced audio processing capabilities, including Dolby Digital EX, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx. This range of formats allows users to experience sound in its most enveloping form, ensuring an immersive listening experience. The unit supports high-resolution audio sources, accommodating both 2-channel stereo and multi-channel formats, providing flexibility across various media types.

The AVC-2500 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of inputs and outputs, including numerous HDMI ports, allowing for seamless integration with modern video sources such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. With multiple digital audio inputs, users can connect various digital devices efficiently. An integrated phono stage is also available, enabling vinyl enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite records with exceptional clarity.

An additional hallmark of the AVC-2500 is its sophisticated video processing capabilities. The video switching features include support for high-definition signals, ensuring that users can enjoy the best possible picture quality from their connected devices. The inclusion of upscaling capabilities allows standard-definition signals to be enhanced to near high-definition resolution, maximizing visual fidelity.

One of the standout characteristics of the AVC-2500 is its flexibility in system configuration. The unit can be set up in a variety of configurations to suit different room layouts and preferences. The built-in room correction technology optimizes sound performance based on the unique characteristics of the listening environment, ensuring that users can appreciate audio quality that is tailored to their specific space.

In terms of build quality, the AVC-2500 is designed to meet the high standards expected from Parasound products. It features a robust chassis that minimizes vibrations and interference, thus enhancing audio purity. The intuitive remote control and user interface simplify operation, making it easy to switch between devices and customize settings.

In conclusion, the Parasound AVC-2500 combines high-quality audio performance, versatile connectivity, and user-friendly features into a single, elegant package, making it an ideal choice for any serious audio or home theater setup. Its advanced technologies and thoughtful design make it an excellent investment for those looking to enhance their multimedia experience.